Back in 1993, Yamaha gave us a glimpse of a possible future in the shape of the sport touring GTS1000. Powered by a detuned FZR1000 motor, it's best remembered by the forkless front swingarm that separated suspension and steering tasks, along with its sheer weight and eye-watering purchase price.
However, we feel that Yamaha must be applauded for taking such a bold move in giving us the first mass-produced bike to feature such technology along with ABS, a catalytic converter and fuel injection too. As a tribute to the bravery, we've created our own, but instead of bringing it back as a sports borer for the older generation, how about something a little spicier?
Engine
The original bike used a five-valve, four-cylinder FZR1000 motor, which sounds great except Yamaha lopped 30 HP off the top end. Together with the excess weight of the GTS this gave acceleration that would leave arms firmly in their sockets, and riders falling asleep at the handlebars.
We've based ours on the latest fire-breathing crossplane crankshaft R1 powerplant. With no mods except for the junking of the catalyzer and the introduction of a Dynojet Power Commander V unit, we've gained a healthy boost in the midrange and a true 160 HP.
Chassis
The original featured the "Omega" frame that used the motor as a stressed member. We've modified our R1 frame to come up with Omega 2, a convenient fusion of the two technologies. Together with a new swingarm, we're confident the alloy Omega 2 can handle the extra power. As before at the front, the lower arm and shock handles suspension duty while a vertical strut steers the bike. There's very little dive under braking and the problem of changing geometry is virtually eliminated. The huge front single disc is located centrally to minimize twisting forces and there's a pair of twin-piston calipers to provide the teeth.
Bodywork
While the first-generation GTS was an overweight mile-cruncher, our bike is stripped to the bone to be lighter, more powerful and built for laughs on the street. The minimal bodywork reduces weight as well as increases the get-out-of-my-way road presence with its 21st century curves. Babies will cry, women will lick their lips and we'll all be smiling. Less is most definitely more.