Suzuki produced its very first motorcycle in 1952 and since then, it has gone on to build record-breaking, race-winning fast motorcycles loved by riders the world over.
From its iconic two-strokes to the legendary Hayabusa and the king of the track GSX-R, Suzuki has cemented itself in motorcycle history as one of the best producers of fast bikes.
Let’s take a look at all the fast Suzuki motorcycles.
Fastest 2023-Model Suzuki Motorcycles
Total Motorcycle source for power and torque figures—European spec only. US power and torque information not readily available. Top speed is calculated through various hands-on reviews of the bike.
Suzuki’s fastest bikes consist largely of the GSX-R and GSX-S lines across different capacities. The GSX-R range comprises Suzuki’s fully faired sports bikes and the GSX-S its naked street bike range.
For every R model, there is an S version, with the only exception being the all new GSX-8S, which does not have an R counterpart.
There are only two fast bikes that are not from the GSX range, the Hayabusa and the Katana, two separate iconic motorcycles with roots far back in Suzuki’s history.
It’s worth noting that there are contradicting reports about the GSX-S1000 GT+. Some riders claim a top speed of 164 mph, with others not exceeding 149 mph. The majority of reports suggest a top speed of 149 mph, which is where we have decided to settle.
Logic would suggest that the base GSX-S1000 naked bike is faster than the GT version due to the extra weight associated with a touring bike.
Now let’s look at the top five fastest Suzuki motorcycles in more depth.
Hayabusa
Specs:
- Engine: 1340 cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder, DOHC
- Seat height: 31.5”
- Curb weight: 582 lbs
- Current MSRP: $18,799
The third generation of Hayabusa was released in 2022 and it’s even better than it ever was.
Suzuki has overhauled the Busa with an updated chassis, refreshed aerodynamic bodywork, and a full suite of electronic rider aids. The bodywork has been tweaked, but the iconic Hayabusa silhouette remains with updated artwork.
A new TFT LCD display has been fitted along with LED lights all round. The Ram Air Direct sits in the nose of the fairing and forces air to the engine to help maximize performance.
In total, Suzuki has replaced or redesigned 500 components on the model in an attempt to produce the ultimate sports bike.
Rider aids include Suzuki’s Intelligent Ride System, which controls the engine’s adjustable power and traction control, cruise control, launch control, quick shift, hill-hold, motion-track ABS, and combined brakes.
Underneath all of that, however, remains the four-cylinder, 1340 cc engine, which produces just over 187 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque and has a top speed limited to 186 mph.
It is those performance figures that make the Hayabusa the fastest Suzuki in today’s lineup but also keep the Busa at the top as the fastest Suzuki of all time.
GSX-R1000R
Specs:
- Engine: 999.8 cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder, DOHC
- Seat height: 32.5”
- Curb weight: 445 lbs
- Current MSRP: $18,199
The GSX-R750 started the Gixxer line in 1985. It was in 2001 when the GSX-R1000 was born, using the same chassis as the 750 but stuffing it with a 998 cc engine.
Since then, Suzuki’s GSX-R line has taken the world by storm with a Gixxer for every rider.
The pinnacle of the line is the GSX-R1000R, a serious top-of-the-class superbike with exceptionally high performance. It comes equipped with Showa BFF and BFRC-Lite suspension for the perfect combination of reliability and performance that will dominate on the track.
Suzuki has also used Brembo Monobloc brake calipers upfront with a pair of T-Drive floating brake rotors. The response and feel of this combination is brilliant.
With 199 horsepower, the GSX-R1000R is an absolute monster, ready for both the track and country roads.
The full electronics suite means the rider has full control of the bike’s setup so you can ride comfortably and confidently in all circumstances.
GSX-R750
Specs:
- Engine: 750 cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder, DOHC
- Seat height: 31.9”
- Curb weight: 419 lbs
- Current MSRP: $12,849
Over 35 years after it was first introduced, the GSX-R750 remains a favorite among sports-bike enthusiasts. It continues to produce impressive performance figures, not the least of which is its top speed of 170 mph.
The 750’s engine sits in a 600 cc supersport chassis. It is incredibly lightweight and offers up an impressive power-weight ratio for unparalleled performance in the class.
Suzuki’s race-winning heritage is evident throughout the GSX-R750, from the styling to the handling. The compact chassis ensures the handling is precise, quick, and easy. Whether you’re barrelling around a racetrack or hitting the twisties at the weekend, the Gixxer 750 is ready for it all.
The bike pulls off the line like a much-bigger-capacity machine but then builds revs like a smaller bike, so you get the best of both worlds: power on tap at the bottom but then you have to work to chase the red line.
Katana
Specs:
- Engine: 999 cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder, DOHC
- Seat height: 32.5”
- Curb weight: 474 lbs
- Current MSRP: $13,499
The Suzuki Katana got its revival for the 2020 model year and I, for one, am so glad that Suzuki brought back this 1982 icon.
A katana is actually a type of Japanese samurai sword. Back in the 1980s, Suzuki honored its Japanese origin by emulating the traditional craft, precision, and care that goes into producing a katana.
