Posted June 29, 2007   Email   Print

The new Hayabusa leads the way for 14 new or updated models in 2008.

New 'Busa headlines '08 Suzuki lineup

Story and event photos by Bill Andrews

"Sorry competitors, try again."

That's what Suzuki of America Vice President Mel Harris (right) said when he introduced the new 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa to a thousand-plus gathering of the company's dealers Wednesday night in Las Vegas at their annual meeting.

It was a direct shot across Kawasaki's bow. Team Green, as you may remember, just last year unveiled its ZX1400 'Busa killer.

The long-anticipated redesign was one of 14 new or significantly updated models for the American market next year. Here's a look at what you'll see at your local dealer in the coming months:

Hayabusa
MSRP: $11,999
Available this October.

At first glance, the front of the new 'Busa looks much like the model it replaces. According to Suzuki, that's to be expected. Many years were spent in the wind tunnel creating the slipperiest form possible for the first generation of the company's flagship model, and Suzuki felt little more could be achieved with anything too radically removed from that.

In the engine bay, though, it's a different story. Here we find so many upgrades to the old 1300cc mill that Suzuki classifies it as an all-new engine.

Suzuki stroked the motor by 2mm to 65mm, while keeping the old 81mm bore, bringing displacement up to 1340cc. The compression ratio was also increased from 11.5:1 to 12.5:1. These changes increase power output by 12 percent to an astonishing 195 horsepower, claims Suzuki.

B-King
MSRP: $12,899
Available this October.

Also introduced at the dealer meeting was a naked version of the 'Busa called the B-King--first seen as a concept bike at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2001.

With its unique Transformer-esque front end, calling it a naked 'Busa somehow feels like giving it less credit than it's due. Because the engine is now visible, chrome pieces have been added, like the clutch cover, with others polished and painted to a black shine.

With its striking looks accentuated by bold body parts and components, the B-King definitely streaks in a new direction for Suzuki.

Both the B-King and the new 'Busa feature Suzuki's new Drive Mode Selector. First introduced on the GSX-R1000 this year, the switch allows the rider to choose from different engine mappings based on riding style and road conditions.

Suzuki intends to offer the B-King in limited numbers, but no word was available on just how limited availability will be.

GSX650F
MSRP: $6,999
Available this December.

The GSX650F is another all-new model coming to the U.S. for 2008. The fully faired machine features styling and graphics lifted from Suzuki's race-bred GSXR lineup, coupled with tubular handlebars and a relatively low 30.35-inch seat height. The combination is designed to strike an even balance between "sportiness and all-around comfort," claims Suzuki.

The 650F is powered by a liquid-cooled, fuel injected, 656cc inline four which first saw light a year ago powering the European version of the Bandit.

M109R2, C109R and C109RT
MSRP: $12,699(109R2), $13,799 (C109R), $14,999 (C109RT)
Available February 2008. M109R2 available this September.

Suzuki has mated the M109R engine with a more traditional "classic" chassis to create the C109R (seen here with former professional football player Herschel Walker and Harris) and C109RT.

The C109 models feature floorboards, a heel-toe shifter, a standard headlight, and a meaty 150/80R16 front tire. The "T" version (left) adds a windshield, saddlebags and a backrest and luggage rack.

And speaking of the M109R, Suzuki had received some concerns regarding the rather unique headlight nacelle. To offer another option, the M109R2 is being introduced with a new "aerodynamic" front beam (right).

RM-Z450
MSRP: Price and availability not yet set.

In the off-road world, Suzuki has trumped its competitors as well with the all-new RM-Z450 (left, ridden by the "GOAT" himself, Ricky Carmichael, talking with Harris after he asked the audience if RC should retire).

What makes this FI system even more unique is that it operates sans-battery. A magneto supplies all the power for sensors and an ECU that calculates optimum injection and ignition timing.

Also notable among the many chassis and engine mods is a 5-speed gearbox.

DR-Z70
MSRP: $1,499
Available this September.

The other off-road news that had dealers clapping enthusiastically is an all-new DR-Z70, described by Suzuki to be the "foundation for fun" -- a way to get youngsters into motorcycling and into the Suzuki fold.

Ridden onstage by Suzuki motocross racer Nico Izzi (right), the bike features a  70cc, 4-stroke with a single overhead cam, electric and kick start, and a 3-speed semi-automatic transmission.

For more information on these and other 2008 models, go to www.suzukicycles.com

 © 2007, American Motorcyclist Association