The Swiss Factory Suzuki Streetfighters For 2019

Suzuki of Switzerland is cooking up some mighty tasty street-fighter factory specials…

In recent years it’s become increasingly popular for manufacturer’s official region/country to create gussied up, limited edition, factory specials based on existing models. Some examples include Suzuki Italy’s GSX-R1000 Ryuyo or Ducati Thailand’s Hailwood and Smart-themed Scramblers. Not content simply selling Suzuki’s, Frankonia AG — the folks behind the Swiss branch of the Japanese brand — have joined forces with a predominant aftermarket parts purveyor to deliver two small batches of stripped-down, street-fighter-versions of two of Zook’s already best-selling bikes.

The X-King

The Origin

With the massive success that was the release of the Suzuki Hayabusa in ’99, it didn’t take long for the suits in Hamamatsu to start talking about other potential offerings that could be constructed around the big-bore inline-four. In 2001 Suzuki pulled the cover off a naked-version of the ‘Busa at the Tokyo Motor Show, though interested customers had to wait another six-years before the street-fighting Hayabusa would hit showrooms.

The B-King

In addition to Suzuki’s 2008 GSX-R1300R, customers also had the option to buy the first-ever naked ‘Busa variant. Dubbed the “B-King”, the fairing-free model utilized the same 1,340cc engine from R1300R, albeit slightly tuned for less top-end power and more tractable, usable, low-end oomph. Other changes included small modifications to the chassis, a new dual undertail exhaust, and of course a complete aesthetic redesign that included massive radiator shrouds, turn-signals/intake scoops, and a much more modern tail-section.

A Short-Lived Monarchy

Despite the Hayabusa’s continued popularity, buyers didn’t share the same love for the B-King as they did for its full-faired sibling, leading to Suzuki pulling the plug on the model after just one-year of production. Even though it didn’t sell particularly well upon its release, the B-King nonetheless managed to become something of a cult favorite, with steady online followings and forum activity. A general consensus is that Suzuki could have tinkered with the bike rather than giving it the axe, so even though it’s been gone for over a decade now, it’s still remembered fondly for a bike that was something of a failure.

A Tribute Fit for a King

The B-King’s cult-following appears to have resonated with the folks over at the Swiss division of Suzuki, because they’ve just announced they’ll be transforming a micro-production run of GSX-S1000 factory specials celebrating the one-year-only ’08 naked. Named the “X-King”, the bike isn’t a wildly transformative project, though it sure-as-hell wouldn’t be confused for a stock S1000.

The X-King has received a carbon tank cover and carbon frame-guards in place of the GSX-S’s side-covers. The factory special’s belly-pans are actually off-the-shelf pieces borrowed from the new Katana, while the stock front-fender was also replaced. Turn have been swapped out for micro-LED units throughout, and the angular headlight on the GSX-S has been replaced with an old-school round piece — despite the B-King having more of a street-fighter-style lamp. Lastly, there’s a B-King-inspired livery that features a similar script albeit with an “X” replacing the “K”.

How Special of a Factory Special?

Suzuki of Switzerland have announced that only 30 X-King units will be leaving the factory — none of which are currently destined for export outside the Swiss market, albeit the right amount of funding makes pretty much anything possible. Whether or not this factory special is for you, it’s hard not to knock manufacturers for trying to mix it up and do something more interesting and engaging than simply selling the latest model year’s bikes.

The Virus

Patient Zero

Back in 2012 Frankonia AG joined forces with aftermarket outfit, Moto Virus AG, to deliver a naked version of the flagship GSX-R1000, despite the ’12 model year only being a minor revamp. Known as the “Virus 1000”, the new model was a factory street-fighter version of the Gixxer 1K. The Virus 1000 jettisoned the full bodywork in favor of custom side panels, a bespoke exhaust system, aluminum bars, the front cowl off a GSR750, and a special matte livery with a “Virus” script that uses the iconic GSXR logo’s “R”.

The Virus 1000: 2019

Fast forward to 2019, and Frankonia AG and Moto Virus are back at it again, fresh from the lab with an updated two-wheeled pathogen. Meet the 2019 Suzuki Virus 1000, the naked, factory special version of the legendary liter-bike that should have seen large-scale production.

The 2019 Virus takes the GSX-R1000, strips it of the full bodywork, and makes it a more daily-rider/urban friendly offering. Gone is the full front fairing — replaced by aggressive-looking radiator covers poking out on either side of a custom headlight that wonderfully retain’s the factory bike’s signature stacked headlight, albeit packaged in a street-fighter-style unit. There’s also a cool radiator grill with the GSXR “R”. The second generation Virus also wears the MotoGP-inspired Ecstar Suzuki livery that matches the flagship’s popular race-replica factory paint-option.

Gone are the clip-ons, replaced by a set of Motacc —the same outfit responsible for the Virus’ top-triple — superbike handlebars, affording a more upright riding posture. There are also micro-LED indicators fore and aft, and a full Akrapovic exhaust with a carbon muffler. The massive rear-fender and plate-holder have also been binned in favor of a plate-eliminator kit with micro-LED signals. The Virus’ engine and six-speed gearbox have been left untouched, meaning the potent four-banger still puts down a cool 202 horses, which is more than enough for…well, anything.

Pricing and Availability

While pricing has yet to be revealed on the Suzuki X-King, we do have official figures on the 2019 Virus 1000. While the first gen Virus sold for a whopping $21,500 — a staggering $7.5K over the base GSX-R1K —- the new, 2019 version will carry an MSRP of $21,950 (or €19,400) — close to the same in difference as the first gen. Preorders will begin on March 15, 2019, however sales will be limited to the Swiss market. The 2019 Virus 1000 will, however come with an official factory warranty like all brand new Zooks.