Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa

Launched in 1999, the Hayabusa was Suzuki’s Honda Blackbird-eating top-speed sports tourer (literally; a Hayabusa is a Japanese falcon that preys on blackbirds). With obvious nods to GSX-R technology, the 1299cc, 150bhp (measured) inline four and beam frame were all-new. The secondgeneration Hayabusa is powered by a 1340cc, 180bhp (measured) inline four, with a long bore/stroke ratio giving it huge low-down grunt and midrange — at 5500rpm it’s making 100bhp and 180bhp at less than 10,000rpm. That’s a very condensed power-band and makes for an incredibly flexible motor. The second-gen’s chassis maintains the same geometry and frame as the original bike but gets a beefier swingarm, new brakes (fourpot radial Brembos instead of six-pot Tokicos or, later, 4-pot radial Tokicos), revised suspension and a restyle.

SPEC Price £n/a Engine 1340cc inline four, 4v per cyl, l/c Power 180bhp @ 9600rpm Torque 107lb·ft @ 7100rpm Transmission 6-speed, chain Frame aluminium twin-spar Front suspension 43mm forks, 120mm travel, adjustable preload, rebound and compression Rear suspension monoshock, 140mm travel, adjustable preload, rebound and compression Front brakes 310mm discs, 4-piston calipers Rear brake 260mm disc, 1-piston caliper Front tyre 120/70 ZR17 Rear tyre 190/50 ZR17 Wheelbase 1480mm Rake/trail 24.2°/98mm Seat height 805mm Kerb weight 266kg Fuel capacity 21 litres