Motorcycle specifications Yamaha1000 GTS 1993 Meeting of the 3rd kind

yamaha's new sportivo-GT is a new kind of motorcycle. Not in its general concept, but in its design. One more competitor for the CBR 1000 F and ZZR 1100, some would say. Perhaps. But above all, the GTS is the first mass-market machine without telescopic forks.

WHAT! There are no forks on this bike. Incredible as it may seem, the GTS is not equipped with the universal steering and front suspension element known as a fork. In any case, it's not the first bike to do without. Others before it have tried it, notably the Bimota Tesi, but the Yamaha is the first to use another system as standard. So, what is it?

It's a combination of a front swingarm and a steering arm supporting the front wheel. As the system is worthy of a Star Wars-style gas factory, suffice it to say that this type of front drivetrain greatly reduces variations in caster and wheelbase, while having a natural anti-dive effect. While it avoids the congenital shortcomings of the conventional fork (lack of rigidity, high lever arm requiring large part-cycles, constant variations in the machine's geometry, etc.) and dispenses with the need for an imposing, hyper-reinforced frame, this system is not generous in terms of turning radius. That of the GTS is no better than that of the FZR. The frame, too, has nothing in common. Called Omega and made from aluminum castings, it wraps around the engine block in this very particular shape: (just about...). A unique structure that refocuses mass, lowers the center of gravity and takes up less space than the double-beam design.

and which engine did they choose to power this surprising machine? A familiar and well-known engine: the 4-cylinder Genesis from the 1000 FZR. Same displacement, but reworked to give it a more sporty GT look. Power is supplied by 4 injectors, and the valve mapping differs from that of the sports bike. There's no EXUP, but the torque is nonetheless 1 mkg greater than that of the sports car. The GTS also presents itself as a "clean" motorcycle - it is fitted with a lambda-probe catalytic converter. A first for a Japanese motorcycle.

The overall structure is designed to improve stability and braking efficiency. Yamaha has equipped the front wheel with a single large-diameter ventilated disc, clamped by a 6-piston opposed caliper. ABS is available as an optional extra.

With a fairing designed in a wind tunnel, 2 bubbles of different heights, a generous seat, a glovebox inlaid in the fuel tank, large side cases in 2 sizes (with a TV design...), the GTS is clearly dedicated to the road. However, its innovative (and confusing) technology and high-end positioning are double-edged assets. The technology can attract the curious as well as the traditionalist, and its price limits its clientele. The connoisseur public will immediately see the true identity of the GTS: the most innovative motorcycle of the decade.

M.B - manufacturer's photos

tanthallas' analysis of the Yamaha GTS 1000:

In the early '80s, James Parker, a former American motorcyclist and highly inspired tinkerer, conceived and patented a single-link front suspension designed to eliminate all the perverse effects of a telescopic fork: dive under braking, influence of the suspension on steering...

After putting it into practice on a prototype based on a Honda XL 600, Parker contacted the US representatives of the Japanese manufacturers. After a refusal from Honda (who later preferred to buy the Elf patents), the inventor submitted his proto to Yamaha, who had Wayne Rainey test the machine. After a second proto based on a Yamaha FZ and a long wait, Yamaha signed a contract for the research and development of this suspension. The result was the GTS 1000cc in 1992 (marketed in France in 1993).

This new motorcycle was aimed at the high-tech, luxury road-going market. Not only was it equipped with "Parker" suspension and the Omega frame developed to accommodate this single-link front suspension, it also featured new electronic fuel injection, a catalytic converter, ABS (optional) and a 6-piston front brake caliper (a Yamaha first).

The chassis, though revolutionary, is not at odds with the rest of motorcycle production. The front suspension provides an undeniable plus during braking and in terms of overall comfort. However, the picture isn't perfect either, and the system does have a few shortcomings. Steering is a little stiffer than with a conventional fork. The effort required on the handlebars is also a little greater. What's more, the GTS has some difficulty tackling certain obstacles, such as climbing a kerb. It seems that this problem is due to the design of the front suspension fork, which results in poor clearance for the wheel when it encounters an obstacle.

Once on the road, however, the bike is perfectly stable, provides great comfort for both rider and passenger, and reacts reassuringly well to hard braking. Here, James Parker's suspension proves its worth.

In terms of braking, although the single-arm design means a single disc is required, the 320 mm disc, clamped by a 6-piston opposed caliper, is excellent. It combines power, progressiveness and feel. The anti-dive effect of the single-sided arm keeps the bike perfectly level and allows the rear brake to be used with serenity; the effect of mass transfer is less noticeable. A minor fault, however, is that the steering still tends to harden a little under heavy braking.

Engine-wise, the GTS has inherited the muscular 1000cc of the Sportive FZR, equipped for the occasion with the latest-generation electronic fuel injection. It loses its Exup but gains a catalytic converter. In 100 hp configuration, the engine is supple and expresses itself ideally in the low and mid-range. If the engine revs well, there's no need to push it to the limit. It performs at its best up to 8,000 rpm. In short, an engine made for a grand tourer.

And it's true that the GTS perfectly meets its objective. Its handling is reassuring and the engine inexhaustible. The fairing provides excellent protection, allowing relaxed riding at high speeds.

This luxury tourer is a very well-built motorcycle. Unfortunately, it won't really win over the public. With its great qualities, the GTS nevertheless remained in the Yamaha catalog for 6 years (released in 1999), and was more of a success than a commercial tidal wave. The front suspension, however, will not be followed up by Yamaha to this day.