The 2008 Hayabusa – Where Heritage and Evolution Becomes One
Hopefully you remember the year of ’99 when something similar happened to revolution among motorbike riders and not just between Suzuki fans. When the Busa hit the streets and when the word of mouth got out about its abilities like the 9 seconds to a quarter mile and a top speed close to 200mph then it became instantly a huge success and everyone was dreaming about to own one of the much desired crotch rockets. Well 9 years have gone and ladies and gentlemen the new generation of the authentic Peregrine Falcon has returned. Introducing the all new 2008 Hayabusa which will probably take its crown back again from opponents like the Kawasaki ZX-14. This bike basically has a unique characteristic which is recognised by almost everyone in the world. That’s why Suzuki engineers were very careful with the redesign which – despite they changed every bits of the bike – is still unmistakeably Hayabusa. What was born in their hands is simply a beautiful, faster and stronger and more advanced super missile with enough potential to rob every bike fanatic’s heart. While the first thing that catches your attention is the new fairing set with built in front indicators just next to the SRAD entrance it is the quality engine what earned the Hayabusa its reputation. This wild horse has now 2mm longer stroke so the engine capacity now is a staggering 1340 cm3 with an increased compression ratio to 12:5:1 using forged pistons. The engineers accomplished the weight reduction task with the following really bright ideas: The crank is forged and it connects to stronger and lighter rods and there are 16 titanium valves saving at least 14 grams each. Therefore it became possible to use lighter valve springs as well while the valve sizes are the same and the camshaft has new time management. The whole system is fed by two 44mm throttle bodies which are double-barrelled as well. The new Hayabusa also got the latest version of SDTV (Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve) with a fast computer to control the secondary valve unit. Just as usual on ’08 Suzuki Bikes this bird has the SDMS (Suzuki Drive Mode Selector) with three settings to help you get used to the Busa’s well respected power delivery. We all know that the ’99 model was far away from weakness because you had access to 160 horsepowers at any time so we can call the Suzuki Hayabusa 2008 an even more “powerful weapon” against the elements. Why? Because it cranks out a massive 194 horsepowers which means at least 175 at the back wheel and what you are going to do with it is totally up to you. Maybe some wheelies or drag racing? You got the idea! …to be continued…
