1993 Yamaha GTS1000

SalMaglie · 05-29-2008, 04:24 PM

Hope I'm not jinxing the deal, but I'm picking up a 1993 Yamaha GTS1000 tomorrow. It's a strange bike, but then I like bikes that are different. The 15 minute test ride I did around suburban streets last weekend showed the steering from the weird front end to be a bit heavy and vague, but the stability and unparalleled braking power were incredible. I purposely aimed for bumps and other road imperfections and the bike just soaked it all up.

A somewhat rare bike these days since it was only imported for 2 years, it was Yamaha's flagship sport-touring bike when it first came out with a BMW like price tag of $12,999. The RADD front end designed by James Parker was supposed to revolutionize motorcycling, but it just didn't catch on. Although steering lock distance suffers with this system, IMO it's the superior braking stability and power that is the genius of this design. The detuned FZR1000 motor has plenty of power and torque to get the job done. Having adequate passing power will be no problem, something my 2003 Triumph Speedmaster doesn't have.

I'm already finding out how rare aftermarket accessories can be though when I went looking for Givi racks and found out they're no longer made. Luckily it comes with the Superbike handlebar risers. It also comes with a Corbin seat that'll need to be re-foamed and re-covered.

I'd been looking at newer FJR1300s and the Bandit 1250S before coming across this bike on the local Craigslist. Insurance quotes for the newer bikes scared me off when I was getting prices ranging from $700-1200 per year, but I was relieved when my current carrier told me $200/yr for the GTS1000 with full coverage.

I don't know if this will ever be a collectible bike, but it is possible. There's already one on display at the Barber Museum, and there was one in the Guggenheim's traveling show. But I didn't buy it for that, I bought it to ride. This will be my once or twice a year vacation touring bike, and any long day rides I want to take. If the 200+ mile shakedown ride this weekend pans out, I'm going to Gunnison, Colorado next month for the 15th anniversary rally for the bike.

blacksan · 05-29-2008, 04:29 PM

Coool Bike!!!!

My local dealer and I have a long history and he let me ride his demo when it first came out. Way before it's time like the TDM 850 (IMO). Go for it and enjoy.

D-Mac · 05-29-2008, 04:32 PM

Wow. I really like that thing! With hard bags it looks like it would be an excellent tourer. How many miles on it?

Please send more pics when you get it to the rally.

JimVonBaden · 05-29-2008, 04:32 PM

Beautiful man!

More pics when you get it!

Jim

wannaklr · 05-29-2008, 04:34 PM

I still miss my 94 GTS. Nice bike!

bill pierce · 05-29-2008, 06:43 PM

They are a great bike. I bought a FZR1000 in 93, super strong motor. Too bad they didn't continue to make them. You will love it!

SalMaglie · 05-29-2008, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D-Mac

Wow. I really like that thing! With hard bags it looks like it would be an excellent tourer. How many miles on it?

Please send more pics when you get it to the rally.

That's my first project, get some hard bags. The bike has a little over 30,000 miles. I got a glance at the maintenance records. The first owner was very thorough with his record keeping and the folder showed it. The 2nd owner bought the bike in 2000, but said he hadn't put that many miles on. It was on a battery tender, which is not a common site around here. He also has a Ducati S2R1000, and said he prefers to ride that.

I think I'll post a ride report when I get back from the rally. I'll take my time going and split it into two 375 mile legs, riding the Devil's Highway(191 through Arizona) with a stop in Grants, NM, and the Million dollar highway out of Ouray the next day. That's a lot of scenery and a great ride for the 2 day trip up there.

cbxtc6 · 05-30-2008, 07:45 AM

You'll learn a lot from the GTS guys at the rally. The 10th Anniversary Rally was great! Just don't listen to ANYthing Shawn P. says...

I love mine.

I considered selling it awhile back, but I'm glad it didn't sell.

You CAN still get the mounting kit for it, and any Givi bag will mount.

Get on the GTS1000 maillist. There's a LOT of info there, and in the Archives.

Enjoy!!

wannaklr · 05-30-2008, 12:46 PM

Yoo hoo I sold the Guzzi!!!

Glad you kept the GTS though!

zed88 · 05-30-2008, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbxtc6

After I saw this one I put this bike on my list of ones to own in the future. So many cool things about it!

SalMaglie · 06-01-2008, 05:46 AM

No pictures for now as I have the fairing pieces off so i can do some maintenance(all fluids flushed and replaced, plus I put on the new left turn signal the PO hadn't gotten around to doing). I did take it for a 100 mile ride yesterday from Tucson to Sonoita and back. Amazing how stable this bike is at 80 mph down the interstate. It felt better passing 18 wheelers than the FJR I rented. Through the curves the front end still feels a bit vague, but I think it's just something I need to get used to. A new set of tires wouldn't hurt. Haven't heard too many good things about the Michelin Macadams that are on it right now.