The latest Katana model goes back to these roots, applying the same care and attention to ensure it is unique and maintains the spirit of the samurai.
Based on the GSX-S1000 chassis, the Katana has a great platform to jump off from and the GSX-R1000 motor provides the boost in performance that riders have come to love.
The Katana is all about sports-bike performance, but the riding position ensures the kind of comfort you just can’t find on straight-up sports bikes.
Read about comfortable sports bikes
Suzuki has modernized the Katana with a clutch-assist system, advanced traction control, and ABS, so while the bike is reminiscent of the past, it rides like a modern sportster.
With 156 horsepower and a top speed of 160 mph, if the craftsmanship of the Katana doesn’t do it for you, the performance sure will.
GSX-S1000
Specs:
- Engine: 999 cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder, DOHC
- Seat height: 31.9”
- Curb weight: 472 lbs
- Current MSRP: $11,499
The GSX-S1000 is the pinnacle of the naked sports line for Suzuki.
Suzuki has used much of the GSX-R’s DNA in producing the GSX-S. The engine is based on the GSX-R for peak performance and has a wide torque curve that is best suited to the streets.
The aluminum, twin-spar frame design with the superbike-braced swingarm is also off the GSX-R to replicate superbike performance. Suspension is in the form of an inverted KYB fork and adjustable rear shock, and the brakes are from Brembo.
The big difference between the GSX-R and GSX-S is the lack of fairing on the S. The bike is exposed and naked with all the raw muscle on display.
The riding position is upright and neutral for increased comfort, which definitely suits street riding more than the track. The wide handlebars are within easy reach and make maneuvering the bike a breeze around city streets and traffic.
But make no mistake—the GSX-S is more than capable of a track day. It has all the power you could need: 144 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque, to be precise.
In terms of rider aids, the GSX-S is well-equipped with a choice of three riding modes, five traction-control modes, and a bi-directional quick-shift system. The bike also benefits from Suzuki’s Easy Start and Low RPM Assist.
If you want a streetfighter, the GSX-S1000 is one of the best on the market, particularly when it comes to value for money.
Other Notable Fast Suzuki Motorcycles
It isn’t just the latest Suzuki bikes that are pretty fast. Suzuki has been continually making fast motorcycles throughout its motorcycle manufacturing history.
Original Hayabusa: World’s Fastest Production Motorcycle
The Suzuki Hayabusa had one mission back in 1999 when the first generation launched: to enter the hypersport market, destroy the competition, and be the last bike standing.
Hayabusa translates from Japanese to peregrine falcon, a bird of prey that dives at 200 mph and hunts blackbirds. This was a direct implication that Suzuki was targeting Honda’s Super Blackbird, and it meant business.
The Hayabusa quickly got its reputation as the world’s fastest production motorcycle, and beat the Blackbird’s top speed by a full 10 mph. It retained the title and was the fastest bike of the 20th century.
With 175 horsepower, 138 Nm of torque, and a top speed of 190 mph, the Hayabusa was and is the King of Speed.
I would argue that the original Busa oozes more style than newer versions. It was groundbreaking at the time and the silhouette is timeless.
Yes, the latest version produces more horsepower and torque. However, the first generation Busa had that late 90s sports-bike styling, and you wouldn’t miss that extra power since you still have plenty to draw from and a higher top speed.
Suzuki Boulevard M109R Boulevard B.O.S.S
Cruiser motorcycles, as standard, are not particularly known for their speed, but there are a few exceptions, like the Ducati Diavel and Yamaha V Max.
The Boulevard M109R slides coolly into this category too.
Admittedly, the top speed isn’t mind-blowing at just over 110 mph, but the 125 horsepower, 160 Nm of torque, and, most importantly, a 0–60 time of 3.6 seconds earns the B.O.S.S some brownie points.
Read more about the fastest cruiser motorcycles
Two-Strokes
The 1970s and 80s were dominated by two-stroke motorcycles largely from the Big Four Japanese manufacturers.
Smaller-capacity motorcycles with a whole lot of punch were the winning formula during this time. So, while they may not be considered fast today, these classic two-strokes were fast at the time and will still outrun similar capacity four-strokes today.
One of Suzuki’s most famous bikes during this time was the RG250 Gamma. It was a true race replica with GP-style bodywork.
Early models were said to have a top speed of 110 mph, while the MKIII versions could hit 120 mph, which isn’t bad for a 250 cc parallel twin, two-stroke.
Other notable Suzuki two-strokes of this era include the X7, RGV 250, GT250, GT750, and the RM series.
The Fastest Suzuki of All Time
The fastest Suzuki of all time remains the Hayabusa. The first generation has a higher claimed top speed because the newer bikes are electronically limited to 186 mph.
However, even with the limit in place, the new Busa is still the fastest Suzuki in today’s lineup, and it doesn’t look like it will be dethroned anytime soon.
Image Credits
FlyboyHCH, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Mick from England, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Suzuki motorcycles