Vance & Hines Reveals New Sidewinder Exhaust System for Suzuki Hayabusa Drag Racers
Santa Fe Springs CA – March 31, 2022 –Vance & Hines today announced the ultimate exhaust for Suzuki Hayabusa drag racing machines, the new 4-2-1 Sidewinder Exhaust, another step forward in the partnership the company has with Suzuki Motors USA.
The new system is designed for drag race-use on Suzuki Hayabusa models from 1999 to today. Its 4 to 2 to 1 configuration is the ultimate design for peak horsepower, particularly for higher displacement or heavily modified engines, including those running nitrous set-ups, but will still provide good gains on milder set-ups as well.
The exhaust is manufactured of lightweight 304 stainless steel, so it weighs only 14 pounds, a reduction of 30 pounds from the 44-pound stock system. It includes tapered head pipes and full merge collectors for maximum performance. The system also includes features that allow it to be adapted for whatever level of performance an owner/racer is seeking. This includes oxygen sensor bungs and an optional baffle so that the pipe can be adjusted to meet a broad range of performance mods. Suggested retail price is $1799.99.
“This is another great product from the Vance & Hines team at our Racing Development Center,” said Vance & Hines President Mike Kennedy. “The performance capabilities of this system and the vast number of Hayabusa-mounted drag racers should make this a winner for the riders and for Vance & Hines.”
The Sidewinder exhaust system is included in the Vance & Hines continency sponsorship program for the XDA drag racing series.
The new pipes are available immediately from the Vance & Hines Racing Development Center at 317-852-9057 or rdc@vanceandhines.com.
Technical Features
Lightweight 304 stainless steel construction (.049″ wall thickness) with brushed finish
Tapered head pipes and full merge collectors for maximum performance
“Competition Only” Riveted Vance & Hines Logo Badge
Slip-fit collector joints with dual swivel end retention springs
Tuned length megaphone with optional baffle available (headers are 1-5/8″ tapered to 1-7/8″, 4-into-2 collectors are 1-7/8″ to 2-1/8″, final 2-into-1 collector 2-1/8″ to 3″, megaphone tapered from 3″ to 3-1/2″ then stepped to 4″)
Two, 18mm oxygen sensor bungs for stock O2 sensors or wideband air/fuel ratio monitoring.
Weighs only 14 pounds, 30 pounds lighter than the stock Hayabusa exhaust.
Includes exhaust port flanges, oil cooler bypass kit and spring puller tool
It begins with the story of the legendary Suzuki Hayabusa. When that beast launched back in 1999, it triggered a hurricane of anxiety among various manufacturers – and it all came down to the top speed of the bike – a stunning 194 mph.
The Hayabusa represented a quantum leap in speed and made it the fastest motorcycle you could buy and ride on the streets. In fact, it took the title away from the already insanely fast Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird, and it did it by a startling 14 mph.
In answer, Kawasaki announced the creation of the Ninja ZX-12R, and it promised a top speed of more than 200 blistering miles per hour. That announcement led regulators to consider tamping down the lust for speed among manufacturers, and it also led to what’s come to be known as The Gentleman’s Agreement among the top motorcycle manufacturers across the globe.
As the story goes, the “agreement” called on manufacturers to set the upper limit on motorcycle speed at 200 mph. Since then, that agreement has been violated to varying degrees, and here are some of the motorcycles that flirt with – and exceed – the barrier posited by The Gentlemen’s Agreement.
The Yamaha YZF-R1M, which purports to achieve a top end of 185.7 mph, has itself become legendary for its on and off-track precision and power. The R1 line and the street legal R1 models achieve their punch following a power-and-less-bulk formula.
Offering lightweight carbon-fiber construction and powered by an explosive 998cc, liquid-cooled “cross-plane” inline-four, the R1 creates 200 hp and offers 89.2 lb-ft torque. When that kind of juice moves through its 6-Speed manual, the R1M does 0-60 mph in a snot-loosening 2.3 seconds. One of these beasts will set you back just over $26,000 USD.
Next up on this rogues gallery is the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. This KTM is a naked hypersport bit of lunacy that packs a 1301 cc, 75-degree V-twin motor into a novel frame. The 1290 Super Duke R wacks the limits of physics to the tune of 180 hp and cranks out 103 lb-ft of torque.
At a svelte 462 lbs. dry weight., the Super Duke R covers 0-60 mph in just 2.6 seconds and is limited to 186 mph. If you must have one, this KTM will set you back right around $18,000 USD.
The Hayabusa is back, and the 3rd Generation variant uses the same 1340cc inline-four motor to produce a healthy 188 hp and 110 ft-lbs of torque and covers 0-60 mph in a serviceable 3.2 seconds.
