If gripping performance with a chassis and brakes to match weren't reason to sell your firstborn, the fact it retailed for a scratch over 10 grand meant it was the steal of the century.
Prior to the introduction of the Hayabusa, never had a bike been so versatile yet volatile. It was as happy running to a local bike night as it was ripping off 9-second quarters. It was the real deal--a do-it-all speed demon that idled like glass and ran like hell.
Though sales were slow out of the gate, for the next eight years its popularity grew--10,000 were sold in 2007 alone. The numbers simply snowballed from year to year. Unlike the traditional sales model of early peaks followed by rapid decline, the Hayabusa's popularity continued to grow with age--partially due to the urban legends surrounding its performance.
Halfway through 2007 the murmurs of an update began to surface and quickly fell on skeptical ears. Traditional thinking would find an update to be good. But as unconventional as the `Busa was, so was its dedicated following. With sales already strong it wasn't in need of help, so improving near perfection would mean it had to be, well, perfect.
When the second generation Hayabusa was unveiled it was both sleeker and more powerful. Though weight was up, the increased power from the bigger motor jumped the tally to 197 HP and 103 LB-FT at the crank. Capacity was increased for a total of 1340ccs and performance rose to the next level. Increased compression and significant internal work improved efficiency and boosted power.
Suspension components were upgraded, aerodynamic efficiency was improved and better brakes were added--beefier 4-pot radial calipers replaced the older 6-piston binders. Aesthetically, the `Busa II was a hit as well. Expanding on the older bike's cues, the new model looked similar until parked next to its predecessor--a good thing since the older `Busa was already a looker.
The new bike was stronger on all fronts and paired with its $12,000 tag insured it was still the cheapest superspeed available.
"I Was There"
Kent Kunitsugu
Editor, Sport Rider magazine
"The first sign that something was different about the Hayabusa came at the conclusion of the welcome dinner at the world press launch at Catalunya, Spain. The normally mild-mannered Suzuki engineers stood up for a couple of toasts in honor of the bike. Instead of just raising their glasses and muttering the usual "Kampai," they raised their fists and screamed "Hayabusa...Banzai!"
Twice.
After our first day of riding I could see why they were so excited."
Conclusion
It's been said that history happens right under our noses, and in this case we couldn't agree more. What is now a staple in the performance community is often under-respected. Not only has the Hayabusa raised the standards and defined a class, but it's gotten better with age and undoubtedly become a legend. In 10 years time we'll still be talking about senseless speed, affordable horsepower and the day the Hayabusa changed history.
Other Forms of Flattery:
All it takes is a simple YouTube search to find Hayabusa engines transplanted into Smart Cars, go karts, dirt bikes, speed boats and just about anything that requires horsepower. We've even seen a V8 that consisted of two Hayabusa engines joined with a common crank. If the sheer number of `Busa-powered vehicles isn't a form of flattery we don't know what is.