Bandit Alley
GENERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS => GENERAL MOTORCYCLE => Topic started by: solman on November 17, 2007, 03:24:55 PM
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:grin: :grin: :grin: :motorsmile: :motorsmile: :beers: :beers: :beers: :bikeflip: :bikeflip: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2:
Do the smilies say it all? It is an absolute fantastic bike to ride. It looks huge, the pipes are fugly and it costs money. But the funny thing is all those things go away as soon as the wheels start rolling. The handling is so light and agile and lots and lots of power with a slight twist of the wrist. This is the first bike that I have come across where I would trade in the B12 in a heart beat if I could talk the wife into it. It is also unbelievably smooth too.
:worship:
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The exhausts look a lot better once you bin the stockers and put on a pair of aftermarket cans!
I may have to rethink my desire for a sport-touring bagger... :bandit:
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Just to let you know, an exhaust system for the B-king isn't cheap. BTW, from what I heard, go with Yoshimura and not Two Brothers.
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They actually make a set after market cans for them? You know now that these bikes are all Euro compliant with full honey combed catalytic converters in the header collector, there's almost no point in adding an after market can as there is little flow gain. Anyway for the sake of looks alone I suppose a can change on the B-King would almost be worth it.
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All new bikes have Catalytic converters. Besides, it isn't in the header, it is in the mid pipe. My friend plans on doing a full system with a cost of about $1800. Even if was just the slip on, it would be worth it to get rid of those stupid looking cannons in the back. BTW the bike is being referred to "Judge Dread bike".
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A dealer let you ride it? Or is it a friends bike? Either way you are sooooo lucky!!! Lol! I haven't even seen one in person yet. I would love to have one, in Florida they won't let you test ride a bike unless you buy it first, then if you are not happy they will work you into something else...... :duh:
I recently viewed a turbo Busa (naked) on youtube with a claimed 499 rwhpr!!!! That was a SICK Machine!!! I want it too! Lol
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It belongs to a friend of mine. He just picked it up this last Thursday. When I rode it, it had less than 200 miles on it. I was quite surprised when he offered me to take it for a spin. I rode it this morning and I am still excited about it.
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I have to play the stupid card. What the heck is a B-King?
James
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I have to play the stupid card. What the heck is a B-King?
James
Surprised that you haven't heard of it, but ok. Here is a pic of the 181 hp, 106ft lbs of torque monster standard.
(http://bikeintro.com/wp-content/bking.jpg)
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Thanks! I spend too much time riding. :)
James
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It's been in the magazines a few times. :stickpoke:
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It's really hard to miss and I am surprised it didn't make its debut in a block buster movie like Spider man, Batman, or Star Wars return of the squid. I mean there have been plenty of BMW cars that have debut on James Bond films, I think Suzuki missed an opportunity.
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It definitely is an attention getter and probably a blast to ride or just trying to hold onto that bad boy. I'm still in sticker shock, when compared to the price of a new Busa though.
If you absolutely positively have to own the baddest, fastest, naked hooligan bike. This would be the one to own.
:beers:
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I can't afford either one but if I could I think it would be the B-King over the Busa :motorsmile:
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Ya know... I hated the looks of the Dodge pick-up when they first came out and a couple of years later, I bought one! The B-king could be in that same class.
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Funny Me Too!!! But now that I'm 2 wheelin again, I'm thinking of selling the ram.....
http://www.dodgetalk.com/gallery/browseimages.php?do=member&imageuser=43021
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Standby because this bike might have the makings of a cheap resale if customers want to get rid of them after a year LOL.
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The hardest part to get past is the exhaust pipes, but that can be fixed with some aftermarket cans.
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B-King is an interesting idea, but once again, I feel like Suzuki has *JUST* missed the mark (like a few other recent models in my mind.. e.g., the SV1000).
The design is too cluttered. The pipes are way too George Jetson, the useless fly-fairing / headlight combo looks bizarre... and the tank is so bloody wide that one slight trip off the sidestand at the local Amway and you'll be $$$$$$$$ Crying. And it just doesn't appeal to me sense of "MOTORCYCLE". [please see my post about the Honda CB1100R concept bike, if interested to know what I DO like!]
Also, I don't know if I actually WANT 160 hp at the back wheel.
Tires? WHAT tires??
Police cars? WHAT police cars??
Sorry to sound complainy... but I am a long-term Suzuki fan (since my first Zook, a 1969 T250II Hustler).... and I simply feel let-down by Hamamatsu''s design choices in recent years ...probably after the '01 GSXR1000, which I owned and adored (until the New York State Police began to dial-in on me..), then my B12 became king!
They're just not making anything that moves me right now.. always slightly off-base. My bank account is ready and waiting.
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B-King is an interesting idea, but once again, I feel like Suzuki has *JUST* missed the mark (like a few other recent models in my mind.. e.g., the SV1000).
The design is too cluttered. The pipes are way too George Jetson, the useless fly-fairing / headlight combo looks bizarre... and the tank is so bloody wide that one slight trip off the sidestand at the local Amway and you'll be $$$$$$$$ Crying. And it just doesn't appeal to me sense of "MOTORCYCLE". [please see my post about the Honda CB1100R concept bike, if interested to know what I DO like!]
