The Suzuki Hayabusa is a speedy machine, a fact recognised by even the uninitiated in the motorcycle world. Named after the world’s fastest bird, the peregrine falcon (known as the Hayabusa in Japan), the Suzuki Hyabusa initially launched in 1999, bumping key competitors Honda and Kawasaki off the throne and claiming the title of the World’s Fastest Production Motorcycle.
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Since its release, the Hyabusa has only been updated once, in 2008. The third-generation 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa sees the model undergo a full model change for the first time in 13 years. The 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa retains much of what made its predecessors so impressive at the time while upgrading the riding experience, design, and making use of more modern parts.
Instantly recognisable as the Hayabusa, the newest iteration features a forward-slanting, bold silhouette made distinctly contemporary through the use of clean, sporty, edgy lines. The body is two-toned, utilising different colours for the main body and small parts around the front air intakes, on the side cowlings, and in the rear section. Despite its new attire, the Hayabusa’s inline, four-cylinder 1,340cc engine will be staying the same, albeit with a redesigned crankcase and crankshaft, high-tech coatings, and a new exhaust system, designed to deliver more torque and power in the low-to-mid speed range.
Though the expectation accompanying a new version is typically that of more speed and power, the stats for the 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa fall a little under its second-generation predecessor, sitting at 187 bhp and 110 ft-lbs of torque. However, the emphasis here for the third-gen Hayabusa appears to be everyday street riding, which is where the 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa works on expending its power.
So, while the now-not-so aptly named Hayabusa no longer aims to be a contender for the world’s fastest motorcycle, it’s still a powerful beast, boasting much more power than the everyday rider will likely ever require.
Words by John Deckard
