2008 Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
PRICE: $11,999
Hard Parts
ENGINE
A 2mm stroke increase that bumps displacement to 1340cc is just the beginning-the connecting rods and pistons are new, along with a crankshaft that is now grooved to improve oiling. Titanium valves on lighter single valve springs reduce reciprocating mass, and new double-barrel SDTV throttle bodies deliver fuel.
BRAKES
Four-piston, radial-mount Tokico calipers pulled from the GSX-R1000 parts bin are among the most appreciated upgrades to the new 'Busa, actually capable of slowing this heavy, high-speed hauler down. Smaller-diameter 310mm discs reduce unsprung weight to help quicken steering somewhat.
BODYWORK
Design manager Koji Yoshiura worked doubly hard to update the 'Busa's looks without abandoning the original iconic form. The end result is a bike that looks striking yet familiar-the effect is especially dramatic in person, when you can better appreciate the more complex shapes and added dimension.
CHASSIS
The second-gen 'Busa chassis is refined, not redesigned. Frame weight is down slightly in '08 thanks to the removal of extraneous brackets, and the subframe has been beefed up with stronger, badonkadonk-proof rectangular steel rails that have been dropped a half-inch to reduce passenger seat height.
DYNO
The dyno traces are virtually identical to 8250 rpm, where the '08 bike diverges to a 16.3-bhp top-end advantage. Despite similar midrange numbers, the quicker-revving, shorter-geared '08 feels more powerful on the road.
TECH SPEC
Engine type: l-c inline-four
Valve train: DOHC, 16v
Displacement: 1340cc
Bore x stroke: 81.0 x 65.0mm
Compression: 12.5:1
Fuel system: Keihin/Denso EFI
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate slipper
Transmission: 6-speed
Frame: Aluminum twin-spar
Front suspension: 43mm
Kayaba inverted fork,
adjustable for spring preload, rebound and compression dampingRear suspension: Single Kayaba shock, adjustable for spring preload, rebound and compression damping
Front brake: Dual Tokico four-piston radial calipers, 310mm discs
Rear brake: Single Tokico two-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Front tire: 120/70-ZR17 Bridgestone Battlax BT015
Rear tire: 190/50-ZR17 Bridgestone Battlax BT015
Rake/trail: 23.4?/3.7 in.
Seat height: 31.7 in.
Wheelbase: 58.3 in.
Fuel capacity: 5.5 gal.
Weight (tank full/empty): 592/559 lbs.
Measured horsepower: 172.2 bhp @ 10,100 rpm
Measured torque: 97.8 lb.-ft. @ 7600 rpm
Corrected 1/4-mile: 10.14 sec. @ 142.54 mph
Colors: Orange/black, black/gray, blue/black
Available: Now
Warranty: 12 months, unlimited mi.
Contact: American Suzuki
3251 E. Imperial Highway
Brea, CA 92622
714.996.7040
www.suzukicycles.com
ERGOS
The cockpit of the new 'Busa is slightly roomier than before, with an added .7 inch of legroom and a .5-inch-longer reach to the bars. These changes, along with a .6-inch-taller windscreen, give the '08 bike a comfort advantage.