Suzuki Hayabusa

Suzuki Hayabusa
Manufacturer Suzuki
Also called GSX1300R, 'Busa[1]
Model year 1999–
Class Sport bike
Top speed 1999–2000 188–194 mph (303–312 km/h)[2][3]
2001– 186 mph (299 km/h)[4][5]
Related Suzuki B-King

The Suzuki Hayabusa (or GSX1300R) is a sport bike motorcycle made by Suzuki since 1999. It immediately won acclaim as the world's fastest production motorcycle, with a top speed of 188 to 194 miles per hour (303 to 312 km/h).

Hayabusa (隼?) is Japanese for "peregrine falcon", a bird that often serves as a metaphor for speed due to its vertical hunting dive, or stoop, speed of 180 to 202 miles per hour (290 to 325 km/h), the fastest of any bird.[6][7] In particular, the choice of name was made because the peregrine falcon preys on blackbirds,[8] which reflected the intent of the original Hayabusa to unseat the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird as the world's fastest production motorcycle.[9][10][11] Eventually, the Hayabusa managed to surpass the Super Blackbird by at least a full 10 miles per hour (16 km/h).[4][12]

In 2000, fears of a European regulatory backlash or import ban[13][14][15] led to an informal agreement between the Japanese and European manufacturers to govern the top speed of their motorcycles at an arbitrary limit.[16]

The media-reported value for the speed agreement in miles per hour was consistently 186 mph, while in kilometers per hour it varied from 299 to 303 km/h, which is typical given unit conversion rounding errors. This figure may also be affected by a number of external factors,[17] as can the power and torque values.[18]

The conditions under which this limitation was adopted led to the 1999–2000[2][3] Hayabusa's title remaining, at least technically, unassailable, since no subsequent model could go faster without being tampered with.[19] Thus, after the much anticipated[20][21][22] Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R of 2000 fell 4 mph (6 km/h) short of claiming the title, the Hayabusa secured its place as the fastest standard production bike of the 20th century.[23][24][25] This gives the unrestricted 1999–2000[2][3] models even more cachet with collectors.[26]

Besides its speed, the Hayabusa has been lauded by many reviewers for its all-around performance, in that it does not drastically compromise other qualities like handling, comfort, reliability, noise, fuel economy or price in pursuit of a single function.[5][27][28] Jay Koblenz of Motorcycle Consumer News commented, "If you think the ability of a motorcycle to approach 190 mph or reach the quarter-mile in under 10 seconds is at best frivolous and at worst offensive, this still remains a motorcycle worthy of just consideration. The Hayabusa is Speed in all its glory. But Speed is not all the Hayabusa is."[27]

Contents

First generation (1999–2007)

1999–2007
Also called GSX-1300R-X (1999), GSX-1300R-Y (2000), GSX-1300R-K1–K7 (2001–2007)
Model year 1999–2007
Engine 1,299 cc (79.3 cu in), 4-stroke inline-four, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, compression ratio 11:1, Keihin/Denso fuel Injection, wet sump
Bore / Stroke 81.0 × 63.0 mm (3.19 × 2.48 in)
Top speed

1999–2000 188–194 mph (303–312 km/h)[2][3]

2001–2007 186 mph (299 km/h)[4][5] See performance and measurements
Power Rear wheel 151.5–162.6 bhp (113–121 kW) bhp @ 9500–9750 rpm, See performance and measurements
Torque 93.4–99.6 lb·ft (126.6–135.0 N·m) @ 6750–7000 rpm, See performance and measurements
Transmission 6-speed, constant mesh, #532 chain drive
Suspension Front Inverted telescopic fork, fully adjustable spring preload, 14-way adjustable rebound damping and 13-way adjustable compression damping
Rear Link-type, gas/oil damped, fully adjustable spring preload, 22-way adjustable compression & rebound damping
Brakes Front 6-pot Tokico calipers on 320 mm stainless steel discs
Rear Single hydraulic disc
Tires Bridgestone Battlax BT56 Front 120/70-ZR-17, Rear 190/50-ZR-17
Rake, Trail 24.2°, 3.8 in (97 mm)
Wheelbase 1,485 mm (58.5 in)
Dimensions L 2,140 mm (84.3 in)
W 740 mm (29.1 in)
H 1,155 mm (45.5 in)
Seat height 805 mm (31.7 in)
Weight See performance and measurements 215–242 kg (470–530 lb) (dry)
250–255.3 kg (551–563 lb) (wet)
Fuel capacity 21 L (4.6 imp gal; 5.5 US gal)
(California 19 L (5.0 US gal))
Fuel consumption '99 37 mpg-US (6.4 L/100 km),[29] 38.5 mpg-US (6.11 L/100 km)[27] '05 32 mpg-US (7.4 L/100 km)[29]

