SUZUKI

750 Nuda -1987

The shape of things to come?

Suzuki has ceaselessly increased its market share in the nineties. The marque only introduces proven qualities and refuses to run the risk of radical techniques; however, it is among the most adventurous and creative in its concept machines. At every show it reveals the thinking of its studios with a display of design studies which show the direction that the company thinks tomorrow's two-wheelers will take.

Two-Wheel Drive Obsession

At the 1991 Tokyo Show, Suzuki revealed three prototype off-road and leisure machines with both wheels driven. It's an idea that seems to have been around for some time, since, as early as 1987, Suzuki exhibited the Nuda. The compact and fluid lines of this elegant supersports roadster prototype stunned viewers almost as much as its frame and transmission.

No Frame, Plenty of Ideas

Like the Elf a few years earlier, the Nuda had no frame, just simple bearer plates, which were bolted to a classic GSX 750R engine and supported the single arms of the front and

rear suspensions, which also housed hydraulic drives. Beyond these exciting technological visions of the future, the Nuda gave evidence of fundamental research with,

for example, a magnetic key which immobilized all the machine's functions and a superb analog electronic instrument panel which read up to 200 mph and 16,000 rpm.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 748cc (65x56.4mm) air/ oil-cooled transverse four-cylinder with electronic engine and ignition management

Valves: twin overhead camshafts

Fuel System: fuel injection

Transmission: high-pressure pump with hydraulic transmission to both wheels

Suspension: single arm with single damper (front & rear)

Brakes: floating discs (front & rear)

Wheels: carbon-fiber with central fixing (front & rear); hub-center steering

More than a superb styling exercise, the Nuda was a brilliant prophecy of the direction that tomorrow's motorcycles might take.