B-KIng: Ride Impressions @ ZX10R ZONE.com

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Dave Bogue

Novice Class
Posts: 34

posted February 24, 2008 03:06 AM

B-KIng: Ride Impressions

Firstly, thanks to GSXR1000 Darin's Dad for kindly allowing me to ride his B-King. And thanks for his pre-ride warning, "If you ride it, you will want to buy one." I had my doubts.

When the B-King was announced, my thoughts were that FINALLY Suzuki will be producing a Bandit with the Hayabusa engine. As a previous owner of the first generation Bandit, this was way overdue in my opinion.

As I sat on the bike, my impression was that the ergonomics suited me. The seat was wide and flat, the bars were sports/touring in width & height, and the pegs were similar to my '98 Bandit. In fact, the ergos were very Bandit-like. Good!

The tach was on top of the instrument display and easy to read. The digital speedo and gear indicator (always wanted one!) were easy to read too. Good.

This bike was lowered (looked to be about an inch on the forks) and I could get both feet down.

I pedaled backward a several yards, no problem, to clear the other bikes and shifted into gear. Hey, the hydraulic clutch pull was nice and light. I like that.

Taking it slow in the parking area, I made may way to the road and turned right to head north on Wauchula Rd. There was too much play in the throttle cable for my liking, but that's easily adjusted to owner preference.

When I am riding some else's (expensive) motorcycle, there's always some apprehension on my part. This is not my toy, so I treat it with utmost respect.

Right away, I could feel the bike had plenty of low end torque. Big engine (about 1350cc), equals big torque. The engine vibration at all rpm levels was subdued.

The riding position felt comfortable for me and with each curve I took, I got more confidence in the bike. Turn-in was easy and the suspension compliance was good.

Instrumentation was excellent and I found myself checking the gear indicator often, especially as I tried the acceleration in various gears. The big engine pulls hard in all gears and does so smoothly. The exhaust note is subdued.

There was an aftermarket fly screen on the bike and it really did it's job. Wind pressure was never an issue at supra-legal speeds.

Naturally, I had to eventually try first gear acceleration. The long wheelbase (60 inches!) and lowering combined with the big engine means that the horsepower can really be put to the pavement on this machine as compared to a lightweight liter sportbike with short wheelbase. Translation, the bike will haul ass in first gear! Yes, it will power wheelie (I had it up slightly a few times), but mainly the power is used to propel the bike forward..........fast. Fast-forward!

Where my ZX-10 is scary fast, the BK seems to get the job done without much fuss. It's a big, heavy, very powerful motorcycle, with a wide powerband and lots of horsepower. Twist & go!

Front brakes: surprisingly powerful. Power brakes! Back brake: almost nonexistent.

As mentioned, I quickly felt very much at home on this bike. It's smooth, it wants to corner, it's got compliant suspension, excellent brakes, big torque, big horsepower, and comfy ergos. It's sort of a Bandit with Super Powers. I wanted to just keep on riding. This was fun!

Would I like to own one?

YES!

Dave
Bradenton Florida

PS: The BK is 518 pounds claimed dry weight. Porky! (Busa is a svelt 485 pounds) I would expect significant weight savings with aftermarket exhaust.

dubious

Needs a life
Needs more time to ride!
Posts: 8442

posted February 25, 2008 07:13 PM

so are you selling the10 then?
____________
natural selection.....
destiny will overcome intervention.
Some are not worthy of the effort.

zxhoya

Zone Head
Posts: 631

posted February 29, 2008 08:32 AM

Excellent review Dave! Damn, so many nice bikes, so little money. It's time for Kaw to come out with a 14 engined naked bike, I'm sure there is a market for it.
____________
''The angle of my dangle is inversely proportional to the heat of my meat'' Will Ferrell

stevewfl

Moderator
Posts: 27920

posted February 29, 2008 09:02 AM

quote:
Excellent review Dave! Damn, so many nice bikes, so little money. It's time for Kaw to come out with a 14 engined naked bike, I'm sure there is a market for it.

+1

I suspect they'd sell a lot of 'em
____________
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'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
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stevewfl

Moderator
Posts: 27920

posted February 29, 2008 12:35 PM