Also, I don't know if I actually WANT 160 hp at the back wheel.
Tires? WHAT tires??
Police cars? WHAT police cars??
Sorry to sound complainy... but I am a long-term Suzuki fan (since my first Zook, a 1969 T250II Hustler).... and I simply feel let-down by Hamamatsu''s design choices in recent years ...probably after the '01 GSXR1000, which I owned and adored (until the New York State Police began to dial-in on me..), then my B12 became king!
They're just not making anything that moves me right now.. always slightly off-base. My bank account is ready and waiting.
If you haven't noticed, that is why they kept the Bandit 1250 for those who don't want all the bells and whistles. As far as the tank goes, on the sides, the silver part on the sides are not the tank. They are the air scoops for the engine. For the exhaust, it ain't nothing that an after market exhaust can't fix. Power wise, it is very controllable power. Because of the weight of the bike it has very smooth controllable power. Of course with a quick twist of the wrist, you could be aiming for the sky.
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I havn't seen one in person yet, but it looks heavy and bulky to me. I'm sure it has the power to move it right along. But I think I'd rather have something more nimble. Maybe I'd think differently if the roads I road were flat and or straight. But I try my best to stay off those roads. Dan
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What's in the name B-King anyway? Honestly the first thing that comes to mind is a hamburger. The marketing guy who came up with the name must have been buddies with the chief concept designer or his rival. Suzuki knew there was a growing market for sport touring, they could have placed this motor in a sport tourer with cases that could have beat the beat out the ST13, C14, and JFR in weight, handing, performance and price.
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IIRC the B-King name started with the concept bikes Supercharged Busa engine. Something like a 200 HP naked boulevard rocket. SO...Boost King.
Not something I want, but a 200 HP Supercharged Busa in a 500 lb naked bike would be something...
I'm sure the aftermarket will be adding back the supercharger soon, so if this is your cup of tea, hold on tight... :shock:
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Suzuki knew there was a growing market for sport touring, they could have placed this motor in a sport tourer with cases that could have beat the beat out the ST13, C14, and JFR in weight, handing, performance and price.
I don't know that a Busa powered sport-tourer would beat the other Japanese 3 out in price. I think if they wanted a price leader in the s/t market, they could easily field one based on the B12.5. Either way, I'd be interested!
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Actually it is the perfect looking bike for the rich eccentric who is buying the bike for an art statement or one of a kind special that makes a statement, like the Hummer. I bet Jay Leno has one, maybe Oprah. If I had that much money Id make it part of my collection just to look at it in one of my indoor display cases (dream). :drool:
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What's in the name B-King anyway? Honestly the first thing that comes to mind is a hamburger. The marketing guy who came up with the name must have been buddies with the chief concept designer or his rival. Suzuki knew there was a growing market for sport touring, they could have placed this motor in a sport tourer with cases that could have beat the beat out the ST13, C14, and JFR in weight, handing, performance and price.
1) The name IS goofy. It's just more Japanese Rocket-Boy "Cleverness".. an attribute I think we're seeing a little too much of these days. Probably a case of too much Manga and not enough Outdoor Time.
PS.. do you know that in downtown Tokyo, Magic Mushrooms are (all but?) LEGAL and there are clubs that cater to the Rucy-In-Se-Sky-Vis-Diamonds crowd,... that includes spikey-haired Hamamatsu engineers in white shirts and black ties. Gloovy!
That'll explain it then.
2) I don't know who is defining "Sport Touring" these days.. but it seems like there's just a little too much TOURING in the equation. Maybe that's what most people want (?)
Me, I'm not a BAG kind of guy. I too want slim and agile.. with basic Highway capabilities:
Scream up I-87 past Albany into Vermont, hit some cool mountain roads... get sloshed in a Burlington bar and crash out in "The Yankee Motel" ($47.50, no breakfast).. cure the hangover with a nice New England breakfast next morning, then wind it back home through the twisty Berkshires the next day.
THAT's SPORT- touring. Heh heh..
I want to be able to sit on a bike all day, and then really put it's ear down in the Mountains. Gotta love them BANDITS.
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I havn't seen one in person yet, but it looks heavy and bulky to me. I'm sure it has the power to move it right along. But I think I'd rather have something more nimble. Maybe I'd think differently if the roads I road were flat and or straight. But I try my best to stay off those roads. Dan
You obviously didn't read the original post, I said...
"It looks huge, the pipes are fugly and it costs money. But the funny thing is all those things go away as soon as the wheels start rolling. The handling is so light and agile and lots and lots of power with a slight twist of the wrist."
This bike is quite at home in the twisties as it is in the straights. This bike made my B12 feel like an awkward out of date lazy beast. In fact I just purchased a busa shock to start my upgrading in performance because of that ride. I will be doing other upgrades as well after the holidays.
