Unveiled at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki’s Stratosphere concept bike has revved up enthusiasts with a 1,100cc inline, 6-cylinder engine that is as compact as 4-cylinder engines of similar displacement. Suzuki claims an output of 180 hp. The bike features a power windscreen, adjustable handlebars, LED headlights, and an integrated GPS navigation system. A front cowling and fuel tank finished in hammered aluminum adds to the Stratosphere’s smart design, as do its Damascus steel radiator covers. The Stratosphere is nothing more than a concept model and Suzuki has yet to announce plans for a production model. But the company’s penchant for turning its concepts into reality gives hope to those looking for a smooth, lively ride that is a world apart from 4-cylinder motorcycles. We hope it hits the streets soon.

Space-age styling, high-tech gizmos and, yes, six cylinders. Best of all, though, it may yet become a reality...

Nor only is the Stratosphere a remarkably complete and rounded machine, bur Suzuki has something of a reputation for turning its concept bikes into reality. For the evidence look no further than its IV King concept machine* This first morphed into the CSSR600 roadster, launched in 2006.

Firsr there's rhar styling - influenced in part by the Katanas of 20 years ago, but also* according to Suzuki, said to represent a jet at high speed above the earth, hence the name. All the flouncy bodywork is wrapped around the first six-cylinder motorcycle engine from a major manufacturer since the Z1300 and
CBX behemoths from Kawasaki and Honda at the end of the 1970s, The major difference here, however, is that the Stratosphere's power unit is anything hut massive. Due to what Suzuki calls a "space-saving design,** the Stratosphere's 1,100 cc six is claimed to he as compact as a typical four of the same displacement, and slightly narrower than its own CJSX1400.

[here are neat touches throughout the riding compartment, the centerpiece being a trick-looking multifunction display tucked behind an electrically adjustable windscreen. The handlebars and pillion footrcsts are also heighr adjustable to suit all sizes.

There is a strong likelihood that the Stratosphere's six-cylinder engine will form the basis of the next generation Suzuki Hayabusa Increasingly adjustable riding positions are already with us,thanks to BMW