October 29, 2001 I thought I would share my JOY! This decision was a large one...for years I (with the support of my wife...which is a must, if you know what i mean) have been researching and searching out midsized tour bikes. Ive looked at the BMW RT1100 (nice but $$$$$+$), The triumph Trophy 900 ($$=$), The Ducati ST2 (ya right...forgetta bout it!). I was getting depressed, everything even USED was just way too expensive. I have made a firm commitment to live without credit. It is great most of the time until large purchases such as this....then you realize how much you like to compact your wallet. I was chatting with my friend who used to sell bikes at a dealership, asking for his advice.....none really available without credit....common story...then I had a FLASH..."what was that one bike you used to sell with that front side swing arm...?" ...the GTS1000. I remember back to 1993 when I saw the bike and my mouth started to water...then it dried up when I saw the NEW base price. Well, I searched the net, and low and behold there was one for sale less than 30min from my house....garaged, maintained, never down and CHEAP! Called him up....test ride...money down..and I pick it up this FRIDAY....ONE DAY AFTER MY BIRTHDAY (nov. 1). So, Karma has brought this bike to me....Following is my first impression.
I LOVE THE GTS1000. I took a test drive yesterday, and fell in love. I bought a '93 with 26K miles on it, with full luggageracks, 3 windshields, tankbag, helmetlocks, corbin seat all for just $4700. (not bad for a $12,000 base bike) I live in Colorado, near Denver. One of the major hills right outside of Denver is a 14 mile climb on I-70 West. With some of the bikes my wife and I have ridden, even 900's would seem to lag-out at the top of the hill. We went up that same 14 mile slope at 90+mph, and had plenty of pulling power left in the throttle even in 5th gear. When you climb that hill you feel sorry for the poor saps in the cars clugging up the hill at 45-50mph. I give credit to the Fuel Injection! We started at an altitude 5300ft, and the top of the hill is around 8000ft. Never once did the cold, thinning air choke out the engine....WONDERFUL. I CAN wait to test out the ABS.....If I never use it....that would be fine with me. I know that if the ABS kicks on, there will be more dangerous events occuring to worry about analyzing the brakes. So if it ever happens, Ill write a review. The ride: A bit heavy in turns below 10mph. Seems to want to really dig down and carve harder than you want to turn. You fight the slow turns, but all other motion is effortless. A smooth, gliding butter- creamy ride...well maintained by the aerodynamics. With Highway Travel...it was gentle and flowing. The only flaw I have noticed (very minor) is that the side mirrors show a nice view of your gloves....now I have nice gloves....but i would rather see traffic. Does anyone know of Mirror Extensions? That is minor issue, because anyone changing lanes without a brief over the shoulder glance; is about to be smacked by that car that rides your blindspot until you want to changelanes. For a one-day, 6 hour test ride in city streets, highway, and mountain skipping (you just skip right over them in this bike) I fell in love and put down my deposit. I am glad to be part of this close community. I am looking forward to the upcoming years of touring in this wonderful bike. Any Tour Rallies I should know about? Colorado is a wonderful location for Touring....Colorado gets 300+ days of SUNSHINE each year....it may be cold in the winter, but its dry and sunny! Ive seen snow 2-3feet deep gone within two days of bright sun. Best Regards, Thor Metzinger
