Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

Sony showed off its soon-to-be-released Tourist Trophy motorcycle-simulation game for the Playstation 2 at the Tokyo Motor Show. Developed by the same people behind the popular Gran Turismo car-simulation game, Tourist Trophy features more than 35 different motorcycles. more than 35 closed-course circuits, and a variety of helmets and leathers to choose from. Arai presented the RX·7RC carbon-fiber motorcycle helmet at the Tokyo Motor Show. "This helmet was developed from the GP5RC (Formula One helmet with HANS device) and from feedback from Fonmula One drivers," said Arai's Akihito Ami. "This technology was then applied to the motorcycle helmet. At. this time we have sent samples to the Snell Foundation. At this time we have not received a 'yes' or a 'no' from them. Even if we do pass Snell, we are not sure if we will sell it. We want to sell it, but we just can't tell when, or if, at this moment." Arai also had its double.pane face shield on display in Tokyo. The double-pane face shield solves visor fogging, as explained by Akihito Ami: "Now many MotoGP and 250cc GP racers are using this shield," he said. "The engines are getting higher temperatures and many riders are having trouble with fogging. Many racers prefer to use the double shield. We are now discussing with our office in the United States about selling it. It's already available in Japan. Cost in Japan is about 8000 yen (about $70) - twice the cost of the standard shield." rev. The downside of the six-ey1inder is the bulkiness of the engine; however, Suzuki has done an extraordinary job of making this six a compact design. "We have technology to make the six-cylinder engine very compact and the same size as a four-cylinder engine," Tamura said. Because no decision has been made on releasing the Stratosphere into production, Tamura declined to answer questions relating to the horsepower available from the I 100cc engine. He did say that the Stratosphere was plenty fast. "We have one that runs, and I have taken it over 250kph (160 mph)," he said. "It is very good feeling." Members of the Japanese press were quick to compare the Stratosphere to the iconic Katana, a model Suzuki produced for 20 years until it was discontinued in 2000. But Tamura disagreed. "The Stratosphere has a totally different design concept," Tamura said. "They have one similar point in that they are both cutting-edge designs, but that is the only similarity. This is not the new model of Katana." Cutting edge literally, as the Stratosphere had katana knives on the exposed sides of the radiator! "It has a custom knife made from Damascus steel - it has a special texture and looks like a katana knife - but this is not a new Katana!" Tamura stressed. Nonetheless, there are styling similarities between the Katana and the Stratosphere, and comparisons are inevitable. To broaden the appeal of the Stratosphere, Suzuki has given it features that will make it attractive to sport-touring riders as well as to the horsepower addicts. For the sport tourers, this includes a transmission that has an automatic mode and a full-manual mode, saddlebag mounts that tuck out of sight when not in use, and instrumentation that includes navigation and internet connectivity. For the horsepower addicts, this includes a forward-facing CCD camera with video recorder for the owner to relive their track days on their big screen Tv. To complement the motorcycle, Suzuki has developed a special audio system that utilizes the face shield as a flat speaker. Suzuki's Tamura couldn't say what plans Suzuki has for the Stratosphere beyond the Tokyo Motor Show. "If many peopie request, maybe we can build it," Tamura said. Interested persons can write Suzuki Motor Corporation, 300 Takatsukacho, Hamamatsu 438-0233, Japan. Alongside the Stratosphere, Suzuki showed its new GSR400, a naked sportbike in the tradition of Suzuki's very successful Bandit series. At 400cc, the GSR400 is aimed at the domestic market, but undoubtedly Suzuki will expand the range to compete against the Honda Hornet and the Yamaha Fazer. Other Suzuki product highlights included a posh new Skywave 250cc premier scooter and a fuel-injected four-stroke 50cc scooter. L3st but not least, for the second consecutive Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki showcased its Miller-cycle engine technology. The Miller cycle is nearly identical to the Otto cycle, which is the basis for all other gasoline piston engines, but the difference is that the Miller-cycle engine does not use a throttle valve in the intake system. Instead, power output is controlled by a continuously adjustable valve lift and duration. This approach significantly reduces pumping losses at low engine speeds - a major contributor to friction horsepower - but requires a rocket scientist to design the cams. But the benefits of the Miller cycle are substantial: a 40-percent savings on fuel economy at low-speed operation with no loss in highspeed horsepower and torque. The rocket scientist at Suzuki behind the Miller Cycle engine development is Arai also introduced the Hayden-Laguna helmet to commemorate Nicky Hayden's first MotoGP win. Ohlins had a set of 2006 road-racing forks at the Tokyo Motor Show. Known as the FG670, the forks feature upper tubes fluted like an Ionic order column from classical architecture. One of the nicest displays at the Tokyo Motor Show was Triumph's TI 00 with the Paul Smith colors. Triumph's Tue Mattoni explained how the collaboration all came together over a chance encounter with the British fashion icon. "On a flight back from Japan, I met Paul Smith on the plane," Mattoni said. "We brainstonmed on how we could work together over a few drinks. Now what we've ended up with is Paul Smith designing some color schemes for our T I00. He has also created a full Triumph clothing lineup that he is presenting in all of his 250 shops. The limitededition bikes are almost sold out now; I think there are maybe 10 left globally." CYCLE NEWS • NOVEMBER 9,2005 29

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