2008 Suzuki B-King | Price: $12,899
Hard Parts
Engine
Suzuki's 1340cc inline-four cracks the 160-horse barrier by spinning faster than its larger opponent. Look inside and you'll find four titanium valves capping combustion chambers with 12.5:1 compression. Just upstream, 44mm SDTV throttle bodies fuel the fire. Only exhaust and airbox differ significantly from the Hayabusa.
Suspension
Compliant and reasonably well balanced under your average 165-pounder, the nicely adjustable Kayaba fork and shock are a bit too soft for bigger boys who like to go fast in the twisty bits. The steering damper belongs on somebody's patio door.
Frame
The B-King's frame is die-cast using the same technology as the latest GSX-Rs, varying wall thickness for optimal rigidity. A longer swingarm stretches the wheelbase 1.5 inches beyond a 'Busa's, yet the 'King is still 7 inches shorter than Mr. Max.
Brakes
Though they generate impressive bite and feedback with nominal effort under normal riding, the 'King's radial-mount four-pot calipers make you squeeze hard after a few high-speed stops. Those 310mm floating rotors came straight from the Hayabusa parts bin. ABS is a $600 option.
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| Tech Spec | | |
| Engine type: l-c inline-four | Rear brake: Nissin single-piston caliper, 260mm disc | Corrected 1/4-mile: 10.13 sec @ 139.31 mph |
| Valve train: DOHC, 16v | Front tire: 120/70ZR-17 Dunlop Qualifier | Top-gear roll-on 60-80 mph: 2.49 sec. |
| Displacement: 1340cc | Rear tire: 200/50ZR-17 Dunlop Qualifier | Fuel mileage (high/low/avg.):43/35/40 mpg |
| Bore x stroke: 81.0 x 65.0mm | Rake/trail: 25.5 deg./4.2 in. | Colors: Gray/black |
| Compression: 12.5:1 | Seat height: 31.7 in. | Availability: Now |
| Fuel system: Keihin/Denso EFI | Wheelbase: 60.0 in. | Warranty: 36-mo., unlimited mi. |
| Clutch: Wet, multi-plate | Fuel capacity: 4.4 gal. | Contact:
American Suzuki Motor Corp.
3251 E. Imperial Hwy.
Brea, CA 92622
714.996.7040
www.suzukicycles.com |
| Transmission: 6-speed | Weight (tank full/empty): 578/552 lbs. | |
| Frame: Aluminum twin-spar | Measured horsepower: 161.5 bhp @ 9500 rpm | |
| Front suspension: 43mm Kayaba inverted fork, adjustable for spring preload, compression and rebound damping | Measured torque: 97.9 lb.-ft. @ 7000 rpm | |
| Rear suspension: Single Kayaba shock, adjustable for spring preload, compression and rebound damping | | |
| Front brake: Dual Nissin four-piston calipers, 310mm discs | | |
Dyno
Despite prodigious torque output from 2500 rpm up, the 'King's inline-four still depends on rpm to get the job done. Peak horsepower arrives at 9000 rpm, but his majesty is open for business for 1000 rpm after that.
Ergos
Unlike its styling, the B-King riding position is mostly orthodox. You're up on top of a wide, flat seat, leaning forward toward a caf-racer style bar. Legroom is short if you're not.