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Stated dry weight on the Bling-King is five-hunnert and eighteen pounds. All topped up, we're talkin.. what.. 560 ? That's a LOAD, Amigos.. sniffing the edges of Tourer territory.. even though it may be carried well and be very balanced. The last bike I had in that category was a GS1150ES... and I'm not going back in THAT direction anymore, thanks. Go into a corner too hot with that weight, (gee.. THAT won't ever happen on a B-King, huh?).. and see how well she SLLLIIIIIDESSSS... that'll be the telling.
The styling is simply too tail-fin-Rocket-Boy for me: high-pointed, shotgun-mounted, deer-rear, ..Alien vs. Predator snout.. industrially boxed front fender.
And then of course, there's that [ka-CHING] price tag: MSRP 12,900 Yankee Greenbacks. And that's before set-up fees, tax and insurance and your first tank of gas. (don't even ask about tires).
Yeesh. Better to rework my B12 a little more...
Still, I'll bet it's a pizzer to ride, eh? ..that unending 'Busa power, and all.
Shame they couldn't drop that lovely engine into a trellis frame and make it look like a Monster S4, somehow
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oop.. one more note..
I just came across a photo of a B King with Yosh exhaust.. it really changes the picture a lot..
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_b-king%201300yashumura%20%2007.htm
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The last bike I had in that category was a GS1150ES... and I'm not going back in THAT direction anymore, thanks. Go into a corner too hot with that weight, (gee.. THAT won't ever happen on a B-King, huh?)..
Sorry, but you can't compare a bike from 84 with a bike from 2008. The technology is vastly different. I have a 82 Cb900F and a 03 B12. Even though technology wise, the B12 is old. But between the the 82 and the 03, the bikes are vastly different in handling and power. I see it on a daily basis where people see a bike and assume that it is a certain way because of size, hp, or looks. I hear people all the time call bikes like the ZX12 and the Hayabusa straight line bikes. The reaility of it is that these bikes handle very well and do a hell of a lot more than people realize. Like I said before, until you ride a B-king, it is truly hard to have an objective opinion of it. Heck look at the 1250 Bandit. It claims a measly 96-100 hp, but has anyone who have ridden one called it a slouch yet? If they have, I sure haven't heard of it.
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The reaility of it is that these bikes handle very well and do a hell of a lot more than people realize. Like I said before, until you ride a B-king, it is truly hard to have an objective opinion of it.
Okay.. good point; I'll stay open minded! Still, the real hurdle towards me B-Koming a B-Liever remains that scary heft..560 pounds.. any way you dice it, it's still a lot of mass, well-balanced or not. I owned a 397-pound GSXR1000 a few years back, and climbing back on board my (stripped-down) B12 was kind of ..saddening. OOOMPH.
The substitution of Yosh pipes makes a world of styling difference on the B-K, and if someone clever gets around to making a proper aftermarket 1/4 fairing for it, the bike might magnetize me!
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The Yoshi exhaust does clean it up. I like the way the bolts stand out on the case too, similar to the Speed 3.
The 1250s might only have 100 hp or maybe a little less,but its usable power. I havn't ridden one yet, just going by what I've read in rags and by owners. I'd buy one,but I don't want to get rid of anything I already have.Wife would have had enough if I get another bike! Already told her about the Rickman I want to get. American public seems to like bigger,badder,faster and they'll pay the sticker to get it. But it doesn't take the latest,or the most hp to get you around the twisties in a smooth fast manner.
I can see the B King showing up at bike nights,someone doing a burn out or doing the high ho silver out the parking lot. I just hope the owner has enough sence to buy a good helmet with that bike and wear it. I myself havn't been to a bike night in yrs. I'd just rather ride! Give me my old 1st Gen Bandit @120some hp,or my SV with only about 110hp and some windy roads(better yet a track) and I'll be smile ear to ear.
Excuse me sir,but I just wnna ride, Dan
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Actually it is the perfect looking bike for the rich eccentric who is buying the bike for an art statement or one of a kind special that makes a statement, like the Hummer. I bet Jay Leno has one, maybe Oprah. If I had that much money Id make it part of my collection just to look at it in one of my indoor display cases (dream). :drool:
Gee, you make it sound like this thing is REAL expensive - like a Ducati Desmosedici or a MV Augusta F4CC. :lol: :lol: :lol:
It's not even the most expensive bike in Suzuki's line-up (the C109R & C109RT both cost more than the ABS B-King). It's only $900 more than a Hayabusa ($1500 more if you opt for ABS).
Stated dry weight on the Bling-King is five-hunnert and eighteen pounds. All topped up, we're talkin.. what.. 560 ?
Funny how a "naked Hayabusa" weighs 33 lbs. (dry) more than one with its clothes still on, isn't it? :lol:
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For me its just the looks. As stated I cant comment on the performance and handling although the specs look good. Looking at the back model though I think it would make the perfect cop bike complete with Darth Vader style helmet, actually it should come with the bike standard. Oh heck what do I know? Everyone hated techno advanced Looks of the Ford Edsel, and look how it turned out.
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Yup, 50 years later and Edsels are still butt-ugly. :lol:
They're just ugly collectors' items now, like Nash Metropolitans.
