Re: New Topic!
I also have a Spidi jacket that I wear all the time. I Bought the "NT Trans" jacket a couple of years ago and haven't crash tested it yet really (knock on wood). It has hard armor in the elbow and shoulder, a zip out liner for cooler weather and is for the most part waterproof. The back protector was an option for this jacket and I know I should get it but I just haven't for some strange reason. At any rate it is my first protective jacket and I love it, don't ever ride with out it. I think next though I will be looking at an Aerostich one piece for full coverage protection and flexible comfort. Everything I've heard or read about the 'stich has been very positive so I'm pretty sure that will be my next protective gear purchase. But definitely Spidi makes good stuff ! Darren
Re: one bike?
As much as I love my GTS my choice would be my XTZ 750 Super Tenere. It does dirt roads freeway droning and light sport riding. A true do it all bike, and besides it would be way to hard to find another if I ever let it go. Of course I would have to use the dualsport tires then rather than the knobbies I have mounted now. Darren
Re: Here's some interesting news...
That is interesting, isn't Honda also one of the companies that hasn't anounced development of a fourstroke GP bike? Not that it means anything. Honda doesn't seem real open about their RD programs anyway. Just curious. Darren
Re: Goldbarge
Nope Phil, I use my GTS for commuting some sport riding and drum roll please... touring duty (I can say that now since I've just recently taken my first interstate ride). I love the versatility of my GTS and I think its a good looking bike and besides its my wifes fav of the three bikes I own. I don't think I will ever find a place in my garage for a Goldwing I just feel like if I want that much comfort its time to take a car it just seems more convenient at that point. Although I've thought it might be nice after I retire or something but thats a very long ways away for me : (. Darren
Re: GTS to FZR stuff
Oh yeah. All that 'detuning' also has contributed to a rather respectable gas milage average. Compare that to the FZR! What should I expect as far as gas mileage ? I get around 40mpg with my R1 and my GTS doesn't seem to be much better I think I averaged like 43mpg on my trip to Spokane I didn't think this was "significantly" better than my R1 really (especially since I tend to ride the R1 harder anyway). Darren
RE: GTS to FZR stuff
Hi Bob, I would appreciate it if you could email me those dyno results. Thanks ! Darren
RE: GTS to FZR stuff and fluff
Its a terrible thing I know. Its like some sort of sickness but some people just can't leave well enough alone and of course everyone has there own idea of what the perfect bike would be. I for one like to see individualism even if it would mean I would have to see alot of the same threads go by over and over again. I never know when someone will come up with something helpful or useful to me. Yes it is a sport tourer but I doubt that you could even get everyone on this list to agree on exactly what the perfect sport tourer would be. I bit my tongue when the shaft drive thread came through awhile back because I didn't feel I had any useful information to offer just my own strong personal preference for chain drive. One of the reasons I bought a GTS is because I knew there were things I could do to taylor the bike more towards my own taste. However awful that might be to someone else hey its my bike and my money. Its funny guys that try to make the GTS more comfortable don't get that leave it alone spiel whats so bad about getting more ponies or making it sound different ? Leave it alone yeah right if only I could. My R1 didn't stay stock long either of all things, imagine putting Heli's on an R1. I know its not supposed to be comfortable it just sounded like a good idea what can I say. My two pennies. Darren
Re: Max Speed
I have talked to Jordan Engineering and they can make a YZF750 gearbox work with the FZR/GTS/YZF 1000 motor but the 750 gearbox would not handle a whole lot more power for very long. I think as long as we're talking about a relatively stock GTS it would probably be ok. Does anyone know if the spread of the gearbox ratios on the YZF750 would be wider than that of the GTS's stock 5 speed ? Somehow I doubt it would be and if it is, it probably isn't by much. For a streetbike especially a tourer. I think you would want to spread the gearbox ratios as wide as is practical at least that is my thinking. A compromise of easy around town and low speed driveability and good fuel mileage for long rides. For comparison the gearbox on my R1 has a much taller first gear but the sixth seems to be about the same as my GTS at least thats been my observation. Darren
Re: Medic !!!! now thanks !!!!!!!
