Next gen’ Suzuki Hayabusa could gain VVT engine

RELAUNCHED in 2021 the Suzuki Hayabusa looks to once again be undergoing updates, with Suzuki looking to the future with engine tweaks being one of the updates for the next-generation machine.

The news will be welcomed by fans of the iconic machine, meaning the return of the 1,340cc machine is more than just a flash in the pan. The updates, first reported by Ben Purvis, centre around the engine of the bike, and are aimed at improving the rideability and emissions of the bike.

Patent information uncovered by Ben points to the Hayabusa gaining Variable Valve Timing (VVT), a system that can alter the duration, and lift of the intake and exhaust valves of the engine. This allows engineers to tune the engine to deliver specific characteristics at specific engine speeds, improving the torque in the mid-range or power at the top of the rev range for instance. Because the system allows for more efficient combustion, the release of unburnt hydrocarbons into the atmosphere can also be reduced.

VVT is not a new technology for Suzuki, which has been using it in the production of cars for many years, and more recently on two-wheels on the now sadly discontinued GSX-R1000 sports bike.

The system shown in the patents is a cam-phaser system, which, in most cases, uses oil pressure to activate a solenoid which can advance or retard the timing of the inlet and exhaust independently. The system will use a number of engine sensors and the electronic fuel injection system and ECU, to pinpoint by how much the cam timing should be adjusted.