The Suzuki Stratosphere is a concept motorcycle unveiled on 22 October 2005 at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show. Its design looks back to the original ED1 and ED2 Katana created by Target Design, and under the bodywork sits a narrow-bore 1,100 cc inline six.
Suzuki Stratosphere at a glance
| Unveiled | 22 October 2005, 39th Tokyo Motor Show |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1,100 cc transverse narrow-bore inline six, 24 valves |
| Power | 180 hp |
| Torque | over 100 lb-ft from just above idle to redline |
| Engine width | three-quarters of an inch narrower than the Hayabusa four |
| Styling | based on the Target Design ED1/ED2 Katana |
| Equipment | electric windscreen, four LED headlights, adjustable bars, GPS |
| Gearbox | servo-operated manual with automatic mode |
| Production | approved in August 2007 for a 2009 model, never launched |
History of the Suzuki Stratosphere
The six-cylinder concept
The Stratosphere was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2005 with a 1,100 cc transverse narrow-bore 24-valve inline six rated at 180 hp. Suzuki said the engine made more than 100 lb-ft of torque from just above idle all the way to the redline, and that narrow bore spacing made it three-quarters of an inch narrower than the Hayabusa’s four-cylinder. The styling deliberately echoed the original Suzuki ED1 and ED2 Katana by Target Design.
Show details
The Tokyo prototype carried an electrically adjustable windscreen, four LED headlights, adjustable handlebars, a built-in GPS navigation system with Bluetooth audio and a matching Bluetooth helmet, attachable saddlebags with recessed mounting points, and a servo-operated manual gearbox with selectable automatic modes, similar in idea to the Yamaha FJR1300A. It also had an integrated wireless keyfob anti-theft system.
Production that never came
In August 2007 Suzuki confirmed the Stratosphere would enter production, keeping the six-cylinder engine, with media reports pointing to a 2009 model year. Suzuki did not release a price or a final specification, and given the company’s experience with the B-King, observers expected the production bike to look close to the prototype with ABS rather than aluminium fairings and without the more exotic electronics. No production Stratosphere ever reached dealers.
Design and features
- Inline six: 1,100 cc, 24 valves and 180 hp in a package narrower than the Hayabusa four.
- Katana styling: a modern reading of the 1980 Target Design shape.
- Show-bike technology: electric screen, GPS, Bluetooth and keyless ignition.
- Automatic or manual: a servo-operated gearbox with both modes.
Suzuki Stratosphere versions
- Stratosphere concept (2005): the only example built.
The Stratosphere’s styling refers back to the Katana, and its engine would have been Suzuki’s only six alongside the four of the Hayabusa. More Suzukis are in the Suzuki collection.
Sources
- Suzuki Stratosphere, English Wikipedia: engine, show details, production plans
