Imported bikes enjoy a cult status among Indian bike aficionados. Notwithstanding their exorbitant pricing, high-performance superbikes like Suzuki Hayabusa and Kawasaki Ninja have been plying in the Indian roads courtesy the cash-rich, style-savvy Indian youth. These awesome machines have been imported to India as the home-grown manufacturers are yet to come up with genuine high-speed superbikes.
Here are some of the popular bikes imported in India:
Here are some of the popular bikes imported in India:
Suzuki Hayabusa
Suzuki introduced the sportbike Suzuki GSX1300R, popularly known as the Hayabusa, in 1999. Since its inception the Suzuki Hayabusa was widely regarded as the fastest production motorcycle in the world until major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers voluntarily imposed speed regulators in their bikes.
The Hayabusa derives its name from the Japanese term for the Peregrine Falcon, the fastest creature on the planet with speeds in excess of 300 km/h in its hunting dive. The Hayabusa's 4-stroke, four-cylinder liquid-cooled 1299cc engine enables it to generate an enormous peak power of 175 bhp at 9800 rpm and reach from 0-100 km/h in three seconds flat.
The Hayabusa's roaring success prompted other motorcycle manufacturers to come up with similar speed merchants like the BMW K1200S and the Kawasaki ZX-14R.
Suzuki Hayabusa Technical Specifications
The Hayabusa derives its name from the Japanese term for the Peregrine Falcon, the fastest creature on the planet with speeds in excess of 300 km/h in its hunting dive. The Hayabusa's 4-stroke, four-cylinder liquid-cooled 1299cc engine enables it to generate an enormous peak power of 175 bhp at 9800 rpm and reach from 0-100 km/h in three seconds flat.
The Hayabusa's roaring success prompted other motorcycle manufacturers to come up with similar speed merchants like the BMW K1200S and the Kawasaki ZX-14R.
Suzuki Hayabusa Technical Specifications
| Specs Engine | 1299cc, 4-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, TSCC |
| Bore x Stroke | 81.0 x 63.0mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel System | Keihin/Denso Fuel Injection |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Ignition | Digital/Transistorized |
| Transmission | 6-speed, constant mesh |
| Final Drive | #530 chain |
| Overall Length | 2140mm (84.3 in.) |
| Overall Width | 740mm (29.1 in.) |
| Overall Height | 1155mm (45.5 in.) |
| Seat Height | 805mm (31.7 in.) |
| Ground Clearance | 120mm (4.7 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 1485mm (58.5 in.) |
| Dry Weight | 217kg (478 lbs.) 218kg (480 lbs.) CA. model |
| Suspension Front | Inverted telescopic, coil spring, fully adjustable spring preload, 14-way adjustable rebound damping and 13-way adjustable compression damping |
| Suspension Rear | Link-type, gas/oil damped, fully adjustable spring preload, 22-way adjustable compression & rebound damping |
| Brakes Front | Dual hydraulic disc |
| Brakes Rear | Single hydraulic disc |
| Tires Front | 120/70-ZR-17 |
| Tires Rear | 190/50-ZR-17 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21 L (5.5 gal.) 19.0 L (5.0 gal.) CA. model |
| Color | Black, Red, Blue |
Yamaha YZF R1
The Yamaha YZF-R1 bike, launched in 1998, revolutionized the sportbike landscape by successfully combining the awesome power available previously in the true liter class (1,000cc) with the lightweight and responsiveness that a 600-class chassis affords.
Over the years, despite maintaining its distinctive sharp look, the R1 has undergone technical upgradations to keep pace with the times. The 2006 edition features a short-stroke 998cc DOHC, 20-valve, liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine that produces a peak power of 175 bhp.
The dual-valve fuel injection system uses motor-driven secondary throttle valves and 32-bit ECU for responsive, instantaneous power delivery. The refurbished Deltabox V frame, revised forks and a 20mm longer swingarm facilitate superb handling in the R1.
In 2006, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Yamaha racing in America, Yamaha released a Limited Edition yellow/white/black YZF-R1 in original Yamaha racing colours.