While it’s now restricted to 186 mph top speed, it does its progenitors proud. It will be priced at just north of $22,000 USD.
The BMW S1000RR represented a huge technological leap for the time, and when it launched in 2009, it was packed to the brim with electronics and rider-assist features unheard of even for the sophisticated ‘ultra bikes’ of the time.
The latest iteration, the 2021 BMW S1000RR is powered by a water/oil-cooled inline-4 motor that generates a stunning 205 hp and 83 lb-ft of torque.
In ‘Race Pro Mode’ it covers 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds and is capable of reaching a top speed of 192 mph. All that performance does not come cheap and the sticker price is expected to come in around $30,000.
An Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory is a sublime example of Italian design and engineering and an amazing achievement when you consider the fact that the has only been in the game since the end of the Second World War. Aprilia is dedicated to motorcycle sports and they use the competitive anvil to forge their lightning-fast and supple machines.
The RSV4 1100 Factory is powered by a 1099cc V4 engine which turns out 217 hp and 90 lb-ft of torque. And perhaps most critically, it weighs just 390 lbs and that finely-balanced power-to-weight ratio means it can do 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds and achieve a reported top speed of 198.8 mph. The Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory sports an MSRP of $25,999.
Known for the subtlety and innovative character of their designs, Ducati remains iconic for their blend of finish, style and pure power. The Panigale V4R combines carbon fiber and their signature desmodromic engine, Desmosedici Stradale R 998 cc Inline-4, produces 221hp straight out of the factory and you can ramp that power up to 234 hp with the addition of an Akrapovic full-racing exhaust.
The Desmosedici Stradale motor puts out 92 lb-ft of torque and travels from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds before ultimately achieving a top speed of 199 mph. You can be the proud owner of a 2021 Ducati Panigale V4R for just under $23,000.
As we near the top of this list, we find a pair of Kawasakis perched near the pinnacle. The ZH2 and the Ninja H2 are both said to be capable of 200+ mph, and these novel supercharger-boosted motorcycles feature 998cc inline-4 motors that crank out 200 hp and 101 lb-ft of torque.
The ZH2 with the ability to cover 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds and reach a top speed of more than 200 mph also represents a devil’s bargain of sorts. For 2021, Kawasaki ZH2 is priced at just over $17,500.
The lunatic Kawasaki Ninja H2R – with a stated top speed of 248 mph, is a track-only machine and therefore not allowed on our list. The H2R does hold the record holder for top end speed as it reached a snot-loosening 250 mph in just 26 seconds. For 2021, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 is priced at $29,500.
But the bike at the top of the list of mad-dog bikes you can ride on the street belongs to the Lightning LS-218.
Electric motorcycles are clearly the future, and the neck snapping torque offered up by an electric motor is surely attractive to wild fools in search of speed at all costs.
The Lightning LS-218 is powered by a 380V electric powerplant coupled to any of three battery packs: 12, 15, or 20 kWh. At its top tuning settings, this nearly silent monster churns out 200 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque and can reach a top speed of 218 mph.
Coupled with a demented 0-60 mph time of just 2.2 seconds, it takes the top slot when it comes to streetworthy guts. The 2021 Lightning LS-218 comes in at around $39,000 USD out the door.
Of course, most of these figures are reported by the manufacturers and results may vary according to conditions and tuning…
RACE REPORT – NHDRO $67K Big Bracket Shootout Season Opener presented by Liguori Drag Racing
by Tim Hailey
event: NHDRO $67K Big Bracket Shootout Season Opener presented by Liguori Drag Racing
when: May 13-16, 2021
where: National Trail Raceway, Hebron, Ohio, USA
NHDRO’s Brian and Niki Welch have really perfected their Big Money bracket shootout formula with last weekend’s $67,000 Big Bracket Shootout presented by Liguori Drag Racing at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio. A no-box ladder and delay box ladder (64 bikes each) raced for $33,000 a piece before facing off against each other for a $1,000 bonus. How fair is that for spreading the wealth?
Bridgestone BATTLAX Motorcycle Tires Selected as Original Equipment on Suzuki new Hayabusa
BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tires are now available as original fitment on the 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa.
Featuring advanced technology from Bridgestone, the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 offers enhanced wet/dry grip and handling by optimized belt construction and new compound.
The Bridgestone Group has been a long-time partner with Suzuki Motor Corporation.
TOKYO (March 17, 2021) – Bridgestone Corporation (Bridgestone) today announced that its BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tires have been selected as original equipment on the 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle released last month.
Featuring advanced technologies, the Bridgestone BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tires are engineered to provide enhanced wet/dry grip and handling with optimized belt construction and new compound. This leads to a lighter and more stable ride. These features highlight the performance of the Suzuki Hayabusa.
