Gsx1300r

GSX1300R

'99 IS NOW

Suzuki unleashes a slippery new sportbike in search of effortless speed

PAUL SEREDYNSKI

SUZUKI CALLS IT THE HAYABUSA—AFTER A FALCON THAT IS Japans fastest indigenous bird—and has created a new category to define it: "Ultimate Sport." The new-'99 GSX1300R Hayabusa ($10,499) was created with acceleration, "nimble" handling and "world-class fit and finish" in mind.

electronic fuel injection; six-speed transmission; fully adjustable front and rear suspension; inverted, 43mm fork; six-piston front brake calipers; and a 6-inch, hollow-spoke rear wheel wearing substantial 190/50ZR17 radial rubber. The funky bodywork comes from the engineers’ desire to protect the rider from the wind, making the bike’s performance seem effortless. They knew big engine power and top-shelf suspension components could be had, but they wanted the rider to be

able to use them without feeling strained. Suzuki says the 1300 is the most aerodynamic streetbike it has ever built and, more importantly, all the design was done with a rider on board. Key to the aerodynamic package was a compact powerplant, IJ7.UKI (Al IS ITT II

The funky bodywork comes from the engineers' desire to protect the rider from the wind, making the bike's performance seem effort less. They knew 1)ig eflgille power and top-shelf suspension coniponents could he had, hut they wanted the rider to he able to use thcni without feeling straitied.

Suzuki says the 1 300 is the most aerodynamic streetbike it has ever built and, more importantly, all the design was done with a rider on hoard. Key to the aerodynamic package was a compact powerplant, not a small task with the nearly 1300cc displacement.

The engine uses an 81mm bore and 63mm stroke, with Suzuki’s SCEM cylinder-bore plating to minimize cylinder spacing, shortening the crank. Cams are chain-driven off the engine’s right side, controlling four valves per cylinder, and there is a vibration-quelling, counter-rotating balance shaft driven off the five-main-joumal crankshaft.

Very similar to the GSX-R750’s, the chassis uses twin, extruded main spars, and cast-aluminum steering head and swingarm pivot plates. The extruded-aluminum swingarm features cast axle holders and an additional cross brace. The Hayabusa rolls on a Lincoln-like 58.5-inch wheelbase, with a sportbike-spec, 24.2-degree steering-head angle.

The fairing is mounted low, with a vertical headlight that helps reduce frontal area, and allows the ram-air intakes to move inboard, closer to the point of maximum air pressure. The inlets are mated to integrated front tumsignals, which assist in channeling intake air. An ultra-thin instrument panel allowed more leeway in fairing design. A 5.8-gallon, hinged fuel tank, underseat storage, bungee-cord hooks, fuel gauge and twin tripmeters should provide real-world friendliness. A centerstand will be optional.

Color options for the U.S include copper/silver and black/gray combinations. Though no engine power or performance figures were available at presstime, we’d estimate 145 horsepower at the rear wheel. Given the bike’s monster motor, top-shelf sportbike componentry and 474-pound claimed dry weight, it seems Honda’s updated XX just got some company in the Gentleman’s Express club. □

GZ250X: This entry-level cruiser with big-bike looks is powered by an air-cooled, 249cc, four-stroke Single, and provides a stretched-out, 57-inch wheelbase and low, 28-inch seat height. Price is a budget-friendly $2899.

SV650

Imagine the ultimate campus bike (one that could get you...a date), or a commuter bike that’s actually fun. We’ve got a nominee. The second all-new sportbike for Suzuki’s ’99 U.S. lineup is the SV650, priced at $5699.

Sort of a naked, smaller-bore version of the TL1000S, the 645cc, liquid-cooled, dohc, eightvalve V-Twin looks like it’ll be one of the most entertaining bikes to come down the pike since Suzuki’s original Bandit.

Suzuki is making a career out of V-Twin packaging. Like the TL-S and -R, this 90° Twin sits upright in a narrow, truss-style aluminum frame. Fed by

two 39mm downdraft carbs, it exhausts through a stainless-steel, 2-into-1 system.

Some clues to the low price include a non-adjustable 41mm fork and a conventional single rear shock tunable only for spring preload. Two-piston calipers squeeze dual 290mm discs up front, a two-piston/230mm combo han-

dles things out back.

With a six-speed transmission, a snappy, 55.7-inch wheelbase and a 364-pound claimed dry weight, this Twin should fly-former Honda Hawk owners will probably feel like they’ve died and gone to heaven. We’re looking forward to riding what could be a killer urban weapon.