Comparison test: Suzuki B-King against BMW K 1200 R

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Comparison test: Suzuki B-King against BMW K 1200 R
photo: Fact

motorcycles

Comparison test: Suzuki B-King against BMW K 1200 R

Comparison test: Suzuki B-King against BMW K 1200 R
Broken laces

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Sammy and Eddy are gone, their cells empty. With a BMW K 1200 R and the new Suzuki B-King they are on the run, storming towards freedom. Without pressure in the combustion chamber, the escapes will not get very far, without the right handling and driving behavior they will soon be sitting behind Swedish curtains again. A tough comparison test thriller with an uncertain outcome begins.

Uwe Seitz

02/15/2008

The plan was good, very good in fact. Sammy, 38, eight years in jail because he served the city’s posh scene with snow from Bolivia, and the beautiful Eddy, 34, six years in prison as a red light and debt collection entrepreneur, storm off on the bright day with the naked bikes provided. Closer Bernd K. let them out, as the investigations later bring to light. Out of gratitude after making a fortune in stocks from Sammy’s good relationships.

Nominally over 160 bare horsepower are a strong argument for freedom. Eddy swears by the BMW K 1200 R, so far the most powerful power plant of the bare power rams. For him, performance and a certain inconspicuousness merge into the perfect getaway vehicle. Sammy, on the other hand, was never a quiet man. It has to be shrill, the show has to be right, and more power than the brand new one B-King doesn’t have a series-produced naked bike anyway? although the test bench could only find just under 175 of the promised 185 hp in the unthrottled fourth gear (the fifth locks at 9000, the sixth at 8400 rpm).

Sammy’s Suzuki runs flawlessly. It accelerates absolutely cleanly, plows through the rev range with a burst of power and unfolds its power very harmoniously. The B-King works in mode A, like breakout. So Sammy has nothing to fear. As long as he turns the throttle carefully, the wet asphalt doesn’t cause him any problems, the great controllability suits him. Sammy enthusiastically pushes the gears in, everything slips, the distances are short and the operating force of the clutch is pleasantly small. A pleasant shiver runs down his back and he thinks he can literally smell freedom in the fresh air of early autumn.


Comparison test: Suzuki B-King against BMW K 1200 R


photo: Fact

Fat: The tailpipes of the B-King are droned under the seat.

Eddy’s emotional world is a little more tense. Although he sits loosely and very tidily on his K 1200 R, the lightness of the B-King simply does not come about, especially when it comes to the engine. The four-cylinder from Munich runs much rougher than the Suzuki engine. Vibrations in his fingers tingle between 5500 and 6500 revolutions. Shouldn’t he have worked in the locksmith’s shop to prepare for his escape instead of softening in the infirmary? His thoughts fly by in a flash when the BMW suddenly increases its propulsion beyond 7000 rpm.

Across a wide road through a dense forest, they soon trade the seclusion of the penal institution for the anonymous bustle of the city. The transmission of the BMW shifts loudly and takes long distances. When starting up at the next traffic light, Eddy notices a loud squeak from the clutch. With his left thumb he presses the info button on the dashboard until the mileage appears in the clearly laid out BMW cockpit. 1100 km and the clutch squeaks? Red Jenny got ripped off again when she bought it?

The two fugitives noticed a patrol on the main street. In the rearview mirror, Sammy watches as the green and silver Mercedes is tucked behind her. Eddy can’t see any of it, his mirrors vibrate too violently. But Sammy’s caution infects him; just don’t make a mistake! While Sammy curses the eye-catching design of his B-King while sweating, the seriousness of the BMW gives its rider the necessary composure. The cardan jerks under partial load, but that’s the least of your worries now. The two turn into the next underground car park, the patrol drives past. Take a deep breath and out of town.


Comparison test: Suzuki B-King against BMW K 1200 R


photo: Fact

Everything is big about the B-King. A real men’s motorcycle.

Cock cock after the place-name sign. The front of the B-King is light, but the steering damper successfully braces itself against possible handlebar slap. BMW does not need such a component. She loves the speed and reacts slowly to acceleration from below.

