New York Auto Show: Suzuki Stratosphere concept
We stumbled across Suzuki's two-wheeled Stratosphere concept while rooting around in the automaker's floor display at the NYIAS, and immediately the streetfighter fans among the Autoblog staff were amused (and perhaps a bit aroused). The bike is built around an 1100cc six-cylinder with a "space-saving design" said to be as compact as a typical I4 of the same displacement. Certainly, it's a far cry from the Kawasaki KZ1300 and Honda CBX1100 straight-sixes, which both gave the impression that owners were riding behind a barn door. Suzuki says the Strat's engine offers "a truly unique experience [that's] only discovered by actually riding it," so we await our chance to take it for a spin.
While the powerplant is certainly sweet, there are also some nice bits in the riding compartment. The centerpiece is a trick-looking multi-function display tucked behind an electrically-adjustable windscreen. We're all about being able to direct the airflow, but we also feel that the display might have been a bit closer to perfect if paired with a standard "mechanical" tach. The electronic wheel-lock and keyless engine start seem like good ideas, but we're not sure that the in-helmet speakers with "hi-fi sound" have any place on a proper sporting machine.
Four LED headlamps are parked up front, with hammered-look aluminum forming the fender, fairing, and fuel tank. If you're interested in a closer look, check out our other shots of the Stratosphere after the jump (click on any of them to bring up a larger high-res shot).
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
G. Snyder 8:52PM (4/14/2006)
I love the nod to the original Katana. Nice looking machine.
Reply
WillDaThrill 9:14PM (4/14/2006)
Don't like it, but what does that matter.
Maybe with a different body kit, but hey, it's a concept right?
The way it looks right now, I think it's a new candidate for the VW commercials. Launch that beeauch into the stratosphere.
Reply
MikeW 9:25PM (4/14/2006)
Where is the helmet HUD?
Didn't Ralph Shumaker have that last year?
http://www.sportvue.com/motorcycles.php
How much power 165hp?
Reply
Sretlaw 9:26PM (4/14/2006)
the best thing about the old cbx1100 was its sound, it sounded like an aircooled porsche. any word on how this sounds?
Reply
Matt_ 9:40PM (4/14/2006)
Sweet... MORE motorcycle posts PLEASE autoblog... Moooooore.....
Reply
Source1 9:51PM (4/14/2006)
i have resented selling my simple but enjoyable Bandit 1200 and this, although very advanced from a Bandit, is giving me the fever again. Looks like I'll be getting more life insurance for this summer!
Reply
Tom Design 9:56PM (4/14/2006)
Wow, design doesn't get much better than this! Makes the pulse race just looking at it. Good to see Suzuki doing what they do best...awesome!
Reply
FM 10:17PM (4/14/2006)
I didn't know that this was BikeBlog. And where's the pics of the Mazda 3?!
Reply
Chris 10:22PM (4/14/2006)
Auto in Autoblog would be short for 'automobile' I imagine, automobile being a wheeled vehicle that carries its own motor. Which of course includes motorbikes.
Reply
Tom Design 11:13PM (4/14/2006)
This is more welcome to an auto enthusiast than reading about the lame Fit...blech.
Reply
jb 12:20AM (4/15/2006)
this is not a real blog, someone is screening the posts...
Reply
Aegis 12:27AM (4/15/2006)
>>8. I didn't know that this was BikeBlog. And where's the pics of the Mazda 3?!
If you didn't want to waste your precious time reading about motorcycles here, why the hell didn't you spend a half a second to just scroll down; instead of spending a hell of a lot more time complaining about it?
Reply
Juan 12:52AM (4/15/2006)
Now that's an interesting bike!
More motorcycle and Fit posts are fine be me. The world of motoring is vast, and Autoblog tries its best to cover something for everyone. Don't mind the haters.
Reply
Tim UF 1:58AM (4/15/2006)
wheres this suzuki edge (andimplied performance) in the Auto division? bring us a suzuki swift evo eater!
Reply
Zoom Zoom 10:22AM (4/15/2006)
UGLYYYYYYYY!
thanxs god it,s just a concpt
Reply
steve 10:34AM (4/15/2006)
Suzuki's done it again! there first and fastest....
I love the lines, and the hi tech. Keep it comming!
Reply
winter 2:52PM (4/15/2006)
I like the technology. I don't like the front. With that front, the front wheel guard should look more integrated. I don't like the LCD. Biking is dangerous, and readability is a must.
Reply
Mark 10:53AM (4/17/2006)
Interesting bike overall, although they should go with a proper naked streetfighter look instead of that weird 1/4 fairing and hideous headlights. Agreed about the tach -- much prefer an analog one. But my biggest concern is the buttons on the tank. Last thing a motorcyclist needs is the distraction of fiddling with controls to adjust the view on his instrument cluster. I'd hope Suzuki would lock out that functionality unless the bike is stopped and in neutral.
Still, as far as six-cylinder bikes go, I'd much rather just have a replica of a Honda RC166.
Reply
Allan deVries 11:53AM (7/13/2006)
The last new bike I bought was an 82 Suzuki Katana and I still ride it, never found a "new" bike that could sway me away from my Kat till now. If Suzuki builds it... I will buy it. But I ain't parting with the Katana!
Reply