2014 Suzuki Hayabusa - Riding Impression

Few sportbikes have carved a place in history quite like the Suzuki Hayabusa. When it debuted in 1999, the 'Busa leveled the other players on the playing field like a shockwave and remains one of the most breathtaking performance bikes you can buy.

A midlife update in 2008 included aerodynamic refinements, while a 41cc displacement increase bumped the liquid-cooled inline-4 to 1340cc, giving it a boost in bottom-end torque that blends seamlessly with its blindingly fast top-end rush. Suzuki has foregone traction control, entrusting a rider’s unfiltered right wrist with 170 rear-wheel horsepower and 102 pound-feet of torque, as measured on our Dynojet 250i.

As harrowing as that performance may sound, in practice, linear power delivery makes the brute quite manageable. If full output in the A-mode ride map proves too much, two additional modes offer softer response. Fluid clutch engagement, robust off-idle torque, and well-sorted fueling add up to super-smooth departures from stops and excellent shift action through the six-speed gearbox. Engine vibration maintains a pleasant coarse growl at lower revs, morphing into a tingling intensity that passes through the handlebars above 5,000 rpm.

Freeway ride is plush, while the standard suspension settings also provide chassis composure at peg-scratching cornering speeds. Anti-lock brakes are standard. While a firm two-finger squeeze delivers tire-howling, ABS-cycling stopping power, initial bite is less aggressive than that of many sportbikes. Not such a bad thing since the Suzuki tends to stand up when the brakes are applied midcorner, and more aggressive bite would certainly exacerbate this. Still, this bike deserves better brakes. Long live the king of raw, unadulterated performance.