Former world champion Keiichi Kitagawa test rides the AELLA Hayabusa “KYO-SUI”! How can we improve upon the already fully evolved Hayabusa?

Kyoto-based AELLA, a long-established manufacturer of machined aluminum parts mainly for non-Japanese models, has developed a number of parts for Suzuki's Hayabusa. And former world champion Keiichi Kitagawa has now tested them out!

Why is AELLA developing parts for the Hayabusa now?

Introduced in 1998, the Hayabusa is one of Suzuki's longest-selling models. With the second generation released in 2008 and the third generation in 2021 it is an unwaveringly strong favorite among experienced riders today.

In 1998, the project for Suzuki's new model began with the idea of creating a bike that would break away from the confines of the supersport and cruiser categories, but the project was extremely difficult and the answer was elusive. Until one day one of the development team members saw a falcon flying in the sky.

The falcon, which translates to "Hayabusa" in Japanese, is a bird that usually flies calmly, but when the time comes, it can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h. If they tried to make a bike that could reach 300 km/h or travel 400 meters from a stop in less than 10 seconds, they knew it wouldn't be any good, but if the goal was to make a bike like a falcon, they began to come up with various ideas.

The falcon doesn't push itself to fly quickly all the time, and the specifications for the Hayabusa were decided based on this theme. The practical range for the rider is like when the falcon is riding an updraft, and when it's aiming for its prey, that's when it goes 300 km/h. Although the falcon is not a very strong bird, it reaches amazing speeds when the need arises.

I like this story of the Hayabusa's creation very much. The Hayabusa is the embodiment of this idea, and I think this story is the reason why it has been such a long seller. The Hayabusa is a bike that has a story, and both Suzuki and its riders continue to nurture that story.

However, that is why customizing the Hayabusa is so difficult. Aiming for the highest performance in all aspects, the Hayabusa has continued to evolve, and it has truly reached the ultimate peak. The stock Hayabusa has a very high level of perfection, while the customization culture has also evolved in its own way.

That is why AELLA, a Kyoto-based custom parts manufacturer, has put a lot of thought into customizing it and has gone through a series of trial and error.

Those who love the Hayabusa are usually seasoned riders. Many of them have high social status and enjoy riding the Hayabusa when they can find the time to do so. That is why there is a need to make their time with the Hayabusa even more substantial, with a sense of luxury while pursuing safety and comfort, as well as performance and superiority over others. AELLA has embarked on this customization journey to further expand the qualities of the Hayabusa in all directions.

Perfect for riders of all experience levels, body types, and preferences. The electroless nickel plating in the photo is a prototype. Other anodized colors can be selected from a total of 15 colors.

Width: 665mm (Stock 628mm)
Height: +47mm (Stock 0mm)
Drop angle: 4° (Stock 9°)
Pullback angle: 19° ±2° (Stock 35.5°)
Weight: 1.71kg (Stock 2.46kg)

Adjustable handlebar constructed of machined aluminum parts. Height can be adjusted by changing the pullback angle and/or the thickness of the spacer.

Rider Keiichi Kitagawa, also from Kyoto, test rides AELLA's Hayabusa

This time, AELLA asked Mr. Keiichi Kitagawa to test the Hayabusa in order to show off its timeless appeal. Mr. Kitagawa has competed in TT-F1 and Superbike races, and was champion in the JSB1000 class of the All Japan Road Race in 2003, and in the World Endurance Championship in 2005 and 2006.

AELLA, a manufacturer of goods in Kyoto, and Mr. Kitagawa, a professional rider also from Kyoto, collaborated on this project and the test ride took place on the Arashiyama-Takao Parkway, of course also in Kyoto. Now, when you think of Mr. Kitagawa, you automatically think of racing, but he is also a Hayabusa rider, and is currently the proud owner of a third generation model.

"When I quit racing, I wanted to get a bike for everyday riding. Then I went to the U.S. to test ride a Gen 2 Hayabusa. It easily beat the GSX-R1000 I had been riding until then on the straightaway. I thought it was amazing, so I bought a Gen 2 and switched to a Gen 3 when it came out. I even join in the Hayabusa Festival with it," says Kitagawa.

The step base is a one-piece construction and the overhang is reduced to improve maneuverability. Four positions are possible: back 10mm or 20mm, and up 10mm or 20mm. It has been confirmed for compatibility with the 2024 model year. The electroless nickel plating in the photo is a prototype. In addition, it is possible to choose your preferred anodized aluminum color from a total of 15 colors.