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Video:B-king ride test by finish rider.
http://www.bike.fi/content/314/
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Video:B-king ride test by finish rider.
http://www.bike.fi/content/314/
:thanks: Cool video. :thumb:
Couldn't understand a word of it, but from listening to the changes in his voice, it sounded like he was giving it a good workout.
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The 1250s might only have 100 hp or maybe a little less,but its usable power.
I found the B-king power to be very usable. It just has a larger range to use.
I can see the B King showing up at bike nights,someone doing a burn out or doing the high ho silver out the parking lot
I think because it is a naked bike, the audience will be the more mature types or serious riders. If they don;t like the Bandits, most likely they won't go towards the B-king either. Besides, squids in the states tend to like the full fairing bikes. Naked bikes have a different audience.
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Curtly:He said , Power,power and more power.
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I think the translation in the strait was "Mama Mia, That's a Fast'a Meatball!"
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Gee, you make it sound like this thing is REAL expensive - like a Ducati Desmosedici or a MV Augusta F4CC.
Thirteen Large sure is a lot of money to ME.
I bought my 1st Gen B12 off of Ebay about a year and a half ago, with 1800 true miles on it, for $3100. Not a scratch on the bike.. just needed the carbs cleaned-out, (which I did in the guys driveway inside an hour, then drove four hour home). Not a glitch since.
13 THOUSAND dollars. Thats quite a pile of Scratch. At that point I might push the envelope and go Used 1098.
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Yea, it is still too much money for me as well. As much as I enjoyed it, it will have to wait a few years before I could even think about gettting one. Even then, I will have to get last years model. Exhaust system isn't cheap for that beast either. That adds another $1800 to the price tag.
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Very cool bike. I like just about everything about it (even the "unusual" pipes). That is a big ticket, though. I guess if you compare it to other cool nakeds like the Speed Trip and the Monster, it's not too far out.... and will probably smoke them.
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I guess if you compare it to other cool nakeds like the Speed Trip and the Monster, it's not too far out.... and will probably smoke them.
I honestly believe that the B-king in stock form will whoop any naked bike out there. That is unless the other bike has been serverely modified.
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I guess if you compare it to other cool nakeds like the Speed Trip and the Monster, it's not too far out.... and will probably smoke them.
I honestly believe that the B-king in stock form will whoop any naked bike out there. That is unless the other bike has been serverely modified.
I'm sure you're right!
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"I honestly believe that the B-king in stock form will whoop any naked bike out there. That is unless the other bike has been serverely modified."
Yeaaaahhh,... well, I'm sure it WILL.. if DOMINATION is what you're really into.
Me, I finally decided that I just don't care about being THE FASTEST around town anymore. Okay; call me OLD if you must, I call it realistic. A lot of bikes these days are simply TOO FAST for public roads, and Japan knows it. The guys in my local shop all know it. But that's what the younger guys think is the coolest thing, and that's what they want to buy: Ultimate Speed.
I don't know where you guys live, but we have things around called STATE TROOPERS, who aren't always very nice. I zipped past two of them a couple of years ago on my Gixxer, doing about 160.. (with more to go, I might add).. and the high-speed chase that ensued eventually convinced me to sell the "race bike" and put more effort into massaging my "USEABLE" B12. (hell, it'll do 155 mph, anyway, with a tailwind).
Here in China, I own a Japanese-domestic-market-only 1997 Honda CB400F "Super Four" (they call it an NC31). Looks a lot like the 1980 CB750F, with the ducktail.. but more modern. I have it modified and it SHRIEKS. Anyway, the cool thing about that bike is that YOU CAN FULLY USE THE MOTOR. Big HP bikes like the 'Busa, ZX14, R1, etc can't be fully USED.. more than for a momentary burst anyway, or on super-long, super empty highways in Wyoming. And even THEN you'll be staring in your mirrors endlessly, waiting for that far-off twinkling.
That makes them end up as rather BORING in the same way my GSXR Thou was: Couldn't wring it out anywhere.
If I see you at a stoplight on your B King, and you start to make drag-strip noises.. go ahead. Light 'em up.You WIN. I'll see you down in the Burger King parking lot later.
I'LL be there, anyway, on my trusty, friendly B12. Who knows what happened to YOU.
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For me, wanting the B-king isn't about being the fastest. If I wanted that, I would've bought a Gixxer instead of the B-12. The B-king is just an awesome bike to ride. Like I have said before, you just have to ride it to understand.
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Performance and handling my be great, but I cant get past the looks. Its ugly from the front, ugly from the back, and an eyesore from the sides. LOL About the only way I could live with it would be to buy one, pull the engine out of it and install in in my B12. LOL
Blue
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Yeah, I gotta agree. Much as I am impressed by the power, etc.. the B(urger) K(ing) bike just looks too damn weird.
One of the Brit magazines just had a shoot-out with the latest naked bikes (I think they were all, like, 600-Class bikes).. and you never saw a more horrid pile of twisted metal. Weird robotic-looking headlights... up-swept tailfin-asses with long, spindly license-plate stalks.. endlesssly-swirling bolt-head patterns.. awkwardly-mounted plastic tank-scoops... and Bizzar-O, convoluted exhausts capped by trumpet-shaped vacuum-cleaner mufflers.
