Hayabusa vs R1

If you are planning on hitting the racing track anytime soon then you will encounter a battle of sorts between the Hayabusa and the R1. The astronomical speeds by these bikes is simply amazing. Here we tell you which is faster.

If you are thinking of pushing your adrenaline levels beyond normal then consider getting yourself a super bikes. These bikes are known to hit top speeds of over 160mph making them an ideal dream for most young people. This bikes are not designed for the faint hearted. But, for those who take the risk the experience is like no other.

When it comes to Super bike manufacturer, the Japanese companies tend to have an edge. Here you have brands like Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki. The R1 is Yamaha flagship super bike while the Hayabusa is Suzuki response to completion in the over 1,000cc category. In this review, we stack both these superbikes side by side and inform you which one rules in the racing track.

Differences between the Hayabusa and R1 – How do they compare?

Hayabusa vs. R1 – How do they differ?

Performance

This is mostly the key differentiating factor when it comes to super bikes. The reason one is going for a super bike instead of a scooter or cruiser is you are in search of speed. The Hayabusa has a slight edge over the R1 courtesy of its 1,340cc engine that is capable of producing 197 HP @rpm of 9,500. This is better than the R1 998cc engine with 194.3 HP @ rpm of 13,500. In fact the Hayabusa was rated as the fastest production super bike when it was introduced and it is a title the bike continues to hold.

The R1 performance is at higher rpm of more than 10,000. This is where the beast unleashes it power generating a torque of 112 Nm @rpm of 11,500. In a racing competition it becomes obvious that the Hayabusa will outrun the R1 with a slight edge. However, there is more to a superbike than just raw power. You also need to factor in its suspension and how it handles at high speeds.

Electronics

While the Hayabusa is quite something when it comes to performance, it is a letdown when compared to the R1 in terms of electronics. This is not to say that they are outdated it is just that the Hayabusa combines a mix of analog and digital dials. On the instrument panel you will get four analogue dials that display the speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature and the fuel meter. You also get an LCD screen with EOMion indicator, gear position, trip meter, clock and SDMS map indicator.

The new 2020 R1 has received some upgrades to its electronic gear, it now spots anti-wheelie lift control system (LIF), Traction control (TCS), Linked anti-lock brakes, slide control system (SCS), selectable power modes, and quick shift system (QSS). Yamaha also produces the limited edition R1M that comes with a carbon fiber body, semi-active Ohlins suspension, Y-TRAC data logging system, and Yamaha’s innovative communication control unit (CCU).

Bodywork and Suspension

The Hayabusa is curvy and has aggressive looks with a solid engine to back up performance. All this horsepower needs a solid braking system otherwise you will experience frequent skids. At the front you have 310mm twin discs supported by Brembo calipers while at the back you get 260mm discs with Tokico calipers. The front suspension is KYB 43mm inverted forks and rear link type suspension. The Hayabusa is heavier than the R1 at 266kg compared to the R1 200 kg. The fuel tank is also larger at 21 liters meaning you get more gas mileage.

The R1 features sharp design with bold colors that give it a menacing look. The aerodynamic design is meant for high speeds and it is a bike that is easily noticeable when cruising on highways. The R1 comes in a deltabox aluminum frame that makes it quite lightweight. The fuel tank was upgraded to aluminum while the bike also got some magnesium wheels. This changes led to a weight reduction of 5 kg from its predecessor. The R1 comes with front 43mm inverted forks and mono-shock for the rear. Both the suspension are KYB and fully adjustable.

Hayabusa vs. R1 – A comparison Overview

Hayabusa

The Hayabusa is Suzuki super bike that was released in 1999 and at that time was one of the fastest production bike after it hit top speeds of up to 194 mph or 312 km/h. During this time super bike makers were in competitive spree as to who would produce the fastest bike. Kawasaki also led the park with their H2R track only bike. Later in 1999, European regulations were added that limited the speed limit to 186 mph or 303 km/h. Competition was still from other super bike makers with the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R almost coming close but falling shy of the goal by 4 mph. Today, the bike still holds the title as the fastest standard production bike.

The Hayabusa takes its name from a Japanese bird called the peregrine falcon that is well known for flying at very high speeds. It is approximated that the birds vertical hunting dive can reach speeds of up to 325 km/h and just like the Hayabusa is one of the fastest birds in the world. The first Hayabusa saw production in 1999-2007 and featured a liquid cooled 1,299cc inline 4-engine that come with double-overhead cams. This enabled the bike to generate over 173 HP hence making it have the largest displacement for a superbike. Due to its immense power, the Hayabusa is great with acceleration at whatever gear level the rider is in.

From the first look of the Hayabusa, you can tell that this is a pretty fast super bike. The body curves are well accentuated for speed and this has made the bike quite popular across the world. Little has changed when it comes to the aerodynamic design since the bike was first introduced to the market. The engine is now a liquid cooled inline four 1,340cc that is capable of generating 197HP @rpm of 9,500. The bike also generates a torque of 155 Nm @rpm of 7,200. Power is through a six-speed transmission that ensures fast gear shifts during acceleration.

