After years of speculation about bigger engines and turbocharged power, Suzuki has finally unveiled the new 2021 Hayabusa and it might not meet some of the expectations that have been built over time.
Redesign stays true to the original ‘Busa silhouette
Engine capacity remains same, power down by 7hp
Same chassis, equipped with top of the range electronics
2021 Suzuki Hayabusa Engine
The new Hayabusa retains the 1340cc four-cylinder engine capacity, but apart from the size and the engine cases, most of the internals have been changed. The engine gets lighter new pistons, new connecting rods and reworked fuel injectors among numerous other changes. What comes as a bit of a disappointment is that power has dropped from 197hp to 190hp while the peak torque of 150Nm is also slightly lower than before. However, Suzuki claims that the torque delivery has been revised to be stronger and the company’s USA website says that this results in the ‘quickest Hayabusa ever’.
2021 Suzuki Hayabusa chassis
Perhaps the area with the least change is in the chassis. This bike carries over the same (and proven) twin-spar aluminium frame from the old bike. The dimensions are quite similar as well, including an identical 1480mm wheelbase. A redesigned, lighter-weight Euro-5 compliant exhaust has helped Suzuki reduce the kerb weight by two kilos for a total of 264kg. The seat height is 800mm while ground clearance is quoted at 120mm - both figures slightly lower than on the old bike.
Suzuki has reworked the internals of the Showa suspension for this update and the bike now runs Bridgestone’s impressive Battlax S22 tyres. The biggest, and most needed change comes in the braking department with the Hayabusa now running Brembo’s acclaimed Stylema callipers up front.
2021 Suzuki Hayabusa electronics and features.
This is the one area where the bike has taken a massive leap forward over the old model. With a new six-axis IMU, the 2021 model gets ten levels of traction control, ten levels of anti-wheelie control, three levels of engine brake control, three power modes, launch control, cruise control, cornering ABS and hill hold control.
In addition, the bike is fitted with a new LED headlamp and while much of the large dashboard remains analogue, there is a new TFT display in the centre for the rider to navigate through the vast electronics options.
2021 Suzuki Hayabusa design
Thanks to leaked images and videos, much of the Hayabusa’s design has already been seen and it stays true to the iconic shape of the original. However, within the egg-shaped silhouette lie sharper lines and stronger creases that give the bike a more modern look.
2021 Suzuki Hayabusa launch in India
The previous Hayabusa was, by far, the most popular superbike sold in India, particularly thanks to the aggressive Rs 13.75 lakh, ex-showroom pricing, Suzuki India managed by bringing the bike in via the CKD route. We expect that the new bike will be launched here as well, but probably with a significant price hike. More details will be shared on this as we get them.
What do you think of the new Hayabusa? Let us know in the comments below.