Maybe I'm getting OLD, but c'mon .. REALLY...
Whatever happened to LINES on a bike?
KIDS today... !
:duh:
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I sat on one at the IMS show in Seattle yesterday... I don't fit it. The indentations for your legs created by the rad scoop fairings are too low and uncomfortable. IMHO, it did look better in person than in pics, but my son didn't like it, he was in love with the new Hayabusa though.
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The indentations for your legs created by the rad scoop fairings are too low and uncomfortable
I just read an article and they said that those scops are non functional. Basically they are not scoops as originally thought.
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Non-functional is an even bigger reason to hate them for restricting who will fit the bike and who won't. :duh:
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I am 6' 1" and had no problems with where the scoops are located. I am also considered long legged. the only bike that I have come across that I can not literally fit into is the SV650.
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I like to put the arches of my feet on the pegs unless I'm really carving the twisties, then I'll put the balls of my feet on the pegs. With the BK, I didn't have any issue fitting, but when my arches were on the pegs, it moved my knees up so they were right against the crease of the faux scoops.
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OK... other than the price, I like pretty much everything about the BK but... non-functional anything bugs me. I thought it was supposed to (in it's own way) be a streetfighter kinda thing which means it should be minimalist - everything having a purpose. Ugh!
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I dunno.. looks like Suzuki blew it to me.. just off target by a 'snivas' again; took a fantastic concept and mucked-it-up in the delivery.
Chalk it up to Spikey-haired Japanese junior engineers who read too much Rocket-Boy Manga and don't get out enough.
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Well when the first new members that own them start showing up looks like I won't be the only one who will have to stifle up.
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The indentations for your legs created by the rad scoop fairings are too low and uncomfortable
I just read an article and they said that those scops are non functional. Basically they are not scoops as originally thought.
Yamaha V-Max anyone? It's got non functional scoops, since what, 1987? I've always wondered why they didn't make them functional, reckon they didn't have to. Sure would love to ride a V-max someday, but not sure if I'd want to own one (just doesn't fit what I want to do).
James
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V Max.. ohmigod what a lump. Break your leg slipping off the kickstand.
Rode a friend's Max one night.. thing started shaking uncontrollably at 100mph.. scared the bejeezus out of me. 600 pounds wobbling dangerously. Wouldn't get on one again.. unless pointed West on Rte 80 with no curves until Pacific Ocean.
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I dunno.. looks like Suzuki blew it to me.. just off target by a 'snivas' again; took a fantastic concept and mucked-it-up in the delivery.
It looks faithful to the concept bike to me, except missing the blower.
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I dunno.. looks like Suzuki blew it to me.. just off target by a 'snivas' again; took a fantastic concept and mucked-it-up in the delivery.
It looks faithful to the concept bike to me, except missing the blower.
I was thinking the same thing. I noticed a few differences, but seems pretty close. The two main diferences that I noticed is a repositioned rear shock and possibily a smaller rear tire. I think the rake/trail on the front forks is a tad different too.
CONCEPT BIKE
(http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/B-KING/B-KING2_450.jpg)
PRODUCTION BIKE
(http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/uploads/B-KING_ETT_D.jpg)
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Although it is NOT my cup of tea, and I don't want one, I AM pretty impressed that Suzuki actually went out and put this concept bike into production. Good on em...
And I think it is a pretty good replica of the origional concept bike, with the exception of the lack of a turbo. The specs look decent, for this type of bike. Weight is right in there with a Bandit, power, with a modified 'Busa engine should be excellent, suspension and brakes are right up to date and handling is a wait and see, but it is an up to date bike, from the look of things.
I'm still looking for the mid size, lighter weight, sport tourer ala Honda VFR (which I don't really want either). The Triumph Sprint ST still has some sizzle though...
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And I think it is a pretty good replica of the origional concept bike,
I'm still looking for the mid size, lighter weight, sport tourer ala Honda VFR (which I don't really want either). The Triumph Sprint ST still has some sizzle though...
[/quote]
1) my comment about Suzuki messing-up a good concept was meant to mean that their general IDEA was good.. a Hyabusa-powered Naked. But I don't really dig the "concept bike" in the same way as the production model.. although I too can appreciate the attempt.
2) YES to your comment about a lighter-weight, sport-tour.. I rode a VFR 800 in California for a week one time, and it was very capable, but had all the Soul of a refrigerator. It needed more pizzazz.. and BUNGEE points, for cryin out loud. And that VTec suuurge was a distraction at 7000 rpm.
Sprint ST1050.. yeah, that one gets my attention too. I'd seriously GO for it, if it was a tad lighter, and maybe 100+cc bigger. Also, it's not cheap..(but you can get them discounted slightly, new, on EBay). I also worry that I might get jammed if a throttle sensor or something broke in Montana. Local Triumph dealer?? ..uhh, yeahhh..
Otherwise.. I really love that bike, despite the rooster-tail rear end. If you've never rode a Triumph 3-cylinder.. it's a really grunty treat!
