This month we take a look at a 2004 Suzuki Hayabusa being built to compete at Maxton. The Suzuki has been purpose built for top speed runs over the course of 1 mile, better known as Land Speed Racing. This project began 2 years ago, now in testing stages this Suzuki runs an intercooled MC-Xpress turbo kit pushing well over 500HP and a goal of hitting 250 mph.

First, the Maxton Mile. In Maxton, NC at the Laurinburg/Maxton Army Airbase, the ECTA runs land speed trials giving land speed racing a home on the East Coast. Basically you have 1 mile to reach top speed from a standing start, more information can be found on the ECTA website at www.ecta-lsr.com. Bonneville a more popular LSR venue takes place on the salt flats in Utah, you can check out Bonneville at the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association (www.saltflats.com).

The project, a 2004 Suzuki Hayabusa started from stock and modifications obviously began with the engine. The motor was disassembled and began its journey to handle up to 700 HP. The bottom end received a set of low compression JE pistons, heavy duty wrist pins, Carillo H beam rods, and heavy duty case studs. The head was ported and polished including heavy duty springs, 12mm head bolts and a modified exhaust cam. The engine also received a high pressure oil modification with a race style oil pan with pickup. The transmission and drive train, which is still in the works, include a heavy duty output shaft, a one piece center hub, and an undercut second gear. Drive train mods are next on the list. Bolt on power modifiers include a MC-Xpress 58/12 kkk dual entry turbo kit with intercooler. A Power Commander PCIIIR and a 2 stage boost controller allowing tuning adjustments to the system.

As of now the bike runs at 506 hp @ 30 psi and 285 ft lbs of torque. The motor was built to such high specifications to be sure it could run 500 hp to prevent any mishaps like throwing a rod at 230 mph. Drive train modifications like the swingarm, lowering, and aerodynamic testing will be essential to getting this bike to the desired 250+ mph mark. At an approximate value, once over the 200 mph mark 90% of the bikes horsepower keeps the motorcycle moving at that speed, while 10% of the power allows the bike to gain more speed thus making aerodynamic tuning just as important as horsepower. Things like the removed mirrors, and bar ends add approximately 4 mph to your overall top speed. Land speed racing isn’t just about horsepower, there are many strategies and technologies that make land speed racing one of the most interesting of all motorsports.

This motorcycle is built to compete in a modified class, there are also many other classes based on modifications, and engine size. If you interested in running flat out, check out the sites for Maxton or Bonneville for safety requirements.

Check out the Image Gallery for more images of this 2004 Suzuki Hayabusa.