Well it was mentioned, but it doesn't hurt to reiterate. When I first bought my GTS, I firmly had a Thunderace transplant in mind. However since then I've tempered a little and analysed exactly what I what my GTS for.
For two-up, mid-paced touring, moderately loaded I think the balance is just about right. The Ace lump makes according to Yamaha 145bhp and whilst the Exup keeps the low end fairly strong, there's still not much coming off tick over. After 2500 she's tractable and has very strong power right through. Obviously for ultimate top-end power one might ditch the Exup and go for a full system, but that would wreck the bottom end. One day temptation might be too much, but it won't be a 'real world' decision. Barry Edwards GTS1000 FJ1200 YZF1000R ----- Original Message ----- From: uranus <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, September 28, 2001 3:07 PM Subject: Freak or Unique? Engine Characteristics > Apologies if non-digest UK listers have pointed this out already, but October 2001 Ride magazine has a article called "Freak or Unique?", featuring various ultra low-selling bikes such as the Boss Hoss, Hesketh, Norton F1, and of course the GTS1000A. The angle they take is kind of "who in their right mind would buy one of these, when they could have bought a plastic fantastic race replica?". But they have to admit that actually the GTS is still a futuristic machine - it's the rest of the world that needs to catch up. > > As they point out, the EFI is the only GTS feature that's really made it to the mainstream, and the GTS was something of a showroom dud. However, like most people on this list, every time I ride mine I'm reminded of its many excellent points, especially the stonking brakes and the mid-range power. > > I've no problem at all with those who want to get more top end power out of their GTSs - whether this is useful depends on how and where you ride, it's different for everyone. When I first got mine I found the "choked at the top end" power curve disappointing. But there is an upside, which is that few, if any, modern machines can match it for midrange roll-ons. Cruise at 3,000 rpm in top, then whack the throttle fully open and run it up to 8,000 rpm. There's a little delay at first, very much like waiting for a turbo to spool up, but then the GTS is a genuine rush. I was alongside a Hayabusa the other day who was obviously used to pulling away from everyone with just a twist of the wrist, but he couldn't outrun the GTS. Sure, he could have beat me by dropping a gear (or two), and above 8,000 the Hayabusa would take off, but by then speeds are pointlessly illegal anyway. > > Roll on the GTS. If I replace mine, it'll be with a different type of bike altogether, because I doubt if anything in the heavyweight sport/tourer category is significantly better (except in not having chain final drive). Maybe the Honda V4 1100 (pan-Euro) but I've never ridden one. > > > David Thurgate http://www.uranus.co.uk/M_cycles.htm > =================================================== > Kawasaki ZX750-A1 in Tony Foale FFE frame > Current status: Dismantled ;-( > Yamaha GTS1000a in Yamaha FFE frame > Current status: In everyday use :-)
