The 2008 Suzuki B-King 1340 have already captured our minds and stolen our lost souls... It was love at the first grip of the throttle. The B-King is a massive motorcycle in any way and the acceleration is absolutely addictive. We have not felt this way about any new Suzuki since we first rode the original hooligan in 1997, TL1000S. Suzuki is back with the B-King and it's the story about the 01 concept bike not meant to be. Now it's here and we're on it! Enjoy the coverage. TS
7 days on a 2008 Suzuki B-King coming up!
This week we start our 7 days on the 08 Suzuki B-King. The Hayabusa derived 1340cc engine produces a claimed 181bhp at a lowish 9.500rpm whilst the torque tops 140Nm @ 7.200rpm. We are going to video it and keep a diary in the blog of how we get along with the big in-line four beast. Only the Intruder M1800R beats the B-King on being more expensive in the Suzuki 08 line-up and you have to pay one whole quid more for the B-king than the new Busa. OTR price: £9.000
Suzuki B-King mini site Also coming soon: 2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring test, Tokyo 2008 and EICMA 2008.
2007 Suzuki Bandit 1250 SA ABS in the city and countryside
A bit bored reading nothing about the latest Japanese crotch-rockets? Do not despair, we have added some reading about the practical new Suzuki Bandit 1250 S ABS tested in the real world. Read it herewhere you'll also find three videos explaining ABS in detail!
2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000-“ABC-easy as 1-2-3”
“ABC-easy as 1-2-3” is what Michael Jackson sings in the old Jackson 5 classic. We’re wondering whether the Suzuki engineers took some inspiration from Never Neverland on this one. ABC-Easy as 1-2-3, then you’ve got 4-5-6 oh so fast.
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Martin Leyfield & Tor Sagen
2008 Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa, the 1340cc real deal!
Dealers in the US have just been shown most of the 2008 range. This is the all new 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa. 1340cc, more than 190bhp enabled by Twin Swirl Combustion Chambers (11% increase in power), new chassis, new swingarm, new more muscular fairing, new 4-2-1-2 exhaust, engine mapping choice like K7 GSX-R1000, new brakes and a whole lot more! TS
K6 & K7 Suzuki GSX-R1000 with 2007 Yamaha R1!
We test new bikes all the time and always try to do some video at the same time. In our latest video just uploaded to Youtube we have mixed film of both the K6 and K7 Suzuki GSX-R1000 with the 2007 Yamaha R1. There are a lot of people that wants to know how different the exhaust note is etc. We have done this for you in this video. We have started out with the K7 GSX-R1000, then K6 and then the 07 R1 in cycles throughout the 4 minute film. The K6 Suzuki GSX-R1000 might just have a slightly deeper growl than the K7, but there's not much in it. If you fancy discussing this or add a comment on which bike sounds best to you then visit this link. TS
You just can't leave your bike safely anywhere anymore. This is what happened to our 2007 Suzuki GSF 1250 S Bandit when we left it in Edale in the Peaks. In lack of sheep this Welshman helped himself to the Bandit exhaust. Too graphic to show here, but we did a burnout on this man's reproduction equipment after these pictures were taken. TS
Next: Triumph reveals first official info on new 675 naked. May 25th we reveal it to you right here
Lush green English Spring, the best roads in the world, burning sun and one of the best bikes in the world. Check out how we are doing with the long-term Suzuki GSX-R1000 day to day here.
Suzuki GB have teamed up with the government on Isle of Man for some special Centenary edition GSX-R models. From the press release: "The GSX-R1000, 750 and 600 variations are offered in unique colour options and each bike will be individually numbered and certificated. The identifying number is located with the Isle of Man TT logo on the top yoke plate." "The bikes also display a specially-designed graphics kit featuring the TT logo intertwined with the bikes? original graphics on both side of the fairing and on the rear seat cowling. The GSX-R1000's special colour scheme is a combination of Marble Erakis Red and Metallic Mistic Silver and it will also feature the stunning and highly-anticipated Yoshimura GP Evo twin exhausts (RRP £1400), as well as a tinted screen. Only 150 units will be made available at a special RRP of £9,949. Pearl Suzuki Deep Blue and Solid Black is the colour combination for the Special Edition GSX-R750, which also features a black, double-bubble screen. At £8,199 RRP, just 200 units of the 750 option will be produced. Completing the Centenary TT GSX-R line-up is the GSX-R600, which comes in Pearl Vigor Blue and Solid Black. Like the 750, it will also carry the exclusive parts pack and a black, double-bubble screen. This extra-special GSX-R600 has an RRP of £7,199 and only 150 units will be available."
All 2007 Suzuki models right here from the Paris press conference.
Check out the pictures of the 2007 Suzuki's from INTERMOT.
