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: JS1GW71AXX2102654. It comes to us from a collection in Japan, prior history is not known.
The odometer shows 23,084 kilometers (14,343 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us change the oil and oil filter, replace the coolant, flush the brakes, wash the front calipers, service the chain, and give the bike a detailing. Olly did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:
Fuel Tank Internal: Ok
Tire Years – Front/ Rear: 2020
Tire Life – Front: 60%; Rear: 70%
Tire Pressure – Front/Rear: 38/42 PSI
Brake Life – Front: 50%; Rear: 70%
Hydraulic Fluid – Front/Rear/Rear: New
Drive Chain – Ok, just cleaned
Engine Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: New
Coolant – Level: Ok; Quality: New
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: 13.12V
Test Ride: Ok, bike operates as intended
Modifications:
Hurricane riser, bars.
Braided stainless steel brake lines.
Daytona Speedo Healer.
Frame sliders.
Tank grips.
Tank protector.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Inside of the tank:
The sale includes two keys.
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!
