Suzuki Stratosphere
Suzuki Stratosphere at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show
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. Its general design is based on and harks back to the original Suzuki ED1/ED2 Katana created by 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 [ edit ]
Suzuki confirmed in August 2007 the Suzuki Stratosphere would 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: Bike (UK) Magazine (print edition), April 2008, page 17 ). Given Suzuki’s experience with the BKing, it was likely that the Stratosphere would appear, at least visually, very similar to the prototype, although the aluminum fairings were apt to be replaced by ABS fairings, and many of the specialty electronics (GPS, HUD, etc.) were unlikely to see production.
According to Bike Point Australia. the Stratosphere was to enter production as a 2009 model.
Oil-price hikes, the weak dollar driving declining motorcycle sales, and mandatory compliance with Euro-5 pollution control standards in Europe (effective September 2009) changed the production date of the actual production model (arriving in 2009 as a 2010 model), or may have eliminated the production potential all together. There are also unsubstantiated rumors that Suzuki is intentionally keeping the Stratosphere in the wings as a way of stealing thunder from a possible Honda introduction of a 1-litre VFR model (expected fall 2009 or spring 2010).
External links [ edit ]
- Tvs Flame Ds 125 price in India as on Mar 11, 2014 Specs & Review …
- 1997 X-90 Consumer Reviews Suzuki X-90 Epinions.com
- Suzuki – Everything2.com
- Suzuki SV650 – Suzuki Wiki
- Suzuki Bikes. Information about motorcycles produced by Suzuki company…