When first shown to the press in 1999, the first Hayabusas made a profound impression.[5] No previous motorcycle has broken the production model top speed record by such a margin, 10 to 14 mph (16 to 23 km/h), depending on which measured speeds the source was relying on for the CBR1100XX and the GSX-1300R.[4][27]

The first generation had a 1,299-cubic-centimetre (79.3 cu in) liquid-cooled, inline-4 engine with sixteen valves driven by double-overhead cams. This configuration, technologically unremarkable for that time, delivered a record-setting claimed 173 brake horsepower (129 kW) at the crankshaft by virtue of the largest displacement ever in a sport bike, and a ram air system that forced cool, pressurized air into the cylinders at speed.[4][27] Combined with sophisticated aerodynamics, this powerful engine pushed the Hayabusa's top speed far above the Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird by a significant leap, contrasting with the incremental gains that preceded the Suzuki hyper sport entry. The 1997 carbureted CBR1100XX had previously only inched past the previous top speed record holder, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11 of 1990.[5]

A remarkable feature of the Hayabusa engine was its abundance of power throughout its entire rpm band. The 1299 cc powerplant was the largest and most powerful sport bike engine when introduced in 1999, and remained the largest until Kawasaki's ZX14 was released.

The Hayabusa's abundance of power at any rpm made the Hayabusa easier to ride by giving the rider a greater choice of gear selection for a given speed and stunning acceleration.[27]

The ram air ducts at the front of the drooping, rounded nose squeezed frontal area away from the headlight, and this, along with the need for a narrow frontal area, necessitated a stacked headlight and high beam behind a single lens. Moreover, the need to reduce the extreme drag encountered at high speeds determined the Hayabusa's entire bulbous, and much-criticized, bodywork design. Koblenz remarked, "non-traditional styling generates the main controversy of the Hayabusa."[27] When viewed through the eyes of those who judged its beauty on the basis of its functionality, or given a little time to get used to it, the bike's looks did find admirers.[27][30] The striking two-tone copper/silver paint scheme was similarly loved by some and hated by others, but was successful if the intent of an all-new, flagship product is to make a bold statement.[27] So while it was called ugly by some in the press,[21][26][31] this aerodynamic shape was key to the Hayabusa's ability to reach record-setting speeds.[4]

Reflecting in 2009 on the initial design, the creator of the Hayabusa's look, Suzuki's Koji Yoshirua, said that the intent in 1999 was, "to create a somewhat grotesque design and create a strong initial impact... The mission was to create a total new styling that will not be out of date within few years, and a styling that will be the ‘Face’ of Suzuki." Yoshirua also said that the goal was not to achieve the status of fastest production motorcycle, which in early stages was slated to be only 900 to 1,100 cc (55 to 67 cu in), but that, "as a consequence of, pursuing the best handling, acceleration, safety, power, riding ability, original styling, etc., for the good of the customers, it became the ‘Fastest production motorcycle’ … By doing this, once the model was out in the market and the performance of it have been proven, I thought that people will start to show interest to the weird design, and then the design would be caked in peoples mind.”[32]

The engine used a gear-driven counterbalancer to reduce vibration to the point that the engine could be solidly mounted to the frame, for the purpose of increasing chassis rigidity. Employing a conventional twin beam frame, fully adjustable upside down forks, using specially developed Bridgestone tires, and being relatively light at 473 pounds (215 kg) dry, the Hayabusa's handling was considered excellent for a machine of this class.[4] One reviewer, Koblenz, noted a hesitation perhaps related to poor low-rpm mapping at slow speeds, noticeable as a "pause and slight lurch" when rolling on and back off the throttle.[27] Minor low speed FI revisions were addressed with either a "Yosh Box" or "Teka SFI" FI adjusting tool.