Yamaha YZF-R1 Technical Specifications:
Over the years, despite maintaining its distinctive sharp look, the R1 has undergone technical upgradations to keep pace with the times. The 2006 edition features a short-stroke 998cc DOHC, 20-valve, liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine that produces a peak power of 175 bhp.
The dual-valve fuel injection system uses motor-driven secondary throttle valves and 32-bit ECU for responsive, instantaneous power delivery. The refurbished Deltabox V frame, revised forks and a 20mm longer swingarm facilitate superb handling in the R1.
In 2006, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Yamaha racing in America, Yamaha released a Limited Edition yellow/white/black YZF-R1 in original Yamaha racing colours.
Yamaha YZF-R1 Technical Specifications:
| Engine | |
| Type | 998cc, liquid-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC, inline four-cylinder |
| Bore x Stroke | 77 x 53.6mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.7:1 |
| Carburetion | Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I |
| Ignition | TCI |
| Transmission | 6-speed w/multi-plate slipper clutch |
| Final Drive | #530 O-ring chain |
| Chassis | |
| Suspension (Front) | 43mm inverted telescopic fork w/adjustable preload, compression damping, rebound damping; 4.7" travel |
| Suspension (Rear) | Single shock w/piggyback reservoir; adjustable for hi-/lo-speed compression damping, rebound damping, spring preload |
| Brakes (Front) | Dual 310mm discs; radial-mount forged 6-piston calipers |
| Brakes (Rear) | 220mm disc w/single-piston caliper |
| Tires (Front) | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Tires (Rear) | 190/50-ZR17 |
| Chassis Measurement | |
| Length | 81.1" |
| Width | 28.3" |
| Height | 43.7" |
| Seat Height | 32.9” |
| Wheelbase | 55.7” |
| Rake | (Caster Angle) 24.0° |
| Trail | 4.0” |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.75 gal. |
| Dry Weight | 381 lbs. |
| Others | |
| Primary Reduction Ratio | 65/43 (1.512) |
| Secondary Reduction Ratio | 45/17 (2.647) |
| Gear Ratio - 1st Gear | 38/15 (2.533) |
| Gear Ratio - 2nd Gear | 33/16 (2.063) |
| Gear Ratio - 3rd Gear | 37/21 (1.762) |
| Gear Ratio - 4th Gear | 35/23 (1.522) |
| Gear Ratio - 5th Gear | 30/22 (1.364) |
| Gear Ratio - 6th Gear | 33/26 (1.269) |
| Warranty | 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty) |
Kawasaki ZX12R Ninja
With the Kawasaki ZX12R Ninja, Kawasaki plunged into the high-performance sportbike war raging among the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers. The Ninja's liquid-cooled, 1199cc DOHC, 16-valve 4-cylinder engine generates a peak power of 178 bhp at 10500 rpm.
The Kawasaki Ninja's revolutionary all-aluminium monocoque frame and cast steering swingarm pivot areas realise an extremely stiff structure and contribute to the bike's superb high-speed stability and supersport handling performance.
The ZX12R's wind-tunnel designed fairing was developed with help from Kawasaki's aircraft division and the redesigned upper cowl has a shorter nose for improved aerodynamics and a sportier look. In honour of an agreement reached among Japanese manufacturers, starting with 2001 models, Kawasaki introduced speed limiters in the ZX-12R to reduce the bike's top speed to 300 km/h.
Kawasaki ZX12R Ninja Technical Specifications
The Kawasaki Ninja's revolutionary all-aluminium monocoque frame and cast steering swingarm pivot areas realise an extremely stiff structure and contribute to the bike's superb high-speed stability and supersport handling performance.
The ZX12R's wind-tunnel designed fairing was developed with help from Kawasaki's aircraft division and the redesigned upper cowl has a shorter nose for improved aerodynamics and a sportier look. In honour of an agreement reached among Japanese manufacturers, starting with 2001 models, Kawasaki introduced speed limiters in the ZX-12R to reduce the bike's top speed to 300 km/h.