Ok I got the bike running pretty good right now smooth running no weird stuff just a very slight hesitation off idle but easily livable. So the first thing I want to do is thank everyone on the list for all the tips because I went through a few of them before I found one that worked out. THANKS VERY MUCH TO ALL OF YOU ! Now this is what I found cam position sensor wire looked to be fine so I didn't go any further there. I had good spark no problem there (apparently no one has had to change the ignition coil mudules since I didn't get any response to that). Following the tip from Steve about his woes with the TPS I suspected that more than anything else (and I still think I'll replace it when I get back home). I got email from another lister (Thanks Nick!) that basically said instead of worrying about volts, ohms etc. try just making small adjustments with the bike running. This turned out to be my saving tip I started the bike up and let it warm up and then loosened the allen screws that hold down the TPS. I left it snug so it would move with a little force but not loose enough to move on its own. I made small adjustments and checked throttle response after each adjustment (I even killed the engine once and had to restart it) this didn't take long once I figured out which way to turn the sensor to make it better. Once I had it where it seemed to be good and responsive I tightened up the screws and took it for a test ride. Much, much, better I left it like that. Reassembled everything else (and thats quite a bit on this bike). Then went to bed got up this morning and rode it to work, still as I said a little off idle hesitation (but I think my R1 is worse) and pulls smothly away from a stop. I also did the flapper surgery yesterday and that went just great thanks to you listers for that as well ! Tanked up this morning and sure enough including the gallon + that I put in to get me to the station it does in fact seem to hold 5.8 US gallons. WH ! WHOOO ! I can't wait to start my trip tomorrow morning ! Many thanks again to everyone ! Darren
Re: Medic !!!!
Thanks Steve, I am looking into it further but it does in fact seem to be
Re: Medic !!!!
Thanks Steve, I really am suspecting the TPS since as I said the rpm seems to go wacko at a certain throttle opening but am open to any possibilities right now. I like the idea of swapping with a known good one any sothern california listers willing to disassemble their GTS so I could swap in a known good TPS? I would really apreciate it ! I am located in Garden Grove (714) 638-1701. Any other suggestions guys I'm still listening ? Darren
Re: GTS VALUES
I believe the bike is worth that much escially with the low miles and the Krauser bags if its in really good shape. But it will be hard to find someone willing to pay that much for a used bike that old. Hell I'm finding it hard to sell my '98 R1 for $8300. People who buy used bikes are generally looking for a good bargain thats why they usually opt to by used. Unless like in the case of the GTS we know its not a bike for just anyone because it is a little more unique and might even be considered semi-rare. That semi-rarity coupled with its high initial price is probably what has kept the values so high. My 2 pennies. Darren
Re: Communicators bike to car, also touring tips
I must have forgotten to mention that my father in law will be the primary driver of the car he's none to quick behind the wheel. Which is probably just as well since we will be travelling together and my range on the bike is far less than his in his Chrysler Concord. I'll need all the mileage I can get probably since he can get up to 500 miles on a tank. Of course once in Spokane I plan on having a real good time with my wifes uncle who is also a motorcyclist. I'm planning on doing the flapper valve surgery this weekend and getting a fresh tune up before leaving next week. I've never attempted such a long ride and for the most part it looks like its going to be hot and boring. Any long distance tips for a beginning tourer would also be much apreciated. Darren
RE: Second Impressions (ranting)
