Funny Front Redux: 1993 Yamaha GTS1000 for Sale

1993 Yamaha GTS1000
Miles: 3,440
Clean Title
Buy It Now: $9,450
Listing Ends: October 4th, 2024

Hot on the heels of yesterday’s Bimota Tesi is a Japanese take on the hub-steered front end motorcycle, Yamaha’s GTS1000. Instead of building a cutting-edge sportbike, Yamaha took James Parker’s RADD front end and built a sports-touring machine around it that leaned towards the “sporting” end of the spectrum. It was powered by a sophisticated fuel-injected version of Yamaha’s five-valve, 1002cc inline four that was limited to just 100hp, but offered a torque-rich and incredibly smooth-running experience. Relatively unassuming bodywork fully-enclosed the engine, leaving the distinctive “Omega” [Ω] frame and front suspension on full display; unlike BMW’s Telelever front-end, there’s no mistaking the fact that the GTS has an unusual setup and this feature naturally draws the most attention from onlookers. A single-sided front swingarm made dual disc brakes impractical, so Yamaha opted for a large, cross-drilled and ventilated front disc with a massive, six-piston caliper. In typical 90s Japanese style, the bike was built to a very high standard, and these can rack up huge mileage with just basic maintenance to keep them going. Unfortunately, the GTS1000 was expensive when new, and the appeal was limited to riders captivated by the technical innovation on display, making it a rare sight today.

This bike could pass for new on any showroom floor. The bike is completely stock as new with the exception of the windshield and handlebars. The bars have been raised about 2.5 inches and the windshield is taller to match with a curve at the top to make more upright sitting position. The original bars and windshield will go with the machine. It has a de tuned version of FZR 5 valve, 4 cylinder engine, to give better usable power at touring speed. It is fuel injected, has ABS brakes and a very unusual frame and suspension designed by a man from Santa Fe and licensed to Yamaha. It has 6 piston front brake. The front suspension is adjustable for both dampening and spring tension. Stated millage is guaranteed

The owner is a collector and former BSA dealer and is retired and moving.

The days of super-cheap Yamaha GTS1000s appear to be over, as awareness of the bike increases but, at nearly $10,000, this is absolutely at the top end of the market. That being said, you are very unlikely to ever find one with miles this low ever again, as they have long been very affordable and are consummate mile-munchers. Certainly a very cool bike for fans of the RADD front end or Yamaha collectors with coin to spend, but you can find a very nice rideable example for half the price that looks almost as good. Parts to keep the engine in top shape should be readily available, although GTS-specific parts like bodywork, that front brake disc, or parts to rebuild the front shock might be harder to source.

-tad