Suzuki Hayabusa 1300cc

The latest Busa uses a lightweight and rigid twin-spar, aluminium alloy frame. Weighing in at 260kg, the 2190mm-long Busa sits in a 1480mm wheelbase void that can be felt every time one turns the bike at low speed. The Busa deploys adjustable upside-down forks as well as a fully adjustable single rear shock that works in unison with a bridged alloy swingarm.

Saddle height is relatively lower than the outgoing model, and allows for a comfortable pillion perch. The Hayabusa’s riding position is in between — not as radical as an R1-type sportsbike, but not upright either. This big, heavy bike hates being flicked around and loads up its rider’s wrists over long distances. Although it can be cumbersome to ride, especially in city traffic conditions, it does offer some degree of comfort, a lot of predictability and surefooted, forgiving handling. It does take effort, plus weight-shifting to wrestle it down into a corner, but once stuck into a corner, the ‘Bus’ glides through with adequate poise. Ride quality is impressive with its suspension readily soaking up every road undulation and bump.

In terms of straightline stability, the Hayabusa is unshakeable and feels absolutely planted when laying down its brutal power.The front brake calipers are radial mounted, and chomp on a pair of 310mm front rotors, with a smaller 260mm single piston, single disc unit used at the rear. Braking requires some effort as speeds build up, but is powerful, with good bite and a solid feel at the lever. We wrestled the Busa from 100kph to rest in 40.5 metres, with the 60kph-0 breakup being 14.6 metres.