Top speed limited by agreement

Main article: List of fastest production motorcycles

With rumors and then pre-release announcements of much greater power in Kawasaki's Ninja ZX-12R in 2000, clearly attempting to unseat Suzuki and regain lucrative bragging rights, the speed war appeared to be escalating. There were growing fears of carnage and mayhem from motorcycles getting outrageously faster every year, and there was talk of regulating hyper sport motorcycles, or banning their import to Europe.[9][13][15][20]

The response was a so-called gentlemen's agreement between the Japanese and European manufacturers to electronically limit the speed of their motorcycles to 300 kilometres per hour (186 mph).[4][33] The informal agreement went fully into effect for the 2001 model year.[2][3] So for 2001[2][3] models, and those since, the question of which bike was fastest could only be answered by tampering with the speed limiting system, meaning that it was no longer a contest between stock, production motorcycles, absolving the manufacturer of blame and letting those not quite as fast avoid losing face.[19] Both Kawasaki and Suzuki would claim, at least technically, to have the world's fastest production motorcycle.

Other developments

After the inclusion of the speed limiting system in 2001,[2][3] the Hayabusa remained substantially the same through the 2007 model year. An exception was a response to the problem of the aluminum rear subframe on 1999 and 2000 models breaking when the bike may have been overloaded with a passenger and luggage, and/or stressed by an aftermarket exhaust modification, so 2001 and later Hayabusas had a steel instead of aluminum rear subframe, adding 10 lb (4.5 kg) to the 1999 and 2000 models' approximately 550 pounds (249 kg) wet weight.[34] The 1999 model had an MSRP in the US of $10,499;[27] accounting for inflation that would be US$13,509 in 2009 money.

Performance and measurements

Power Torque Weight Tested by
155.9 hp (116 kW) hp @ 9700 rpm 95.5 lb·ft (129.5 N·m) @ 8000 rpm 1999–2000: 249.48 kg (550 lb)
2001–2007: 254.01–255.3 kg (560–563 lb)(wet)		 Motorcyclist[34][35]
151.1 hp (112.7 kW) @ 9500 rpm 93.4 lb·ft (126.6 N·m) @7000 rpm 550 lb (250 kg)(wet) Motorcycle Consumer News '99[27]
156.6 hp (116.8 kW) @ 9500 rpm 99.6 lb·ft (135.0 N·m) @ 6750 rpm 515 lb (234 kg) (dry) Sport Rider '99[29]
525 lb (238 kg)(dry)
560 lb (250 kg)(wet)		 Sport Rider '01[29]
162.6 hp (121.3 kW) @ 9750 rpm 97.4 lb·ft (132.1 N·m) @ 7000 rpm 533 lb (242 kg)(dry)
563 lb (255 kg)(wet)		 Sport Rider '05[29]
1999–2007 model year performance
¼ mile
(402 m)		 0 to 60 mph
(0 to 97 km/h)		 0 to 100 mph
(0 to 160 km/h)		 Top Speed Tested by
10.4 seconds 190 mph (310 km/h) Motorcycle News[36]
9.86 seconds @ 146 mph (235 km/h) 194 mph (312 km/h) Cycle World[5]
9.97 seconds @ 144.8 mph (233.0 km/h) 189.6 mph (305.1 km/h) Sport Rider 8/99, 12/99 [37]
9.84 seconds @ 142.76 mph (229.75 km/h) 2.76 seconds 5.30 seconds 188 mph (303 km/h) Motorcycle Consumer News 6/99[27]
186 mph (299 km/h) Cycle World[5]
10.277 seconds @ 137.9 mph (221.9 km/h) Motorcyclist[38]
9.89 seconds @ 143.55 mph (231.02 km/h) 2.47 seconds 184 mph (296 km/h) Cycle World Magazine 06/02
10.237 seconds @ 140.54 mph (226.18 km/h) 183.9 mph (296.0 km/h) Sport Rider 10/02[37]
10.02 seconds @ 143.5 mph (230.9 km/h) Sport Rider 10/05[37]

Second generation (2008– )

2008–
Also called GSX-1300R-K8 (2008), -K9 (2009)
Model year 2008–
Engine 1,340 cc (82 cu in), 4-stroke inline-four, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, compression ratio 12.5:1, Keihin/Denso fuel Injection, wet sump
Bore / Stroke 81.0 × 65.0 mm (3.19 × 2.56 in)
Top speed 186 mph (299 km/h)[38]
Power

197 hp (147 kW)[39]

