2009 Suzuki Hayabusa Preview

Introduction

A machine like this simply needs no presentation as the name says it all. It was the fastest production bike ever made before the Kawasaki gave an answer to it in the form of the ZX-12R back in 2000 and it would still be today if it wasn’t for the 186mph limitation that followed. Also, this is probably the most highly worked on and modified motorcycle ever as all the outrageous modification that passed through tuners minds would have first find their place on the Busa and then on smaller bikes.

In 2009 the Suzuki Hayabusa features the best power-to-weight ratio and presents as one of the sharpest looking motorcycles ever made after the 2008 redesign. Powered by the smooth-accelerating and fuel-injected 1,340cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine that started a revolution in its earliest form, it would seem that the drag track is the only place to exploit it, but the thing actually goes on legal roads and that’s where part of the fun actually begins. In order for that to happen smoothly, this model features the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector which is de adequate solution for different riding styles or conditions. Mated to a smooth six-speed transmission, that overwhelmingly powerful engine gets down to business in the GSX-R style.

The frame, swingarm and rear shock are all made out of aluminum alloy for proper weight reduction while the inverted front forks are compression, rebound damping and spring preload adjustable in order to give the bike a versatile part too. On top of that, the standard steering damper is a must on this bike, but that can also be said by the radial mount front brake calipers and the 260mm rear disc. ABS is also available for extra safety.

History

1999 Suzuki GSX1300R

Suzuki first introduced the Hayabusa or the GSX1300R, as it was initially called, in 1999 as a hyper sport motorcycle that would dethrone the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird from the “fastest production motorcycle” position. It reached a top speed of 189.6mph and the secret behind it was a liquid-cooled 1,299cc inline-four engine that developed 156hp at 9500rpm.

But Suzuki pretty much rested on its laurels later on and enjoyed the model’s success without significantly refining it. After 2000, the top speed was electronically limited to 186mph, but that didn’t stop the Japanese maker to heavily upgrade this highly successful model in 2007. This is when the public was first introduced to the mighty 1,340cc, four-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16 valve engine that now developed 194hp. The compression ratio was increased from 11.0:1 to 12.5:1 and the 44mm Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) throttle bodies were added. Also, the GSX-R series “donated” the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS).

Although Suzuki’s hyper sport motorcycle was redesigned in 2007, the latest and biggest design upgrade came on the 2008 model year. Aerodynamics was improved and the bike looks sleeker. This model was carried on for 2009.

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