The “Busa” is back baby!. The bike that had no competition when it was launched and caused a stir from the day it left the factory. Even today the first generation can still strike fear in the hearts of many. Although it was exactly the prettiest of the superbikes and was as heavy as it looked it was the first one to hit that magic 200mph mark. I personally felt they could have done better with the styling but it was designed that way for aerodynamics. So function over form. The question I ask is what does the new one bring to the party?. Let’s dive in and take a look.
Design.
First off it looks a hell of a lot better than the original especially in this black with orange/gold accents. You can definitely see its a Hyabusa though. Gone is the overly bulbous rear seat shroud and bloated looking bodywork and in with the new sleeker looking body. Although looks subjective I’m sure you will all agree this is a improvement.
What lies beneath?.
The Chassis is more of an evolution of the original frame as opposed to being a whole new development, parts have been lightened and tweaked to improve stability and agility. The front discs have been increased to 320mm diameter and wrapped around the new 7 spoke wheels is specially developed Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tyres. The first thing I would change would be the ugly standard fit exhausts which most of you would probably do as well.
Technology.
The biggest leap forward for the Busa is in the electronics department. Standard fit to the new Hyabusa is Suzuki’s latest version of Intelligent ride system(SIRS). Encompassed in the system is Suzuki drive mode selector alpha. The system now employs the Motion Track Traction control system with 10 modes. The system is based on the system found in there championship winning MotoGP bike. The lean angle-sensitive system takes readings from the IMU, front and rear wheel speed sensors, crank position sensor, throttle position sensor, and gear position sensor to detect a loss of traction before the ECU controls output to the throttle valve, ignition coil, spark plugs, and fuel injectors to limit power. Included as well is a bi-directional quick shifter.
Other convenience features included in the electronic package are as follows, Launch Control, Low RPM assist, Hill-hold and anti-wheelie some of which can be disabled or customized.
Power.
Powering the new Busa is a heavily revised version of the 1340cc 4 cylinder. the revisions include lighter pistons, more rigid and lighter conrods, new camshaft with revised cam profiles to reduce valve lift overlap and new cam chain tensioner, revised crankshaft and crankcases, new gearshift stopper, cam, and cam plate, and gears with revised bearing widths to improve shift feeling, new slipper clutch assembly, and new magneto.
The new ride by wire system allows better control over the throttle response while the revised intake system is designed to produce more power at low and mid-range engine speeds. Suzuki hasn’t claimed power figures yet but have said it is more powerful and boasts a quicker acceleration time.
The Hyabusa is set to go on sale from march 2021 in the UK starting at £16,499.
