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).