2021 – 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa first impressions

3rd generation Suzuki Hayabusa
2021 – 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa

As a prior owner of the 1st and 2nd Gen Suzuki Hayabusa I thought you might be interested on my first impressions of the new 2021 3rd Generation Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R.

About the 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa Design: Design or looks especially in automotive terms is subjective and personal. The original 1999 Hayabusa was described as an odd looking bike not that it hadn’t been done before but to me it was the best looking derivative and key reason why I initially bought one. It’s curves where part of the reason it could actually reach it’s boasted top speed of 200MPH, which was a big deal since on one had done it before (As a production motorcycle). The design didn’t change much for the 2nd generation in 2008 but the 2021 3rd Gen has been given quite a few new panels. The updated design makes it look more upmarket but the silhouette is ultimately recognizable. However it doesn’t help that the initial introductory colour schemes are black a white – literally.

About the 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa performance: The most notable thing about the new Hayabusa is the reduced power output from the revised engine. The released dyno chats however show more accessible power and performance. The Hayabusa has never been short on power or torque so this should make it feel even more like a hero bike at lower revs. Most new motorcycle riders come from cars that don’t need to red line for performance so this should appeal to them and for older riders who enjoy the rush sooner. However the new Hayabusa is an up to date tech powerhouse in the class. With no less than 4 new electronic systems, addressing suspension to engine and traction control – promoted as riding aids make you feel like you have a race bike until you see the new instrument panel which looks like it’s from a traditional high end luxury car. I am glad that Suzuki didn’t equip it with a full digital screen as analogue dials and screen combo just look more classy and upmarket.

About the 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa pricing: The 3rd gen Hayabusa is an expensive motorcycle – it has always been an expensive motorcycle! Sure new bikes have crept up in price and the new Hayabusa is no different. It is worth $28,000 AUD? In light of high demand caused by lock down, general fall in numbers of buyers wanting this sort of motorcycle, computer chips production shortages and that it packs in a lot of new tech the simple answer is yes.

Will I buy the new Suzuki Hayabusa?

Update 30-5-2021 For a rider who want that latest tech and wants their motorcycle to look and feel as expensive as it is, then the 3rd Gen Suzuki Hayabusa is worth buying. It’s conservative new design but with understated styling clues give it an upmarket appearance. Sure it’s new tech suite says race track motorcycle but clothed in sport-tourer outfit. I think it’s like an old school cross country blaster in the vein of the decades old like the superseded but not forgotten ZZR-1100 or Blackbird, harkening back to that time in the 90’s that top speed was king. That said the original Suzuki Hayabusa model ethos was to be the ultimate sports motorcycle and this new model clearly achieves goals and continues the  evolution. So much so it doesn’t really have any competitors with this sort of spec at the time of this post.

However,  personally in my current state of mind I am not in the market for one for the time being. The reason is that I want more. I wanted an companion App on my phone to bond me with the new Hayabusa and a silly clean sheet next gen engine that I would need to research every spec change. Most of all I wanted an amazing new fairing design just like the original.