Suzuki B-King: John Reynold's view
Ex-BSB champion gives his views on Suzuki's new monster
Reynolds...extensive testing on the new B-King
FORMER BSB champion, John Reynolds, was present at Suzuki's 2008 model launch in Rome, where the company unveiled the new Hayabusa and long-awaited B-King. The Nottinghamshire racer, who's still involved with Rizla Suzuki's British Superbike Team, has extensively tested the new naked musclebike around Suzuki's test track in Japan. Visordown caught up with the 3-times BSB champion and asked him for his views on the new 1340cc brute.
John, is the B-King breathtakingly rapid or just another emasculated naked musclebike?
'It's definitely not for the faint hearted. The new 1340cc engine's a hell of a motor and I reckon anyone that tries one won't be disappointed.'
And what about the power selector switch?
'When you've got so much torque on tap it's nice to know you've got a system that'll make the bike easier work in slippery conditions.'
It looks a big bike - does it handle?
'You'd be surprised. It looks like it could be a bit of a handful but it actually turns really well - ever so sweet steering. I've done lap after lap at Suzuki's test track in Japan and didn't find it tiring at all. You can't say that about most big musclebikes.'
Does it wheelie?
'Easily. Off the throttle or with a dab on the clutch. No problem.'
The B-King handles a lot better than you might think
Suzuki expect the B-King to be on sale this October and priced around the £9000 mark.
