Above: Suzuki’s new B-King

Rick Campbell
Editor/Publisher

     In late June, Suzuki held their annual dealer meeting in Las Vegas. On the surface that does not seem unusual. In today’s changing times, however, it is indeed becoming unusual. With next year’s models coming out at odd times of the year, other OEMs opting to have traveling regional shows, etc., it has become unusual to have the entire dealer body convene at one location, like all of them did but a few years ago. I, for one, applaud them for doing so. I also applaud their inviting the consumer and trade press, obviously not in vogue with the rest of them, or at least some of them. There is just something about the ability to gather, match notes, bond, see the new units, recreate, get away from the “office” and just be a part of the bigger picture … For the press and the dealers.

     Suzuki reports that nearly 70 percent of their dealerships were in attendance, probably to be judged as strong representation, considering the travel woes of today and the demands of our businesses, requiring some of us stay home.

     The Japanese/metric purveyor of a multitude of units bragged that their brand was the number one Japanese motorcycle OEM for 452cc and up for sales in 2006, as well as the number one brand for licensable street bikes 250cc and up. Of course they were not shy to share all their racing success, in both motorcycle and ATV, with the crowd.

     The proudest moment seemed to be when they announced that they had 14 significantly updated or brand new models to introduce. Upon investigation, we found that half are altogether new and half are updated. Leading off the new, they announced a new DR-Z70. The dealers in the crowd seemed to like what they perceived as filling a hole in the entry level offroad segment. This unit is scheduled to be available at dealerships this month. Also touted as a new unit is the RM-Z450, featuring a new engine, new chassis and a gaggle of special features. Dealer reception seemed to be keen on this offroad unit as well. Availability is yet to be announced.

     All other debut units are for the street, including the C109R and C109RT, available at dealerships in February of ’08. The extra beefy looks of the 109R and the “police-styling” of the 109RT are sure to please consumers in that genre. The 1783cc 4-stroke, liquid-cooled V-Twin, DOHC, with eight (8) valves should provide plenty of power.

     Next, Suzuki is bringin’ back a new Hayabusa, their 1340cc highway killer of a sport bike, again with a new engine, chassis and a glob of features. If ever a bike looked like a dragon slayer, this is it.
The GSX650F drew some ohhs and ahhs from the gathering. Yep, new engine, chassis and features in this 656cc entry. Looks as if this little sporty canyon carver will be a popular one for the younger crowd. Available in December ’07.

     Like most humans are wont to do, I saved what I perceive to be the best for last … What the maker has dubbed the B-King (pictured at the top of the page), which I believe should be called the Scorpion (Look at it. Looks like a Scorpion to me!). With a 1340cc Hayabusa engine, this menacing looking street monster is sure to appeal to the masses. I’d rather have one of these than just about anything else on two wheels. Of course I have yet to ride it, but I can’t imagine any disappointment. I’d list the special features here, but we’d have to kill a bunch of additional trees for the extra paper. I think it to be the snappiest looking bike on the street today, or at least this month (October), when it is available in dealerships.

     Just think, another seven units were significantly updated, in Suzuki’s parlance. They include the LT-R450, M109R (2), RM-Z250, DR-Z 125 and 125L, the King Quad 750 and 400 and, capping those off, the M109R Limited. I’d say Suzuki is loaded for bear in ’08. Maybe that is why they are so proud and willing to invite the press, along with their entire dealer body, to gather in one place, to visit the outstanding line of ’08 models.