Description
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Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 1999 Suzuki Hayabusa. Additional photos 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 May of 2009, this example is VIN: JS1GW71A6X2103638. The seller is the Throttlestop Motorcycle Museum in Ekhart Lake, Wisconsin. They acquired this from the Mecum auction in January of 2020 to display in their museum. They are letting it go as they’ve recently acquired a zero-mile example that will be put on display instead.
During their ownership, Throttlestop has put 5 miles on this bike. The odometer shows 3,695 miles.
Modifications:
It is entirely stock with the exception of a tinted windscreen.
Mechanically, Throttlestop just serviced it and note that it “runs and rides fantastic and is ready to roll” though it’s still on the original tires, which show dry cracks. The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller notes a “few tiny stone chips on the lower fairing.”
Special note is given to the exhaust, which is “all in beautiful condition.”
Currently located at Throttlestop’s museum in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Suzuki is offered on a clean Arizona title. “The title is re-assigned to us (our dealership) from the previous owner and will be sold and re-assigned to the new owner through our dealership.”
Have any Hayabusa stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
Please Note: In response to customer requests, we are implementing an automatic bid bump: if your proxy bid meets or exceeds the reserve price, bidding will jump up to meet that price and you will see “Reserve price has been met” under the price. Please contact abhi@iconicmotorbikes.com if you have any questions!