Rear wheel 172.2 bhp (128.4 kW) @ 10100 rpm[35][38]
Torque 102.3 lb·ft (138.7 N·m),[39] 97.8 lb·ft (132.6 N·m) @ 7600 rpm[35][38]
Transmission 6-speed slipper clutch, constant mesh, #530 chain drive
Suspension Front Inverted telescopic, coil spring, fully adjustable spring preload, adjustable rebound damping and adjustable compression damping
Rear Link-type, gas/oil damped, fully adjustable spring preload, adjustable compression & rebound damping
Brakes Front 4-pot Tokico radial mount calipers on 310 mm x 5.5 mm disc
Rear Single hydraulic disc
Tires Bridgestone Battlax BT015 Front 120/70-ZR-17, Rear 190/50-ZR-17
Wheelbase 1,485 mm (58.5 in)
Dimensions L 2,195 mm (86.4 in)
W 740 mm (29.1 in)
H 1,170 mm (46.1 in)
Seat height 805 mm (31.7 in)
Weight See performance and measurements 250 kg (550 lb) (dry)
264.0–268.5 kg (582–592 lb) (wet)
Fuel capacity 21 L (4.6 imp gal; 5.5 US gal)
(California 20 L (5.3 US gal))
Fuel consumption 33 mpg-US (7.1 L/100 km)[29]

Suzuki lightly revised the GSX1300R for the 2008 model year, with a minor restyling of the bodywork, and fine-tuning of the engine's head, pistons and exhaust. Though the engine changes were relatively limited, they still yielded a large horsepower increase, and brought the bike into compliance with new noise and emissions requirements.[6][40]

Planning

In 2004, market researchers from the US and Japan began working to identify which elements of the Hayabusa design had attracted so many buyers, discovering that, in spite of having its looks sometimes disparaged in print, customers were much enamored with the old Hayabusa. A redesign meant to strengthen the bike's appearance without departing much from the original found approval with dealers and focus groups. Underneath the skin, Suzuki decided to save considerable development cost by keeping major portions of the frame and engine unchanged.[28] This was because engineers had determined greater power was possible without a significant redesign of the old engine, even faced with the need to comply with more stringent noise and air pollution rules.[41] The target was to produce more than 190 brake horsepower (142 kW) at the crankshaft,[6] and they delivered 194 horsepower (145 kW), a 11 or 12 percent increase over the previous output.[39][40][42] When the new Hayabusa was released, independent tests bore this out, with 172.2 bhp (128.4 kW) @ 10100 rpm measured at the rear wheel.[35]

Suzuki's Koji Yoshiura designed the look of the new Hayabusa. He had previously styled the first generation Hayabusa, as well as the Suzuki Bandit 400, RF600R, TL1000S and the SV650. For research, Yoshirua traveled around the United States to bike nights and clubs for a first hand look at the styling aesthetic of the Hayabusa custom scene, and was inspired as much by the look and build of the Hayabusa rider as their custom bikes. While the second generation is very close to the first in overall shape, and is largely dictated by wind tunnel tests, the raised lines and curves are meant to suggest a muscular build. Said Yoshirua, "I wanted to create a masculine form that complements a rider's muscular structure with hints of developed bicep, forearm and calves."[43]

Technical revisions

Engine changes consisted of an increase in stroke by 2 mm, enlarging displacement to 1,340 cubic centimetres (82 cu in). The compression ratio was boosted from 11:1 to 12.5:1 and the cylinder head was made more compact and was given lighter titanium valves, saving 14.1 grams (0.50 oz) and 11.7 grams (0.41 oz) on each intake and exhaust valve, respectively. The valves were driven by a chain with a new hydraulic tensioner. The pistons were made lighter by 1.4 grams (0.049 oz)[41] and used ion-coated rings and shot peened connecting rods.[6] The crankcase breather system had reed valves added to control pressure waves in the intake airbox, a way of avoiding power loss.[41]

Fuel injectors from the GSX-R1000 were used, with smaller 44-millimetre (2 in) throttle bodies, called the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) system. It has three selectable options of power delivery for a range of touring to wide open high performance.[40] The exhaust system was overhauled, using a 4-2-1-2 system, meaning four exhaust outlets merging into two pipes, and then joining into a single pipe before splitting into two enlarged, quieter mufflers, which added a few pounds of weight compared to the first generation Hayabusa. The exhaust also included a catalytic converter and an oxygen sensor in order to meet Euro 3 emissions requirements.[6]