1st & 2nd(pictures) update:
K7 GSX-R1000: 3 way ECU with 3 different settings on the handlebar: Sports mode, Wet mode and Normal. Much in the same way as on the highest spec Benelli TNT to control the power delivery. In effect traction control! Upgraded chassis, more power etc. More detail later.
B-King concept made reality with GSX-1300R Hayabusa derived engine.
Hayabusa stays the same for another year with EURO 3 modifications. New colours.
Modified GSF650 Bandit & S with all new 650 engine
All new water-cooled GSF1250 Bandit. GSF1250 Bandit S
Pictures of the 2007 Suzuki GSX-R600 and 750 have been released early, only the colours and decals are new. The K7 GSX-R1000 have not been completely updated, but the engine now breaths out a new underbelly exhaust that ends in two larger silencers Yamaha FZ1-style. Whilst we wait for the 2007 Hayabusa we leave you to enjoy the first pictures of Suzuki's 2007 model range. TS
Rumours are now talking about a capacity increase of Suzuki's long serving SV 650. Euro 3 is taking its toll and the popular middleweight V-twin is currently only Euro 2 homologated. This effectively means the SV has to change or disappear from Suzuki's model range. It is believed that Suzuki not only will change the SV to comply with the new emission rules but also increase capacity from 650 to 700cc. This will increase power and torque and keep the SV competitive in a new and much more competitive middle weight market. But don't expect too much as the new regulations also makes it difficult for the engine builders to achieve as much power as we have seen in the past. Hence a capacity increase is the easiest way out. Even the 1000 might get some changes and if it involves more cc's and torque we welcome the changes. Welcome 2007! TS/Illustrations: Giannis Ragias & Luc1 Suzuki GSR 600 test GSR 600 video
2007 Suzuki GSR 1000
After Honda launched it's new ultra conservative CBF 1000 with Fireblade engine and Yamaha upgraded its FZ1 with a later generation R1 engine the pressure is on for Suzuki to do something exciting with its widely acclaimed monster engine GSX-R 1000. Kawasaki has stayed ahead the last few years with its all out streetfighter Z1000. The Z1000 features a large version of the old ZX9-R engine and has ever so slightly become outdated this year. More on a ZX10-R based Z1000 soon. Previously we have reported on the expected Z1400 and GTR1400 from Kawasaki (scroll down). We believe Suzuki has big plans for its GSR, soon to be, range and despite the GSR 600 having teething problems with fuel injection issues its a cracking motorcycle (read the test and watch video's). But nowhere near as cracking a motorcycle a GSR 1000 could be. Even with quite a heavy detune Suzuki could easily feature 150bhp and a monstrous torque curve in a GSR 1000. With the GSX-R 1000 only weighing in at a claimed 166gk dry we are hoping Suzuki would keep it that way in a naked version. Assuming Suzuki has learnt from the mistake of changing to cheaper fuel injection on the GSR 600 the GSR 1000 should be pretty perfect out of the box. With top suspension and radial brakes from the GSX-R there shouldn't be much stopping this concept. As much as I love Italian motorcycles, the GSR 1000 is a mouth watering concept and there would be no need to re-mortgage your house to get one as the GSX-R 1000 already is the best and cheapest superbike. GSR 1000 would cost even less. Check out our GSR 1200 and 1800 concepts below and let us know your views on the GSR's. Which one would you buy? GSR 600 or A possible: GSR 750, GSR 1000, GSR 1200 (GSF engine), GSR 1300 (B-king Busa engine) or GSR 1800 (M1800R/M109 engine). By: TS/CG: Hugo van Waaijen
2008 Suzuki GSX1400R Hayabusa
I know it, and you know it, Suzuki will upgrade its speed monster Hayabusa for the 2008 model year. Euro 3 dictates everything the manufacturers do these days and Kawasaki has launched its most serious attack to the top speed crown since the very first ZZR in the ZZR1400. The ZZR1400 is a big leap forward much in the same way as the 1999 Hayabusa was. When it comes to horsepower Suzuki has never rested long when a manufacturer has passed them. Obviously the 2008 'Busa has been under development for several years already. Still, we believe Suzuki has kept its super aerodynamic fairing. Changes on our artists impression are: Radial brakes with ABS, 1400cc engine, conservative estimate of 195bhp with additional ponies at high ram-air friendly speeds, majestic torque from increased bore/stroke, new stronger swing-arm, new exhaust system that conforms to Euro 3 with a catalytic converter under the bike GSX-R style, slightly sharper styling on the rear end and brand new light weight wheels. We are pushing for official comments these days and we will see what Suzuki is willing to share early on. By TS/Picture by: Hugo van Waaijen. Send your Suzuki Hayabusa or Honda Blackbird news to us.
2007 Suzuki SV650
Due to tighter and tighter emission regulations it is believed Suzuki will make quite a few changes to their SV range next year to conform to Euro 3. What do you say about a V-twin with GSX-R style exhaust and fresher more modern design? Well, here is how we think it will look like. Pic: Luc1
