Yamaha GTS1000
This is not a bike that I own, but one I have always found technically quite interesting. They are also quite
rare over here, but a little more common on the continent.
Yamaha GTS1000
Anyway, I saw this example at the Pondrosa Cafe on the Horseshoe Pass near LLangollen. So a few snaps and a bit of research seemed in order.
The bike was in production from 1992 to 1996/97. As implied, the bike has a FZR1000 1002cc engine with electronic fuel injection, remapped to make it more suitable for a tourer. What does make it very special though is the unusual hub centre front swing arm and steering, developed by James Parker and licenced to Yamaha. This single sided swing arm and huge centre disk provided a very different riding experience, especially under heavy braking. Normally, conventional forks will dive and therefore provide much reduced travel when a bike brakes heavily. This also de-stabilises the bike significantly whereas the hub centre system allows the fork to deal with road undulations as they should. However, not all is Utopia, the hub center system can be heavier and importantly (for a road bike) there is a very limited turning capability.
Note the front Shock Absorber - almost Horizontal - and the fact that its single sided
Naked!
The "Steering Column" rises up in front of the Radiator. Telescopic, but not a Shock Absorber
Huge Inboard Disk provides impressive stopping power. Centre mounting keeps the bike tracking correctly
Cosmetically, the bike is very clean - nice lines and clear dash display
GTS1000(A) TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS |
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| ENGINE | CHASSIS | ||
| Type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC | Overall length | 2170 mm |
| Cylinder arrangement | Forward inclined Parallel | Overall width | 700 mm |
| 4-Cylinder | Overall height | 1320 mm | |
| Displacement 1002 cc | Wheelbase | 1495 mm | |
| Bore and stroke | 75.5 x 56.0 mm | Min. ground clearance | 135 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.8 :1 | Dry weight | 246/251 kg |
| Max. power (DIN) | 100.6 Ps (74 kW) | Frame type | Double Cradle |
| @ 9000 rpm | Caster angle | 24' | |
| (ISO) | 96.6 PS (71 kW) | Trail | 100 mm |
| @ 9000 rpm | Fuel tank capacity | 20 Litre | |
| Max. torque | 10. 8 kg.m (1 05.8 Nm) | Front suspension | Swing Axle |
| @ 6500 rpm | Front shock absorber | Coil Spring/Oil Damper | |
| Starting system | Electric | Rear suspension | Swingarm (Link Suspension) |
| lubrication | Wet sump | Rear shock absorber | coil Spring/Oil damper |
| Primary reduction ratio | 68/41 (1.659) | Pivot shaft bearing-type | Needle Bearing |
| Secondary reduction ratio | 47/17 (2.765) | Front wheel | MT3.50 x 17, Aluminum |
| Clutch type Wet. | Multiple-disc | Wheel travel | 116mm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed | Rear wheel | MT5.50 x 17,Aluminum |
| Gear ratio 1 st | 36/14 (2.571) | wheel travel | 130 mm |
| Gear ratio 2nd | 32/1 8 (1.778) | Front tyre size | 130/60 ZR1 7 |
| Gear ratio 3rd | 29/21 (1.381) | Rear tyre size | 170/60 ZR1 7 |
| Gear ratio 4th | 27/23 (1.174) | Front brake | Single Disc, 320 mm diam. |
| Gear ratio 5th | 28/27 (1.037) | Rear brake | Single Disc, 267 mm diam. |
| Ignition sytem | T.C.I. (digital) | ||
| Final transmission | Chain drive | ||