The suspension was upgraded with a 43 mm Kayaba inverted fork with sliders having a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating. The rear shock is also a Kayaba, and the overall suspension is firmer than the previous model. The swingarm is similar in design to the old one, but was strengthened. Front and rear remain fully adjustable. The transmission was given a heavier-duty, slipper clutch. The final drive ratio was slightly lower, and gears 5-6 were spaced farther apart, and gear ratios 1-2 moved closer together.[6]

Ergonomic and cosmetic changes for the 2008 model include a higher windscreen, and interlocking gauge faces with a digital speedometer, as well as a new gear indicator and adjustable shift light. The fairing fasteners were hidden to uncomplicate custom paint work. The twin-spar aluminum frame was carried over from the previous version, and wheelbase, rake/trail, and seat height were the same, while overall length grew by two inches, and the taller windscreen added about ½ inch.[28] Weight was saved by omitting the centerstand.[6]

Technical improvements in the chassis include Tokico radial brake calipers, allowing smaller discs and therefore lower unsprung weight, translating into superior handling. Increased front braking power[39] necessitated a sturdier lower triple clamp. The rear brake caliper was moved to the top of the disc, giving a cleaner visual appearance. New 17 inch wheels were designed, using Bridgestone BT-015 radials taken almost directly from the GSX-R1000.[6]

Other changes were a steering damper with a reservoir and dual cooling fans with a larger, curved radiator. Because of increased vibration from the longer stroke, the fuel tank was put on floating mounts. All told, the changes for 2008 resulted in a dry weight of 490 pounds (222 kg), 5 pounds (2 kg) heavier than the prior generation.[6]

Other developments

Suzuki has dropped the GSX1300R designation in some countries and simply called the motorcycle the Hayabusa. The 2009 model has a MSRP of US$13,199.

Recently the company celebrated the tenth anniversary of Hayabusa in Santa Pod raceway where more than 500 owners of Hayabusa converged. Many events were organized and prizes were distributed to people who visited the event.[44]

There are no changes for the 2010 model year except new colors.[45]

Alongside the second generation Hayabusa, Suzuki developed the new B-King, a naked bike in the streetfighter mold, using the same engine but with a different intake and exhaust.[6][46]

Performance and measurements

Horsepower Torque Weight Tested by
172.2 hp (128.4 kW) @ 10100 rpm 97.8 lb·ft (132.6 N·m) @ 7600 rpm 268.5 kg (592 lb)(wet) Motorcyclist[35][38]
550 lb (250 kg)(dry)
583 lb (264 kg)(wet)		 Sport Rider[29]
2008– model year performance
¼ mile
(402 m)		 0 to 60 mph
(0 to 97 km/h)		 0 to 100 mph
(0 to 160 km/h)		 Top Speed Tested by
10.2 seconds 186 mph (299 km/h) Motorcycle News[39]
9.7 seconds @ 148.8 mph (239.5 km/h) 186 mph (299 km/h) Cycle World Feb. '08[47]
10.14 seconds @ 142.54 mph (229.40 km/h) 186 mph (299 km/h) Motorcyclist Dec. '07[38]
9.75 seconds @ 147.2 mph (236.9 km/h) 2.6 seconds 186 mph (299 km/h) Cycle World Mar. '08[48]

Sales

Typically, a new sportbike model sells well in its first year, and then sees its numbers decline every year as it grows older. The Hayabusa reversed this pattern, selling in greater numbers every year from the 1999 launch through the 2008 revision.[6][49]  From its debut in 1999 to June 2007 over 100,000 Hayabusas were sold worldwide.[28] In the United States in each of the years 2005 and 2006, over 10,000 units were sold.[50][51]

It was predicted that the gentlemen's agreement speed cap would hurt sales, because buyers would not want a bike that was hobbled with a governor, even riders who would never approach the hypothetical maximum.[16] However, sales in the United States have increased year after year since its release in 1999 until 2006 and went from just a few thousand units in 1999 to over 10,000 in 2006.[50]

Since the first launch in India of the Hayabusa, along with the 1,783 cc (108.8 cu in) Suzuki Intruder, in November 2008, total sales of these two large-displacement bikes have reached about 100 units, at prices around Rs. 1,250,000. In contrast, the Tata Nano car, with an engine less than half the size of the Hayabusa, aims to be the least expensive production car in the world, costing less than one tenth the price of the Hayabusa, leading to sales of over 2,000 times as many units as these motorcycles.[52]

