'Busa reclaims hyperbike title for Suzuki; DRIVING SEAT motorcycling.

Byline: HARRIET RIDLEY

THE hyperbike war has been raging for more than a decade now. Kawasaki launched the first hand grenade with its I70mph ZZR-noo, to which Honda replied with a missile of similar capacity, the Blackbird.

But, in 1998, Suzuki came up with its very own atomic bomb - the mighty 1,300cc Hayabusa.

The 'Busa quickly gained a cult following in the top-speed world. Drag strips across Europe and the States became littered with tricked-up Suzukis complete with long wheelbases, turbochargers and all the necessary gubbins to blast the 2oomph barrier in no time at all.

Top speed junkies love the Hayabusa for its mind-boggling straight-line potential. I say potential, because manufacturers reached a "gentleman's agreement" at the dawn of the new millennium to restrict the top speed of their bikes to i86mph to keep the Brussels suits at bay - nothing that a cunning top-speed junkie couldn't by-pass!

But, in 2006, Kawasaki stirred the waters once again with its new ZZR1400, a bike that claimed to be the fastest hyperbike out there.

Now Suzuki wants its crown back - and its 2008 weapon of choice is a revamped GSX1300R Hayabusa. The all-new bike has an engine capacity increase to 1,340cc (up from i,299cc), a big power rise to I94bhp and torque up to a massive H4lb/ft.

The chassis is revised, suspension renewed, the swing-arm is stiffer and the bike meets the latest Euro 3 emissions regulations, which, thanks to the big catalytic converter, are probably responsible for the 71b weight gain-Much to the enthusiasts' delight, the new Hayabusa retains its distinctive looks. There's no mistaking this monster with its massive low-slung styling, bulbous rear end and wraparound fairings.

The crazy acceleration is there, and in true drag-strip style it feels stable at mind-boggling speeds. Topping it out in second gear shows H2mph on the analogue speedo, in third I36mph and in fourth i6imph. Top it out in fifth and we're talking well into the 180s, and as for sixth . . . try looking at the clocks at those speeds!

When it comes to sheer thrust, this bike's the daddy. But don't be afraid because it's as easy and friendly as a modern road bike can be. The power delivery is linear and predictable. It's lost the original bike's raw, hysterical wildness to become a smooth pussycat that even a novice could live with.

Like Suzuki's B-King and GSX-R1000, the Hayabusa gets the power switch that lets you choose between two modes - mode A is full power, while mode B unleashes just 70% of it.

Suzuki is obviously proud of its invention, but this bike is so manageable it's a pointless gimmick. A twist of the wrist is enough to control how much power you want. Maybe the drag-strip fanatics will modify mode B to unleash a whopping turbo!

Compared to a superbike, it's still hard work through the twisties and sluggish to turn in. But ride it with a smooth road manner and it performs immaculately, never losing its composure.

The all-new suspension has a soft road set-up and feels plush on the move. Ride it like you stole it and it wallows through corners and grinds out the pegs; but, in fast touring mode, it's a comfortable, nimble ride with the chassis soaking up surface imperfections. The Hayabusa is the perfect high-speed mile muncher, not a race winner.

Braking is progressive and incredibly effective.There's no fade, no scary moments as you slow down from i6omph+ to nothing.

The new Hayabusa is easier to ride than the version it replaces. There's more power, yet it's easier to control. There's more weight, yet it's easier to handle. But is the Hayabusa still the maddest and baddest out there? Only the drag strip will tell. . .

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Top speed junkies love the Hayabusa