2019 Suzuki Hayabusa vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R - Competition Check

Suzuki launched the 2019 Hayabusa in India which will mark the end of its current generation model. The company is expected to unveil the next version in 2020. The 2019 model has been priced at Rs 13.79 lakhs (ex-showroom) and it gets new colour options and side reflectors. The behemoth doesn't have much competition as the only bike which rivals it is the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R. Let's see which one dethrones the other, on paper.

Design

The Suzuki Hayabusa and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R are both supersport motorcycles that boast of an aggressive stance. While the Hayabusa has curvy aesthetics, the ZX-14R flaunts an edgy and sleek profile. Nonetheless, both bikes seek attention on the road owing to their brawny dimensions.

The Ninja is available only with a single colour option of golden blazed green/metallic spark black whereas the Hayabusa has received two new swanky shades - glass sparkle black and metallic oort gray.

Engine

The Suzuki Hayabusa is propelled by a 1,340cc, four-cylinder, liquid cooled powerplant that churns out 197bhp and 155Nm of torque. It was the first production bike to touch the 300kmph mark. The Ninja gets a bigger 1,441cc, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled mill which is equally powerful with 197bhp of power and 158.2Nm of torque. Both bikes get a six-speed gearbox but only the Ninja gets the slipper clutch for easy gearshifts.

Cycle Parts

Both the bikes ride on 17-inch front and rear wheel. Braking on the Suzuki Hayabusa is taken care of by a pair of 310mm discs clutched by Brembo monobloc four-piston calipers on the front and a 260mm disc with two-piston caliper. The ZX-14R gets similar braking hardware on the front with slightly smaller rear disc – 250mm with two-piston caliper. ABS comes as standard on both bikes.

Suspension duties on the Hayabusa are handled by fully-adjustable 43mm, KYB, upside-down front forks and KYB monoshock at the rear. Meanwhile, the Ninja also gets 43mm, upside-down forks on the front along with a rear monoshock from Ohlins, both being fully-adjustable. In terms of weight, the Kawasaki is slightly heavier at 269kg than the Hayabusa which weighs 266kg (kerb).

Features

As for the display, the Ninja ZX-14R gets two analogue dials for speed and rpm each, along with an LCD screen to display various parameters. However, the Hayabusa’s instrument cluster looks a bit dated with four analogue dials accompanied by a tiny round LCD display. Where the Busa gains though is the availability of three power modes for different riding conditions while the Kawasaki has just two settings including low power and full power mode. For better control, both the sports tourers feature traction control system and get a large fuel tank (22 litre for Ninja, 21 litre for Hayabusa) for long range.

Pricing and Purpose

The Ninja ZX-14R and Hayabusa are a perfect blend of sportsbike performance and comfort for long distance riding. They are not just meant for touching incredible figures on the speedometer but also for seamless mile munching and, grabbing eyeballs while at it. However, the Kawaski Ninja ZX-14R demands a hefty premium for that. It comes via the CBU (completely built up) route and costs Rs 19.70 lakhs. The Dhoom-bike, on the other hand, is much more frugal at Rs 13.79 lakhs as it comes as a CKD (completely knocked down) model. (both prices are ex-showroom)