The wide country road calls and sings a song about the near border. The two of them sweep the asphalt strip far too quickly, let themselves be spurred on by the goal and seduced by the potency of their bikes.

A silver limousine is stalking its way. Much too late, Sammy and Eddy realize that it is a civilian bull cart. The blue light is already stuck on the roof. The two of them are nervously looking for a junction? and find them. They brake sharply at a small intersection. The B-King kneels down hard at the front: the fork is a bit too soft for the four-piston biters, and the front wheel even locks for a short time? Sammy is certainly not a panic brake. He creates the bend. Eddy doesn’t have to worry about going over the front wheel. He simply relies on his ABS, kicks over and storms down the narrow county road.

Behind the two of them, the tires of the pursuit vehicle still squeal as they aim at the first bend. With its 259 kilograms full of fuel, the B-King pushes powerfully over the front wheel, and Sammy has to work to heave the Suzi around the bend. But the feeling for the front is very good, the wide Suzuki can be swirled neatly down the mountain road. The active seating position and the relatively narrow and slightly cranked handlebars give the B-King an unimagined agility and tempt the driver to turn in a sporty and aggressive manner.


Comparison test: Suzuki B-King against BMW K 1200 R


photo: Fact

In contrast, the BMW looks almost good and inconspicuous.

The BMW cuts an equally good figure because Eddy was able to switch the chassis to sport mode at the push of a button thanks to ESA, which is subject to a surcharge. It’s always amazing how well this system works if you make the right choice of cushioning. If he had bet on comfort or normal, the BMW would behave much more sedate and he would have to reduce the speed safely. But now: it is stable K 1200 R in the curve and does not tilt. Even as the arcs get longer, she follows the steering command and the targeted line, albeit with the necessary strong hand. One drawback is the lack of feel for the front wheel. In jail, Eddy learned not to trust anyone. And now he has to blindly rely on the front tire.

The air begins to vibrate, a deep throbbing drowns out the engine noise. The noose is tightened around the two of them. Escaping the helicopter is unlikely to be possible even on these two horsepower cars. Sirens wail everywhere. The show is over, the game is over. “It was worth it for this wild ride alone”, Sammy hisses to Eddy with a cold grin as they are brought back to their cells in handcuffs. Closer Bernd K. is already approaching for landing in Rio de Janeiro. The two escapees are back, their bikes, however, are freely available in stores.

Conclusion: The B-King takes the crown by storm as the strongest naked bike. However, it does not only wrest the title from BMW because of its significant increase in performance. The engine is the icing on the cake of the Suzuki. The K 1200 R lacks smoothness and the sleek trappings, such as the gearbox. On the chassis side, they are almost on par if the BMW has the ESA. The B-King, however, looks more radical.


Comparison test: Suzuki B-King against BMW K 1200 R


photo: Fact

B-King is doing better, BMW has to upgrade.

Suzuki B-King

Drive: four-cylinder in-line engine, four valves / cylinder, 135 kW (184 PS) at 9500 / min *, 146 Nm at 7200 / min *, 1340 cm3, bore / stroke: 81.0 / 65.0 mm, compression ratio 12, 5: 1, ignition / injection system, 44 mm throttle valves, hydraulically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, six-speed gearbox, G-Kat

Chassis: light metal bridge frame, steering head angle: 64.5 degrees, caster: 107 mm, wheelbase: 1525 mm, upside-down fork, Ø fork inner tube: 43 mm, adjustable at the front in spring base, compression and rebound, rear central spring strut with lever system, adjustable in spring base, rebound and compression, spring travel front / rear: 120/137 mm.

