I never figured out Suzuki either. The Cavalcade was a monster in it's day.
I think that SUzuki tested the waters with the Madura and when the bikes didn't sell, they killed the motor.
From what it sounds like, they had high hopes for it. A local suzi service manager said her was flown out for some tech sessions on it.It was a very nice motor- hydro adjusters, rubber mounted and it was smooth, great tq. Cruiser bikes were all the rage and one magazine said that they were testing the waters with their version of a mad max and if successful, then maybe a sport bike.
But, the Madura (they came in 700 and 1200) was a sort of strange looking bike. I bought a '85 leftover, still in the crate in '89 for around $3,000. Great bike, very comfy, only flaws were limited clearance and small tank. Had digital gear indicater, shaft, even self cancelling turn signals (why can't they put those on the C14??). Averaged 38mpg, acceleration was about equal to my buddies Ninja 750.
The Cavalcade lasted a couple of years longer than the madura, it looked like a great tourer, just like the Yamaha Venturer.