2008 Suzuki bikes

American Suzuki introduced 14 new or revised 2008-model motorcycles and ATVs today at its annual dealer meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, and among the new models was a thoroughly-revised Hayabusa, the much-anticipated B-King muscle bike and a new entry-level sportbike, the GSX650F.

Though the Lilliputian DR-Z70 dirt bike and the substantial C109R cruiser are new for ‘08, the muscular B-King is the most sensational of the latest models, boasting a 1,340cc powerplant plucked directly from the Hayabusa, a Twin-spar cast aluminum alloy frame, and distinctively chiseled styling. The naked B-King weighs in with a dry weight of 520 lbs, 35 lbs more than the ‘Busa.

Although it looks very similar to the existing Hayabusa, the new GSX1300R is full of revisions, especially its engine. The ram-air-fed, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline Four retains the same bore, 81.0mm, but gets 2mm more of stroke, up to 65.0mm, for an increased displacement of 1340cc.

The engine has four titanium (intake and exhaust) valves per cylinder, a compression ratio of 12.5:1, revised cam specs, Suzuki Dual Throttle Valves (SDTV) in the 44mm throttle bodies, two multi-hole fuel injectors per cylinder, a three-way Suzuki Drive Mode Selector switch and Suzuki’s “most powerful, most advanced digital fuel injection and engine management system” controlling it all.

In print, Suzuki claims a 12% increase in peak power and torque output for the new Hayabusa, and American Suzuki Vice President, Motorcycle and ATV Division Mel Harris told his dealers this equated to 195 horsepower, presumably at the crankshaft.

The GSX1300R also gets a revised twin-spar aluminum frame, a more rigid swingarm, a beefier rear subframe, fully-adjustable KYB suspension, radial-mount four-piston Tokico front brake calipers and more aerodynamic bodywork. Wheelbase is 58.5 inches (1485mm), rake is 24.2, trail is 98mm/3.9 inches, dry weight is 485 pounds and suggested retail price is $11,999.

Expanding the GSX line, the GSX650F offers a 656cc inline-4 mated to a 6-speed transmission and a hydraulic clutch. An upright seating position, relatively tall windscreen, and 5-gallon fuel capacity suggest the GSX650F might excel on long distance rides.

The M109R2 receives a less chunky headlight treatment and the M109R Limited Edition gets an omelet-like yellow and white paint job, but the big news in the update department is the Hayabusa: Suzuki’s notorious land rocket receives revised aerodynamics, suspension, and brakes, not to mention 12% more power via a new fuel injection system, pistons, valves, and more. Also notable is the incorporation of a three-mode engine output switch, a la the GSXR-1000. The totally revised RM-Z450 rounds out the updated bikes for ‘08.

The B-King is a limited-edition streetbike based on a concept bike that was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2001 and created so much demand it was put into production. The B-King shares the new Hayabusa’s 1340cc engine, but it gets a unique chassis and very unique styling.

Its twin-spar aluminum alloy frame is composed of five “precision cast” pieces, and its braced swingarm is formed with three “pressure cast” pieces. KYB supplies the three-way adjustable suspension (front and rear), and Nissin manufacturers the radial-mount four-piston front brake calipers. Rake is 25.5º, trail is 107mm/4.2 inches, wheelbase is 60.0 inches, dry weight is 518 pounds and claimed dry weight is $12,899.

To fill the entry-level sportbike gap left when the Katana 600 and 750 were discontinued from Suzuki’s product line last year, Suzuki has developed the fully-faired GSX650F, which is powered by a liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine displacing 656cc with a bore of 65.5mm, a stroke of 48.7mm and a compression ratio of 11.5:1. Each cylinder has four valves per cylinder, which are actuated by double overhead camshafts, which are in turn driven by a centrally-located cam chain. The engine is fed by 36mm throttle bodies equipped with SDTV and controlled by a 32-bit, 256kb engine management system. The engine is backed by a six-speed transmission, which transmits power to the rear wheel via a roller chain.

The GSX650F’s chassis is based around a tubular steel double-cradle frame. KYB supplies the spring-preload-adjustable 41mm forks and the two-way-adjustable rear shock. The dual front brake rotors measure 310mm and are grabbed by four-piston Tokico calipers. The 3.50 x 17.0-inch front and 5.00 x 17.0-inch rear cast aluminum alloy wheels come shod with 120/70-ZR17 and 160/60-ZR17 Bridgestone BT011 radials, respectively. Wheelbase is 1470mm (57.9 inches), rake is 26º, trail is 108mm/4.3 inches, seat height is 30.35 inches, claimed dry weight is 476 pounds and the manufacturer suggested retail price is $6999.

Suzuki plans to introduce updated versions of the GSX-R600 and GSX-R750 in October.