Since the first rumors of the Hayabusa’s return hit the Internet, Suzuki’s reborn superbike has prompted significant speculation. What kind of engine would it use? Would it still be as ridiculously fast? Well, those questions can finally be answered, because Suzuki has officially revealed the 2022 Hayabusa. And from the looks of things, ‘Busa fans should have nothing to fear.

For 2022, the Suzuki Hayabusa gets more speed…with less power?

Although it resembles its 2020 predecessor, the 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa has new, sharper bodywork, The Drive reports. But most ‘Busa fans are likely more interested in what engine the 2022 bike has.

Some speculated that the updated motorcycle would get a larger engine, or a more powerful version of the outgoing 1340cc inline-four, RideApart reports. And Suzuki briefly considered giving the 2022 Hayabusa either a six-cylinder or a turbocharged engine, MCN reports. But in the end, the team went with ‘none of the above.’

The 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa, like the 2020 model, has a 1340cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine. And with 188 hp and 111 lb-ft, it’s actually slightly less powerful than the outgoing engine, Cycle World reports. That’s likely in part due to tougher Euro5 emissions, MCN muses. However, while the 2022 bike has the same displacement as the old one, the two engines are not identical. And besides top speed—186 mph—neither are their performance figures.

For 2022, the Suzuki Hayabusa’s engine has lighter pistons, an upgraded crankshaft and crankcase, new cams and springs, and, for the first time, electronic throttle control. And while it makes less peak power and torque, the engine has a broader torque curve, MCN reports. That makes it easier to ride faster, as well as faster overall.

With these changes, the 2022 bike goes 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds—0.2 seconds faster than the old one, RideApart reports. Plus, the 6-speed manual now has a slip-and-assist clutch and a bi-directional quickshifter, Bennetts reports.

The biggest changes on the 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa are under its skin

The ‘ride-by-wire’ throttle isn’t the only new piece of tech the 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa offers, though. Nor is it the only refinement the updated bike offers.

The 2022 Hayabusa’s frame is “vastly unchanged” from the 2020 version, RideApart reports. However, it’s stronger and lighter than before. In fact, the whole bike is slightly lighter than the outgoing model: 582 pounds vs. 586 pounds. And it now has a 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution. Brembo brakes are still standard; fully-adjustable KYB forks and rear shock are also standard.

On the electronics front, the 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa has wheelie control, traction control, launch control, lean-sensitive ABS, as well as engine-braking and rear-wheel-lift control. Plus, multiple riding modes, an electronic speed limiter, hill-hold and hill-start assist, and cruise control. Also, the bike has LED lighting, as well as a TFT dash with analog gauges.

Pricing and availability

The new features and updates do come at a price. The 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa starts at $18,599. For comparison, the 2020 model started at $14,799.

Officially, Suzuki hasn’t confirmed a release date for the 2022 Hayabusa. The Drive reports European dealers should be getting it at the end of February 2021. However, UK site Bennetts reports a March 2021 release date.

Regardless, welcome back, ‘Busa.

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