In May 2021, TRICK STAR held a "Super Max Speed Driving Event" on the high-speed circuit of the Japan Automobile Research Institute. The 5.5km-long circuit is one of the fastest in Japan, with riders exiting the second corner at 180km/h and reaching maximum speed at the end of the straight. This is where TRICK STAR's representative, Ryuji Tsuruta, and Webike staff member, Kusuyama, conducted a comparison test between the new Hayabusa and the H2SX SE+. What is the difference between the naturally aspirated engine and the supercharged one? We found out in the 300km/h range.
- The new Hayabusa, which was also rumored to be turbocharged, is back with 9PS down, but it's still fast
- Ryuji Tsuruta's review: The Hayabusa surpasses the conventional model, and the aerodynamics of the integrated machine and human body allow it to turn freely even at ultra-high speeds.
- Webike Kusuyama's Review: The H2SX's Supercharged Acceleration is a Bit Forceful and Sharp
- Main specifications of the 2021 Hayabusa
- 2020 Ninja H2SX SE+ Main specifications
The new Hayabusa, which was also rumored to be turbocharged, is back with 9PS down, but it's still fast
The "world's fastest" motorcycle is often associated with the first Hayabusa in 1999. Since no other model surpassed the Hayabusa until 2000, when it was not equipped with a speed limiter, it remains in the memory of riders as the last model to go over 300 km/h.
However, the maximum speed is now flat at the upper limit of 300km/h. The reality is that there are many models that can outperform the Hayabusa in terms of acceleration, which had stopped evolving for a while. In this era, the new Hayabusa made its domestic comeback after a four-year absence, and was launched with a maximum output of 188PS, down 9PS from the previous 197PS. The engine complies with 2020 emission regulations without increasing the displacement, while reducing losses through a thorough review of parts.
While the maximum output of the new Hayabusa has been reduced, the torque in the normal use range from low to high rpm has been greatly increased, resulting in improved acceleration. The maximum speed, where high-revving power is important, has been maintained as before by improving aerodynamic performance. At present, there is no need for power to exceed 300km/h, so the power distribution has been shifted to meet regulations and to low and medium speeds.
In addition, the development cost was reduced by not changing the engine unnecessarily, and this was used to update the suspension and develop the electronic control. The result was a price of less than 2 million yen without tax.
While the Hayabusa is a big gun with 1339cc, Kawasaki chose 998cc and a supercharger for 2015, and the H2 produces 231PS. The H2SX series on the right in the photo is a tourer with 200PS.
The design concept for the new Hayabusa is "The Refined Beast (intelligence that conquers ferocity)," and the level of refinement has been increased. The lines leading from the chrome parts on the side cowls to the exhaust system express the flow of speed.
Engine with improved efficiency and durability. Newly designed combustion chamber, cam profile, electronically controlled throttle and exhaust system improve low to mid range power and torque while meeting emission regulations.
Ryuji Tsuruta's review: The Hayabusa surpasses the conventional model, and the aerodynamics of the integrated machine and human body allow it to turn freely even at ultra-high speeds.
The torqueful acceleration that comes from the Hayabusa's 1340cc displacement was still there. The new model is an updated version of the Hayabusa, and it accelerates just as well in one gear higher than the previous model. I got the impression that the new model has such deep pockets. According to the specs alone, the new model doesn't seem to have much of an improvement in engine performance, but when you drive it, you get the feeling that the engine is more powerful, and the acceleration is great with the big torque.
Not only does it have great power, but it also has much better wind protection than the H2SX. The Hayabusa has a form that allows the rider to easily integrate with the vehicle, and even when changing lanes at 200km/h or more, the rider can follow the targeted line without much air resistance. If you're aiming for maximum speed, the Hayabusa is the aerodynamic choice.
The H2SX has no more to say about its power performance. From the corners to the straights to the top speed, the feeling of acceleration and acceleration combined with the supercharger gives it outstanding performance. And it's a very comfortable ride. The suspension is moderately soft and luxurious, and yet the semi-active suspension that allows for a solid sporting performance is fulfilling its function.
Tatsuji Tsuruta, who has tested many times on high-speed circuits for Young Machine magazine and other magazines, is "Mr. Fastest" and has set a world record for electric motorcycles at Bonneville in 2019.
