The latest version of Suzuki's legendary Hayabusa sportsbike is set to break cover in an exclusive preview at this weekend's Brisbane Motorcycle Expo with the highly-anticipated, all-new, 2008 model on display for the first time in Australia.

Building on an already impeccable pedigree, the latest Hayabusa - named after the Japanese bird-of-prey capable of speeds in excess of 300km/h - features a number of major developments to cement its place at the forefront of sportsbike engineering and performance.

"With unique styling and outstanding performance, the Hayabusa has been one of Suzuki's most popular, high-powered sports models since it first arrived in Australia in 1999," Perry Morison, General Manager, Motorcycles, Suzuki Australia said.

"This all-new Hayabusa significantly raises the bar yet again with an updated engine delivering increased power and an improved power-to-weight ratio, plus chassis and suspension refinements and sleeker aerodynamic styling... the Suzuki Hayabusa remains in a class of its own."

Effortlessly delivering broad, muscular torque, the new Hayabusa is powered by a 1,340cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, four-cylinder, 16-valve engine, offering 11% greater performance and smoother running than its predecessor.

New lightweight titanium intake and exhaust valves, new lightweight aluminium alloy pistons, and a higher 12.5:1 compression ratio offer maximum performance, while the new hydraulic cam chain tensioner reduces mechanical noise.

Suzuki Composite Electro-chemical Material (SCEM) cylinder plating improves heat transfer, while the upper compression and oil control piston rings have been coated in hard, smooth chrome-nitride through the Physical Vapour Deposit (PVD) method to improve cylinder sealing, durability and reduced friction.

Suzuki's Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) fuel injection system, with dual injectors per cylinder, improves power delivery for a more linear response, better fuel economy and reduced emissions.

Idle Speed Control (ISC) improves cold starts and maintains a stable idle, while the Suzuki Pulsed-secondary AIR-injection (PAIR) system and large-volume catalyser reduce emissions.

The new Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) delivers a choice of three different engine power characteristic settings to suit riding conditions and preferences.

Incorporating a compact, dense-core design, the Suzuki's high-efficiency curved radiator now features dual electric fans controlled by the ECM for increased cooling capacity.

A new 4-2-1-2 exhaust system includes dual, large-volume triangulated and tapered mufflers for increased banking angle, cornering clearance, enhanced power and reduced noise.

The slick-shifting six-speed transmission works in conjunction with the innovative Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) back-torque-limiting clutch to deliver smooth and controlled downshifts.

A twin-spar aluminium-alloy frame minimises weight while retaining impressive torsional strength, and contributes to the Hayabusa's sharp, sporty handling.

Featuring fully-adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping on the front suspension and link-type rear shock absorber, the Hayabusa's inverted cartridge front forks incorporate Diamond-Like Coating (DLC) surface treatment to reduce static friction and improve rider feel.

New, race-proven, aluminium piston, radial-mount front brake calipers combined with smaller 310mm dual-floating-discs reduces unsprung weight and improves handling.

A new, larger 260mm rear disc brake and lightweight, single-piston rear brake caliper complete the braking package, providing plenty of stopping power to tame the Hayabusa's power.

Newly-designed three-spoke, cast-aluminium alloy wheels are fitted with high performance 120/70ZR17M/C front and 190/50ZR17M/C rear radial tyres for unmatched handling and control.

An all-new, updated, aggressive fairing design minimises aerodynamic drag while retaining the signature muscular Hayabusa look and offering superb wind protection for riders.

The fuel tank has been lowered and the windscreen raised for further wind protection offering greater comfort and enhanced aerodynamics.

Offering impressive weight-carrying capacity, the rear sub-frame and passenger seat have been lowered to enhance passenger comfort.

The 2008 Hayabusa's aggressive, new styling incorporates redesigned vertically-stacked twin headlights and LED taillight, while integrated turn signals form the outer edges of the ram-air-intake scoop and streamlined tail-section.

The redesigned instrument cluster now features analogue speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and water temperature meters encased within a bold silver metallic trim.

A round LCD panel houses a new S-DMS mode indicator, gear position indicator, clock, odometer and dual-trip meters, plus an engine-rpm indicator, programmable to blink or stay on between 4,000pm and 11,500rpm.

Sporting exciting new Candy Orange / Pearl Black, Metallic Grey / Pearl Black or Candy Blue / Pearl Black colour options, the brawny 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa is expected to be available in Australia in late October at an SRP of $18,490 (inc GST) plus on-road costs, with a two-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

SUZUKI HAYABUSA (GSX1300RK8)

Specifications

ENGINE:
1,340cc, four-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve

BORE STROKE:
81.0mm x 65.0mm

COMPRESSION RATIO:
12.5:1

FUEL SYSTEM:
Fuel injection

LUBRICATION:
Wet sump

IGNITION:
Fully transistorised

TRANSMISSION:
Six-speed, constant mesh

FINAL DRIVE:
#530 chain

OVERALL LENGTH:
2,195mm

OVERALL WIDTH:
740mm

OVERALL HEIGHT:
1,170mm

SEAT HEIGHT:
805mm

GROUND CLEARANCE:
120mm

WHEELBASE:
1,485mm

DRY WEIGHT:
220kg

SUSPENSION
FRONT:
Inverted telescopic, coil spring, fully-adjustable spring preload, rebound and compression damping
REAR:
Link-type, coil spring, oil-damped, fully-adjustable spring preload, rebound and compression damping

BRAKES
FRONT:
Radial mount, four-piston calipers, dual 310mm disc
REAR:
Single-piston caliper, 260mm disc

TYRES
FRONT:
120/70-ZR-17M/C
REAR:
190/50-ZR-17M/C

FUEL CAPACITY:
21.0 litre

COLOUR:
Candy Orange / Pearl Black, Metallic Grey / Pearl Black, Candy Blue / Pearl Black

PRICE:
$18,490 (inc GST)

For further information contact:

Marscelle Tully
Media Manager – Suzuki Motorcycles
Media & Communication Services
03) 9596 9011
Email: marscelle@mediacomservices.com.au
Website: www.mediacomservices.com.au