Suzuki Stratosphere

Suzuki Stratosphere is a Suzuki concept motorcycle, powered by a 1100cc transverse narrow-bore 24-valve inline-6 engine, rated at 180 HP. According to Suzuki press materials, the engine produced above 100 lb-ft of torque from just above idle all the way to redline. The engine was reported to be three-quarters of an inch narrower than the Hayabusa 4-cylinder engine due to the narrow-bore spacing. The prototype was first unveiled on October 22, 2005, at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show. It's general design is based on and harks back to the original Suzuki ED1/ED2 Katana created by [http://www.target-design.com Target Design] .

Specifics to the prototype shown in Tokyo:
* Electrically adjustable windshield
* Four LED headlights
* Adjustable handlebars
* Built-in GPS navigation system with blue-tooth tie-in for audio; matching blue-tooth helmet shown at show
* Attachable saddlebags with hidden (recessed, not visually apparent) attachment points
* Combined selectable manual and automatic transmission modes using a servo operated manual transmission, akin to the Yamaha FJR1300A.
* Integrated Anti-theft electronic wireless keyfob system, akin to the Kawasaki Concours 14 Ki-Pass keyfob system.

Actual Production Approved

Suzuki confirmed in August 2007 the Suzuki Stratosphere will enter production, although expected release date, initial model year, initial pricing, and specific list of changes from the original prototype shown in Tokyo were not released, aside from the fact that it would retain the six-cylinder narrow-bore engine (Source: [http://www.bikemagazine.co.uk/ Bike (UK) Magazine (print edition), April 2008, page 17] ). Given Suzuki's experience with the BKing, it is likely that the Stratosphere will appear, at least visually, very similar to the prototype, although the aluminum fairings are apt to be replaced by ABS fairings, and many of the specialty electronics (GPS, HUD, etc.) are unlikely to see production.

According to [http://www.bikepoint.com.au/print.aspx?tabID=501554&ArticleID=2789289&ModID=1003120 Bike Point Australia] , the Stratosphere will enter production as a 2009 model.

External links

* [http://www.SuzukiStratosphere.com/ SuzukiStratosphere.com - Enthusiast's site with images, pre-production analysis, news]
* [http://tokyo2005.suzuki.co.jp/motor/EN/cm/index.html Suzuki's 39th Tokyo Motor Show lineup]
* [http://www.sankei.co.jp/moto/2005/oct/kiji/suzuki_39show.html Sankei Riders Life Style article] (Japanese)
* [http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/show/2005/english/public/news/data/tmsn_vol14_E.pdf Tokyo Motor Show article]
* [http://www.suzukicycles.org/Concept-Suzuki/Stratosphere.shtml SuzukiCycles.org article (Suzuki Fan Site)]
* [http://youtube.com/watch?v=EjiYq7xrj0g You Tube recast of Suzuki's original press release video from the Tokyo Motor Show showing Stratosphere being ridden]