Suzuki Hayabusa Generation One Review

The Generation Three Hayabusa from Suzuki is out but the iconic Hayabusa name came from not so humble beginnings. In fact, it was all rather mad. Donovan got hold of a Gen One to have a look.
Videography by Meghan McCabe: megmccabephotography
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Filmed in South Africa. Prices in South African Rands and may differ in other countries.

[@019208237]

IMO the gen 1 is still the best looking. I think it looks awesome from every angle.

[@stefanmelmak]

It's true.

[@_sumxxn_]

true

[@michaelmurphy7241]

This was my gen 2 I just layer it down in Feb 2022 but I have sat on all generations and I love the gen 2 hands down take a look at my baby before I layed it down. kzbin.info7QkQsMa1uOg?feature=share

[@019208237]

@@michaelmurphy7241 yeah looks stunning bro but I still prefure the gen 1 in the black n red or bronze.

[@muckle8]

Agree completely - absolutely love em - a blackbird would be a close 2nd though

[@Makedeth]

people hated the looks at first, but after 20+ years id say it is one of the most iconic and beautiful bikes made.

[@JesusIsLord7773]

when I first saw the Hayabusa I thought it was out of this world spaceship like machine. just blew my mind. looks perfect up to this day.

[@themapmaker5374]

I absolutely loved the look of it the first time I saw it. That's what drew me to the bike. It just looked so much more "meaner" and tougher than all the rest. That's why I bought it. That was back in '03. Looking to get a Gen-3 now.

[@davejacoby3129]

I purchased mine Father’s Day weekend 2002 brand new. 19 years later am still amazed every time I ride it. I remember reading an article back then and they likened to a bengal tiger in your closet. You know it’s in there but you still get a big surprise every time you open the door. 😆 Love that analogy

[@coltonmeredith2111]

How much was it just got a 2002 with 29k miles for 2850 needs some work but runs good

[@rameshjagaswaren8928]

I was using a different superbike till a Busa cooly cruised passed me... Sold off mine and currently am owning a 2016 Gen 2...Supremely powerful and so comfortable... I enjoy it's immense power output as well as the attention it gets everywhere.

[@michaelmurphy7241]

I like the gen 2 also this was mine before I layer it down custom paint and simple upgrades. Iam looking for another one now. kzbin.info7QkQsMa1uOg?feature=share

[@sushantjadhav4595]

I just love the hayabusa looks ,its unique

[@erwindenengelsen8144]

Ahhhh awesome bike, great footage! Used to own a unrestricted gen 1 2000 model with the 320 kmh dash as well... Such an exciting machine, great memories to that time. A true icon. Thanks 4 sharing!

[@000hayabusa]

actually it was 350km h

[@JR1300r]

I have a 2001 K 1 HAYABUSA ..Owned it since near new Bike has been a true pleasure to own and ride on our Australian roads Long live HAYABUSA.. Cheers

[@nickrider5220]

Spent many happy days on Busas, owned a couple and rode loads of them - making strong torque from 2000 revs made it a superb road bike ❤ it wasn't all about the speed.....very often

[@1990-t1j]

The best-looking sportster ever. I had a B-King for over seven years. No ABS or traction control on it.

[@vaughanboyce3702]

Great review, got a gen1 busa what is impressive is how strong the motor is in any gear at any rev that motor is true masterclass.

[@jameswilson2268]

I have been looking at getting a hayabusa and looking at the gen 1 and some early gen 2’s is there a great difference or will I enjoy the gen 1 just as much (and it will be a bit cheaper)

[@muckle8]

Get a gen 1 James

[@shashanksunnyshekhar7810]

Original and the best !!! Thanks a lot for bringing this review 🙏

[@portaltwo]

I had a 2001 here in Canada, black and silver. Fantastic bike! Finally downsized to a 2012 Street Triple R, but I wish I'd had the wherewithal to keep the 'Busa as well.

[@jkelley8173]

2006 Special edition ..Luv the power the unique looks and the comfort

[@vainparasite]

Love the "yoshimura" pipes. Well the stickers anyway as they are scorpion cans 🤣🤣

[@keithallen4389]

Great report, Don. Close to my heart, your dad very kindly loaned me his new red and black Busa in 1999, which was the first in private hands, I think. Midvaal formed a major part of all of my bike tests for The Star and so it was that I unknowingly became one of the first journos to track test a Hayabusa. It far exceeded anything I could have imagined and by the time I came back to the pits it was drawing a lot of interest. Wish I had one. Magic bikes.

[@ozemsadventureofrandomstuf252]

Great to have you back! 👌. This machine is out of my ride level. KTM 390 adventure 🥵👌

[@-DC-]

Effortless massive performance such a charismatic machine.

[@elithegreat6463]

I had an original 1999 Copper & Silver...The best way to describe the Speed of the Hayabusa is "THRUST"...Breathtaking THRUST !!!

[@jamescourt4703]

I'm after a gen 1 copper and gold busa now. But they are like rock,n horse shit! I had a 2000 black n silver back in the day. Great machine.

[@killakawi1]

U had the LE version? Nice man

[@tepidtuna7450]

I came back from a test ride on a '99 with a stunned smile I couldn't wipe off for weeks. I said NO to my girlfriend because it was too quick. She didn't hold me to it as 4 weeks later a black/silver model was in my garage.

[@wazzer5293]

Omg, only non biker said ugly to this old ver looks. Its design was superbly unique until today. It is like zeus on earth

[@MotoGuy-ul6lp]

I love my gen 1 hayabusa, sooooo much 😋

[@ThatV12MiataBruh]

I personally like the looks of the Busa especially with the rear cowling hump, just like the TL1000R as well as the SRAD

[@ThatV12MiataBruh]

@Prashanth Panicker the zx14 isnt bad, I do kinda like the latest zx14 but i still prefer the busa. I picked up a mint tl1000r on Tuesday night. 21000km's

[@019208237]

Same here I've owned the GSXR 750 SRAD and now the TL 1000 R. I love the curvy looks on bikes just as much as on the women😉

[@019208237]

@@ThatV12MiataBruh They are 👌 I've a mint yellow n grey 2000 model. Best bike I've owned.

[@ThatV12MiataBruh]

@@019208237 I also have a yellow and silver TL1000R. Its absolutely flawless. Only 21000 km's

[@019208237]

@@ThatV12MiataBruh nice you got the best colour😉 mines got roughly 22,000 miles so quite a bit more. I had all sorts of issues with it to start with but it's running perfect now. I can't see myself parting with it it's a keeper. I've got white powder coated wheels to go on it soon. It's a risk but I reckon it will pay off.

[@widelcd]

In fact, the 99-00 model dash went up to 340kmh and US model up to 220mph

[@fabfafa]

Exactly that's the one I have in France. I wish I still have it😢

[@LINKchris87]

The Hayabusa is a legend.

[@sbsb4995]

Outstanding episode

[@brianslaughter1151]

Absolutely awesome bike have now for over 6 years Very infectious so vercitle still excites me to no end. Done 122.000 k’s it now and just recently checked the valve clearance’s which have probably never been done and they where spot on as well as the compression. I have done an over kill with oil changes every 3000 k’s Anyway I could happily go on and on. Cheers Brian

[@mikeduarte8635]

The power is crazy I have a 02 busa tuned ,stretched ,with a 40 shot of nos

[@hks071]

I think it looks awesome. I had a gen 2 and loved it

[@22leggedsasquatch]

I had the 2004 model.. and often travelled the 1400km grom Austria to Paris in one go, stopping only for gas...in 7hr45mins.. and arriving feeling fresh. I had a tank sack pack with clothes etc and which gave me something to rest on.. Incredible engineering.

[@jamesfisher1827]

My memory of the original S*** brown coloured one was just after it came out, I was at my local bike meet at Great Bentley near Colchester and a guy turned up on one with the number plate T200MPH. I remember my friends and I all looked over and made disparaging remarks, but secretly we were all jealous, as it did look cool! 😂😂

[@cpuuk]

The Hayabusa bird eats Blackbirds. I too wanted a turbo or big bore, but you must have noticed how Suzuki haven't fundamentally changed any of their bikes. Anyway, it's a lovely bike to ride.

[@hks071]

I think it looks great. Lots of people came to me when I had the gen 2 and said it was ugly. I think it looks amazing

[@seniorvendetta96]

busa is like supra, not meant to be the fastest bike, but you can modify the engine to be super powerful. busa's engine durability is like the 2JZ

[@borislavmihajlovic5486]

Imao sam 2 supre 3000 turbo model do 92god.i sada imam Busu Supru sam pogresio sto sam prodao ali Busu nikada,pozzz!!!

[@richardcerritelli9657]

What are you talking about not made to be the fastest bike have you ridden one of course it was made to be the fastest bike why do you think they call them Hayabusa duh Hayabusa in Japan is the fastest bird in the world. At the time there's a speed war going on between them and Kawasaki and Honda and Suzuki won at the time with the Busa. Until they had the gentlemen's agreement to limit your bike 186 miles per hour top speed.

[@azzazel_99]

The best looking bike to ever set wheels on the street period

[@tepidtuna7450]

What a fine example. I had a Black/Silver 1999 model with polished rims. Fond memories.

[@aikidragonpiper71]

I totally disagree when people call the Hayabusa ugly. They must be blind, I think the Hayabusa is a beautiful speed machine.

[@FrankFurther]

I have been led to believe that the bike was names hayabusa not for the speed of the falcon but because it eats blackbirds (among other things) and they were competing with the Honda blackbird

[@jaybomb5022]

They don't want to lose Honda viewers since that's kinda general knowledge that hurts a soft spot for some enthusiasts.

[@dzl8596]

It's a beautiful bike. Donovan, Loved your 17-year old excitement when you cracked that throttle open.

[@gixxerboyroyluvdrumswaters9023]

Love it just got a 06 best thing on 2wheels to me.

[@friendlysnoworb6091]

the 1999 hayabusa had a speedo that went up to 340kph, and 220 mph. not 320kph

[@bdogjr7779]

I love my 2002 Black/Blue GSX1300R Hayabusa👍🔥🔊I got a deal on it in 2007. It came tuned but the PowerCommander IV was malfunctioning. It already had an Ivans TRE as well. I removed the PowerCommander & installed a 2 Brothers Juice box for fuel injection band width adjustment. It runs best at the lowest setting so it may be something I will eventually remove. I put a Yoshimura 4 into 1 header with Carbon fiber canister on it. I didn't like the sound so I cut off about 8" length of the canister & it sounds great Still not very loud & runs very strong plus it's at least 20lbs lighter. I think I'll look into an LED headlight soon🖖😎☮

[@lesterburnham509]

Even with gen 3.... Gen one is best of the best.

[@kalami2748]

Still the best for me

[@northrider8628]

Funny you said stop all the hate mail, I was getting ready to send some... people ether get the hayabusa or they don't! Most that don't are deftly afraid of the big Suzuki... i personally would be happy with any of the 3 generation's, leaving color to be the true hardest Choice. My 2003 was as close to perfect in my opinion as any bike made at any price... just a pleasure to own 😁

[@tepidtuna7450]

Fear factor, I hear you. I had a Gen 1, and years later got a Gen 2. My mates and I swap bikes for the experience quite often. I offered the Gen 2 to a mate and he fearfully and curtly said "NO!!". I was puzzled as he is a madman behind the bars.

[@jasperbarlow2582]

i,m on my third, nothing else seems adequate after these beasts( i have a ktm supermoto for other types of fun) but for all-out, everyday most tractable engines these rule.

[@Markycarandbikestuff]

Just on my second year of riding here in the UK, thinking about getting a Hayabusa soon, black does nothing for me though, going for a silver/blue one, gorgeous, looks like a massive can of Red Bull.

[@ashokathegreat4534]

This bike looks so mighty. It looks like the Dodge Viper of Superbikes.

[@coreprime9552]

It kinda looks like a spaceship because it IS a spaceship. Nothing will ever out busa the busa. Most all out wow factor of all motorcycles.

[@moorepower13]

A few got into North America will the full MPH on the clocks in 2000. My 2000 and I disagree about the 1999 year being "unlimited". Love the vid. .

[@SoddingaboutSi]

I have the original Gen 1 and a 2002 injected Blackbird. They are both great bikes, but I like the looks of the Honda better. Performance from the Suzuki in comparison is stronger all through the range. But the Blackbird is never far behind.

[@zzzpip]

the KING

[@saswatsnayak102030]

Dude hayabusa is one of the prettiest bikes on this planet, and h2 as well…. Because of their sheer size they have more road presence than all litre class bikes

[@Nekminute]

wish Hayabusa made a huge comeback by way of turbo or supercharging it from the factory like the H2

[@kleinbottled79]

Factory Turbo 'Busa was the right answer. They fucked up.

[@Nightdare]

@@kleinbottled79 Yeah, now it's just a heavy 1k with a bit more torque

[@Markycarandbikestuff]

Heard a story that the Suzuki B King (basically a naked gen 2 busa) was going to be supercharged but Suzuki decided it'd be far too much for the road and scrapped the idea.

[@Nightdare]

@@Markycarandbikestuff I believe the Prototype for the B-King was turbocharged

[@chaz951]

Would of been nice from factory like you said. Of course you know you can turbo a gen 1,2 if done right stupid fast, realiabe. Also less cost than a H2. My 1 friend runs around like 300 hp on pump. Race map over 420 hp. He rides it every where

[@nokneedownian8521]

The way that needle went round the clock ,just wow

[@bryanharrison3889]

I think it was smart for them to scale down the engine a little for the new one. It has loads of power, and it can be upgraded to make obscene power just like the gen 1 and 2. I like how they did it because its a great bike for people who want to keep it stock, still plenty of power, but for those who want to build it, they've got plenty of options.

[@chaz951]

That Busa was pulling Don!!! He was rolling, get em Don!!

[@B_K460]

İ just came home after a ride on my 07 hayabusa it’s my second one the best bike ive owned, i will get a gen2 for summer

[@joshh1106]

Nice spirited riding, great review

[@professorvoluck9311]

Heli bars, Russell Day-long sport seat, Puig windscreen, and soft saddlebags makes the Hayabusa into an awesome sport-tourer.

[@bdogjr7779]

IVANs TRE《☆》Timing Retarder Eliminator. An inexpensive little electric device for Hayabusas that tricks the ECU into thinking the bike is in 5th gear which is not limited by the ECU. It doesn't require any additional tuning and costs less than $20🖖😎☮

[@freespirittransport5139]

Yes sir!! 195++ now!!

[@stephenpenniket9976]

320km/h ? my speedo on my busa 1st gen 1999 goes to 340. wonder why NZ would be different to Sth Africa. Unless the guy just meant to say 340.

[@bikewolf7455]

actually the 99 speedo went up to 350km/h with 340 beeing the biggest number displayed

[@JohnPennock-d3y]

VERY NICE BIKE! Thanks. John P.

[@dipeshnaik5055]

Love and like for Hayabusa topic king of speed is back Hayabusa topic is love to watch

[@Jandejongjong]

The thing to talk about is hayabusa’s weight. The 1400cc competitor is heavyer. More bulky. Hayabusa is the best handling when it comes to corners in his class. Its a sport tourer that can run 300km/h

[@mindspinn311]

RIP Mat. You are missed.

[@alpine1600s]

Okay, now your just encouraging me to buy a Busa. 🤣

[@jimmykelly2809]

In the US mine says 220

[@jayflash2035]

Dream bike

[@777Ruffdriver]

Yes you are right the Gen 3 needed to be at 1500 cc or turbo or supercharger , they played it safe which is a shame.

[@TheJasonmoretti]

Been watching you guys reviews for as long as you’ve been on KZbin and you are constantly making comments like “it’s certainly not pretty” it’s hilarious because every time ,,,I’m thinking to myself how cool the bike looks..I must have shit taste😂😂😂😂🤣

[@Nightdare]

Those same types that called the Busa ugly are also the ones that laud Italian styling, while in the same breath complain that "Japanese designers never do anything exiting"

[@mike423439]

Great review, except the front faring if you look at it, and then look at the bird it is named for, you will see the resemblance. It looks like a Falcon. Not a spaceship. BTW I have an 05 gen 1 , silver and black. It's a wonderful bike.

[@warddc]

I own a gen 1 with only 5,000 miles on it. It’s awesome 👍

[@edwardwilliammorris1340]

Hayabusa wasn't named just after the Japanese name for the bird , it was named after the bird because it ate blackbird's

[@toastopia1]

I had a 03 anivirsary Cooper orange black out frame, it was awesome and gave me my nick name dannybusa!

[@rohmatm91]

Suzuki Hayabusa is the top product from Suzuki. I like Suzuki Motochicle.

[@baruakaustaviam]

The King Hayabusa

[@jameshouchin5086]

Thanks!

[@woooster17]

I have a ‘98 SRAD 750 and a ZX12R… Put them together, and you kinda get a ‘Busa.. 😄

[@HayabusaEngineSoundCH]

The engine of the gen 1 Hayabusa is a special peakey. it's THE BEST!

[@mikearisbrocken8507]

My first memory of the Hayabusa, (sadly) was seeing one and saying "why does that sports bike has a peanut butter allergy?". My first MEMORABLE memory of the Hayabusa was hearing Yammie Noob screaming "TURBO BUSA MOTHERF*CKER!"

[@kleinbottled79]

Don likes the 'Boosa? Shocking. He usually HATES fast bikes. 😂

[@og-greenmachine8623]

❤️my GEN-1 BUSA You can get her on her side fine. just have to have balls and lean “out”💡 Actually easier than smaller bikes because she’s so heavy you’re hanging out and 👉🏽it doesn’t affect her trajectory😎 Albeit She doesn’t transition well in chicane, with a lot of switchbacks...

[@motomehanicar459]

Speedo went to 350 kmh, not 320.

[@kalaharimine]

Not pretty maybe, but still better looking than the over-styled Gen 2 and 3.

[@veeken777]

Only ever got to 180mph on my Gen2. It was only good on the Motorway. Everywhere else I wanted an R1

[@borislavmihajlovic5486]

Imam istu kuci koju sam kupio novu 2006 god.presao samo 10000km do 2023.i mislim sa malim prepravkama da joj ne moze prici ni 2ga,ni 3ca generacija,samo bih joj dodao abs i nista drugo,odlican motocikl za iskusne vozace i ko kaze da nije dobra u krivinama taj gresi jer pojedini vozaci neznaju pravilno gumu da odaberu a kamoli pritisak da podese na busi da bi ona sve izbacila sto moze,pozzz,odlican video

[@KyokushinkanVinayakShetty]

The widow maker ! Great bikes but the brakes were soft.. ahead of its time !

[@tepidtuna7450]

Caught me out twice. Reeled it in, JUST.

[@royevans4581]

Grotesque? It's beautiful.

[@Gideon_Judges6]

I've never seen the controls of a gen1 up close. Is that a choke? I thought those were always fuel injected.

[@bdogjr7779]

It's fuel injected with a high idle lever🖖😎☮

[@freespirittransport5139]

Yup! Doesn't need a choke. Plenty of petro in those beasts for a cold start!!

[@liv0003]

Still really beautiful!

[@seanfenwick]

Were you folks at Haie Safari farm?

[@Dutch-K9-Unit]

We need the Ghostrider back, hope Suzuki will develop together with him a turbo, supercharger and we get a new war between Kawasaki and Suzuki,... ♥️♥️♥️💪💪💪

[@allwheeldrive]

After a bit of time has passed, as many reacted to a disappointment in a lack of a power bump, this sure sounds like nonsense today. Given it was much more than what was/is ever needed for any kind of public road riding, and the new model is clearly more than just "about speed", it should suggest to most aware journalists (and readers/viewers) that before not just a short ride review (or pre-ride conjecture!), but only after several, longer-term interactions can anyone actually make an informed determination about how good or bad a new model is.

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

With no rider aids it's like the Dodge Viper of hyperbikes.

[@PrendkiProntek]

4:59 340km/h*

[@gprimeofx]

Just a few hours ago I was finally able to acquire a mint Candy Antares Red/Candy Saturn Black '99-model. My life is now complete and I can die a happy man if the Almighty Lord so decides...

[@tepidtuna7450]

Belated congrats.

[@steveleader4570]

They are Scorpion cans with Yoshi fake stickers. Great video though. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@thasleenamuzammil590]

Top speed 350km/h in stock.❤❤❤

[@cmdrgunslinger5955]

I have an 02 with 122,000 miles and a 22 with 450 miles. The new one is more flickable but the 02 just plain pulls.

[@professorvoluck9311]

Send your ecu to Moore Mafia. He’s the best in the world and your new Hayabusa will pull like a train.

[@cmdrgunslinger5955]

The 02 is stock other than maintenance. Still has the original clutch. I never understood modding a bike. You want faster buy a faster bike in the 1st place.

[@parthasarathy5450]

@@cmdrgunslinger5955 seriously 120k miles original clutch?

[@parthasarathy5450]

@@cmdrgunslinger5955 how many times valve check done And chain sprocket changed

[@parthasarathy5450]

Do u ride less than 100mph i wqs shocked to see clutch still works I never seen clutch on superbikes more than 50k miles

[@gregw7521]

The ZX14R is 1441cc so you are mistaken.