The Hayabusa’s unique styling and striking aerodynamic silhouette have made it instantly recognisable since the first generation was launched in 1999.

Low, long and wide, it’s a magnificent beast of a machine whose majestic stance screams of power, performance and instinct, much like the Japanese peregrine falcon from which it is named after.

The new generation faithfully inherits this DNA while bringing it firmly into the present. Suzuki’s design team worked hard to create the fresh new look which incorporates sharper lines with a tough, modern exterior that expresses refinement and ultimate performance. They also applied a tasteful blend of textures, colours and design elements intended to lend visual expression to immeasurable potential offered by the power of the engine and controllability provided by latest electronic control systems. The overall result is a look of unmatched quality and greater luxury fused with the daunting image of a fierce bird of prey.

The new Hayabusa adopts the latest version of Suzuki’s Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S) a robust collection of electronic systems designed to optimise performance characteristics to match the needs of the moment and make the motorcycle more controllable and predictable. Riders can opt for settings that best suit riding conditions and varying road surfaces as well as their level of confidence and experience. They can benefit from the feedback those settings provide and take advantage of it to further hone their riding skills and gain greater confidence as they enjoy the ultimate riding experience. Countless hours of repeated track testing, analysis and revisions to the programming for each setting aimed to achieve optimal performance in every conceivable situation and to ensure the reliability of each system.

Suzuki Drive Mode Selector Alpha (SDMS-α)  groups together five advanced electronic control systems while enabling riders to select individual settings for each. It optimises performance characteristics and behaviour to best suit varying road surfaces, riding conditions and preferred riding styles.

Experiment with the different settings and benefit from the feedback each offers to hone your riding skills and build greater confidence while enjoying the ultimate riding experience.

In addition to three factory presets, (A, B, C), SDMS-α offers a choice between three user-defined groups of settings (U1, U2, U3).

Both front and rear suspension settings have been optimised to eliminate any hint of oversteer at lower speeds and achieve a stable ride with neutral feel at all speeds. These combined with the low centre of gravity, long wheelbase and new tyres result in nimble handling along with reassuring straight line stability at highway speeds.

Up front is an updated version of the previous model’s fully adjustable KYB inverted forks with 43mm outer diameter diamond-like coating (DLC) coated inner tubes. The internal structure has been revised to further improve the forks’ ability to absorb the road surface and ensure a smoother, more stable ride with optimum grip. In similar fashion, the internal structure of the fully adjustable KYB rear shock absorber has also been updated to help optimise comfort and straight line stability.

Mounting the handlebars 12mm closer to the rider vastly improves comfort and reduces fatigue, particularly when touring or taking other long rides It also enhances handling when enjoying a sporty ride by giving the rider better feedback on how well the front tire is gripping the road, by better supporting the rider’s posture to improve stability when braking, and by offering the rider greater freedom in movement to control cornering.

The Hayabusa’s vertically stacked headlight continues to feature intentionally large and, bold styling. Even so, the design for the new generation assumes a tighter, more angular look that nests neatly between the large Suzuki Ram Air Direct (SRAD) intake ducts and melds seamlessly with the narrower lines of the windscreen’s lower edge. Black parts incorporated inside its housing add a striking new touch and make the assembly less conspicuous. Flanking the air intakes are new position lights with integrated indicators. Together they form a single, clean vertical line that flows back along the cowling and does away with the bulbous protrusions as featured on previous iteration.

The English “Hayabusa” and Japanese Kanji logo designs have been updated to strongly evoke an image of speed and sophistication. Both logos adopt sharper, more highly stylised strokes, and the English logo features a long cross stroke on the “H” that emphasises a sense of speed.

In addition to the bold character on the side of the cowling, smaller versions of the Japanese logo add highlights on the black shroud over the projector type high beam headlight, on the front of the single seat cowl available as a genuine accessory, and even as a start-up animation on the TFT LCD panel. Groupings of V-shaped accents inspired by the peregrine falcon’s hackles (neck feathers) are featured on the black cladding below the fuel tank, in front of the air intakes on the cowling, and on the foot pegs.

Great effort was devoted to designing thinner, more compact mufflers that draw a straight line sweeping up from the exhaust pipes.

This not only makes the rear end look lighter, its also helps portray  a forward-focussed image.  A  sharp new upswept tail design further emphasises the Hayabusa’s aggressive stance and eagerness to perform.

Riders love the outstanding functionality and familiar layout of the Hayabusa’s instantly recognisable instrument cluster. Now it benefits from a number of carefully considered touches that give it a modern new look and make its functional brilliance shine even brighter.

The large analogue tachometer and speedometer gain a fresh, more attractive appearance. Features include bigger, bolder numbering that improves readability. Raised scale markings around the periphery of each meter use LED lighting to provide a clearer view and faster recognition, both at during the day and at night. Carrying the theme of gold coloured accents throughout the cockpit area, the analogue fuel and coolant temperature gauges that flank the meters are ringed in gold, as are the SDMS and Active Data display screens on the TFT LCD panel.

One standout new feature is the TFT LCD panel mounted in the centre, between the two main meters. It displays either the current SDMS-α systems settings or an Active Data display that shows lean angle (with peak hold function), front and rear brake pressure, rate of forward/reverse acceleration, and the current accelerator position. The panel also shows clock, gear position, odometer dual trip meter, ambient temperature, instantaneous fuel consumption, riding range, trip time, and average fuel consumption on and voltmeter displays. An ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the instrument cluster’s brightness level based on surrounding conditions, but the rider can also opt to make manual adjustments.

An additional feature of the LCD panel is a brief animation of the Hayabusa kanji character that plays when the ignition key is turned on. This playful presentation is pleasing to the eye and heightens anticipation of the ride to come. A second animation featuring the Suzuki logo plays before the display is turned off.

Both the low beam and projector type high beam headlights adopt LEDs that provide clear illumination and help make the Hayabusa clearly visible to pedestrians and other traffic at night. The vertically stacked design creates a sharp new look with its large, bold styling and eye pleasing presence.

Attention to achieving a memorable look extends to every detail. The two upper and two lower LEDs for the low beam are mounted in the corners where they shine across a reflector panel and fill the light assembly with attractive illumination.

Fine touches throughout the headlight assembly include the use of black parts that heighten the sharp looks, as well as the inclusion of the Hayabusa kanji character on top of the black cowl above the high beam lamp.

A first on a Suzuki motorcycle is the integration of the LED position lights and indicators into single assemblies that neatly flank the outer edges of the large SRAD air intakes. An illumination scheme using white lighting for the position light with the indicators flashing in orange when they are on creates a unique overall effect that heightens the sense of a luxurious riding experience.

The bold new LED taillight and rear indicator design creates a single wide, sharp accent running horizontally across the bottom of the tail section.

Each of the left and right combination lamps house the tail/brake light and indicators, with a clear lens over the taillight and a clear smoke lens over the indicator portion.

*Shown with optional Genuine Accessory Seat Cowl.