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It's growing on me. It has a more masculine look than many of the new naked bikes. A modern V-max, except with more power. Truthfully, the exhaust doesn't bother me, I say ANYTHING other than the round cans they seem to put on EVERY bike.
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handling is a wait and see,
Not true for me, I have already ridden one.
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It's growing on me. It has a more masculine look than many of the new naked bikes. A modern V-max, except with more power. Truthfully, the exhaust doesn't bother me, I say ANYTHING other than the round cans they seem to put on EVERY bike.
http://www.bigccracing.com/content/item.asp?item=69
More masculine......
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It looks like a V-Max to me.
It appears to be a solo machine, only - no passenger footpegs or seat.
Does anyone know the weight?
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Stock form, it's over 500 lbs. I believe that it does have passenger pegs.
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Stock form, it's over 500 lbs. I believe that it does have passenger pegs.
The US Suzuki site advertises 518 lbs (520 in CA) and yes, it has passenger pegs and a token cushion under the removable tail fairing, but I don't think anyone will want to sit back there very long.
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Its funny how the numbers good or bad are obscured by what I'm looking at in the B-King, I suppose it shouldn't feel that way. I wish Suzuki had captured a bit more Captain bravado in the bikes looks then Boy wonder. A bit more in this direction and for a bit more reasonable price.
(http://www.cycleworld.com/assets/image/2007/W43/102420071958325763.jpg) I suppose I had better get use to it as Suzuki's next concept bike will even be more happy and a real Captain flamo bike. (http://www.cycleworld.com/assets/image/2007/W43/102420072034595764.jpg)
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More often than not, those concepts never see production. They are styling excercises and technology demonstrators used to gauge publuc response.
Here's a Suzuki concept from >20 years ago... Recall any production Suzi that ever looked close to it?
(http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/concept/Nuda/1987_Nuda_520.jpg)
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I must admit that the concept bike looks much more commanding then the production and allot of it seems to stem from the concept headlight which makes the whole look of the bike much more mean and confident. That production headlight is a little dorky making the whole bike look awkward IMO.
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Captain Flam-0, indeed.
The last real concept bike from Suzuki of any note (prior to the B-King), that made it to the streets would be the old 1100 Katana.
Lately my head is lost in a swirl of aluminum and plastic. I love my 1st Gen Bandit because it DOESN'T have all that Junior Rocket Boy crap.. especially when stripped-down a little, (fender eliminator, bar-end mirrors, flat drag bars, ..dump all the passenger gear).
My wallet is open and waiting for the possibility of Honda releasing that CB1100R, air-cooled, endurance-racer concept. Close to perfect for what I want, and the direction that I always hoped the Bandit series would go towards.
I hope Suzuki noticed that style excersize at the Tokyo show... but looking back on the trends at Suzuki in recent years... my guess is, probably not. Honestly, I have been quite disappointed in Suzuki's lately..
...simply IMHO...
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The US Suzuki site advertises 518 lbs (520 in CA) [/quote]
That's pretty Porky these days, no matter how punchy the motor is. Fill 'er up with High Test, water, oil and a rain suit under the seat and it's.. what.. 560? I spent too much time on lardy, old GS1150ES's, (had two), that weighed about the same, trying desperately to hustle them around corners,.. sometimes unsuccessfully.
If it's over 500 pounds to BEGIN with.. it's not for me anymore.
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The US Suzuki site advertises 518 lbs (520 in CA)
That's pretty Porky these days, no matter how punchy the motor is. Fill 'er up with High Test, water, oil and a rain suit under the seat and it's.. what.. 560? I spent too much time on lardy, old GS1150ES's, (had two), that weighed about the same, trying desperately to hustle them around corners,.. sometimes unsuccessfully.
If it's over 500 pounds to BEGIN with.. it's not for me anymore.
[/quote] Befor th Bandit,I ad a GSX1100G(630lbs)it was great losing all that wt.when I got the Bandit.And lighter again w/ the SV. If I was doing some long trips, I'd go w/ the new Bandit. It would be comfortable enough for the wife too.But for a holigan bike,or a corner carver,I'll stay light too. Dan
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The US Suzuki site advertises 518 lbs (520 in CA)
That's pretty Porky these days, no matter how punchy the motor is. Fill 'er up with High Test, water, oil and a rain suit under the seat and it's.. what.. 560? I spent too much time on lardy, old GS1150ES's, (had two), that weighed about the same, trying desperately to hustle them around corners,.. sometimes unsuccessfully.
If it's over 500 pounds to BEGIN with.. it's not for me anymore.
Befor th Bandit,I ad a GSX1100G(630lbs)it was great losing all that wt.when I got the Bandit.And lighter again w/ the SV. If I was doing some long trips, I'd go w/ the new Bandit. It would be comfortable enough for the wife too.But for a holigan bike,or a corner carver,I'll stay light too. Dan
[/quote]
Like I've said before, don't let the numbers fool you. Once the wheels start rolling, it feels lighter than the Bandit. It is just like how people bash the b1250 with it's 100hp, but yet the magazines rave about it and like it better than a lot of supposed better bikes.
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Well you are the only one of us that actully road one. So I'll take your word for it.
