Description
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 2008 Suzuki B-King.
A decade after Suzuki released its Blackbird-eating GSX1300R Hayabusa, the Japanese marque introduced a new version of the model, stripped of its distinctive bodywork, known as the “B-King”. What started as an over-the-top supercharged Hayabusa concept first shown at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show with a massive 240-section rear tire, eventually generated enough hype and interest to the point where the suits in Hamamatsu green-lit the development of a naked ‘Busa production model nearly half-a-decade-later. First released in 2008, the B-King 1300 is powered by a modified version of the second generation Hayabusa’s liquid-cooled, 1,340cc, 16V, DOHC, inline-four with a different ignition and revised fuel-injection mapping. The B-King still boasted its fully-faired counterpart’s slipper clutch and Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS), though with one fewer mode. The potent four-banger also received a new 4-2-1-2 exhaust system that culminated in a pair of under-seat cans.
Tweaks were made to yield greater low and mid-range power at the expense of top-end grunt, ultimately resulting in more usable performance characteristics for the road. While the changes did reduce horsepower by around ten-or-so (to 181hp at 9,500rpm), torque was brought up to almost 110ft-lbs (at 7,200rpm). The B-King’s twin-spar cast aluminum frame is also based on that of the Hayabusa, though it too has been reworked to better suit the revised engine and geometry. With the gearing also revised for the street, the B-King’s top speed was limited to around 160mph, though it got there in an instant, with the ability to complete standing quarter-mile runs in under 10.5 seconds. The B-King was equipped with suspension that was more conducive to road-going duties as well. A 43mm inverted fork and mono-shock from KYB — adjustable for compression, reload, and rebound — soak up imperfections while a set of radial-mount quad-pot Nissin calipers chomp down on 310mm rotors to bring the naked beast to a stop.
Instead of merely hacking off the bottom half of the Hayabusa’s fairing and calling it a day, Suzuki opted to give the B-King its own completely unique bodywork design. Out in back a sporty and waspish tail section jets upward in typical street-fighter-fashion, suspended high above the beefy rear tire. A new tank boasts knee-dents that smoothly flow into an aggressive set of intake scoops decked out with flush, integrated turn signals. Below the intakes are pointy, triangular radiator cowls, sitting behind an idiosyncratic and angular front-fender. The headlight is a small street-fighter-style unit, capped off with a small cowl.
This example is VIN: JS1GX71A682102021. The seller purchased the bike May 2021 from CycleMax in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and states, “I was always an admirer of the Hayabusa and the B-King. Once I sat on the “King”, found it had an “all day” riding position, and saw how smooth a runner it was despite the monster motor, I was hooked. Super comfortable, rock steady, doesn’t feel heavy, and easy to ride. Excellent rider triangle for just about any size rider, although my 6’4″ brother is absolutely the top end in terms of height for this bike. I’m 5’11 and it’s a perfect seating position. The power is as ridiculous as you read about, but it’s all usable in any riding condition.”
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 690 miles. The odometer shows 7,674 miles.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “The bike was fully serviced when I bought it four years ago. I’ve changed the oil myself once since then. Always garaged, always tendered, ridden regularly to local Bikes and Breakfast events. Always draws a crowd. Runs perfect.”
Modifications:
“Yoshimura exhaust came on the bike, along with the non-stock black handlebar. I don’t know if it was flashed but it runs perfect. It has the rear plastic cowl on it and I have the original pillion seat. I also have the stock handlebar. I don’t have the original exhaust.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Continental ContiSportAttack3 tires with date codes of 0616 and 0716.
The sale includes one key, original pillion seat, rearsets, and stock handlebar.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Few, if any. Never down, one tiny pain blemish near the rear cowl, likely due to someone tying something down. Barely visible.”
Currently located in Poolesville, Maryland, this Suzuki is offered on a clean Maryland title. Have any B-King stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
