Comparing the Performance of the Kawasaki Ninja and Suzuki Hayabusa
After testing the speed capabilities of our motorcycles on various terrains, it’s time to take them on the winding Alpine passes. These wide and well-paved highways provide the perfect opportunity to see how the bikes handle real-world conditions and to get a sense of their true capabilities.
Performance on the Alpine Passes
Both the Kawasaki Ninja and Suzuki Hayabusa handle well on the Alpine passes, with the Kawasaki being particularly easy and intuitive to drive. Despite weighing in at 256.2 kg when empty, the Ninja feels light and agile on the road. Its electronic suspension system works effectively to limit load transfers in sharp maneuvers, making it feel stable and composed even in the most challenging conditions. The engine delivers a strong and smooth performance, with plenty of power on tap for overtaking and acceleration out of corners.
The Hayabusa is a bit rougher around the edges in comparison, but it still handles well on the winding roads of the Alps. Its stiffer suspension system causes the fork to sink under heavy braking, but it offers rock-solid stability when cornering. The engine requires more careful throttle control when leaning into turns, but it delivers a strong and powerful performance once you get the hang of it. The engine brake is more noticeable on the Hayabusa than on the Ninja, with only slight differences between the three available levels of intervention.
Both the Ninja and Hayabusa offer excellent brakes, with plenty of power and good control. The Kawasaki’s rear brake could be a bit more effective, but overall it delivers a balanced performance in deceleration. The Suzuki brakes are also powerful and easy to control, helping to keep the bike stable and composed in all conditions.
Electronics and Riding Modes
One area where the Kawasaki Ninja really stands out is in its electronics and riding modes. Its state-of-the-art electronics system, complete with an inertial platform, helps to control a variety of parameters and intervenes not only on the engine but also on braking when cornering and in other situations. This gives the rider a high level of confidence and helps to ensure the bike remains stable and safe in all conditions. The Ninja also offers a wide range of riding modes, including “Sport,” “Road,” “Rain,” and “Rider.” While the “Sport” mode proved to be the most suitable for our use, we found the other modes to be complex and not very intuitive.
In contrast, the Suzuki Hayabusa feels like it’s from a different era with its analog speedometer and tachometer and smaller screen. However, its controls are simpler and more intuitive, and the electronic system still provides a good level of safety. The Hayabusa offers three riding modes – “A,” “B,” and “C” – but these modes don’t offer quite as much flexibility or customization as the Ninjas
| Feature | Kawasaki Ninja | Suzuki Hayabusa |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (empty) | 256.2 kg | 250.7 kg |
| Electronic suspension system | Yes | No |
| Riding modes | Complex | Simple |
| Screen display | Large | Small |
| Suspension system | Smooth | Stiff |
| Throttle control | Intuitive | Requires effort |
| Engine brake | Subtle | Noticeable |
| Brake power and control | Excellent | Excellent |
| Rear brake effectiveness | Good | Could be better |
| Overall ride experience | Smooth and easy | Demanding but engaging |
Overall Ride Experience
Overall, both the Kawasaki Ninja and Suzuki Hayabusa deliver strong performances on the Alpine passes. The Ninja’s state-of-the-art electronics and smooth engine performance make it particularly easy and intuitive to drive, while the Hayabusa offers a more physically demanding but engaging ride with excellent stability in turns. Both bikes offer powerful brakes and good levels of safety, with the Ninja’s electronic suspension system standing out in particular.
Ultimately, the choice between these two bikes will come down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a smooth and easy ride with a wide range of customizable riding modes, the Kawasaki Ninja is a great option. If you prefer a more raw and involving ride, the Suzuki Hayabusa may be more your style. Whichever bike you choose, you can be confident that you’ll be getting a high-quality, reliable machine that is capable of handling the demands of the Alpine passes and beyond.