Hayabusa Motorcycle For Sale

The Suzuki Hayabusa is one of the most iconic motorcycles on the planet. Technically called the GSX1300R, it is famous for being the fastest production motorcycle on the planet, with a maximum top speed between 188 and 194 MPH. However, there is a little bit more to the story than meets the eye. For starters, this record only technically applies to the original 1999 model. Subsequent Hayabusas have been limited to top speeds of 186 MPH. So why would Suzuki take the unusual step of manufacturing the fastest motorcycle of all time to top out at a slower speed? 

The reason is that motorcycles have been getting faster for decades. By the late 1990s, competition between European and Japanese manufacturers had pushed speeds to absurd levels. Let us be honest; even 186 MPH is insanely fast. Nobody has any business driving that fast unless they are a professional rider on a closed track.

European regulators threatened to impose a mandatory maximum speed with the rate of accidents rising and speeds getting out of control. Rather than allow this to happen, motorcycle manufacturers worldwide reached a famous “gentleman’s agreement.” Starting with the 2000 model year, no one would sell motorcycles that could go faster than 186 MPH. The last “exempted” motorcycle was the 2000 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R, which reached a top speed between 185.4 and 193.24 MPH.

As a result, the 1999 Suzuki Hayabusa remains the fastest production motorcycle ever made.

Even so, the Hayabusa is known for more than just its speed. It is also famous for comfort, reliability, and for running smoothly and safely at high speeds. Suzuki also didn’t compromise on the price, as the Hayabusa price tag resembles many other sportbikes.

Hayabusa Motorcycle Buyer’s Guide

Other than being limited in speed, the 2000 Hayabusa was more or less identical to the 1999 version. This Hayabusa, the First-Generation Hayabusa, would be produced through the year 2007. Starting with the 2008 model year, the newer, retuned Second-Generation Hayabusa hit the market. This variant’s displacement was increased from 1,299cc to 1,340cc, and the stroke was altered as well. Effectively, it is a bit slower from 0 to 60, but it accelerates faster at higher speeds.

In early 2021, Subaru announced that 2022 would mark the release of yet another Hayabusa, the GSX1300RR. However, they have yet to reveal what the changes will be in this Third-Generation bike.

Determining The Condition Of A Used Hayabusa

If you are buying a new Hayabusa, you don’t need to worry about its condition. For one thing, it is brand new. Another thing, you are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. However, used motorcycles are another issue altogether. There, you need to be concerned about the bike’s condition. Here are some basic things to look at before handing over your money:

• First and foremost, examine the forks for rust. Rusty forks, even ones with minor pitting, can cause your fork seals to wear prematurely. Since this is an expensive repair, you usually don’t want to buy a bike with any damage to the forks.
• Examine the frame for dents or severe rust. Dents in the actual frame indicate that the bike has been in a wreck, while a badly-rusted frame may be structurally compromised. Minor rust can be cleaned up, although it is a warning sign that the owner may not have taken the best care of their bike.
• Test both brakes by engaging them separately while you roll the bike. They should engage smoothly, without hesitating or suddenly clamping down on the rotor.
• Look at the tires, and see if there is any dry rot. Some wear and tear is inevitable unless they are brand-new. But severe cracking, sidewall damage, or flat spots are a potential safety issue. There is no reason not to buy the bike, but you should ask for a discount if you need new tires right away.
• Check the color of the oil. It should appear transparent with gold or golden brown color. If it is dark and opaque, it is old oil. Keep in mind, old oil is not a reason not to buy a motorcycle. You just replace the oil. However, if a seller says the bike has all-new fluids, the oil color will tell you whether they are being honest.
• Last, check the inside of the gas tank. Look for rust or amber sediment from ethanol gas. If it is in the gas tank, it is in the carburetor, which means you will need the carburetor cleaned before doing much of anything with the bike.

The Best Places To Buy A Hayabusa Motorcycle

The nice thing about buying a new Hayabusa is that Suzuki is a relatively popular brand. In most parts of the country, there will be a handful of dealerships within reasonable driving distance. Don’t hesitate to call all of them! For one thing, the MSRP is just a recommendation; it is not set in stone. Different dealers may offer different prices. You might even be able to get two dealers actively bidding against each other.

Buying a used Hayabusa is also relatively simple. Since it is such a popular model, you won’t have trouble finding one on a website like CycleTrader or Craigslist. The only exception is the 1999 Hayabusa, which is understandably harder to find. There are only a handful of listings in the entire country. Still, there doesn’t seem to be too much of a price premium; you can buy one for $6,000.

First-Generation Hayabusa Pricing

First-generation Hayabusas are less common than second-generation Hayabusas, but simply because they are older and weren’t produced for as many years. They don’t seem to have any particular value as a collector’s item, so you can often find a good deal. They are available for as little as $6,000 on the used market.

Second-Generation Hayabusa Pricing

The current second-generation Suzuki Hayabusa has an MSRP of $18,599. Used models start at around $7,000, but that is for a bike in poor condition. More realistically, you can expect to pay $10,000 or more for a Hayabusa in good condition.