The Stratosphere was revealed at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show in 2005. It was designed as a showcase of next-generation technologies that were under development by Suzuki engineers, and was a fully running prototype, with most of the features refined by in-house testing.
The engine is the most striking part of the Stratosphere, a smooth running in-line six cylinder 1100cc unit, designed to prove the benefits of a balanced straight-six configuration over a conventional four cylinder. Power delivery was smooth, with great mid-range pick-up and the possibility of extremely high revs, all in a package no wider than a four cylinder GSX1400 engine.
Other features included an auto-shift mechanism, giving the option of full manual or semi-auto shifting, key-less start, a camera between the headlights to record rides, LED lighting, adjustable windscreen, integrated luggage racks and even rare damascus steel radiator covers.
With it's flowing lines, tactile materials and exquisite detailing, it all added up to an extremely distinctive and attractive design concept, but with the twist of being a fully functional road bike.
The engine is the most striking part of the Stratosphere, a smooth running in-line six cylinder 1100cc unit, designed to prove the benefits of a balanced straight-six configuration over a conventional four cylinder. Power delivery was smooth, with great mid-range pick-up and the possibility of extremely high revs, all in a package no wider than a four cylinder GSX1400 engine.
Other features included an auto-shift mechanism, giving the option of full manual or semi-auto shifting, key-less start, a camera between the headlights to record rides, LED lighting, adjustable windscreen, integrated luggage racks and even rare damascus steel radiator covers.
With it's flowing lines, tactile materials and exquisite detailing, it all added up to an extremely distinctive and attractive design concept, but with the twist of being a fully functional road bike.
