The legend lives on: Suzuki unveils 25th anniversary edition of Hayabusa

Suzuki Motor Corporation is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its iconic flagship bike, the Hayabusa, by launching a special edition model that will be available worldwide from July, including in Japan. The anniversary edition has a distinctive orange-and-black color scheme and special features such as an engraved muffler and drive chain, a 25th-anniversary emblem and 3D Suzuki logo on the tank, and a single-seat cowl as standard (except for Japan spec).

The Hayabusa legacy

The Hayabusa debuted at Intermot in Germany in 1998 as the Hayabusa (GSX1300R) and went on sale in Europe and North America in 1999. It was designed as the ‘Ultimate Sport’ bike, with its high power and handling performance, and its unique and aerodynamic styling. The second generation, with a larger engine of 1,340cc, came out in 2007. It retained the superb performance of the first generation and added the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS), which let riders adjust the output characteristics to their preference.

The Hayabusa also expanded its global presence, starting sales in Japan in 2014 and production and sales in India in 2016. Suzuki Motorcycle India began assembling the Hayabusa from CKD kits at its Gurugram plant in early 2016. It is estimated that around 1,850 units have been sold in India over 11 years, first as an import and then as a local product. The best fiscal year sales for the Hayabusa were in FY2023 when a total of 272 units were sold.

The third-generation Hayabusa

On April 7 this year, Suzuki Motorcycle India introduced a new series of vibrant colors (Metallic Thunder Gray/ Candy Daring Red, Metallic Mat Black No. 2/ Glass Sparkle Black and Pearl Vigor Blue/ Pearl Brilliant White) for the third-generation Hayabusa which is also OBD2-A compliant. Priced at Rs 16,90,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the iconic motorcycle is powered by the 1340cc, four-stroke, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled DOHC, in-line four engines.

Key Features:

• Design

  • Wind-cheating body inspired by the peregrine falcon (the world’s fastest animal) for ultimate performance and aerodynamic refinement.

  • Distinct lines and shapes incorporated into the design for a sophisticated appearance.

• Engine

  • 1340cc, four-cylinder, DOHC engine with Ride-by-Wire electronic throttle bodies and dual fuel injectors.

  • Symmetrical twin silencer exhaust system with improved flow and exciting exhaust note.

  • Suzuki Ram Air Direct (SRAD) intakes for pressurized air induction.

• Chassis

  • Smooth ride and nimble handling provided by the twin-spar aluminum frame.

  • Adjustable KYB-supplied suspension can be tuned for rider comfort and road conditions.

• Electronics

  • Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) with electronic rider aids, including Cruise Control and Bi-directional Quick Shift systems.

  • Control over several engine characteristics, acceleration, deceleration, steady speeds, engine and driveline operation, and braking.

  • Customizable settings for different riding conditions, road surfaces, and rider experience levels.

  • Boosts both performance and comfort for the ultimate sportbike experience.

  • Three-mode Bi-directional Quick Shift system for clutchless up- and down-shifts.

  • SCAS-style clutch system for smooth engine power transfer and exceptional manners during engine braking.

In 2021, the third-generation Hayabusa was introduced, with a fully improved engine and chassis, and various electronic controls. The engine and chassis parts have been fully reassessed, along with adopting the electronic control system ‘S.I.R.S (Suzuki Intelligent Ride System)’, such as traction control systems and Bi-directional quick shift systems, making this model powerful yet controllable, and embody the styling design concept, ‘The Refined Beast’. Currently, the Hayabusa is sold in 48 countries worldwide, including the United States, Europe, India, and Latin America, with cumulative series production of over 200,000 units.

A word from Suzuki president

Commenting on the 25th Anniversary Edition Hayabusa, Suzuki Motor Corp president Toshihiro Suzuki said: “The Hayabusa series has been a flagship model representing Suzuki, and has fans all over the world. We would like to express our deepest gratitude that this model is able to celebrate its 25th anniversary and that it has been continuously loved by everyone for this long. I have personally test ridden the prototype of the current third-generation model, and I am proud to say that we, the Suzuki team, can present to you the best model to date. The Hayabusa will never stop its evolution.”

Hayabusa: 25-Year timeline

• 1998: Unveiled at Intermot, Germany as the ‘Hayabusa (GSX1300R)’
• 1999: Suzuki begins Hayabusa sales
• 2007: Sales of second-generation model begin
• 2014: Sales of Japan-spec model commence
• 2016: Hayabusa production and sales in India
• 2021: Sales of third-gen