Barry,
Official welcome to the group......It sounds like you are riding with a
grin....isn't that's what it is all about anyway? The GTS is a superb
motorcycle as you now know first hand. I have found that there are bikes
that will out perform it in every department, but none that put it all
together into one machine as well.
The ABS light going through its little dance has happened to me periodically
too. Several things can set it off...like has been mentioned on the list,
low battery output, putting the bike on the center stand and in gear, and
other goblins. If it stays on......simply flip the kill switch to off, turn
on the key, and hit the start button 10 times. It resets it and turns the
light off.
Also, I highly recommend Speed Bleeders to replace the stock bleed
valves...makes life very easy to change out the brake fluid and not get air
in the lines doing it.
I am still of the opinion, after nearly 100,000 miles of testing on them,
that the Avon Azaro is the best for the GTS. It doesn't cup, wears evenly,
handles great, sticks damn good, and gives 12 to 15 thousand miles of life.
I saw a recent tire test in one of the British mags that said the same thing
and rated it far above everything else. I also run 38 psig in it.
You comments about the torque being strong and right were you need it was a
pleasant surprise to me also, especially coming off an FJ. Something else
that will be a nice surprise will be how deep you can get into the corners
and how stable the bike will remain, even with added braking in a corner
with the ABS.
Here's too many miles of Safe and fun riding on 'Berlinda' .
Hawke
Ps....thanks for the nice HawkeOiler comments. I've had a number of 2nd
bike customers, now but you will be the first 3rd bike.
> From: Barry Edwards <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Reply-To: GTS-1000 Owners List <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Date: Sat, 23 Jun 2001 12:46:27 +0100
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: At Last !
>
> Collected my 'new' GTS yesterday afternoon. It had been a week since I'd
> road tested it and the days had dragged by.
>
> Rode her home and then she had to pass the 'acid test'. I'd bought it with
> the main purpose as a 'two-up' tourer and the FJR that I had been
> contemplating just did not have the pillion legroom. Anyhow duly 'installed'
> the missus on the back and got the big thumbs up. At a pinch an inch or so
> further legroom forward would be nice, but I'd already determined that
> unlike the FJR, there is room to shift the pegs forward a tad quite easily.
> For the FJR to be viable the pegs would have, to been moved nearly 3".
>
> I know she got the seal of approval as she was instantly Christened
> 'Berlinda' by the wife and became one of the family.
>
> That done obviously a ride out was in order. Unfortunately I had a prior
> engagement in London's West End which meant taking into the heart of London
> in heavy traffic. Never mind. Anyhow I found no difficulty in picking my way
> thru the traffic. No different to my FJ or Ace. The fella I bought her from
> said that he found that a front pressure of 38psi gave a lighter feel to the
> front, with no detriment to handling. It's also got a 120/70 BT57.
>
> On the way home from collecting her yesterday, I did have the ABS warning
> light blinking after about 10 miles. I've since done about 60 miles with no
> re-occurrence of this. She's not been used very much since last summer and
> I'm hoping I'm just blasting a few cobwebs out.
>
> This morning's run out was a little more interesting, though couldn't get to
> any real clear roads. All I can say is 'SHE'LL DO VERY NICELY THANK YOU'
>
> Initially I had all sorts of plans (remember I'm a natural born fiddler) and
> was lining up a Thunderace engine transplant straight away. But I've been
> amazed just how torquey the GTS is. The Ace engine, with the Exup, is
> torquey, but not like this, not in the range where you really need a touring
> bike to be. At a later date, if the EFI goes into terminal decline then
> perhaps, but until then I'm leaving well alone.
>
> I will be installing another of Hawke's excellent chain oilers. I've fitted
> them to the FJ and Ace and reckon they're great. I'm not saying the
> ScotOiler isn't good either, just that I didn't get along with it myself. A
> top box is needed for additional luggage (she came with the OEM Krauser's)
> and to give the wife a back rest. I'm used to a more solid feel to the front
> brake too, so a set of stainless lines may well follow shortly.
>
> I've cast a dubious eye over that rather odd looking rear 'hugger' mudguard.
> I'm told by the ex-owner that it works superbly, but not sure about the
> looks !
>
> Once again thanks to all for the advice and especially Hawke, who took the
> trouble to get the tape measure out when I was struggling on the rear
> legroom front !
>
> Feel like a 'real' member of the list now !
>
>
> Barry Edwards
> GTS1000 '95 (Goes to the top of the list :>)
> FJ1200 '90
> YZR1000R(Ace) 98
>
> http://www.fjmods.btinternet.co.uk/
