After the underwhelming success of Bimota's Tesi and Yamaha's GTS1000,
alternative front suspension systems slipped out of the spotlight.
But if this Tryphonos alternative geometry Suzuki GSX-R 750 is any
indication, we may yet have a forkless future.
The bike is the brainchild of 26 year-old London engineer Michael
Tryphonos. Inspired by the ELF endurance racers of the 1980s, Tryphonos
came up with his own variation on the Difazio type swingarm front
suspension system, using a U-shaped aluminium main frame cradling
the GSX-R engine, led by twin-sided alloy front swingarm incorporating
a hub-centre steering and single shock suspension.
The prototype you see here is based on the 1990 spec GSX-R 750.
From the rider's seat, the view is fairly normal. Imprecise slow
speed steering disappears beyond walking pace, and the Tryphonos
quickly feels like a typical sportbike.
With the equivalent of 23 degrees of rake and about 4.1 inches of
trail dialed into the 55.5 inch wheelbase, the Tryphonos is shorter
than a standard GSX-R 750. And at 370 pounds dry, its 55 pounds lighter
as well. Steering is quick yet confidence inspiring, even at full
lean.
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