Suzuki nailed the pricing of the 2021 Hayabusa. By slapping on a price tag of Rs 16.40 lakh (ex-showroom India), the new Busa was only Rs 2.65 lakh dearer than the previous gen model. The new Busa has gained a load of electronic rider aids that will not only make it more rider-friendly but also provide the much-needed sophistication that this icon was previously lacking in.
With the EU5 and BS6 norms now in play, it wasn’t possible for the Busa’s 1,340cc engine to keep gushing out 197PS and 155Nm. Still, 190PS and 150Nm is not going to make the Busa terribly slow. In fact, Suzuki claims it has better rideability and can pull away faster from standstill. Given that it was the go-to motorcycle for drag racing enthusiasts, this one should be even more exciting.
Currently, the Hayabusa is a lone warrior in the hypersport NA segment. It’s chief rival, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R, is no longer on sale and the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE has not made it to our shores yet. In terms of pure performance-oriented litre-class phenoms, you can avail of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, the BMW S 1000 RR or even the Ducati Panigale V4 (when the BS6 model goes on sale later in the year) for your trackday thrills. The Busa, though, is not meant for trackdays. It belongs to the open roads.
What’s New?
With the 2021 model, Suzuki has not reinvented the wheel with the Busa. Its silhouette remains fairly similar to the previous two generations. The design tweaks have made the Peregrine Falcon more purposeful and striking. It looks particularly fearsome in the orange/black shade and with the hump-shaped pillion seat cowl in place.