The new 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa is here, and while it has many updates over the previous model, it doesn’t gain any power, and it doesn’t get some of improvements we expected.
First up, the new stuff: The 2022 ‘Busa gets a comprehensive electronics package, powered by a new six-axis IMU. The Suzuki Intelligent Ride System has adjustable launch control and traction control, cruise control, cornering ABS, hill start assist, rear wheel lift control, and “Active Speed Limiter” system. Suzuki says “this highly practical system allows the rider to set a speed limit the bike will not exceed, eliminating worries about speeding or driving faster than intended. The rider can accelerate freely up to that speed and decelerate normally by backing off the throttle.
The system can be temporarily overridden with one quick twist of the throttle, making it easy to accelerate beyond the set limit to pass other vehicles. It can be deactivated completely at the press of a button after releasing the throttle grip.”
As you’d expect on a modern muscle bike, the Hayabusa comes with a choice of three different engine power modes, with varying levels of output to compensate for changing traction and road conditions. Users can adjust engine braking levels, and an up-down quickshifter comes standard.
The new Hayabusa also comes with six riding modes (three factory-set, three user-set) that select which electronic riding aids are turned on or off, and what level they’re set at.
To control these systems, the rider has a TFT screen in between the tach and speedo on the bike’s dash. Among its many functions, the TFT can serve as a lean angle indicator.
That’s a lot of new tech for the Hayabusa, mostly necessary to bring the bike on-par with its peers. However, after years of rumours of a new semi-auto gearbox and a turbocharger, some riders will be disappointed to see the bike doesn’t get either of these.
Indeed, aside from the electronics, the 2022 Hayabusa is very similar to the previous model. Suzuki says more than 500 parts have been changed or upgraded for 2022, so obviously the engineers have gone over this machine to improve its performance. However, the engine itself is basically the same as before: 1,340 cc displacement, with bore/stroke/compression all the same. Unfortunately, peak horsepower and peak torque are both down for 2022; Suzuki’s says the new machine makes 187 horsepower, down from 194 horsepower, and 110 pound-feet of torque, down from 114 pound-feet of torque. See the graph below:
To make up for it, Suzuki says there is more horsepower and torque available through the engine’s low- to mid-range. See below:
Considering this is where most motorcyclists actually ride their bikes, this may be more practical for ‘Busa riders, but everyone who was looking for 200+ horsepower is going to be disappointed.
The engine might not make the horsepower that speed junkies were hoping for, but it does see smaller tweaks: Better oiling system, new pistons, new cams, new con rods, new clutch, updates to the gearbox, and lots of other changes. There’s also a new exhaust: “A new pipe connecting cylinders #1 and #4 helps deliver more robust power and torque at low-to mid-range speeds,” the press release says. This engine should feel different from the predecessor, despite its many similarities.
The new Hayabusa has an aluminum swingarm and twin-spar frame, similar to the outgoing model. Suzuki went with fully-adjustable KYB forks and shock. The front brake discs are 320 mm now, with Brembo Stylema calipers.
The press release doesn’t talk much about the running gear, but does make the effort to point out “Suzuki’s engineers took full advantage of extensive wind tunnel testing, the latest CAE analytical tools and know-how accumulated over the years to achieve one of the best drag coefficients found on any street legal motorcycle.” There are no winglets or other aerodynamic trickery, but the bodywork has been designed to cut through the air as smoothly as possible. Of course, the paneling and paint are all re-worked for 2022, but they do keep the classic ‘Busa profile.
MSRP for the new Suzuki Hayabusa starts at $22,399 before taxes and fees; Suzuki is taking $500 deposits on the bike now. For the sake of reference, the previous year’s model was priced at $15,699. For more details, check out Suzuki Canada’s website.
Wow, have any of you even sat on the new Hayabusa? Have you seen it in person? I just don’t get it how people in today’s day and age can say well it went up in price I’ll pass! Have you bought anything lately? Or the.. well it needs more power or it’s not a hayabusa! What truly does that statement mean – I’ll reckon not a single one of the readers here could ride the old Hayabusa to its limit let alone the new one! It’s absolutely mind-boggling the lack of understanding about technology and the benefits to many today. I bought one of these so called over priced motorcycles, in fact one of the first to arrive in canada. I know I do not need over 300 km / hr. My point is very simple it is about the quality, the design, the ride , something nothing else can even come close. I get it, it’s not for everyone, but I’ll bet when I pass you on a long and lonely country road you will understand why at that moment. I’m in my 60’s and living everyday to its fullest- this motorcycle is an outstanding tribute to the original two versions. It takes all aspects and further enhances everyone of them. Bring it on, I’m ready 🙂
Been a Hayabusa fan since they first came out. Owned an original 1999 copper/gray. Have owned 3 over the past 22 years and still have a unrestricted 2000. Been anxiously waiting for years for this bike to come out and unfortunately in my opinion this is a bust. I personally don’t know a single Hayabusa owner who ever said they would sacrifice power for better electronics. Sure people complained and asked why don’t they update the electronics but that was not what sold the bike. I don’t care how many paid reviewers or Suzuki reps that make a video saying how great this new bike is, this bike will not be a good seller. This bike would not be a good seller if it came out at the same price as the Gen 2 let alone with the massive price increase. Obviously the Euro 5 emissions played a part in this but if Suzuki can 200 horsepower out of the GSXR1000, a motor over 300 cc’s smaller, they should at the very least be able to equal that with their “Flagship “ bike. For this bike to be a success Suzuki needed to release a machine that current busa owners would be willing to get rid of the the busa they have for the new one. Right or wrong the people who actually buy these bikes, I’m talking about the people who actually put their money where there mouth is and buy these bikes, buy them for their speed and power. Whether they ever use it or not. This bike simply has nothing that would make anybody chose it over any number of other bikes including one in its own lineup. This is the equivalent of Chevy bringing out a Corvette, their flagship model, with less power and weigh 800 pounds more than the Camaro and think people are going to pay more for it because they put a Corvette badge on it. I will buy a low mileage used Gen 2 and save probably 10 grand.
The refinement is evident. This is by far a much better looking motorcycle than the previous iteration. Suzuki has made a excellent motorcycle even more interesting to own. Congratulations Suzuki.
Kinda’ sad about the big media build up. The bike does look better. The price jump is a big one. Being a Suzuki, I would believe it’s a solid dependable design. Just not the numbers for some. The Hayabusa is sort of a victim of it’s name and image.
I’ll take a 15 year old one that hasn’t been crashed for $4500. If it’s not been modified, or crashed, it’s not likely that it’s been beat on. Beating on a ‘Busa usually is a short deal that has an unpleasant outc.
Near $7k over the old version? Hard pass!!
Sad to see Suzuki became so boring with time.
What a spoilt bunch of motorcyclist…. Yawn only 180+? HP. No turbo?
Pass the Grey Poupon darling…. No Hayabusa for me… It costs more than the old one designed 13 years ago…. and didn’t get the TEHR-BOO… I mean darlng…. it did get some GAHGets.. but whatever will I brag about at the country club??
It’s a beauty but no real exciting changes. All the marketing terminology doesn’t hide the fact that all they’ve really done is bring the electronics up to par with bikes that are even cheaper (i just purchased a 2020 Ninja 1000SX that has pretty much all the same stuff). I think it’s more about the prestige of Hyabusa then anything and in that regard they did a good job.
I can’t see how Suzuki can justify the price increase based on the improvements made.