When a firm waits over a decade to update a bike it has to mean the designers got it pretty much spot-on to begin with. And that's certainly the case with Suzuki's GSX1300R Hayabusa. This hypersports machine first appeared in 1999, and pretty much rewrote the rules for the unlimited horsepower class. Suzuki took the principles behind the awesome GSX-R750, applied them to a full-bore 1300cc machine, and produced one of the all-time classic motorcycles. It would hit almost 200mph in stock form (before the Japanese adopted a self-imposed 186mph limit in 2001), went round a track like no other 220kg bike deserved to, and single-handedly built the extreme horsepower custom tuning world in the US and elsewhere.

But by 2007, the once mighty 'Busa was in need of an update. Kawasaki's ZZR1400 offered more go, better handling, and a more modern package, while BMW's K1200S almost matched the GSX on power and handling, and beat it hands down as a sport tourer. So it was no surprise when Suzuki announced a new Hayabusa for 2008.

The old bike had one or two definite weaknesses. Firstly, the brakes weren't nearly good enough for such a fast bike: its old-school six-piston calipers lacking power and feel. And while the engine made plenty of power and torque, it had a rather rough, unsophisticated feel compared with the standards of 2007.

So the new '08 bike boasted a new pair of radially-mounted, four-piston brake calipers up front, and a revised engine with titanium valves, a higher compression ratio, and Suzuki's latest dual-valve, dual-injector fuel injection system. The chassis was updated with a stiffer swingarm and subframe, but the main frame was largely unchanged - partly so that the hundreds of aftermarket customising parts in the USA would still fit.

The Hayabusa's styling was controversial in 1999, and the updated bike also raised a few eyebrows. Clearly based on the original look, with some subtle tweaks, the most striking feature is the pair of large triangular dual exhaust mufflers. Finally, the new bike got an all-new dash, factory immobiliser system, and Suzuki's three-way power switch, allowing the rider to choose one of three power maps.

While these changes weren't very radical, they were enough to put the Hayabusa right back at the top of the pack. The new brakes made a massive difference, giving superb stopping power and feel, while the latest Bridgestone BT-015 rubber allowed the GSX to take advantage of 2007-levels of tyre performance. The engine is smoother than before, and while it lacks a little of the off-idle grunt of the original, it is a better all-round package, and is truly one of the great motorcycle engines. Add in the more modern ergonomic and dashboard package, and you have a 200bhp continent-crushing sport tourer that can deal as easily with a two-up touring holiday as it can a track-day as it can a run-what-you-brung drag race.

So – don't be surprised if Suzuki waits another decade to update it!




Specifications:

Price: £9,000
Engine: l/c, 16v, DOHC inline-four, 1340cc
Bore x stroke: 81x65mm
Compression ratio: 12.5:1
Carburation: Dual-valve, dual injector fuel injection, 44mm bodies
Transmission: six-speed, chain
Peak power: 197bhp
Peak torque: 114lbf ft
Frame: aluminium twin spar
Suspension: 43mm fully adjustable USD Kayaba fork, fully adjustable monoshock
Brakes: twin 310mm discs, four-piston radial mount calipers/260mm disc, single-piston caliper
Wheels/tyres: Cast aluminium/Bridgestone BT-015, 120/70 17 F, 190/50 17 R
Seat height: 805mm
Wheelbase: 1,485mm
Fuel capacity: 21 litres (4.6 gal)
Claimed dry weight: 220kg (485lb)
Contact: Suzuki GB (0500 011959), www.suzuki-gb.co.uk