Suzuki Hayabusa Generation One Review

The Generation Three Hayabusa from Suzuki is out but the iconic Hayabusa name came from not so humble beginnings. In fact, it was all rather mad. Donovan got hold of a Gen One to have a look.

Filmed in South Africa. Prices in South African Rands and may differ in other countries.

[Makedeth]

people hated the looks at first, but after 20+ years id say it is one of the most iconic and beautiful bikes made.

IMO the gen 1 is still the best looking. I think it looks awesome from every angle.

[davejacoby]

I purchased mine Father’s Day weekend 2002 brand new. 19 years later am still amazed every time I ride it. I remember reading an article back then and they likened to a bengal tiger in your closet. You know it’s in there but you still get a big surprise every time you open the door. 😆 Love that analogy

[rameshjagaswaren]

I was using a different superbike till a Busa cooly cruised passed me... Sold off mine and currently am owning a 2016 Gen 2...Supremely powerful and so comfortable... I enjoy it's immense power output as well as the attention it gets everywhere.

[sushantjadhav]

I just love the hayabusa looks, its unique

[erwindenengelsen]

Ahhhh awesome bike, great footage! Used to own a unrestricted gen 1 2000 model with the 320 kmh dash as well... Such an exciting machine, great memories to that time. A true icon. Thanks 4 sharing!

[JRr]

I have a 2001 K 1 HAYABUSA ..Owned it since near new Bike has been a true pleasure to own and ride on our Australian roads Long live HAYABUSA.. Cheers

[nickrider]

Spent many happy days on Busas, owned a couple and rode loads of them - making strong torque from 2000 revs made it a superb road bike ❤ it wasn't all about the often

[vaughanboyce]

Great review, got a gen1 busa what is impressive is how strong the motor is in any gear at any rev that motor is true masterclass.

[-tj]

The best-looking sportster ever. I had a B-King for over seven years. No ABS or traction control on it.

[jkelley]

2006 Special edition ..Luv the power the unique looks and the comfort

[portaltwo]

I had a 2001 here in Canada, black and silver. Fantastic bike! Finally downsized to a 2012 Street Triple R, but I wish I'd had the wherewithal to keep the 'Busa as well.

[shashanksunnyshekhar]

Original and the best !!! Thanks a lot for bringing this review 🙏

[-DC-]

Effortless massive performance such a charismatic machine.

[widelcd]

In fact, the 99-00 model dash went up to 340kmh and US model up to 220mph

[ThatVMiataBruh]

I personally like the looks of the Busa especially with the rear cowling hump, just like the TL1000R as well as the SRAD

[vainparasite]

Love the "yoshimura" pipes.
Well the stickers anyway as they are scorpion cans 🤣🤣

[keithallen]

Great report, Don. Close to my heart, your dad very kindly loaned me his new red and black Busa in 1999, which was the first in private hands, I think. Midvaal formed a major part of all of my bike tests for The Star and so it was that I unknowingly became one of the first journos to track test a Hayabusa. It far exceeded anything I could have imagined and by the time I came back to the pits it was drawing a lot of interest. Wish I had one. Magic bikes.

[elithegreat]

I had an original 1999 Copper & Silver...The best way to describe the Speed of the Hayabusa is "THRUST"...Breathtaking THRUST !!!

[wazzer]

Omg, only non biker said ugly to this old ver looks. Its design was superbly unique until today. It is like zeus on earth