I have a pal that moved to Apache jct. a few yrs ago. He loves it(pins in back,feels better than cold and damp) I was told I'd like .....Burito hill rd? or maybe Torttia hill? Or even better yet,theres a track there too. Mind fart..Fire something.
:beers:Dan
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I think what you are trying to talk about is tortilla flats :motorsmile: I used to like that area, but don't like it anymore.
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Yamaha V-Max anyone? It's got non functional scoops, since what, 1987? I've always wondered why they didn't make them functional, reckon they didn't have to. Sure would love to ride a V-max someday, but not sure if I'd want to own one (just doesn't fit what I want to do).
James
Non functional from day one. Bad suspension from day one too. All things cured by the aftermarket. GREAT bike and I miss mine. It had 68,000 miles on it. Previous owner had multiple iron butt awards on the stock seat from that bike. It can do what you want it to do, unless you are hell bent on scraping pegs on your bandit :grin:
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[
http://www.bigccracing.com/content/item.asp?item=69
More masculine......
[/quote]
Certainly deals with the ugly exhaust pipes too...
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Just read a review in Jan. 08 Motorcyclist. The 08 version is almost identical. Just as butt ugly. I can't imagine the bin of stock parts I'd have to build up to make it acceptable to me. The cans would be gone almost before it left the crate. All that turn signal housing shit too. Don't even like the big ugly bolted triangles they plastered on the side of the rad. Angular. Angular. And that gauge package! Geesh! (Opposit page here has an add for performance gauges that might just fit right in.) So after all that's dumped and modified there is one sweet engine sitting under there. And the power. Wo! I like. What surprises me is you guys talking about the price. This is NOT an expensive bike. Barely close to mid range pricing. And if you are willing to build yourself a big bin for brand new B King body parts, you might just have something.
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I just read the same test and I'm impressed. I'm totally into the new look of this bike. Did you read the opinion columns on the last page? The "old guy" (Paul Dean) said he'd have to put a cover over it in his garage so he wouldn't have to look at it - give me a break. The other two younger reviewers liked it for the most part. Like I said on my initial post (first page), this thing is growing on me and I'm approaching 50!.
For 13,500, I could have ABS included and thats attactive to me as well. The only thing that bums me a bit is the smallish fuel tank (4.4 gallons). In my mind, they could have made the tank a tad bigger while shaving some size off the faux ram air ducts. I've got to keep reminding myself that this IS NOT a touring bike. :taz:
Dave
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I saw one in person and sat on it. I'm in love. I don't care if it has funky butt. It fit me well, the tank, etc and my legs fit each other and the thought of having Busa power without Busa insurance rates seems sweet. I wish they had designed it to have a better rear seat though and provisions for a sissy bar or at least provisions for a cargo net would have been nice.
Alot of green for a bike I can't two-up with my wife on :(
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It has rear pegs, so therefore it can be used for two up. Don't know how comfortable it would be though. :shrug:
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there is a little pad under the plastic cover back there. My wife won't ride my bandit...nuff said.
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I would like to get the exhaust pipe and can on the side like the Bussa and make that seat a lot more pillion friendly. It looks like one of those unfriendly sportbike seats. It's crazy that the Bussa sportbike has a tourbike style exhaust system and the B-King tourbike has the sportbike exhaust system. I feel very sorry for any pillion that has to try to sit on those sportbike perches.
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Yeah, at the risk of sounding like a broken record on this one, I think Suzuki keeps on JUST missing the Mark on most of their products, and the BKing is a good example.
While I'm sure it' s a total riot to RIDE the thing, it's just too ALIEN vs PREDATOR for me to ever think about laying my money out for. The weird, useless fly fairing, (if I had this bike I'd immedieately find an aftermarket 1/4 fairing and make it fit somehow..), the pointy-ass, and weird howitzer-mufflers, the super-wide tank/scoops...
Come ON, Suzuki! Whoever's in your DESIGN departments should be sent out for fresh Sushi.. after which you lock the factory doors behind them. The SV was soooo close..but it was just a LITTLE too SPORT. The Hyabusa is soooo close, but you simply REFUSE to lose The Grand Bird Hump, eh? Japanese Pride?).. even the B1250 is close to GREAT.. but confused in it's direction.
IMHO, Suzuki really doesn't have any clue these days.
Still sticking to my 1st Gen B12.
..And loving it.
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IMHO, Suzuki really doesn't have any clue these days.
These days? This is the same company that brought you such styling greats as:
Black tipped mufflers and tank like styling (even for 1971) of the GT750:
(http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzuki-history/1971/1971_GT750_450.jpg)
The RE-5 with it's weird pod instrument panel & tail light - and gas-guzzling poor performing wankel:
(http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzuki-history/1976/1976_RE5_450.jpg)
The love it or hate it original Katana: (http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzuki-history/1982/1982_GSX1000SD_Katana_450.jpg)
The 700 & 1200 Madura cruisers
(http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/Madura/GV1200-Madura/1985_GV1200_maroon_r_500.jpg)
OTOH, they've built some good lookers over the years, too... IMHO, they seem to have about the same hit or miss styling as Yamaha.