Previously 1000 cc-plus superbikes were imported to India only by special order, with an estimated total of only about 3,000 such bikes in a country with more than 37 million two wheelers. Suzuki's move into India follows the successful introduction of high-end motorcycles by Ducati and Yamaha. Because these motorcycles are brought into India as completely built units they pay an import duty of 114%, with no plans to switch to local assembly for the time being due to the anticipated sales volume of about 350 units per year.[53][54]

On July 21, 2009, Suzuki Thailand introduced the GSX1300R on the Thai motorcycle market, making it the largest displacement motorcycle available in the country.[55]

Competitive motorsports

See also: Motorcycle racing

Many riders have found that the Hayabusa lends itself well to any number of legitimate functional purposes, to include competitive motorsports.

The Hayabusa has been used in sanctioned closed course road racing,[56][57] drag racing,[58] and top speed competition.[59]

Top speeds of over 270[59] mph, engine outputs of over 700[60] horsepower, and performances in the standing quarter mile as quick as 7.125 seconds and as fast as 209.14[58] mph have been recorded by street registered Hayabusa motorcycles using standard-width (190mm) DOT-approved street-legal rear tires.

Custom versions

See also: Custom motorcycle

The Hayabusa has been one of the top choices for streetbike customization,[61] perhaps even the most popular customized sportbike.[49][62][63] One reason may be the unique, instantly-recognizable bodywork.[49] The easy tunability of the engine, the wide selection of aftermarket parts, possibly more than any other Japanese motorcycle, and the interchangeability between models of Suzuki parts have also played a role.[62] It was the vibrancy of this custom scene that prompted Suzuki to send Koji Yoshirua to the US for feedback and inspiration for the second generation design.[43]

Horsepower enhancements like nitrous injection, which can add 100 bhp (75 kW), and turbocharging, which can raise rear wheel power to 250 bhp (190 kW) and beyond, are common.

Bikes are typically built to impress with being the most extreme, and most innovative. For professional custom shops, the status as the first builder to introduce a new style or customization — a 300 mm-series rear tire width, for example — is often hotly contested, and can pay dividends in media attention and in sales.[62] Celebrity customers, such as rappers or NBA stars, also serve to build the credibility of a custom shop.[62] The bikes themselves, at shows, racetracks and dragsrips, and at build competitions, also serve as "rolling billboards" for their makers.[64][65]

Bikes are usually built around a theme,[62] such as a NASCAR-inspired bike with retro-70s chrome wheels, racing numbers, flames and sponsor insignia reminiscent of a stock car, or a bike that takes its cues from popular films, such as Freddy Krueger of A Nightmare on Elm Street. Other common motifs in custom artwork are sexy women, skulls, bones and other gruesome figures, and money and bling, such as "Ben Franklins," $100 bills.[62] Media related to Custom Hayabusas at Wikimedia Commons

A relatively restrained customization.
Notable on this example are an extended single-sided swingarm and the appropriation of the Decepticon logo.
A more retro theme with an enclosing front wheel fender, Gulf Racing livery and a parody of the Goodyear logo.
The Superman-themed "Kong" glitters at a show.

Police use

In 2006 the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) converted a seized Hayabusa into a pursuit vehicle, setting up the bike with equipment including a radar unit, police lights and siren, and painting it in official colors and insignia. Impressed with the positive response from the public and the motorcycling community, the OHP purchased two more Hayabusas, to supplement their main fleet of Harley-Davidson police motorcycles. While they are used for patrol, the primary function of the Hayabusas is public relations and community outreach, due to the kind of attention the exotic bikes attract. According to the OHP, "There are clear lines dividing sportbike and cruiser motorcycle riders. We feel the sportbike community has not been given the proper amount of attention and focus in the area of community involvement and rider safety education."[66]

In March 2010, Humberside Police in the United Kingdom put an undercover Hayabusa on the road, equipped with speed detection equipment and a video camera, as part of Operation Achilles, which aimed to catch speeding motorists and motorcyclists.[67]

Other uses of the Hayabusa powerplant

The high-powered lightweight engine in the Hayabusa lends itself to non-motorcycle applications. The Westfield Megabusa is an English sports car, based on the Lotus Seven, which uses the Hayabusa engine.[68] Suzuki was the first to put the motorcycle's engine in a car, with two concept cars in 2001, the Suzuki GSX-R/4 roadster and the Formula Hayabusa, an open wheel race car "designed for a new Japanese one-make competition series."[69][70]

Mike Akitoff's 2004 land speed record attempt Ack Attack streamliner used twin Hayabusa engines in an attempt to exceed 300 miles per hour (483 km/h) at Bonneville Salt Flats.[71] In 2006 and again in 2008 Akitoff's Ack Attack, piloted by Ricky Robison, succeeded, first going 342.797 miles per hour (552 km/h) in 2006, only to be surpassed two days later, then returning in 2008 to set another new record of 360.913 miles per hour (581 km/h).[72][73] That record stood until it was broken on 24 September 2009 by Chris Carr going 367.382 miles per hour (591 km/h).[74]

Radical Sportscars designed a 2.8 L (170 cu in) V8 engine based on the inline-four Hayabusa engine and using the same head design, known as the Powertec RPA V8 engine to power their SR8 car. The 455 bhp (339 kW) sports car set the record for the fastest production car at Nürburgring.[75] John Hartley, president of a custom printing machine manufacturer, also based a 75° V8 engine that weighs 200 lb (91 kg) on the Hayabusa engines, initially intended to power his Caterham Seven sports car, producing 400 bhp (300 kW) and 245–250 lb·ft (332–340 N·m) torque.[76][77] One of Hartley's engines has also been put in an Ariel Atom open wheel roadster.[78][79]

SmartBUSA sells a conversion kit to install Hayabusa engines in Smart Cars[80]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Some journalists have made plays on the name Hayabusa, such as "Hay Bus" (Boehm 2007) and "the High Abuser" (Mahler 1999), but these are not in wide currency.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Hayabusa and Kawasaki ZX-12R Top Speeds - Sportbike Review - Sport Rider
  3. ^ a b c d e f g MotorWeek: Road Test
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h Brown (2005) pp. 242–243, 276–277
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Hoyer (2007)
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Boehm (2007)
  7. ^ Mancini (2004)
  8. ^ Massachusetts Fisheries & Wildlife, "Peregrine Falcons" [1] retrieved 6/18/2010
  9. ^ a b Carrithers (2006)
  10. ^ Hoyer (2007) "When Suzuki first launched the bike, it explained that hayabusa was the Japanese word for a very fast falcon that, not coincidentally, fed on blackbirds."
  11. ^ Honda's Blackbird series of motorcycles do not take their name directly from falcon fodder, but rather from the SR-71 Blackbird aircraft. See Faux (1996) and "Hey, Nice Covert Warrior" (2006).
  12. ^ Or by 14 mph (23 km/h). See Koblenz (1999)
  13. ^ a b Brown (1999)
  14. ^ Richardson (1999)
  15. ^ a b Cole (1999)
  16. ^ a b Boule (2000)
  17. ^ Ford (2003)
  18. ^ Searle (2009)
  19. ^ a b End of the arms race? (2000) p. 31
  20. ^ a b Mahler (1999)
  21. ^ a b Levine (1998)
  22. ^ Ash (1999)
  23. ^ The Hayabusa could just as easily be called the "fastest production motorcycle of the millennium." Guinness World Records, in 2000 and in 2001, lists the Haybausa as "the fastest production bike in the world," with a top speed of 194 mph (312 km/h). See Kynaston (2000) p. 179, Footman (2000) p. 139
  24. ^ Brown (2005) pp. 284-285
  25. ^ Hartfiel (1999). "Among the accolades, the Hayabusa was named Cycle World's 'Superbike Of The Year' and Motorcyclist's 'Motorcycle Of The Year.' It also won Popular Mechanics' 2000 Design & Engineering Award and was named the 'World's Fastest Production Bike' in the millennium issue of the Guinness Book Of World Records. Consumer's Digest picked the SV650 as the 'Best Buy' in motorcycles, 'and several of the buff books singled out the SV650 for special recognition... Even our dealership information center won an award,' noted Harris. The Point-Of-Purchase Advertising Institute awarded Suzuki's Literature Information Center/Video Monitor Display a bronze medal."
  26. ^ a b Ker (2007) p. 230
  27. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Koblenz (1999)
  28. ^ a b c d Edwards (2007)