Kawasaki ZX12R Ninja Technical Specifications
| Engine | Four-stroke, DOHC, inline four |
| Displacement | 1,198cc |
| Starting | Electric |
| Bore x stroke | 83.0 x 55.4mm |
| Compression ratio | 12.2:1 |
| Cooling | Liquid |
| Carburetion | Fuel injection with 46mm throttle bodies and sub throttles |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Transmission | Six-speed |
| Frame | Aluminum monocoque |
| Rake / trail | 23.5° / 3.9 in. |
| Suspension (front) | 43mm inverted hydraulic telescopic fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload |
| Suspension ( rear) | UNI-TRAK® system with single shock, adjustable compression and rebound damping, adjustable ride height, and adjustable preload |
| Wheel el (front) | 4.7 in. |
| Wheel travel (rear) | 5.5 in. |
| Tire (front) | 120/70 x 17 tubeless |
| Tire (rear) | 200/50 x 17 tubeless |
| Front brake | 320mm dual hydraulic discs |
| Rear brake | 230 single hydraulic disc |
| Overall length | 82.1 in. |
| Overall width | 29.1 in. |
| Overall height | 47.2 in. |
| Ground clearance | 4.7 in. |
| Seat height | 32.3 in. |
| Dry weight | 463 lbs. |
| Fuel capacity | 5.0 gal. |
| Wheelbase | 57.1 in. |
Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird
The CBR1100XX was the culmination of Honda's ambitious effort to produce the ultimate superbike with a breathtaking performance. The unique design of the Blackbird facilitates excellent aerodynamics by achieving a small frontal area and one of the lowest effective coefficients of drag in motorcycling, while ensuring a remarkably high level of wind protection and rider comfort.
The CBR's liquid-cooled, 16-valve DOHC inline-four cylinder 1137cc engine generates a peak power of 153 bhp at 10000 rpm. On the braking front, Honda's revolutionary Linked Braking System (LBS), first used in the 1993 CBR1000F and completely revised on the 1996 ST1100, simultaneously engages both front and rear brakes when either the front brake lever or rear brake pedal is used.
The CBR's dual-spar diamond-configuration aluminum frame features a triple-box-section extruded aluminum swingarm that offers exceptional rigidity without excessive size and weight. The swingarm is supported by a standard Honda Pro-Link rear suspension system which features an H.M.A.S. rear damper.
Honda CBR1100XX Technical Specifications:
The CBR's liquid-cooled, 16-valve DOHC inline-four cylinder 1137cc engine generates a peak power of 153 bhp at 10000 rpm. On the braking front, Honda's revolutionary Linked Braking System (LBS), first used in the 1993 CBR1000F and completely revised on the 1996 ST1100, simultaneously engages both front and rear brakes when either the front brake lever or rear brake pedal is used.
The CBR's dual-spar diamond-configuration aluminum frame features a triple-box-section extruded aluminum swingarm that offers exceptional rigidity without excessive size and weight. The swingarm is supported by a standard Honda Pro-Link rear suspension system which features an H.M.A.S. rear damper.
Honda CBR1100XX Technical Specifications:
| Engine Type | 1137cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder |
| Bore and Stroke | 79mm x 58mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 |
| Valve Train | DOHC; 4 valves per cylinder |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection with automatic enricher circuit |
| Ignition | Computer-controlled digital with 3-dimensional mapping |
| Transmission | Close-ratio 6-speed |
| Final Drive | 530 O-ring-sealed chain |
| Front Suspension | 43mm HMAS™ cartridge fork; 4.7 inches travel |
| Rear Suspension | Pro-Link® HMAS single shock with spring preload and rebound damping adjustability; 4.7 inches travel |
| Front Brakes | Linked Braking System™; Dual 310mm discs with three-piston calipers |
| Rear Brakes | Linked Braking System; Single 256mm disc with three-piston caliper |
| Front Tire | 120/70 ZR-17 radial |
| Rear Tire | 180/55 ZR-17 radial |
| Wheelbase | 58.7 inches |
| Rake (Caster Angle) | 25.0º |
| Trail | 99mm(3.9 inches) |
| Seat Height | 31.9 inches |
| Dry Weight | 491.6 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.3 gallons, including 1.1-gallon reserve |
| Color | Badass Metallic Titanium |
