2022 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R First Look Preview

Suzuki will usher in the third generation of its Hayabusa sportbike with a thorough revision for 2022. The changes are sweeping, with Suzuki touting 550 new or redesigned parts, all aimed at creating a more balanced, durable, and electronically sophisticated sportbike. As you might expect, there will be a price increase. The 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa will start at $18,599, a $3,800 jump from the price tag of the 2020 edition.

Editor’s note: We test rode Suzuki’s outgoing Hayabusa sportbike during the 2020 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R MC Commute Review.

The 1,340cc inline-four retains the same cylinder specs, 81mm bore and 65mm stroke, as the previous-generation Hayabusa, but loads of other parts have changed. When we asked Cycle World Technical Editor Kevin Cameron his initial thoughts on the engine revisions, he saw them as a way to “increase durability. [There are] many seemingly small engine changes, but each one [is] probably aimed at specific problems that have occurred—people do really crazy stuff with these bikes.”

Among the many changes are new valve springs and lighter pistons, pins, and con-rods. These, along with SCEM-coated cylinders and a gear-driven balancer shaft timed to the crankshaft, are meant to improve performance and reduce vibration.

The crankshaft and crankcase have new oil passages for a 54-percent improvement in oil flow and the intake and exhaust cam system was updated to reduce valve lift overlap. The latter change, Cameron explains, has to do with meeting Euro 5 emissions standards and leveling out the torque curve.

“Suzuki has made a virtue of the shorter valve overlap and combustion chamber changes required for this by boosting bottom-end torque quite a bit. We see this in Euro bikes too—really wide, flat torque curves that start at quite low revs. It’s a result of shorter valve timings and less overlap.”

This is borne out in Suzuki’s dyno figures, which show 110.6 pound-feet of peak torque coming on at 7,000 rpm, preceded by a steady, linear climb. The new torque profile is as wide and flat as it’s ever been on a Hayabusa, according to Suzuki’s data. As for horsepower, you can expect 187.7 hp at 9,700 rpm.

The intake and exhaust revisions, which also include lightweight titanium valves, new side feed injectors, an updated Twin Swirl Combustion Chamber, new Suzuki Ram Air Direct intake ducts, a new 4-into-1 exhaust design, and Suzuki Pulsed Secondary Air Injection all serve to improve combustion efficiency.

The 2022 Hayabusa will pack Suzuki’s latest ride-by-wire technology mated to updated throttle bodies that aim to improve low- and midrange performance.

The 2022 Hayabusa transmission will be easier to operate thanks to a new quickshifter and updated Suzuki Clutch Assist System. The gearbox is updated as well, with oil jets dedicated to fourth, fifth, and sixth gears in order to reduce friction and wear.

The countershaft is longer to accommodate the new SCAS and features longer needle bearings for improved durability. The gearshift cam, end plate, and stopper are all changed too, in order to function more effectively with the new quickshifter.

The twin-spar aluminum frame remains the same as on the second-gen Hayabusa, but the subframe has been changed, dropping 1.5 pounds and utilizing long rectangular tubing for improved carrying capacity.

The 43mm KYB fork and KYB shock get some attention in the form of new internals, aimed to improve ride quality and straight-line stability. The bike will roll on new seven-spoke cast-aluminum wheels and newly developed Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tires, made especially for the 2022 Hayabusa.

The tires are an interesting point in themselves, utilizing a new compound and construction for better all-around on-road performance in the wet and dry. They promise to further the improvements to straight-line stability and offer ample grip during braking and cornering.

The braking components include new Brembo Stylema calipers at the front, biting 320mm discs. The rear setup includes a single-piston caliper and 260mm disc. The new hardware is complemented by Suzuki’s Combined Brake System and Motion Track ABS.

Rake was shortened to 23 degrees as well with an eye toward improving the handling of the bike.

In terms of ergos, the handlebars are positioned closer to the rider and the footpegs have dampers in order to help reduce vibrations. The clutch and brake levers are adjustable and the seat height is reduced to 31.5 inches. The passenger seat is slightly higher so passengers can get a more unobstructed view forward, and the passenger grab handle was reshaped in order to make it easier to use.

The Hayabusa’s look is unmistakable, and though Suzuki amended many elements of the 2022′s bodywork, its intention was to retain the Hayabusa’s signature appearance. The lines were made to be sharper and straighter, providing a cleaner look that still excels in terms of aerodynamic efficiency.

The rider aid electronics may be the most significant step forward for the new Hayabusa, as it will come with a full suite of electronic options in the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System package and six-direction, three-axis Bosch IMU.

Engine character and performance will be adjustable via the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector Alpha system. It will provide three preset modes that control a variety of different power modes, traction control, lift control, engine-brake control, and quickshifter settings. There will be three power mode options to choose from, 10 traction control settings, 10 modes of anti-lift (wheelie) control, and three modes of engine-brake control available. The quickshifter will have two modes, one for a more race-style response and the other better calibrated for casual rides.

Suzuki’s Easy Start System and Low RPM Assist will come standard, as will cruise control. An Active Speed Limiter is a novel addition, giving riders the option of setting a top speed limit.

The Combined Brake System engages both the front and rear brakes when pressure is applied at the lever, and the Motion Track ABS system is calibrated to bring the bike to a composed stop whether upright or at lean. A Slope Dependent Control System helps to offset any rear-wheel lift while braking on a downhill slope, and a Hill Hold Control System prevents the bike from rolling backward on an incline.

All of the systems and program information is accessed on a new TFT display located between an analog speedometer and tachometer. The lighting is LED throughout, with new headlight, indicator, and taillight design.

The 2022 Hayabusa will come in three different two-tone color options including Glass Sparkle Black and Candy Burnt Gold, Metallic Matte Sword Silver and Candy Daring Red, or Pear Brilliant White and Metallic Matte Stellar Blue.