S U Z U K I
HAYABUSA

Of course—here's the revised version with that line removed and the flow smoothed out.

I'd never ridden a Suzuki Hayabusa before, so getting the chance to throw a leg over one at the Goodwood Festival of Speed was equal parts exciting and intimidating.

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The first thing that surprised me? I genuinely couldn't stall it. No matter how careful—or clumsy—I was with the clutch, the engine just kept pulling. It made the whole experience far less daunting than I expected and gave me the confidence to relax and enjoy the ride.

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Standing still, there's no getting away from the fact that the Hayabusa is a big bike. You definitely know where all 260-plus kilos are hiding, and at the top of the hill I was more than happy to accept a helping hand while manoeuvring it around. Gravity and a packed crowd aren't exactly the best combination when you're trying to paddle a superbike backwards!

The magic happens the moment the wheels start turning. All that weight seems to disappear, and the Hayabusa suddenly feels surprisingly balanced and composed. It's not a bike that fights you—it just settles into what you're asking it to do. Considering its size and reputation, it's remarkably friendly at low speeds, yet you can always feel there's an incredible amount of performance waiting underneath your right hand.

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There's a reason the Hayabusa has become such an icon. Its name comes from the Japanese word for the peregrine falcon, the fastest bird in the world, capable of diving at over 240 mph. It was also a clever nod at Honda's Blackbird, as peregrine falcons prey on blackbirds. When Suzuki launched the Hayabusa in 1999, it became the world's fastest production motorcycle, cementing its place in motorcycling history.

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For a first ride, I couldn't have asked for a better introduction. Yes, it's heavy when you're pushing it around, and yes, I appreciated a bit of help at the top of the hill, but once it's moving, it feels far lighter than the numbers suggest. Add an engine that's almost impossible to stall and enough history to make any bike enthusiast smile, and it's easy to see why the Hayabusa has earned its legendary status.

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Would I ride one again? Without hesitation.

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