Which is better, naturally aspirated or supercharged? The Hayabusa is already a massive torque machine. The Hayabusa is a mass of torque. The torque takes you all the way up to high rpm. The Hayabusa has a lot of torque to take you all the way to the high RPMs. Because of the large displacement, the torque at the very low end and the power to kick out the road from 2000 rpm is very powerful.
The H2SX is a 1000cc engine, but it has a supercharger, so when it wants to accelerate, it will do so. It's not so much the torque as it is the responsiveness and power that pushes the vehicle forward. With the supercharger, the engine revs up quickly and responds well from anywhere. Both motorcycles have power, but they have completely different characters.
The H2SX is easy at high speeds, and even when I'm going fast on the bank, I can't believe how much I'm already doing. It's so much faster than I thought it would be. And yet, I don't get tired.
Webike Kusuyama's Review: The H2SX's Supercharged Acceleration is a Bit Forceful and Sharp
From the start of the oval, I accelerated at full throttle in 6th gear. the H2SX had better wind protection, and the body felt more stable. I glanced at the gauges and saw 299km/h, but nothing happened up to that point. 300km/h was a peaceful world. Probably thanks to the upright position and the big screen.
In contrast, the Hayabusa had a scary feeling of acceleration that sucked me in like I was on a jet plane, so I looked at the meter and saw about 280km/h. I thought it would be more. I thought it would be more, but this was a surprise.
Compared to the 1000cc Super Sports, the H2SX has a much sharper acceleration. The acceleration was a bit aggressive, and we reached 300km/h pretty quickly. The Hayabusa also has good stability, but the H2SX left a strong impression on us during our test ride, as it felt nimble and capable of both sports and touring.
Webike staff member Kusuyama test riding the new Hayabusa. Even on his first time on the high-speed circuit, Kusuyama seemed to enjoy the ride, saying, "I was able to go through the banking at around 200 km/h in 4th gear, and accelerate to 300 km/h in a straight line with 4th, 5th, and 6th gears all open.
Analysis of data by Mr. Tsuruta of QSATRZ shows that the new Hayabusa's top speed is 300.56 km/h. 0-100 km/h is 3.1 seconds (green - 44m point), and 0-400m acceleration is 10.2 seconds (white - 235.59 km/h). The extremely low acceleration to 100 km/h is amazing!
Analysis of data from Mr. Tsuruta of QSATRZ shows that the H2SX has a top speed of 298.30 km/h, a 0-100 km/h time of 3.6 seconds (green - 57m point), and a 0-400m acceleration time of 10.3 seconds (white - 225.61km/h).
Main specifications of the 2021 Hayabusa
Overall length x width x height: 2,180 x 735 x 1,165 mm
Wheelbase: 1480mm
Seat height: 800mm
Vehicle weight: 264kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke parallel 4-cylinder DOHC 4-valve 1339cc
Maximum output: 188 PS/7000rpm
Maximum torque: 15.2kgm/7000rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 20L
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=W disc, R=disc
Tire: F=120/70ZR17, R=190/50ZR17
Price: 2,167,000 yen
Riding position of the 176cm tall Hayabusa. The handlebars are 12mm closer than the previous model, but the aerodynamics are aimed for high-speed performance, so it leans forward.
Weighs 72kg and has good footing as you can see. His center of gravity is low, but his mobility is high.
2020 Ninja H2SX SE+ Main specifications
Overall length x width x height: 2135 x 775 x 1260 mm
Wheelbase: 1480mm
Seat height: 820mm
Vehicle weight: 262kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, parallel 4-cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve, 998cc
Maximum output: 200 PS/11000rpm
Maximum torque: 14.0kgm/9500rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 19L
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=W disc, R=disc
Tire: F=120/70ZR17, R=190/55ZR17
Price: 2,442,000 yen
Riding position of a 176cm tall H2SX SE+. Compared to the Hayabusa, this is a more comfortable position for touring performance, and the screen is higher. Being able to go 300km/h on this motorcycle is a true testament to nature of the Supercharger.
As you can see, it's easy to get around with a weight of 72kg. The seat height is 820mm, 20mm higher than the Hayabusa, but perhaps because of the smaller displacement, there is no change in leg room.
This is an article about the super max speed driving event held by TRICK STAR on May 3. The second event has already been held on July 11. The next one is scheduled for around the end of the year, so if you're interested, check out the website.
See KAWASAKI Moto Index Page
See SUZUKI Moto Index Page
See Accessories for SUZUKI GSX1300R HAYABUSA
See Accessories for KAWASAKI Ninja H2 SX