The Hayabusa will be discontinued worldwide but local assembly will happen in India until BS6 norms are implemented.
After the grace period provided by the EU as per EU Regulation 168/2013, the Suzuki Hayabusa’s production will be put to an end in EU markets. This is because the bike’s emissions do not comply with Euro 4 emission limits and other rules which came into effect on 1st January, 2016. After holding the title of being one of the fastest production bikes in the world, it will now be off the markets by the end of December.
The rules which were passed allowed manufacturers to sell non-compliant models until 31st December, 2018. From 1st January, 2019, selling a new Hayabusa in Europe is a punishable offence. However, India and the USA will continue to sell the bikes in their markets. The hyperbike complies with BS4 standards in India and will be discontinued only when BS6 standards are implemented.
The Hayabusa has been a heartthrob for 20 years, since it was launched in 1999. It came with a 1299cc, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that could produce 173 HP and 135 Nm torque, paired to a 6-speed transmission. The design didn’t undergo many changes over the years but back at its inception, the original bike had no match in terms of the technology used. The motorcycle incorporated extensive wind-tunnel-tested aerodynamics, a ram air intake and the engine was like no other seen on a production sports bike.
The Suzuki Hayabusa didn’t undergo any major revamps until 2008, when Suzuki engineers decided that while the design didn’t need to undergo significant changes, they could extract more power from the vehicle. The engine displacement was increased from 1299cc to 1340cc and changes were made to the existing cylinder head and pistons.
The new engine now delivers 194 HP. It also incorporates a new fuel-injection system from the GSX-R1000 and the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) system, allowing the rider to select between three power modes depending upon the ride conditions.
The Suzuki Hayabusa also features a slipper clutch and dual channel ABS. Braking is taken care by Brembo brake callipers with 310 mm twin discs up front and a 260 mm disc at the rear. Suspension duties are handled by 43 mm KYB inverted front forks and KYB shock with adjustable compression, rebound and preload at the rear. The motorcycle weighs in at 266 kgs and can store up to 21 litres in its fuel tank.
In India, the Suzuki Hayabusa currently retails at a price of Rs. 13.88 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). It is sold as a CKD unit and is one of the most affordable litre-class (and above) bikes in the country. The Japanese automaker is said to be working on the next generation Hayabusa which is likely to be introduced by 2021.
Suzuki Hayabusa Discontinued
– Selling the Hayabusa in EU markets will be illegal next year
– It will be available in India until BS6 norms are enforced
– Priced in India at Rs. 13.88 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi)
