All Tests – Return of the falcon – Pre-Owned SUZUKI

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The return of the falcon

All Tests - Return of the falcon - Pre-Owned SUZUKI

Aaah, the famous Hayabusa … What has not been said and written on this machine! So what is this new vintage GSX 1340 R Hayabusa worth? Is it the politically incorrect vestige of a bygone era, or a real endearing sporty roadster? Test !

These days, the Suzuki GSX 1340 R Hayabusa could almost seem almost anachronistic: a sports car that is too heavy to turn efficiently on the track and one of the main reasons for which is to cruiser at very high speed on the motorway is not really in tune with the times … But ten years after its release, Suzuki persists in making its monster evolve … And who would complain? ?

In 1998, when it was unveiled to the general public, the Hayabusa had the effect of a real bomb: 175 hp in free version and no less than 306 km / h in top speed…

And a face like no other! At that time – not so long ago, finally … – when speed was still a marketing argument, novelty was a hit because there was – and there always will be – a clientele for "the fastest".

A living legend

When you ride on the handlebars of a Hayabusa, it is impressive to note the notoriety which it enjoys not only with bikers, but also with uninitiated … Its sulphurous reputation and its so particular aesthetics have made it a real myth..

And the phenomenon is not about to stop since the new vintage (presented in Rome last summer, read) drives the point home by preserving – fortunately! – its aggressive and very easily identifiable design, halfway between the shark and the surface-to-surface missile…

But above all, the monster gains 22 hp in the free world and now flirts with 200 hp to compete with the Kawasaki ZZR 1400 and its more than 200 hp (with forced air).

Too bad for us !

Of course, these power considerations are secondary for us French bikers, subject to the 106 hp clamping. The new Hayabusa is therefore amputated by no less than 91 hp when entering the Hexagon! We will have to deal with … unless we commit an offense and risk very big problems with our insurer and the authorities in the event of an accident !

Therefore, it is worth asking the question: is the Hayabusa worth buying and using in France? This is what we tried to answer in this test … by trying to keep the license points we have left !

More shark than hawk

The massive lines of the Hayabusa ("falcon" in Japanese) actually evoke more of a shark than a raptor: it must be said that these predators of the oceans are perfectly profiled, just like the Suzuki is to cross at shameful speeds.

And if its front face changes little, its rear shell is redesigned, as well as the two triangular exhausts for better aerodynamics..

The pilot is completely integrated and protected by this wide and enveloping fairing.

We just regret that the bubble is smoked, because it is not ideal to hide behind and look through.

Cool sport

The position of the pilot is not too extreme: the pressure on the wrists is very reasonable and the legs are moderately bent. The Hayabusa will suit large riders. The seat height of 805 mm is correct. The saddle is quite wide, like the gas tank which loses a liter compared to the old model (21 liters).

The bracelets are also quite apart, which offers a significant and necessary leverage, given the mass and inertia of the machine.

The ergonomics are neat and we just regret that the top of the dashboard is visible only by lowering, which is sometimes annoying in town.

Hayab ‘what I am…

Key coded immobilizer, steering damper, fully adjustable suspensions, shift-light: the GSX 1340 R presents a complete and quality equipment. The dashboard is classy and rewarding, with its engaged gear indicator which sits right in the middle.

On the other hand, we would have preferred a digital speedometer that is easier and more precise to look at than analog, especially at the speeds allowed by the machine..

Under the passenger seat, there is a well-equipped tool kit and a very correct space that can easily accommodate a U or a chain.

On either side of the seat, there are also four very practical diabolos to easily attach a bag without risking scratching the fairing..

Bearable in town

Given the reputation and generous measurements of the beast, we approach the Hayabusa with humility and circumspection … The weight – around 250 kg all full – is undeniably felt during maneuvers with the engine off or at walking pace. But as soon as we pass the bar of 20 (twenty!) Km / h, the Suzuki is bluffing ease.

The turning radius is very correct for a sports car and the smooth and precise transmission works wonders in traffic.

