Unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki's new NUDA is a different vision of futurebike from the company's ephemeral Falcorustyco, a styling exercise introduced in Tokyo in 1988.

The Falcorustyco stretched style and engineering concepts with center-hub steering, a hydraulic transmission and drive system and a four-stroke square-four engine design. But the Falco was a design exercise: Suzuki claims the NUDA is "more than a conceptual model; it is a highly plausible model . . . engineered on the basis of currently available technology on full-time 2W drive, power steering, honeycomb monocoque body, etc., to herald a future of 2-wheel machines by its unorthodox but modernistic design and form."

Sound a trifle dull? Try this: The NUDA features two-wheel drive, power steering, a carbon-fiber monocoque body, hollow carbon-fiber wheels, automatic transmission and single-arm suspension at both ends. Trick enough? Add a carbon-fiber honeycomb chassis, articulated swing seat and styling mean enough to . . . you can see for yourself.

As you might expect, such bright-think creates its own problems. Two-wheel drive via simple shaft places the engine and front wheel in constant combat under hard braking—the wheel trying to stall the engine, and the engine trying to lock the wheel. The NUDA solution allows enough slippage for smooth braking maneuvers through the insertion of a viscous, anti-lock coupling between the engine and front drive shaft. Front and rear bevel-geared drive shafts spin in opposing directions to cancel rotary torque reaction. A variable power-assist eases steering of the driven front wheel.

At press time, the NUDA's powerplant remains a secret, cloistered as it is behind carbon-fiber bodywork. We know only that the mill will be governed by

STECS (Suzuki Total Engine Control System), a computerized fuel-metering complex taking cues from air/fuel sensors, throttle-valve position and engine rpm. Suzuki's SRIX (Suzuki Re-write Injection System) computer matches ignition timing according to engine load, throttle opening and rpm.

You want more? The NUDA seat swings from side to side for smooth weight transfer at speed, or locks dead

center for slow going. The surface-cooling radiator system integrates with NUDA bodywork, lights coordinate with lean angle and an electronic ignition "key" replaces the mechanical variety, working like your automatic teller card.

The Falcorustyco was a styling exercise. The NUDA is an engineering exercise and, as such, cuts both closer to the heart of this engineering company and, perhaps, to the streets as well. ■