The Hayabusa, named after a Japanese falcon is one of the most iconic bikes in the motorbike world, having held the world record for the fastest production motorcycle at 194mph from its 1999 unveiling until 2013 when it was dethroned by the Kawasaki Ninja H2 and the Ducati Panigale R. When the Hayabusa was launched by Suzuki in 1999, it beat the then champion, Honda Blackbird’s top speed by about 16-19 km/h (depending on tyre and rider choice).
The current 2018 Suzuki Hayabusa is powered by a 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 199PS and 155Nm of torque. It weighs a hefty 249kg but still delivers an impressive 312km/h top speed.
Most manufacturers unofficially agreed to limit their bikes to 300km/h, with the Hayabusa the last to be built before the agreement came into effect. This came from a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ between motorcycle manufacturers, as at the time there was a need to increase road safety led by some European countries to call for a ban on imported high-speed motorcycles.
The reason for the Hayabusa’s retirement is the tightening of Euro-4 emissions rules which were put into effect on January 1, 2016. Also known as the GSX1300-R, it can only be sold until 31st December 2018.