  29. ^ a b c d e f g Sport Rider (2008) Weights and Measurements. 1999: 8/99, 12/99, '01: 10/02, '05: 10/05, '08: 4/08
  30. ^ Webber (1999)
  31. ^ Carrithers (2006). "[For] those who aren't appalled by its bulbous silhouette... Styling reminiscent of a walleye pike."
  32. ^ Westlake (2009)
  33. ^ Sources vary as to whether this unofficial agreement is precise or only approximate, and whether it is defined as 300 km/h or as 186 mph, though the European and Japanese manufactures normally use metric units.
  34. ^ a b Smart Money (2003)
  35. ^ a b c d e 2007 And 2008 Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa - Hard Parts. Note: p. 1 is 1st gen. 2007, p. 2 is 2nd gen. 2008.
  36. ^ "Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa (1999-2007)". http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Suzuki/Suzuki-GSX1300R-Hayabusa-1999---current-/?&R=EPI-440. Retrieved 2009-10-17. 
  37. ^ a b c GSX1300R Performance Numbers (2005)
  38. ^ a b c d e f Frank (2007)
  39. ^ a b c d e Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa (2007-current) ()
  40. ^ a b c Edge (2008). "An all-new 2008 Hayabusa featuring a 1,340 cc (82 cu in) engine with a claimed eleven percent increase in performance headlines this late June announcement"
  41. ^ a b c Kelly (2007)
  42. ^ Hilderbrand (2007)
  43. ^ a b Canet (2007)
  44. ^ http://www.suzuki-hayabusa.org/hayabusa-10th-anniversary-celebration/
  45. ^ Newbigging ( 2009)
  46. ^ Potter (2007)
  47. ^ Canet (February 2008)
  48. ^ Canet (March 2008)
  49. ^ a b c Fivella (2009)
  50. ^ a b Hutchinson (2006)
  51. ^ Suzuki Hayabusa - Motorcyclist Magazine
  52. ^ Suzuki smiles after selling 100 units of Rs 12.5 lakh bikes (2009)
  53. ^ Suzuki targets slump-defying superbike segment (2008)
  54. ^ Newman (2006)
  55. ^ The Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R Arrives in Thailand (2009)
  56. ^ http://itsahardlifestyle.wordpress.com/category/celebrity/rad-greaves/
  57. ^ American Motorcyclist - Google Books
  58. ^ a b http://www.amadragbike.com/news/templates/classes_tmp.asp?articleid=55&zoneid=13
  59. ^ a b Hayabusa Streetbike Sets Top-Speed Record At 272.340 mph On Maxton Mile News Article // RoadracingWorld.com
  60. ^ Horsepower Record Meltdown at 701.32 ! Super Streetbike Magazine
  61. ^ "Best Used Bikes: Suzuki Hayabusa", Cycle World 50 (1): 77, January 2011, ISSN 011-4286 
  62. ^ a b c d e f Seate (2006)
  63. ^ Booth (2008)
  64. ^ Seate (2005)
  65. ^ Dolgner (2009)
  66. ^ Oklahoma Highway Patrol Uses Hayabusa (2008)
  67. ^ "Bikers' protest ride at police tactics >vid". Hull Daily Mail. 24 March 2010. http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/news/Humberside-Police-unveil-186mph-superbike/article-1938382-detail/article.html. Retrieved 6 January 2010. 
  68. ^ SE Megabusa (2008)
  69. ^ American Suzuki Motor Corporation (2002)
  70. ^ American Suzuki Motor Corporation (2009)
  71. ^ Parsons (2004)
  72. ^ Parsons (2006)
  73. ^ Motorcycle.com Staff (2008)
  74. ^ Harley (2009)
  75. ^ Crowe (2007)
  76. ^ Sawyer (2007)
  77. ^ Hartley Enterprises ()
  78. ^ Downes, Andy. "BMW S1000RR second fastest EVER on Top Gear test track - | Motorcycle News | Bike News | Motorbike Videos | MCN". Motorcycle News. http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/General-news/2011/January/jan2411-s1000rr-second-fastest-ever-round-top-gear-track/. Retrieved 2011-12-30. 
  79. ^ Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider". "Hayabusa V8 Powered Ariel Atom by Dennis Palatov". Thekneeslider.com. http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2007/09/18/hayabusa-v8-powered-ariel-atom-by-dennis-palatov/. Retrieved 2011-12-30. 
  80. ^ "Home of SmartBUSA - Hayabusa GSXR 1300 powered Smart Car". Smartbusa.us. http://www.smartbusa.us/index.html. Retrieved 2011-12-30. 

References

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