By Alex Edge

Visitors to the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show (and those of you who can read Japanese-language motorcycle news sites) had a chance to see Suzuki's latest concept bike, the striking Stratosphere.

Despite Suzuki's reputation for transforming concept bikes into production machines, we're not sure that the Stratosphere's styling would be a big hit in today's marketplace. The 1100cc, inline six-cylinder engine, however, is definitely beautiful, and with a claimed 180hp would produce one of the fastest naked bikes ever.

Could the Stratosphere concept be a preview of Suzuki's intentions to produce an inline-six powered streetbike soon? As I mentioned, the company does have a habit of turning concepts into production models, and we think that a naked bike with the Stratosphere's 1100cc powerplant combined with more traditional styling (maybe even a retro look?) would be a hot seller.

Check out Suzuki's Japanese web site to find more info and pictures of the Stratosphere. Then click the box labeled 'Engine Sound' to hear this amazing motor in action.