Another cool feature that you will find interesting in the Hayabusa is Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS). With the feature the rider is capable of choosing from three distinct engine control maps and therefore choose their preferred riding condition.

When you have a bike that produces such kind of horsepower you also need accompanying braking systems. The Hayabusa comes with dual channel ABS brakes which are supported by front caliper 310mm Brembo discs and at the rear 260mm disc with Tokico calipers. Front suspension is KYB 43mm inverted forks and rear link-type suspension. The Hayabusa is a heavy at 266kg but it comes with a 21 liter fuel tank. The bike is available in candy daring red, metallic thunder grey among others.

When it comes to the electronics we found than more analog than digital, you get analogue gauges for the speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature, and fuel meter. Then you get an LCD screen that displays the clock, gear position, odometer, EOMion indicator, trip meter and the innovative S-DMS map indicator. Overall, this is a pretty fast super bike for anyone desiring to push the throttle to the maximum.

What we liked:

• One of the fastest production super bikes
• S-DMS map gives you a variety of riding options.
• Great aerodynamic design to reduce drag
• Comfortable suspension

What we did not like:

The electronic interface is more analogue that it is digital

Yamaha YZF – R1

The R1 is Yamaha’s response to competitors top super bike challenge. The bike was introduced into the market in 1998 and the company has been making changes to it up to 2020. When the bike was first introduced to the market it featured a redesigned Genesis engine that allowed the gearbox input shaft to be raised so that the output shaft can be placed underneath it. This led to what we call a “stacked gearbox”. The result is you now have a reduced wheelbase and an optimized center of gravity. When the R1 was first introduced it featured an electrical instrument panel that allowed for speed self-diagnosis. To help maximize engine power, the bike come with Yamaha special Exhaust Ultimate power valve. This helped the bike control its exhaust gas flow for maximum efficiency.

When the 1998 model was first tested, it was capable of hitting accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 2.96 seconds. The top speed was 170 mph or 270 kmh. The bike was turned to fuel injection in 2002, there was also the introduction of new cylinder sleeves that were created with additional magnesium to help in heat dissipation. The popular Deltabox aluminum frame was also introduced at this time. On the outside the R1 now come with LED taillights as well as changing the exhaust from a 4-in-1 component to a new advanced 4-2-1 design. At this point in 2002 the bike was capable of reaching a top speed of 167 mph or 269 km/h with an acceleration of 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds.

Competition is very stiff in the 1000cc category and Yamaha was forced to up its game in 2004 to 2005 period by introducing Ram-air intake, radial brakes, and seat twin exhaust. The weight distribution was also adjusted so that the bike now weighed in at 172 kg. Radially mounted calipers replaced the conventional front brake calipers and there was the inclusion of a factory made steering damper. At this point when tested the R1 could hot a top speed of 179 mph or 288 km/h with an acceleration of 0 to 60 mph of 3.04 seconds. In 2007 the Yamaha got new inline four valves and the Yamaha Chip control intake (YCC-I). This enabled the bike to use an electronic variable length intake system. The frame was also changed to an aluminum deltabox.

Most of the changes to the bikes electronics were done in 2015 to 2020 when the R1 got slide control system (SCS), traction control (TCS), anti-wheelie lift control system (LIF), Quick Shifter System (QSS), Linked anti-lock brakes and selectable power modes.

The Yamaha R1 is available in two colors – Blue and tech black. It weighs in at 200kg and the 998cc engine is capable of 194.3 HP. This generates a torque of 112.4 Nm and is powered by a six speed gearbox. The new model has received some updates like LED headlamps and an aggressive design that speaks of boldness and power. You also get some graphics and paint schemes that accentuate the R1 body design into something from menacing. To make the new R1 lighter than its predecessor you have an aluminum tank, titanium exhaust system and magnesium wheels that have led to the new R1 shelving an impressive 5 kg from its previous weight.

The suspension is impressive and responsive courtesy of front 43mm inverted forks and rear KYB mono shocks. Both the suspension on the R1 are fully adjustable. The electronics system is also upgraded so that it is the latest. The R1 competes well with the Honda CBR1000R, BMW S1000RR, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R and the Suzuki GSX-R1000.

What we liked:

• The upgrade has some awesome electronics
• Handling and acceleration is impressive
• Aggressive body design
• Anti-lock braking system

What we did not like

• The R1 is expensive and is uncomfortable for city traffic

Conclusion

When it comes to super bike wars, the Hayabusa has a clear lead. Its massive 1,340cc enables it to produce enough horsepower so that it is today rated as the fastest ever production bike. Not as fast as the Kawasaki H2R but the latter is relegated to track racing only. The R1 isn’t something you can ignore as it performs impressively well in acceleration and high rpms.