2021 Suzuki Hayabusa, Track Test

The all-new Suzuki Hayabusa, without a doubt, is the most impressive motorcycle we have ridden this year. In fact, almost all jury members believe that it’s one of the best motorcycles they have ever ridden. What’s most impressive is that the new Hayabusa isn’t actually a completely new product – it’s still more or less the same motorcycle that was launched twenty years ago. Most of its components are the same, except for the engine, which has been heavily reworked. The design, too, is pretty much the same, but that’s not to say that there are no changes. A closer look at the Hayabusa will reveal the new design changes that make it look more modern, elegant, and aggressive. The bike looks menacing and has plenty of muscle, which gives it a unique and special appearance. It’s certainly not an elegant motorcycle, but its hooligan-like design is what has made it a style icon around the world.

Coming to the best part about the Hayabusa, its overall performance as a sports touring machine is unmatched. The Hayabusa was once the fastest motorcycle on the planet, and, even today, it’s still ridiculously quick. The Hayabusa’s legendary and massive 1,340cc inline-four engine now offers a more balanced overall performance. What’s more, it’s more efficient and generates fewer emissions.

With 188bhp and 150Nm of torque, it’s got all the power you will ever need to enjoy a blast of wind on your face. While the bike is intimidating in terms of size and power, it’s still a surprisingly agreeable bike. The Hayabusa now comes loaded with all kinds of tech and rider aids imaginable, which make it a very safe bike for almost everyone. You get different riding modes, which are customisable, allowing the rider the freedom to choose for themselves.

The engine is buttery smooth, and the power band is incredible. You get plenty of grunt in the low-end, while the mid-range power spread is just brilliant. All this makes the new Hayabusa very easy to ride in the city and, at the same time, exhilarating enough on the track. Its engine is definitely one of the most impressive mills we have ever experienced, and, on the highway, it really makes you feel as if you are riding an actual rocket down the tarmac. It wouldn’t be unjustified to call it an engineering marvel.

But there is more to its performance. For such a big bike, the Hayabusa handles incredibly well, and you realise this as soon as you start riding it in the city – it’s very easy to manoeuvre through traffic. Even the suspension setup is great on some slightly bumpy roads. But ride it on some nice twisty sections of the road, and you will have the time of your life. On the track, it’s no slouch either – it’s quite fun to throw it around corners. And the lap time? Well, as you can see, it’s mighty impressive.

There is literally nothing wrong with the Hayabusa. The quality, design, comfort levels, technology, and overall performance – everything is impeccable. Of course, the Hayabusa still remains an icon even after 20 years, and it’s still one of the most popular bikes across the world. No wonder then that its X-factor score is so high. The Hayabusa, frankly, has nothing to fault, except for, perhaps, its price in India. But that’s no reason for it to not receive the highest score in our track test – it really is the Best of 2021, and deservedly so.

Best of 2021 << BACKNEXT >> Royal Enfield Classic 350, Track Test