Rumors of the Hayabusa's death have been somewhat exaggerated

Dec 14, 2018

I don’t have it in me to write yet another Hayabusa rumors article, but when Suzuki Japan’s website confirmed the end of production for the current GSX1300R, the motosphere exploded with commentary, predictions, and of course, more rumors.

Suzuki responded with a press release: "Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (SMAI) has confirmed that U.S. market production of the Hayabusa sport motorcycle continues uninterrupted. Production of European specification Hayabusa models has been discontinued due to Euro 4 emission regulations. This situation, and resulting media reports, may have caused confusion and misunderstand among U.S. consumers, media, and dealers."

Suzuki Hayabusa — Is that a 2019 or a 2009? Does it really matter? Suzuki photo.

So this isn't the end of the Hayabusa after all?

Nope, the magic Bus lives on outside the European market. Confusingly, the model is listed as discontinued on Suzuki Japan's website, but the 2019 Hayabusa is available at Suzuki North America.

Suzuki japan website — Google Translate isn't perfect, but you get the idea. Screenshot from Suzuki Japan.

My guess? After 2019, that’ll be it for the Hayabusa in its present form. I'd bet on a replacement that meets EURO 4 and other emissions standards in the next year, released as a 2020 model. Suzuki maintains their rights to the Hayabusa name, and there’s almost no chance they’ll simply drop the legacy over emissions. According to Kerry Graeber, Suzuki's Vice President of ATV/Motorcycle Sales and Marketing, "Suzuki Motor Corporation’s commitment to this model means a new generation of motorcyclists can experience the unmatched performance and style that the Hayabusa is known for globally.”

And known, it is. The Busa's influence reaches far beyond motorcycling.

After all, the bike ran for 20 years, outlasting the speed wars it was built to win and becoming a cultural icon. I have a weak spot for sport motorcycles of the 1990s and early 2000s, and seeing a relic of that time still in dealerships always makes me a little nostalgic. And a little repulsed. It was never my favorite bike of the era. To their credit, Suzuki picked a style and committed to it. “That’s form over function,” its disciples say. Its detractors gently puke and buy something else, but deep down, they know. The Hayabusa is The Fast One.

So what's next?

Times and tastes have changed since the GSX1300R’s introduction 20 years ago. Halo bikes will always have their place, but aging hypersports motorcycles just aren’t big sellers today. Suzuki has also changed in that time, especially after taking a big hit in 2009. As they get back on their feet, throwing some R&D yen at the GSX1300R platform will be the only way to keep the line going, especially now that they can't sell them at all in some countries.

The current-gen Busa has earned its place in the pantheon of motorcycles, and now passes on peacefully of old age. It’s OK, Suzuki. Emissions standards have taken many great bikes to the Great Showroom in the Sky.

The Hayabusa’s been many things to many riders. Suzuki rightly calls it “a performance legend in its own time.” Stretched, chromed, slammed, streetfightered, turbocharged, or sport-toured, it delivered. And even with the advent of ZX-14s and H2s, it endured. Don't think you've seen the last of the Suzuki Hayabusa.