Electronic injection is perfectly controlled and generates no jerks, which allows you to stay in a higher gear and take advantage of the extraordinary torque and elasticity of the 4-cylinder.

So, even if it’s not his favorite ground, the Hayabusa is very accommodating in town. Our neck will just hurt a little after a while…

Roll on the road

Very quickly, the Hayabusa makes you want to escape to more open horizons! The saddle comfort and protection are more worthy of a good road than a sport.

While remaining more or less reasonable, the autonomy before reserve turns around 200 km, with an average consumption of 7.6 l per 100 km.

By driving really harder, the consumption can rise to 8.5 or 9 liters, but not much more. It is also quite difficult to reason with one another and maintain a decent cruising speed during motorway junctions….

The duo are widely recommended on the Hayabusa, which is one of the rare motorcycles to be as pleasant to ride alone as with two..

The passenger is well received with a wide and soft seat, a huge and very pleasant passenger handle and not too high footrests.

To attack !

Already much appreciated in normal use, the front axle of the Hayabusa really works wonders when you increase the pace. Lightweight and intuitive, it offers great ease of piloting while ensuring total stability and serenity. In addition, it allows late braking on the angle.

The chassis is healthy, if not hyper agile because of the respectable weight of the machine. Much heavier than recent hypersport cars, the Hayabusa is necessarily less lively and requires experience and a keen sense of trajectory to be truly effective..

The front brake is the only really disappointing detail in the Suzuki cycle part: if it is powerful and dosable, it is however singularly lacking in bite when gripping the lever and a little endurance in extreme use..

Of course, the Hayab ‘will prefer large, fast and well coated curves than bouncy departmental roads, but she will do it with good grace..

Powerful but never violent

The 1340cc 4-cylinder is a real treat in all modes of use. Very flexible and full of torque, it never balks at going too low in the revs and does not run out of steam at the top of the tachometer (and even less in full).

Compared to the previous vintage, it gained 41 cm3 and especially 1.3 mkg, i.e. 13.1 mkg at 4,700 rpm.

The magic of this engine is to be overpowered but never brutal, which allows it to be exploited without a second thought, including on lower gears and on the angle. A new anti-dribble clutch adds to driving pleasure and allows big downshifts without any particular fears.

In addition, as on the rest of the GSX-R range and on the B-King (read in particular our), the Hayabusa has S-DMS, the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector.

This button placed on the right stalk allows you to choose between three injection mapping modes (A, B and C) to take advantage of all or part of the power of the 4-cylinder (read in particular our .

A very useful feature on the free version of the Hayabusa, but which is much less interesting on the French version … Only the C mode, which frankly reduces the arrival of power and torque at the rear wheel, will offer a real interest in precarious grip conditions (rain, leaves, extreme cold, etc.).

106 hp: frustrating or sufficient ?

With all due respect to purists, even with 91 horsepower amputated, the Hayabusa is very pleasant to drive because its bridle was done very correctly. It is only at very high speeds that you feel that the machine does not give the best of what it has. But if you take the trouble to take care of your French 106 hp on a winding road, there is already something to be extremely happy … and damage the rear tire !

With a frank sun and a temperature of 25 °, the Bridgestone BT 015 of our test model gave up after a short half hour of photo shoot…

Overheated and full of pellets, the tire, overwhelmed by the torque of 1340 cm3, launched into great glides out of curves! Fortunately, these hangups have always proven to be gentle and perfectly controllable. We were therefore forced to let the tire cool, otherwise it would ruin it outright. !

Super sporty road

With the radicalization of modern sports cars, the Hayabusa has therefore surreptitiously slipped from the category of "time hunters" to that of "road rascals". Anyway, "diehard sportsmen" will be disappointed by its weight, and "radar hunters" will quickly end up in prison….

On the other hand, bikers who do little town, who like to have fun driving and who often travel alone or in pairs will be delighted by the new Suzuki Falcon, including in its legal version with 106 horsepower. !

The Hayabusa therefore really has a reason to exist and should run for a long time on our beautiful roads. But the dream comes at a price: 13,999 euros, not to mention insurance and rear tires !

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