The Bottom Line
Pros
- Hayabusa-derived powerplant offers potent punch
- Nimble handling for its hefty weight
- Low production numbers ensure exclusivity
- Ridiculous engine is matched with ridiculously powerful brakes
Cons
- Styling so unique it might alienate more than it attracts.
- A niche so narrow only a few riders will "get it"
- Dry weight of 526 pounds could be trimmed down quite a bit for an even more rocket-like ride
- Sharp styling might not stand the test of time
Description
- MSRP: $12,899 ($13,499 with ABS)
- 1,340cc, inline-4 cylinder engine with S-DMS (Suzuki Drive Mode Selector) for two different engine power settings
- Six-speed transmission with back torque limiting clutch
- Twin-spar cast aluminum alloy frame
- Fully adjustable inverted fork and link-type rear suspension
- Radially-mounted twin disc front brakes, disc rear brake
- Seat height: 31.7 inches
- Fuel capacity: 4.4 gallons
- Available in gray and silver or black and matte black
- 12 month unlimited mileage limited warranty
Guide Review - 2008 Suzuki B-King
Suzuki went all the way when they styled the B-King, and they might have gone a little too far: the edgy naked bike was released as a limited edition 2008 model, and hasn’t sold out yet. Exactly how edgy is their mean looking B-King? Its plastic shrouded mufflers, chrome finished details and ram air intake should give you strong hints.But the proof’s in the ride. Swing a leg over the seat, and you find yourself straddling a wide, intimidating body. Fire up the 1,340cc engine plucked from the Hayabusa (this one puts out slightly less power- figure around 160 horsepower), and a relatively subdued engine note emits a soft whine. But once you get rolling, this buffed out beauty becomes a beast of a bike.
In motion, it’s easy to forget that the B-King has a dry weight of 526 pounds. Though the steering geometry is slightly less aggressive than the Hayabusa, the B-King feels nimble despite some effort required at the handlebar. A hydraulic clutch and smooth shift action make riding in traffic relatively painless, though you’ll need loads of restraint to keep the B-King within legal limits on the open road; this baby wants to go, and she wants to go fast.
Three-way fully adjustable front and rear suspension remind you this is a premium bike, and the chassis feels well-sorted over a variety of road surfaces. Suzuki’s S-DMS adjustable throttle (also found in the GSX-R1000) enables two different engine power modes, but when you’re on an excessive piece of machinery like this one it’s hard to just say “no” to 100%.
It goes like hell, handles impressively well, and wears the boldest bodywork this side of a Transformers 'bot. The Suzuki B-King may not be the most practical daily ride, but if you snatch up one of the few remaining examples you’ll enjoy a motorcycle that’s brawny and unapologetic.
>>Click here for a 2008 Suzuki B-King Photo Gallery<<