The trip to DMV for the title change and new tags was a pleasant change. Only $40 for a 2 year plate instead of the usual $100+. Between that and the cheap insurance, I think I'll stick to buying older bikes from now on.

SalMaglie · 06-05-2008, 04:04 AM

Finally had a chance to take a few pics after having all the fairing off while doing some maintenance on the bike. Took a ride over the hill to Saguaro West National Park and just shot a few in a parking area for hikers.

I won an ebay auction for a set of Givi racks, probably overbidding, but I don't know how often these discontinued racks are available. I flushed the radiator and added new coolant. Just got some speedbleeders in the mail yesterday and some DOT 4 fluid, so next up is the brake system and the clutch fluid. Also installed a Vista cruise throttle lock, and a bar end mirror on the left side that just velcros on until I decide on a more permanent solution for my mirror problem. I can't see anything behind me with the stock mirrors due to the handlebar mod that was on the bike.

slartidbartfast · 04-08-2011, 07:24 PM

Didn't see any more suitable GTS 1000 threads and didn't feel the need to start another, so I'm reviving an old one.

I guess they all look the same! About to head out for first ride on my newest addition:

OConnor · 04-08-2011, 07:47 PM

Didn't someone race one of these in WERA or something? I seem to remember they called it Shamu or something.

Found a pic of a GTS racer...

OConnor · 04-08-2011, 08:07 PM

Ah, some info on Airtechs site...

http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/...0001994-95.htm

05-29-2008, 04:24 PM	#1
SalMaglie ^OP Gimp rider Joined: Mar 2005 Location: Old Pueblo, Az Oddometer: 375	1993 Yamaha GTS1000 Hope I'm not jinxing the deal, but I'm picking up a 1993 Yamaha GTS1000 tomorrow. It's a strange bike, but then I like bikes that are different. The 15 minute test ride I did around suburban streets last weekend showed the steering from the weird front end to be a bit heavy and vague, but the stability and unparalleled braking power were incredible. I purposely aimed for bumps and other road imperfections and the bike just soaked it all up. A somewhat rare bike these days since it was only imported for 2 years, it was Yamaha's flagship sport-touring bike when it first came out with a BMW like price tag of $12,999. The RADD front end designed by James Parker was supposed to revolutionize motorcycling, but it just didn't catch on. Although steering lock distance suffers with this system, IMO it's the superior braking stability and power that is the genius of this design. The detuned FZR1000 motor has plenty of power and torque to get the job done. Having adequate passing power will be no problem, something my 2003 Triumph Speedmaster doesn't have. I'm already finding out how rare aftermarket accessories can be though when I went looking for Givi racks and found out they're no longer made. Luckily it comes with the Superbike handlebar risers. It also comes with a Corbin seat that'll need to be re-foamed and re-covered. I'd been looking at newer FJR1300s and the Bandit 1250S before coming across this bike on the local Craigslist. Insurance quotes for the newer bikes scared me off when I was getting prices ranging from $700-1200 per year, but I was relieved when my current carrier told me $200/yr for the GTS1000 with full coverage. I don't know if this will ever be a collectible bike, but it is possible. There's already one on display at the Barber Museum, and there was one in the Guggenheim's traveling show. But I didn't buy it for that, I bought it to ride. This will be my once or twice a year vacation touring bike, and any long day rides I want to take. If the 200+ mile shakedown ride this weekend pans out, I'm going to Gunnison, Colorado next month for the 15th anniversary rally for the bike.

05-29-2008, 04:32 PM	#4
JimVonBaden "Cool" Aid! Joined: Feb 2005 Location: Alexandria, VA Oddometer: 41,476	Beautiful man! More pics when you get it! Jim __________________ Click here for BMW Maintenance and Repair DVDs and Corrections. "Combo-Order Discounts!"

05-29-2008, 04:34 PM	#5
wannaklr Beastly Adventurer Joined: May 2006 Location: Back In Iowa. Quad Cities to be exactish.. Oddometer: 6,809	I still miss my 94 GTS. Nice bike! __________________ Back in Iowa! I like my music like I like my women. Loud, angry and with bagpipes! From Scottie Boy "If you calculated the money spent versus time actually used, vaginas cost more per hour than the space shuttle."

05-30-2008, 07:45 AM	#8
cbxtc6 On my Way... Joined: Oct 2004 Location: Tomahawk Bluff, IL Oddometer: 849	You'll learn a lot from the GTS guys at the rally. The 10th Anniversary Rally was great! Just don't listen to ANYthing Shawn P. says... I love mine. I considered selling it awhile back, but I'm glad it didn't sell. You CAN still get the mounting kit for it, and any Givi bag will mount. Get on the GTS1000 maillist. There's a LOT of info there, and in the Archives. Enjoy!! __________________ "What would Modok do?"

