What Will Kawasaki and Yamaha Throw At the B-King?

[B-Rex]

Before the B-King actually showed up on U.S. shores (it had already been in Europe for about a year) BMW launched the impressive K1200R. But Yamaha has been threatening the upgraded V-Max forever and Kawasaki hasn't hinted about a serious B-King competitor as far as I know. Honda hasn't let out a peep and I'm not sure anyone knows if they even intend to compete in this arena.

What are the other guys up to? Maybe someone has heard some rumors or seen something buzzing around on the test tracks. I have to wonder if the the other Japanese manufacturers are just sitting around watching Suzuki, BMW and the Italians and waiting to see if their respective models sell well. Anyone heard anything?

B-Rex

[inspiron]

Huh? What about the Kawasaki ZZR1400? (I think it's called the ZR14 in the USA).

That's is Kawa's answer - a 1400ccm monster bike. The 1400ccm Kawa engine is used in 2 different bikes - one "Ninja" 1400 supersportler, and another sport-touring model that comes complete with full fairings and a set of hard luggage.

[B-Rex]

Originally Posted by inspiron

Huh? What about the Kawasaki ZZR1400? (I think it's called the ZR14 in the USA).

That's is Kawa's answer - a 1400ccm monster bike. The 1400ccm Kawa engine is used in 2 different bikes - one "Ninja" 1400 supersportler, and another sport-touring model that comes complete with full fairings and a set of hard luggage.

I don't wanna seem like I'm splitting hairs here...but isn't that a pretty heavily faired bike? Truth is I only found a couple of pics of it that I could see clearly on this little LCD on my notebook puter.

B-Rex

[drgibson]

So are you speaking to the design aspect or the power aspect or both?

[inspiron]

ZZR1400 --> ZZR1400 ABS

With RAM-Air, 203 horsepower, with a dry weight of about 490 lbs.

1400GTR --> Kawasaki 1400GTR

Same engine, tuned down to 155 horsepower, and about 100 lbs more weight (fairings, bags, etc.)

[B-Rex]

Originally Posted by drgibson

So are you skeaking to the design aspect or the power aspect or both?

LOL.....for a minute I almost asked you what "skeaking" was.

Anyway, as far as I know....and I don't claim to be the "super standard" expert....standards and super standards stock, are either not faired or very minimally so. I do understand that "minimally" is a relative term.

Certainly from a power aspect, no one would argue.

B-Rex

[drgibson]

Actually the b-king just looks like a lighter faster bike. In actuality it is heavier and has a longer wheelbase then the busa.

busa 485lbs 58.5" wb
b-king 518lbs 60.0wb

As far as standards go the vmax can't be far behind the b-king.

[B-Rex]

Yeah, I would expect a super standard to have much less fairing ( a "naked bike") with more upright/comfy ergos and, in all likelyhood, be heavier than its sportbike brother (if it has one).

I suppose there will always be some blurring of the line between sport-tourers and super standards. Again, I would imagine the chief difference would be the amount of fairing.

The 2008 B-King's extra weight over the 2008 'Busa, and some other small design things, cost the Bee between one and two tenths of second in the 1/4 mile (if both bikes are stock)

Stock B-King 1/4 = about 9.9*
Stock 'Busa 1/4 = about 9.7-9.8*

(*Depending on who you read)

Obviously, the 'Busa outruns the Bee significantly on top end.



B-Rex

[Alex13]

The Kawasaki Z1000 looks like the B-King IMO. The B-King might be bigger but I think it would hang as far as speed goes.

[B-Rex]

Originally Posted by Alex13

The Kawasaki Z1000 looks like the B-King IMO. The B-King might be bigger but I think it would hang as far as speed goes.

I don't know the 2008's Z1000's quarter mile times but earlier ones were in the 10.70 neighborhood.

B-Rex

[Max Speed]

I like my B-King better.... the Kawasaki Z1000 is a nice looking bike but I don't think it can in stock form out do the B-King

[Alex13]

Originally Posted by B-Rex

I don't know the 2008's Z1000's quarter mile times but earlier ones were in the 10.70 neighborhood.

B-Rex

Whats the quater mile on the B-King?

[B-Rex]

Originally Posted by Alex13

Whats the quater mile on the B-King?

Depending on who you read...but it's about 9.9 stock. With a TRE about 1-2 10ths. quicker. I haven't read a quarter mile time for the B-King with the new Micron pipes but my guess would be about 9.7 since they boost the rear wheel torque substantially (to about 104+ ft.lbs).

B-Rex

[Alex13]

10.7, 9.9. It would hang I suppose!

[JmalB]

Originally Posted by inspiron

Huh? What about the Kawasaki ZZR1400? (I think it's called the ZR14 in the USA).

That's is Kawa's answer - a 1400ccm monster bike. The 1400ccm Kawa engine is used in 2 different bikes - one "Ninja" 1400 supersportler, and another sport-touring model that comes complete with full fairings and a set of hard luggage.

Not offered in the US. THe 14 only comes in ZX and Concours guise here. The closest would be Z1000.

[DaveAlvarado]

Originally Posted by inspiron

ZZR1400 --> ZZR1400 ABS

With RAM-Air, 203 horsepower, with a dry weight of about 490 lbs.

1400GTR --> Kawasaki 1400GTR

Same engine, tuned down to 155 horsepower, and about 100 lbs more weight (fairings, bags, etc.)

The ZZR1400 is called the ZX-14 in the US. The 1400GTR is sold here as the Concours 14. There is no naked bike with that engine, which is what Kawasaki would have to release to directly compete with the B-King. Of course, Suzuki doesn't have a dedicated sport-touring model either, so perhaps neither company will answer the other. People looking for a monster naked will buy the B-King, those wanting a monster sport-touring bike will buy the Concours 14, and those wanting a monster supersport will have a choice between the ZX-14 and the 'Busa.

[benroe]

We really need a 1098R engine in the Hypermotard. That is a superstandard.....

[Atlas68]

Originally Posted by B-Rex

... Yamaha has been threatening the upgraded V-Max forever... and Kawasaki hasn't hinted about a serious B-King competitor as far as I know. Honda hasn't let out a peep and I'm not sure anyone knows if they even intend to compete in this arena.

What are the other guys up to? Maybe someone has heard some rumors or seen something buzzing around on the test tracks. I have to wonder if the the other Japanese manufacturers are just sitting around watching Suzuki, BMW and the Italians and waiting to see if their respective models sell well. Anyone heard anything?

B-Rex

Possible Vmax sighting in Italy?? Could be more hype building up to it's release, but an interesting read nonetheless. I've been shopping for a Vmax for a few weeks now, so my interest may be biased...

I think it's gonna cliMAX at the Tokyo show this summer...

New VMax on the Road in Italy | V-Max News | News

[Kodatech]

I Honestly dont think kawasaki or yamaha are going to throw anything at the b-king. I am a fan of big-bore naked bikes, and my avatar is me on a ZRX1200R. But the truth of the matter is that sales are what drives manufacturers, and here in the U.S., naked bike sales are NOT where its at. Its cruisers and fully faired sportbikes. In Europe?...who knows...maybe a naked ZX-14 powered bike. I just dont see it happening here in the states.