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Heh Heh... point well made, Red...
although I still kind of dig that old Wanker.. if only they'd just left off the Toilet-Roll Space Gage console.
My vote for BEST looking Zookers might include something like-
1978 RM250
1977 GS750
and of course, the first-model year GSXR1000 (in blue/white, of course). Vely Sexy!
The 1981 GL425 would probably not make the list.
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Heh Heh... point well made, Red...
although I still kind of dig that old Wanker.. if only they'd just left off the Toilet-Roll Space Gage console.
Then all you gotta do is hunt down a 1976 model:
(http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzuki-history/1976/1976_re5_rotary_450.jpg)
Good luck though... Suzuki learned in '76 it wasn't the goofy gauges that scared off the customers... the '76 models sold even more poorly than the '74-'75 models. Terrible fuel economy along with unimpressive performance is why they went over like lead balloons.
Back in '77, when I bought my new GS750... the salesman was trying real hard to put me on a left-over RE-5 with Star Trek gauges, but I held my ground and got the only GS750 left that could be found in SoCal (they were flying off the floors). I had wanted a red one, but had to settle for blue.
The salesman at the previous Suzuki (& Ducati) shop was out of GS750's and tried to put me on a new '76 Ducati 860GT for the same price as a GS750, but I didn't go for that either. I wanted something I could ride from coast-to-coast without worrying about a breakdown - and where to get parts. If I didn't have orders to the East Coast, I might have been more tempted to buy the Duc, but they didn't have a stellar reputation for reliability, especially in the electrics.
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I was in the final throws of college when the first GS750 hit the shops like a bomb.
I'd been dribbling around on a clunky, 1973 TX500 Yamaha twin sporting clubman bars and an oh-so-trick Bell helmet with a weak Kenny Roberts (the REAL one) bumble-bee paint job. I cajoled poor old Mom into "lending me" the extra 500 clams needed to collect a eyeball-spinningly new GS750B.. one of the first available in the New York area.. $1995, out the door, Pal.
Do you REMEMBER?? It was an INCREDIBLE machine in it's time, in an era full of rattly, awkward two strokes and clumsy parallel twins.
The shine of that bike... the smell.. the glassy and staggeringly powerful LUNGE it made when you twisted it.. those orange-lit gages. Man, Suzuki NAILED that one, I'll tell ya. I squealed like a schoolgirl just to flip the key in my garage and hear that zip-zip-zip of four well-oiled cylinders buzzing to life.
I've bought three or four new bikes in my time, but nothing has ever sent me over the mental edge like that shiny, blue, dream-toy ever did.
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IIRC, I paid $2100 for mine... whatever MSRP was. No one was making any deals on them since they were selling them as fast as they could get them. Here's a pic of a younger and slimmer me, back in the day when the GS was new:
(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d35/paulweit/Personal/Suzuki_GS750_77.jpg)
Sad thing is, it was stolen from me when it was just 9 months old (and had >17,000 miles on the clock).
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Wow... nice bike... but that SISSY BAR! I tried that route too for a while.. that last time was on a 1969 Suzuki T250 Hustler. gag ...that was the last for that ..
Yeah, maybe it WAS about $2100, now that you mention it.. I sort of forget... lots of US Bong hits floating around that time, you know... errr...pass the Doritos, dude..
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The sissy bar was on there for the purpose of moving from CA to VA, via WA. It provided a place to lean back while droning the interstate and gave a place to secure my cargo. The pic was taken while I was at my parents place in WA, so the bar was still on. Once I got to the other side of the country, I took it off.
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Once I got to the other side of the country, I took it off.
Yeah, yeah yeah... that's what the ALL say!
:grin:
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Once I got to the other side of the country, I took it off.
Yeah, yeah yeah... that's what the ALL say!
:grin:
Well, it would have looked pretty dorky with a sissy bar and Clubman bars, dontcha think? :lol:
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Once I got to the other side of the country, I took it off.
Yeah, yeah yeah... that's what the ALL say!
:grin:
Well, it would have looked pretty dorky with a sissy bar and Clubman bars, dontcha think? :lol:
IMO it would still look better than a B-King! :wink:
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I might change my mind if they also come up with aftermarket replacement body parts for that tank crap. I like how that pic strategically shows an angle that has a minimum view of the tail pipes and the tank width. When I look down over the front of one I still see some god aweful combo of a Transformer and a Harley cop bike.
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I might change my mind if they also come up with aftermarket replacement body parts for that tank crap. I like how that pic strategically shows an angle that has a minimum view of the tail pipes and the tank width. When I look down over the front of one I still see some god aweful combo of a Transformer and a Harley cop bike.
Like I've said before, once you start moving the bulk looking down all goes away when you ride it. It is strange, but true. One thing that you have to remember, that it is a huge motor, 1340 cc. Also the frame is a twin spar aluminum frame, so it has to come out wide to support it. If you saw it without those plastic covers, you would see how it actually smoothes out the lines.
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Coming from a supersport background I ended up liking my B12 more than I thought I would. The B-King looks bad as hell but I don't have the dough, dang :annoy: