Suzuki Hayabusa To Be Discontinued? — End Of A 20-Year-Old Litre-Class Legacy

The Suzuki Hayabusa is being discontinued in Japan as per some recent reports. One of the most widely-acclaimed superbikes in the world, the Suzuki Hayabusa came into production back in 1999 and will retire on December 31st 2018; the end of a 20-year-old legacy of litre-class motorcycles.

Suzuki Hayabusa To Be Discontinued — End Of A 20-Year-Old Litre-Class Legacy

Bennetts.UK shares that the Japanese motorcycle brand is ending the production of the iconic superbike, since it does not meet the Euro-IV emission standards which came into effect on 1st January 2016. The Hayabusa also fails to comply with the safety regulations coming under the EU Regulation 168/2013.

Suzuki Hayabusa To Be Discontinued — End Of A 20-Year-Old Litre-Class Legacy

Then why wasn't it discontinued earlier, you wonder? The reason for this is that the authorities offered a grace period of two years to sell off the existing non-compliant models (among which a good number made their way to India as well). The grace period ends this month and so does the production.

Suzuki Hayabusa To Be Discontinued — End Of A 20-Year-Old Litre-Class Legacy

This does not mean that you cannot buy the ‘Busa'. The Hayabusa will still remain on sale in various markets including India and even the US. However, it will be illegal in European markets; effective from next year (motorcycle enthusiasts in Europe need to act fast).

Suzuki Hayabusa To Be Discontinued — End Of A 20-Year-Old Litre-Class Legacy

Initially showcased to the world in October 1998, the Suzuki Hayabusa was the first production bike to break the 200mph (320km/h) speed barrier. The Hayabusa aka GSX1300R is currently in its second generation, after it received some fine-tuning in 2008. Many claim that the new version lacks the ‘raw and mad' character of the original Busa.

Suzuki Hayabusa To Be Discontinued — End Of A 20-Year-Old Litre-Class Legacy

The outgoing Suzuki Hayabusa is powered by a 1340cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine which makes 197bhp and 155Nm of torque. This is mated to a six-speed gearbox; further assisted by three riding modes.

Suzuki Hayabusa To Be Discontinued — End Of A 20-Year-Old Litre-Class Legacy

At a starting price of around Rs 13.5 lakh ex-showroom (Delhi), the Suzuki Hayabusa is sold as a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) product. India's BS-VI emission norms (almost on par with Euro-IV) will come into effect only in 2020 and hence, the Busa will available in the country for a brief period of time.

Suzuki Hayabusa To Be Discontinued — End Of A 20-Year-Old Litre-Class Legacy

Thoughts On Suzuki Hayabusa Being Discontinued

The Hayabusa is arguably the most popular motorcycle out there, and even a non-motorcycle enthusiast would have heard its name at some point. It has a huge fan following across the globe and is a usual participant in various motorcycle racing events. Suzuki Motorcycles has not revealed any plans for a new model of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R-rival, but we really wish they do.

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Read more on: #suzuki motorcycle
Article Published On: Friday, December 7, 2018, 13:15 [IST]
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