B-King shown in Brisbane

Six years after it generated a global frenzy, the first production model of the legendary Suzuki B-King is finally a reality and will make its Australian debut at the Brisbane Motorcycle Expo, this weekend.

Six years after it generated a global frenzy, the first production model of the legendary Suzuki B-King is finally a reality and will make its Australian debut at the Brisbane Motorcycle Expo, this weekend. First shown as a concept model at the 2001 Tokyo Motorshow, the unique B-King created unprecedented excitement worldwide with its aggressive styling and supercharged 1300cc engine, pressuring Suzuki to develop a production version.

“The excitement generated by the original B-King concept is set to be re-ignited as the long-awaited production version finally becomes available to Australian riders,” Perry Morison, General Manager, Motorcycles, Suzuki Australia said. “In response to incredible global demand for a production B-King, Suzuki has created an exceptional motorcycle incorporating advanced technology and performance to ensure the reality of this model is every bit as exhilarating as the original concept.”

Featuring a slightly modified version of the 2008 Hayabusa’s new engine, complemented by state-of-the-art chassis and suspension systems, the B-King offers incredible all-around capabilities – breathtaking acceleration matched by precise, responsive handling. As the first cousin of the exciting new Suzuki Hayabusa, performance differences between the two machines are minimal with the B-King featuring smooth, extraordinarily strong low-end power. It is the B-King’s aggressive styling and tons of attitude that set it apart, with its imposing engine on display to the world, and twin exhaust pipes alluding to the masses of power at hand for a one-of-a-kind sport riding experience.

Equipped with its powerful, new, 1340cc, DOHC liquid-cooled, 16-valve engine, the B-King brute also features Suzuki’s sophisticated SDTV fuel injection system with dual injectors per cylinder. Lightweight titanium intake and exhaust valves include narrow 14-degree valve angle for high combustion chamber efficiency. Advanced ion plating using the PVD (physical vapour deposit) method is applied to the piston rings to provide a smoother surface treatment for increased durability, reduced friction and reduced oil consumption.

The B-King is fitted with the S-DMS (Suzuki Drive Mode Selector) which allows the rider to choose from two different engine settings depending on riding conditions or rider preferences. Controlling new functions like S-DMS, Suzuki’s 32-bit ECU boasts 1024 kilobytes of ROM for high overall performance. Sharing numerous features with the new Hayabusa, the B-King also features a gear-driven counter-balancer for smooth operation. Enhancing the powerful styling of the B-King, the large volume 4-into-2-into-1 exhaust system features a large capacity catalyser, oxygen sensors and the Suzuki Exhaust Tuning (SET) valve built into the mid-pipe for optimum exhaust efficiency.

The B-King’s slick shifting, six-speed transmission works in conjunction with an innovative back torque limiting clutch to deliver smooth, controlled downshifts. Managing the temperatures generated by the potent B-King powerplant, the new, highly efficient curved radiator features dual electric fans controlled by the ECM for increased cooling capacity, while the oil cooler has 10 core rows for superior heat dissipation. An all-new, twin-spar, cast aluminium-alloy frame features optimum rigidity balance for superb handling, while the B-King’s cast aluminium-alloy swingarm is constructed of three main sections with minimal welding lines for a clean overall look.

Specifically designed for the B-King, new KYB inverted front forks are fully adjustable for compression, rebound damping and spring preload to suit rider preferences, while the aluminium-alloy rear shock absorber features three-way adjustability with excellent damping characteristics equivalent to those of Suzuki Supersport models. The B-King also comes equipped with a standard steering damper for maximum stability.

Providing superior braking performance to match the B-King’s abundant power, specifically built, newly-designed radial-mount front brake calipers work with 310mm brake rotors, and the lightweight, single-piston rear brake caliper with a 260mm rear disc completes the braking package. The front brake master cylinder and its reservoir tank, as well as the clutch master cylinder have been specifically designed to enhance the aggressive look of the B-King. The brawny B-King features a bold, new wheel design with a dynamic, three-spoke look combined with high-performance radial tyres, boasting a massive 200mm rear tyre.

Suzuki’s ultimate muscle bike features a unique, three-piece front fender design to create an aggressive look that instantly delivers the message of the B-King’s performance intentions. The strong B-King signature styling is carried through to the all-new instrument cluster featuring an analogue tachometer, digital speedometer, fuel gauge, water temperature gauge, twin tripmeters, clock, maintenance interval, running time, average speed, gear position indicator, and an S-DMS mode indicator. Expected to arrive in Australia in late October, the beefy 2008 Suzuki B-King will be available in Metallic Grey / Silver or Black / Matt Black at an SRP of $18,990 (inc GST) plus on-road costs, and featuring a two-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

SPECIFICATIONS – SUZUKI B-KING (GSX1300BKK8)
ENGINE: 1,340cc, four-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve
BORE STROKE: 81.0mm x 65.0mm
COMPRESSION RATIO: 12.5:1 FUEL SYSTEM: Fuel injection
LUBRICATION: Wet sump IGNITION: Fully transistorised
TRANSMISSION: Six-speed, constant mesh
PRIMARY DRIVE RATIO: 1.596 (83 / 52)
FINAL DRIVE RATIO: 2.388 (43 / 18)
OVERALL LENGTH: 2,220mm
OVERALL WIDTH: 800mm
OVERALL HEIGHT: 1,085mm
SEAT HEIGHT: 805mm
GROUND CLEARANCE: 120mm WHEELBASE: 1,525mm
DRY WEIGHT: 235kg
SUSPENSION FRONT: Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped, fully-adjustable spring preload, rebound and compression damping
REAR: Link-type, coil spring, oil damped, fully-adjustable spring preload, rebound and compression damping
BRAKES FRONT: Radial mount, 4-piston calipers, dual 310mm disc
REAR: Single-piston caliper, 260mm disc
TYRES FRONT: 120/70-ZR-17M/C (58W), tubeless REAR: 190/50-ZR-17M/C (75W), tubeless
FUEL CAPACITY: 16.5 litre COLOUR: Metallic Grey / Silver, Black / Matt Black
PRICE: $18,990 (inc GST)