05-30-2008, 12:46 PM	#9
wannaklr Beastly Adventurer Joined: May 2006 Location: Back In Iowa. Quad Cities to be exactish.. Oddometer: 6,809	Yoo hoo I sold the Guzzi!!! Glad you kept the GTS though! __________________ Back in Iowa! I like my music like I like my women. Loud, angry and with bagpipes! From Scottie Boy "If you calculated the money spent versus time actually used, vaginas cost more per hour than the space shuttle."

05-29-2008, 04:29 PM	#2
blacksan Rev Limiter Joined: Sep 2004 Location: Shenandoah Valley, VA Oddometer: 4,251	Coool Bike!!!! My local dealer and I have a long history and he let me ride his demo when it first came out. Way before it's time like the TDM 850 (IMO). Go for it and enjoy.

05-29-2008, 04:32 PM	#3
D-Mac Studly Adventurer Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Mid-Michigan Oddometer: 613	Wow. I really like that thing! With hard bags it looks like it would be an excellent tourer. How many miles on it? Please send more pics when you get it to the rally.

05-29-2008, 06:43 PM	#6
bill pierce I don't wana pickle Joined: Mar 2007 Location: Rockford, Wa Oddometer: 687	They are a great bike. I bought a FZR1000 in 93, super strong motor. Too bad they didn't continue to make them. You will love it!

06-01-2008, 05:46 AM	#11
SalMaglie ^OP Gimp rider Joined: Mar 2005 Location: Old Pueblo, Az Oddometer: 375	No pictures for now as I have the fairing pieces off so i can do some maintenance(all fluids flushed and replaced, plus I put on the new left turn signal the PO hadn't gotten around to doing). I did take it for a 100 mile ride yesterday from Tucson to Sonoita and back. Amazing how stable this bike is at 80 mph down the interstate. It felt better passing 18 wheelers than the FJR I rented. Through the curves the front end still feels a bit vague, but I think it's just something I need to get used to. A new set of tires wouldn't hurt. Haven't heard too many good things about the Michelin Macadams that are on it right now. The trip to DMV for the title change and new tags was a pleasant change. Only $40 for a 2 year plate instead of the usual $100+. Between that and the cheap insurance, I think I'll stick to buying older bikes from now on.

06-05-2008, 04:04 AM	#12
SalMaglie ^OP Gimp rider Joined: Mar 2005 Location: Old Pueblo, Az Oddometer: 375	Finally had a chance to take a few pics after having all the fairing off while doing some maintenance on the bike. Took a ride over the hill to Saguaro West National Park and just shot a few in a parking area for hikers. I won an ebay auction for a set of Givi racks, probably overbidding, but I don't know how often these discontinued racks are available. I flushed the radiator and added new coolant. Just got some speedbleeders in the mail yesterday and some DOT 4 fluid, so next up is the brake system and the clutch fluid. Also installed a Vista cruise throttle lock, and a bar end mirror on the left side that just velcros on until I decide on a more permanent solution for my mirror problem. I can't see anything behind me with the stock mirrors due to the handlebar mod that was on the bike.

04-08-2011, 07:24 PM	#13
slartidbartfast Love those blue pipes Joined: Dec 2003 Location: South Louisiana or UK or ... Oddometer: 4,077	Another GTS 1000 Didn't see any more suitable GTS 1000 threads and didn't feel the need to start another, so I'm reviving an old one. I guess they all look the same! About to head out for first ride on my newest addition: __________________ MSF Ridercoach IBA: 35353 95 R1100GSA, 93 GTS1000, 85 R80RT, 93 DR350/435, 99 RX125, 78 DT100 January 2010 New Zealand South Island ride Summer 2009 UK to Alps ride Summer 2008 UK End-to-End ride slartidbartfast screwed with this post 05-10-2011 at 12:10 AM

04-08-2011, 07:47 PM	#14
OConnor Bad juju Joined: May 2004 Location: Midwest Oddometer: 2,603	Didn't someone race one of these in WERA or something? I seem to remember they called it Shamu or something. Found a pic of a GTS racer... __________________ 2008 GSX1250S 2006 Ducati S2R1000 1974 Honda CB125 2000 Suzuki SV650 race bike 1971 CB175 vintage racer inabox OConnor screwed with this post 04-08-2011 at 08:06 PM

04-08-2011, 08:07 PM	#15
OConnor Bad juju Joined: May 2004 Location: Midwest Oddometer: 2,603	Ah, some info on Airtechs site... http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/...0001994-95.htm __________________ 2008 GSX1250S 2006 Ducati S2R1000 1974 Honda CB125 2000 Suzuki SV650 race bike 1971 CB175 vintage racer inabox

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