Description
Additional photos of this 1999 Suzuki Hayabusa are available here for your perusal.
In the 1990s, motorcycle manufacturers competed in a technological arms race, with each brand vying for a leg up in what became known as the “speed wars”. This prompted a slew of new models with ever-increasing top speeds in a bid to earn the title of world’s fastest production motorcycle. Kawasaki’s ZX-11 reigned supreme for a period, until Honda stepped in with its CBR1100XX, aka Blackbird. Looking to dethrone the CBR, Suzuki began developing a new big-bore multi-cylinder model. Just before the turn of the millennium, Suzuki released the GSX-1300R, or Hayabusa (隼).
Taking aim squarely at Honda, Suzuki gave the new model its name — which is Japanese for peregrine falcon – for two reasons; one, because the peregrine falcon is the fastest bird on the planet; and two, because it happens to feed on blackbirds. True to its name, the Hayabusa ate Honda for breakfast, not only becoming the world’s fastest production motorcycle upon its release but doing so by a margin of a 10 mph. The massive inline-four put down 175 hp and more than 100 ft-lbs of torque. With a dry weight of around 480 lbs, that translated to 10.3-second standing quarter-mile runs, a 0-60 mph time of just under three seconds, and a top speed of up to 194 mph right out of the box.
After the Hayabusa’s release, there were talks of Europe banning the increasingly out-of-control-fast machines coming from the East. Things had reached a boiling point, and the Hayabusa was what turned up the dial on the proverbial stove. Not wanting to lose a key market, a “gentlemen’s agreement” was reached between manufacturers, capping top speeds (or at least speedo-readings) to 300km/h (or 186.4mph). That’s one of the reasons why the first year (1999) bikes are so special – they they’re only year that weren’t speed restricted.
In addition, the “Light Copper Brown” has a special place in collector’s hearts – it was only available in 1999 and its reminiscent of the natural color of a peregrine falcon.
Manufactured in July of 1999, this example is VIN: JS1A1131400100336. It comes to us from a collection in Japan, prior history is not known.
The odometer shows 29,835 kilometers (18,535 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the shop replaced the battery, the spark plugs, the oil, the brake fluid, as well as the fork seals and fork oil. We also cleaned the front brake calipers, replaced the front brake pads, and installed new Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires with date codes of
Steve and Alex did the work, they note the following in their condition report:
Tire Year Front/ Rear: 2022
Tire Life – Front/ Rear: 100, New
Tire Pressure – Front: 36PSI; Rear: 38PSI
Brake Life – Front: 60%; Rear: 50%
Hydraulic Fluid – Front/Brake/Clutch: Ok
Engine Oil – Level: Ok; quality: Ok
Coolant – Level: Ok; Quality: Ok
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery:
SOC: 12.91V
Capacity: 9.0AH
State of Health: 100%
State of Charge: 100%
Cranking Voltage: 10.84V Normal
Charging Test – Load Off: 13.62V; Load On: 13.07V
Diode Ripple: 0.13V Normal
Test Ride: 2 Kilometer test ride, bike operates as intended
BIKE CONDITION:
-Aftermarket rear sets installed, shifter close to kick stand
-Deep scratch on LH fairing, right hand tank
-Wheels spray painted black
Modifications:
Techserfu exhaust.
Aftermarket rearsets and carbon fiber heel guards.
Aftermarket sprocket.
MRA windscreen.
Tank protector, aftermarket bar ends.
Rear fender trim.
Spray painted wheels.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Inside of the tank:
The sale includes one key.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Suzuki is offered on a clean Oregon title. Please note that as an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to transfer a title. Have any Hayabusa stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