Hi Adam, I guess this would be a second impression report for me as well. I would have to say if you like bikes that are a dime a dozen you had a miss on this one. One of the reasons I like the GTS is because there aren't alot of them around ! I got sick of seeing other bikes "just like mine" (incidentally I'm talking about my R1 a great bike but just to damn many of them around). I'm not sure how much the CBR weighs but I would venture a guess that its a tad lighter than the GTS and maybe shorter in wheelbase as well. My bike has been doing the surging thing as well and I find it annoying but I will be taking it in to have the throttle bodies synced and some new plugs etc.. I've been very happy with my GTS other than the surging which is high praise from me when it comes from a used bike purchase that had over 50,000 miles to begin with. The starter is acting up a little but I didn't find that surprising considering the mileage. I fitted a new set of Michelin Pilot Sport tires and promptly discovered a shake coming from the front end (I'll be taking the front wheel to an automotive type tire place as recommended by others to have it rebalanced as soon as I get a chance). But I find the bike overall to be smooth (at highway speeds) and confidence inspiring in corners (love the nice sweeping freeway on ramps). Stability is definitly a plus with novice pillions who don't sit still. Oh and the braking is so fun sometimes I get on'em harder than I have too just to feel them binders (incidentally I'm not convinced even my R1 could outbrake it, the tendency to do stoppies shies me away from braking as hard on that bike). The minuses are typical too heavy not enough power and just a tad long of wheelbase. Overall I'd have to say its a keeper and strikes just shy of the right balance for my sport touring/daily commuting balance. I think the GTS is just a great stylish and relatively unique motorcycle. But then again I figure I can work out some of what I'm not that happy with if the general balance is good and I believe it is for me (of course I don't usually ride at the head of the pack either even on the R1 I just like to enjoy the ride). Darren
Re: accessories
Hi Chris, How much are you asking for the brake and clutch lines ? These are the braided stainless ones right ? I'm interested ! Darren
Coolant
Has anyone had any experience with this stuff good or bad ? It sounds interesting and being the curious person I am just had to ask. http://www.cyclelogic.cc/products-frame.html Darren
RE: Yamaha's warranty VS Normal wear.
Valve guide and stem seal wear also tends to give you the tell tale puff of smoke when you start it after sitting awhile. Darren
Air Filter
Hi All, I found this website in my wanderings. Sounds like it might be a KN type reusable filter. Comments ? http://www.motorradversand.de/antrieb/angebote/MK32K778.htm Darren
Re: long objects
I am an occasional fisherman and I would recommend putting the foils in a soft case perhaps and using whats called a rod sling. I got one just for the purpose of being able to carry short (I am a surf fisherman so short for me is about 10.5 feet) fishing rods on the motorcycle I have not used it on the GTS but I imagine it should work just fine. I got mine from a place called Cabela's and I'll see if I can't find the link for you. Darren
Re: long objects
Here is the link for the sling. http://www.cabelas.com/texis/scripts/store/+/CatalogDisplay/displayPOD/CabFALL1998/CabFALL1998ACAt/IA347Y Its something you wear versus something you mount on the bike but it has worked good for me from time to time. Hope this helps. Darren
Re: Logo'd clothing
Ok I just ordered a couple of brushed canvas caps. Anyone else ? Darren
Re: Off idle surging
Anyway, if we could move the throttle position sensor (either mechanically or electrically) so that the ECU believes the throttle is never below this "cutoff" point, it wouldn't cut the fuel flow at closed/low throttle. The engine speed would still be limited by the throttle body being closed. I mean to tell the ECU the throttle is never closed, not to actually keep the throttle open by adjusting the cable... Actually we could fool the ECU into thinking the throttle is partially open by adjusting the TP sensor's voltage true ? Just a thought.
