Suzuki USA has announced a stop sale order on all 2024 Hayabusa motorcycles due to a potential brake fluid leak that could affect the braking performance of the bike. The company said that it has received reports of some customers experiencing a loss of brake pressure or a spongy feeling in the brake lever while riding the new Hayabusa, which was launched earlier this year.
According to Suzuki, the cause of the problem is a faulty seal in the front brake master cylinder, which may allow air to enter the brake system and reduce the hydraulic pressure. Suzuki said that it is working with its supplier to fix the issue and provide a remedy as soon as possible. In the meantime, customers who have purchased or reserved a 2024 Hayabusa are advised not to ride their bikes until further notice.
How Suzuki Created the Ultimate Sport Motorcycle
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The name Hayabusa means “peregrine falcon” in Japanese, a fitting choice for a bike that can fly faster than any other production motorcycle in the world. The peregrine falcon is also known for hunting blackbirds, which was a subtle jab at the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird, the previous speed king that Suzuki aimed to dethrone.
The first generation Hayabusa (1999-2007) was unveiled at the 1998 Intermot show in Germany, and it immediately caused a sensation. It had a sleek and aerodynamic design, inspired by fighter jets and wind tunnel testing.
It had a massive 1,299 cc inline-four engine that produced 173 horsepower and 102 lb-ft of torque. It had a top speed of 303 to 312 km/h (188 to 194 mph), depending on the source, which was 16 to 23 km/h (10 to 14 mph) faster than the Super Blackbird.
The Hayabusa was not only fast, but also balanced, stable, and comfortable. It handled well on the track and on the road, offering a smooth and exhilarating ride. It was praised by critics and riders alike for its all-round performance and versatility. It invented a new category called “Ultimate Sport”, combining the best of sport bikes and touring bikes.
The first generation Hayabusa also sparked a controversy over the safety and environmental impact of such high-speed machines. In 1999, there were fears of a European regulatory backlash or import ban that could limit the top speed of motorcycles.
To avoid this, the Japanese and European manufacturers agreed to voluntarily restrict the top speed of their bikes to 299 km/h (186 mph) from 2000 onwards. This meant that the 1999 and 2000 models of the Hayabusa remained the fastest production motorcycles ever made, until they were surpassed by the Kawasaki Ninja H2 in 2015.
Suzuki apologized for the inconvenience and said that it is committed to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its customers. The company also said that it will contact the affected customers directly and arrange for a free inspection and repair of their bikes at authorized Suzuki dealerships. Customers who have any questions or concerns can call Suzuki customer service at 1-800-444-5077 or visit www.suzuki.com for more information.
The 2024 Hayabusa is the fourth generation of Suzuki’s flagship sportbike, which debuted in 1999 and became famous for its speed, power and aerodynamics. The new model features a redesigned bodywork, a more powerful engine, improved electronics and suspension, and a host of advanced rider.
Cars produced in Romania set new records in 2023
The year 2023 was an exceptional year for the Romanian automotive industry, which saw an impressive increase in car production and exports. According to data published by the Association of Automobile Manufacturers and Importers (APIA).
Romania produced over 800,000 cars in 2023, 15% more than in 2022 and 25% more than in 2021. This is the highest number of cars produced in Romania in a single year, surpassing the previous record of 672,000 units in 2019.
The biggest contributions to this success came from the two largest car factories in Romania: Dacia and Ford. Dacia, which is part of the Renault group, produced more than 600,000 cars in 2023, 12% more than in 2022 and 20% more than in 2021. Dacia has launched two new models in 2023.
Dacia Spring, its first electric model, and Dacia Bigster, a compact SUV with a modern and robust design. Both models were in high demand on the domestic and foreign markets, consolidating their position.
Ford, which has a factory in Craiova, produced more than 200,000 cars in 2023, 25% more than in 2022 and 40% more than in 2021. Ford has benefited from significant investments in recent years that have allowed it to expand production capacity and introduce new models to the market.
Ford in 2023 launched the Ford Puma ST, a sporty version of its popular crossover, and the Ford EcoSport Hybrid, a hybrid model that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor Ford managed to grow.
In addition to Dacia and Ford, Romania hosted other companies that produced cars or auto components in 2023. These include Hyundai, which produced over 50,000 cars under the Kia brand in Pitesti, Volkswagen, which produced over 40,000 cars under the Skoda brand in Timisoara, and Toyota, which produced over 30,000 cars under the Suzuki brand in Brasov.
Romania has also been an important supplier of auto parts and accessories for other European markets, such as Germany, France or Italy.
The increased production of cars in Romania has had a positive impact on the national economy, generating income and jobs for thousands of Romanians. According to APIA, the Romanian automotive industry contributed over 15% to Romania’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023 and directly or indirectly employed over 300,000 people.
Also, the Romanian automotive industry has been an important factor for the development of road and rail infrastructure in Romania, as well as for stimulating innovation.
In conclusion, 2023 was a remarkable year for cars produced in Romania, which set new records and demonstrated their quality and competitiveness on the international market. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, as Romania consolidates its position as an important player in the European and global automotive industry.