Wheels and brakes: cast light alloy wheels, 3.50 x 17″/6.00 x 17″, Front tires: 120/70 ZR 17, rear: 200/50 ZR 17. First tires: Dunlop Qualifier ?? MT ?? front, ?? NK ?? rear, 310 mm double disc brake with four-piston fixed calipers at the front, 260 mm single disc brake with single-piston floating caliper at the rear, ABS available from 2008

Dimensions and weights: length / width / height: 2226 /
850/1260 mm, seat / handlebar height: 810/1020 mm, handlebar width: 790 mm, 259 kg fully fueled, v./h .: 49.0 / 51.0%
Rear wheel power in last gear: 102 kW (139 hp) at 241 km / h

Performance: Acceleration 0 100/150/200 km / h: Mode A: 3.1 / 5.0 / 8.1 s, pulling 50 100/100 150 km / h: 5.1 / 4 , 6 s, mode B: 4.2 / 7.1 / 14.0 s; 5.7 / 7.6 s top speed: 247 km / h

Consumption: Fuel type: Super, average test consumption: 6.8 liters / 100 km, tank capacity: 16.5 liters, range: 243 km

Price: 13490 Euro * (plus ancillary costs)

BMW K 1200 R.

Drive: four-cylinder in-line engine, four valves / cylinder, 120 kW (163 hp) at 10250 / min *, 127 Nm at 8250 / min *, 1157 cm3, bore / stroke: 79.0 / 59.0 mm, compression ratio 13, 0: 1, ignition / injection system, 46 mm throttle valves, hydraulically operated multi-plate dry clutch, six-speed gearbox, G-Kat

Chassis: light metal bridge frame, steering head angle: 61.0 degrees, caster: 101 mm, wheelbase: 1580 mm, front double trailing arm with central spring strut, adjustable in rebound with ESA. Rear central spring strut with deflection, adjustable in the spring base, adjustable with ESA in rebound and compression, spring travel front / rear: 115/135 mm.

Wheels and brakes: cast light alloy wheels, 3.50 x 17″/6.00 x 17″, Front tires: 120/70 ZR 17, rear: 190/50 ZR 17. First tires: Bridgestone BT 014, 320 mm double disc brake with four-piston fixed calipers at the front, 265 mm single disc brake with two-piston floating caliper at the rear, partially integral brake system with ABS

Dimensions and weights: Length / width / height: 2225/875/1230 mm, seat / handlebar height: 820/1000 mm, handlebar width: 710 mm, 247 kg fully fueled, v./h .: 49.8 / 50.2% , Rear wheel power in last gear: 102 kW (139 hp) at 241 km / h

Driving performance: Acceleration 0-100/150/200 km / h: 3.0 / 5.5 / 9.0 s, pulling power 50-100 / 100-150 km / h: 4.5 / 5.4 s
Top speed: 262 km / h

Consumption: Fuel type: Super plus, average test consumption: 7.7 liters / 100 km, tank capacity: 19 liters, range: 247 km

Price: 15763 Euro * (plus utilities)


Comparison test: Suzuki B-King against BMW K 1200 R


photo: Fact

A big performance is definitely possible with this machine.

reviews

Suzuki B-King

drive
This engine is fun. Print in all positions, neatly metered, beautifully harmonious. In addition an impeccable gearbox? well done!

landing gear
Because of its weight, the B-King slides over the front wheel and runs somewhat wide arcs. The chassis fits well, but the fork locks up when the brakes are heavy.

ergonomics
Big drivers have a hard time getting their knees really close to the tank. Great handlebars, very active driving position, zero wind protection

Driving fun
Well, the B-King weighs a lot and is as wide as a barn door, but this engine is just awesome.

verdict
The success of the B-King will probably depend on whether the design finds supporters. Technically it is a great stove, the engine the purest adrenaline injection.

Place 1/17 points

BMW K 1200 R.

drive
The rough running and the vibrations as well as the inharmonious power delivery cost stars, and the gearbox also tarnishes the mood.

landing gear
The ESA is a must! In sport mode, the BMW is full and stable, but wants to be driven with a firm hand. Unfortunately, it hardly conveys a feeling for the front wheel.

ergonomics
The BMW sits relaxed and relaxed, the narrow tank feels good, the 170 euros surcharge for the sports windshield is well worth it.

Driving fun
There is pressure, but too many features spoil the fun on the way to top speed. When it rains, the BMW splashes the driver from behind.

verdict
The title “strongest naked bike” is gone, and otherwise the K 1200 R has to subordinate itself to the B-King. But if you want a no-frills motorcycle, buy the BMW.

2nd place / 14 points

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