If you are used to
major motorcycle introductions occuring in the Fall, you will be
shocked by what Suzuki announced today. An all-new 2008 Hayabusa
featuring a 1340cc engine with a claimed twelve percent
increase in performance headlines this late June announcement, along
with the long-anticipated B-King naked bike (featuring a version of
the same 1340cc motor)..
The new GSX1300R Hayabusa is full of
revisions, especially its engine. The ram-air-fed, liquid-cooled, DOHC,
inline Four retains the same bore, 81.0mm, but gets 2mm more of stroke,
up to 65.0mm, for an increased displacement of 1340cc.
The engine has four titanium (intake and exhaust) valves per cylinder,
a compression ratio of 12.5:1, revised cam specs, Suzuki Dual Throttle
Valves (SDTV) in the 44mm throttle bodies, two multi-hole fuel
injectors per cylinder, a three-way Suzuki Drive Mode Selector switch
and Suzuki’s “most powerful, most advanced digital fuel injection and
engine management system” controlling it all.
In print, Suzuki claims a 12% increase in peak power and torque output
for the new Hayabusa, and American Suzuki Vice President, Motorcycle
and ATV Division Mel Harris told his dealers this equated to 195
horsepower, presumably at the crankshaft.
The big new Suzuki meets stringent emissions requirements with a new
exhaust system, and the clutch now features a "slipper" feature to
reduce engine braking on aggressive downshifts.
The GSX1300R also gets a revised twin-spar aluminum frame, a more
rigid swingarm, a beefier rear subframe, fully-adjustable KYB
suspension, radial-mount four-piston Tokico front brake calipers and
more aerodynamic bodywork. Wheelbase is 58.5 inches (1485mm), rake is
24.2, trail is 98mm/3.9 inches, dry weight is 485 pounds and suggested
retail price is $11,999.