2008 Suzuki B-King Comparison Photo Gallery

The Suzuki B-King looks big and mean and has the spec sheet to prove it. Come with Motorcycle USA as we test the naked street bike's high-performance claims next to that of the Yamaha Star VMAX. Check out our editor's full 2008 Suzuki B-King Comparison.

When placed at this angle next to Suzuki's strapping B-King (right), Yamaha's 2009 Star VMAX appears much like a beached whale.

Naked and horny, the B-King is the aggressive alter ego of Suzuki's Hayabusa, with minimal performance differences between the two.

The 2008 B-King doesn't bother covering up its robust 1340cc, DOHC liquid-cooled, 16 valve engine that it swiped from the Hayabusa.

The new fully adjustable KYB inverted front forks were specifically designed for the B-King. Radial mount front brake calipers squeeze 310mm brake rotors for a hard bite.

The B-King features radial-mount calipers on its fat rear tire. The lightweight single piston calipers works with a 260mm discs to bring the bike to punctual stops.

A uniquely styled exhaust system with oversized cannons enhances the powerful styling of the B-King's derriere.

The Star VMAX has an extra 120 pounds on the B-King, and a longer reach to boot. To stand a fighting chance the B-King must keep to the inside.

The front fender of the 2008 B-King is composed of side panels and a center panel, for more animated looking features.

The front brake master cylinder, its reservoir tank, as well as the clutch master cylinder were designed specifically for the aggressive look of the B-King.

The B-King's counterbalanced four cylinder is smoother running than the Max's V-4, yet lacks the same degree of rubbernecking belt.

The new aluminum alloy rear shock absorber features three-way adjustability with superior supersport-style damping characteristics.

The all-new Twin-spar cast aluminum alloy frame features optimum rigidity balance and superb handling

S-DMS (Suzuki Drive Mode Selector) allows the rider to choose from two different engine throttle settings depending on riding conditions or rider preferences.

At 161 hp, the B-King has about 40 fewer ponies than the larger VMAX.

The 2008 B-King's inline-four creates revs faster than the Star VMAX's V-4, allowing it to make up ground exiting corners.

The 2008 B-King utlizes a slick shifting 6 speed transmission working in conjunction with an innovative back torque limiting clutch for smooth and controlled downshifts

The agile maneuverability of the 2008 B-King will be a blessing for the dyslexic rider who is prone to reading road-signs backwards.

We were impressed by how well the B-King handled this tricky stretch of twisty back road, imagining it fairing equally well at a track day.

163 horses of sweet, heavenly power will rocket you out of turns like a slingshot.

A little maneuver called the Suzuki Salute.

The B-King is proof that their is no such thing as too much Torque when properly harnessed.

The B-King features a new wheel design with a skimpy three spoke look combined with high performance radial tires boasting a beastly 200mm rear tire.

The 87 pound-feet of peak torque twists the back tire into performing aerial feats like an underaged Chinese gymnast.

Call your doctor if you experience a wheelie lasting more than four straight hours.

Once the Torque-Happy B-King gets in the mood it won't give it a rest, much to the annoyance of our tired camera man.

When a bike wields as much thrust as the 2008 B-King it takes a magnificent act of engineering to achieve the smooth, seamless ride that we experienced as we exploited the throttle.

Fast in a straight line or fast in the corners? The B-King may come out on top 2-1 with our three test riders, but we certainly don't consider the VMAX a loser.