The all-new Hayabusa is the third-generation model which has undergone a full-model change for the first time in 13 years. Under the product concept “Ultimate Sport” which is inherited from the very first generation, it has further evolved the unique styling design with outstanding aerodynamic performance and superior riding performance. This fitment is part of a long-term collaboration in which Bridgestone has delivered premium tires to Suzuki Motor Corporation for a wide range of motorcycles.
Ever since 1999, the world’s roads have been a playing field for a Suzuki motorcycle that was very quick to become the fastest production two-wheeler in the world: the Hayabusa. As we are still getting our bearings in the new year, the Japanese upped the ante even more by launching the model’s third generation.
Playing in a category it pretty much defined, hypersport, the new Hayabusa brings to the table an incredible amount of changes, with over 550 new parts being fitted on it according to the Japanese compnay. You can get a sense of what that really means.
But let’s take it slow, starting with the looks of the thing. Historically, the Hayabusa distinguished itself by being low, long, and wide, in many instances much more so than anything before it. Those three attributes have been retained for the new generation but modernized with the help of nip and tucks performed here and there.
At the front, there are new vertically stacked LED headlights, new angular air intakes, and equally-as-new position lights, while at the rear, the bike ends in straight-edged exhaust and mufflers. In between the handlebars, there are redesigned gauges, which are now located left and right of a new TFT display.
Engine-wise, the bike retains the powerplant deployed on the second generation but improves it to such a degree that it makes the third Hayabusa the fastest-launching one yet. Sadly, Suzuki does not back that claim up with numbers, at least for now.
We have no reason to doubt it, though, given how it would appear a good chunk of the 550 new parts have gone into remaking the 1,340cc powerplant and the chassis that supports it. It’s got new pistons, camshaft, cam chain tensioner, crankshaft, crankcases, and even new gears and clutch assembly, just to name a few.
Although these changes have made the motorcycle quicker at launch, they will not help it go faster than a certain limit. Just like before, its top speed is electronically limited to 299 kph (186 mph).
The new interpretation of the hypersport bike will be available in British dealerships in March, with prices starting at £16,499 (the equivalent of about $22,600). Availability and pricing for the other markets have not yet been announced.
With rumours of the launch of a new Hayabusa doing the rounds among insiders, we take a look back at the history of this unique bike which came to define the supersports sector
Iconic is a word that is bandied around a little too easily these days, but in the world of motorcycling there are one or two which do fit the bill.
Suzuki’s GSX1300R – the Hayabusa – is surely one of those.
With its love-it-or-hate-it silhouette and simply awesome power, the Busa caused shockwaves when it was introduced in 1999.
Since then, there have been a number of overhauls and relaunches.
Production ceased in 2018, but, with rumours of a new model swirling, let’s look back at the development of the bike.
The design brief for the Japanese engineers at Suzuki in 19999 was simple – wade into the supersport market… and come out on top.
And the Hayabusa – which means peregrine falcon, a bird of prey with a top speed dive of 200mph – did just that when it was launched at the Catalunya circuit
The Busa made an impression the moment you set eyes on it, with its flowing lines and distinctive rear end aimed at making it as aerodynamic as possible.
Head of design on the original project Yoshiura san told Mirror Motorcycling: “The concept of the first Hayabusa was to create an original and dominating impact with superior aerodynamics, as well as being the most powerful sports motorcycle.
“I designed it with the intention of getting attention…
“It needed to be the ultimate road-legal motorcycle with the highest performance from mass-produced bikes.”
It immediately became the fastest production bike on the market.
At the launch, top speeds were clocked at the same point on the track as they were for the 500cc GP race the year before.
Suzuki test rider Yuichi Nakashima, said at the time: “The Hayabusa’s engine feels so overwhelmingly powerful and finely tuned that there is nothing like it.
“After riding it, you won’t want to ride another motorcycle.”
But, it wasn’t just the phenomenal power.
The smooth, 1299cc inline-four engine provided masses of torque, making the Hayabusa more than just a road-legal missile – a user-friendly, real-world motorcycle.
With an extensive list of aftermarket parts and interchangeable components, the Busa was also easily customisable.
The first proper overhaul came in 2008, with a more powerful 1340cc engine, a redesigned gearbox and broader torque throughout the rev range.
There was also extensive wind-tunnel testing.
Chief engineer Hiroshi lio said: “The team placed top priority on improving its already legendary aerodynamic efficiency.”
Once again the Hayabusa redefined the supersport category.
Brembo monobloc front calipers and all-round ABS were added five years later, as the Busa became known as a fast, comfortable, long-distance sports tourer.
However, with ever-tightening emissions regulations coming into force, the Hayabusa disappeared from European model ranges in 2018.
Whispers of its return have never gone away and are currently at a peak among insiders.
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