"I wanted Hayabusa Meister Kitagawa to be the test rider. I thought that hearing his opinions and impressions of our products would be a great asset in bringing AELLA's manufacturing to the next level," says Mr. Wada of AELLA.

"AELLA's concept is to make products more enjoyable for ordinary riders, rather than for racing. We have steps with multiple positions to accommodate many different riders, as well as adjustable handlebars. But this was our first time working with a Suzuki motorcycle. It was also the first high-speed tourer, so it was a lot of trial and error," says Mr. Ametani of AELLA.

Adjustable handlebar and step to achieve your own unique position

Mr. Kitagawa started his ride out slow, getting a feel for everything; the matte green AELLA Hayabusa, KYO-SUI, in perfect harmony with the pale green mountains of early summer surrounding him. Riding down the Arashiyama-Takao Parkway, a winding road with many corners, the full titanium exhaust resounded with a pleasant Hayabusa sound.

At 173 cm tall, AELLA's Hayabusa is a perfect fit for Mr. Kitagawa. The handlebars are 47mm higher than stock, and the drop angle and width have also been changed. The step is adjusted 1cm up and 1cm back compared to stock. He banks through the corners as graceful as a falcon.

"The position is really important. It is important to have a position that makes it easy to move and to apply weight. These factors lead to ease of riding and less fatigue. The stock position of the Hayabusa is suitable for everyone. It is very well made. However, it is a little forward leaning. I think it would be good to use these raised handlebars for long distance riding. The step felt a little tight, but it might be good for smaller riders. The step bar had good grip and was easy to use. However, I personally would like the handlebars to have a little more drop angle. I would also like the step to be of this quality, but in the stock position. I'm hoping for a version 2 (lol). What was nice was the shift touch achieved by the shift holder. I recommend it because you can easily experience the improved quality that is typical of AELLA," says Kitagawa.

Reduces wobble of the shaft during gear change and ensures secure shift operation. The two-piece construction allows for easy installation. Confirmed compatible with the 2024 model year. The electroless nickel plating in the photo is a prototype (to be released in the future).

"It feels like an adjustable handlebar should have already been available. We made this one possible to adjust the drop angle to fit more riders. The same goes for the step," says Ametani.

"There are still very few people who think of AELLA when looking for Hayabusa parts. We hope to bring our custom bike to various events in the future so that many people will see it," says Wada.

AELLA's challenge has just begun. A high-spec bike like the Hayabusa is always a mixture of the feeling of superiority of "riding a great bike" and the desire to ride in a more user-friendly manner. In a sense, AELLA is trying to balance these two contradictory things, and that challenge is very difficult. But it is also very rewarding. AELLA will continue to create parts for the Hayabusa in the future, so owners should definitely keep them in mind.

Extended approx. 75mm from the stock length for improved wind protection. Carbon trim is used to create a sense of high quality. Confirmed compatible with the 2024 model year.

Bolt-on installation. High-grade machined aluminum gives the rear area a sharp look. The electroless nickel plating shown in the photo is a prototype.

Machined from aluminum; hexagonal hole type prevents easy turning by hand and is effective as an anti-theft measure. Holes for wire locks are also provided. The electroless nickel plating in the photo is a prototype.

It reduces damage from falls and increases the rate of self-propulsion. It has a clean look with little overhang, but still functions as a slider. Confirmed compatible with the 2024 model.

Reduces damage in the event of a fall. Attractive design that doesn't protrude too much. Confirmed compatible with the 2024 model.

V-shaped hook for rear stand, made of 6mm thick aluminum conforming to MFJ standards. An eccentric collar is used for positioning, and Duracon (resin) is attached to the outer circumference of the bolts to prevent damage to the swingarm. The electroless nickel plating shown in the photo is a prototype. The Over Suspension mounted on the swingarm end is made by Supreme Technology of Italy. It is under development for the Hayabusa.

For use with AELLA's adjustable handlebar. By equipping the handlebar, various AELLA option items can also be installed.

This is also for use with the AELLA adjustable handlebar. The anodized blue part is a titanium collar with anti-vibration properties.

Guards the radiator and oil cooler from rocks and debris kicked up by the front wheel or other vehicles.