Re: Helibar question
Hi Jay, Heli's should be really simple for the GTS especially compared to say an R1 but I would make sure I had a new pair of grips to put on since you'll probably want to be trying it out as soon as your done. I had forgotten about that when I put the Heli's on my R1 and had to until the next day before I could really try them out just a suggestion. Darren
Re: ECU Failure (was Atlanta)
Have you checked out the voltage on the tps usually the tps is just a variable resistor and is supposed to give you a certain voltage while the throttle is in a specified position (usually closed at idle). I used sharpened leads on my digital voltmeter for my car just stabbed them into the wires leading into the tps. Not real sure if it works the same on the GTS though. The service manual should say how to test and what the reading should be. Hope it helps. Darren
Re: Parts??
here it is http://www.jps.net/keyworth/gts/mf/mf.html
Re: heat (water wetter)
Ok now guys don't get fluffy on me just yet. My understanding of "water wetter" is its supposed to help transfer more heat to the radiator by breaking down the surface tension of the water/coolant. I was also given the impression from the earlier literature on the stuff that it is also compatible with regular antifreeze/coolant. I ran "water wetter" and water in my bike for a track day and noticed it really did seem to run about 10 degrees cooler. Would this not also apply to using water wetter in regular coolant ? Darren
Re: FLUFF!!! Enough to make RSRBOB cry!!
Congratulations Kevin !!! An absolutely beutiful machine makes me wish I had kept the one I had, I do miss the '86 model I had sometimes. Darren
Re: California Superbike!
I took the CSS level one and had a great time ! I'm not saying this to argue with anyone but for me it wasn't just about track time. I wanted to learn and do it in a safe environment without worrying about getting in over my head. There is another school here in so. cal. called Fast Track but I had heard that it was mostly for people who are experienced to get more track time with little instruction. I learned alot at CSS level one and would like to go back for level two. I guess my take on it is if you want to learn from someone who has trained world champions then CSS is definitely the place but if you just want track time then you should definitely look elsewhere. Keith Code tends to be cryptic in his teaching method and I think he's just trying to get people to really think about whats going on in that relationship between man and machine and pavement. Think of it this way he has trained world champions and has had many positive comments by those very same riders about the books and videos that he created. I would say its a safe bet he knows how to teach people to ride better safer smarter. I would have to agree with Kevin about one thing though, it would suck to be in a class with beginners if you are already a race track veteran. My being a rank amateur I just went in with the attitude I was going to learn as much as I could and I did and so did one of my friends my other friend didn't learn much at all because he was too busy trying to go fast not to mention arguing with Keith Code. When we started we thought this guy was fast but by the end of the day our laptimes were the same as his and we weren't braking or shifting when he was and he was so tired he almost didn't go out for the last track session. Of course this was just my experience. Everyone elses will be different. You know your mileage may vary. Darren
Re: Suspension Ideas
Just in case anyone is interested I noticed that these guys seem to have a pretty good price on Ohlins shocks. http://www.cyclemall.net/ I have never dealt with them nor am I affiliated with them in any way I just saw it on another list I subscribe to. These guys I have done business with and they have been very helpful in getting a WP shock for a bike I have that was never offocially imported to the US it took six months but they were able to get it for me at a decent enough price. The shock was a super adjuster that was supposedly setup custom at the factory for my weight and type of riding though I haven't had a chance to try it yet. http://www.braincell.com/kiernan/ Darren
Re: (For every one except Shawn) FLUFF
Hi Shawn, I didn't type anything about you I think it was Bob I was just replying. Darren
Re: tire wear (For every one except Shawn)
I read somewhere that the '94 model rear swingarm pivot was upgraded to be more ridgid can the parts for a '94 be retrofitted to the '93 ? By the way does anyone know the dimesions for the GTS's stock rear shock ? Length and length of travel that sort of thing ? Darren
Re: second list fluff
I would have to agree with Jay I am on 2 other email lists for my other bikes. The TDM list isn't bad about the same. But for some reason the R1 list is just full of fluff and ego bashing arguments. I would have to say we've got a good thing going here ! Darren
Re: nice shirts
Does Jay have an SA# I think he needs one now. Darren
Re: ABS
Wish I were able to go as well but even though I'm close enough I have to take care of my son this weekend. Hopefully next time. I might go for a half day ride saturday morning though weather permitting of course ! I rode in to work this morning and it was beutiful, clear skies the sun was shining and traffic wasn't bad either. Hope you guys get to enjoy the ride this weekend with a little luck it should be a blast. Darren
