GSX1400 Owners .org

General => Bike Chat => Topic started by: VladTepes on Monday, 20 August 2018, 09:41 AM

Title: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: VladTepes on Monday, 20 August 2018, 09:41 AM
I've always wanted to ride these, just to see how good (or bad) the front suspension design truly is.

Can pretty much guarantee you'd be the only guy for many miles riding one...

Bimota Tesi

(https://i1.wp.com/www.bike-urious.com/wp-content/uploads/Bimota-Tesi-1D-904SR-Front-Right.jpg?fit=881%2C615&ssl=1)

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2F9%2F98%2FBimota_Tesi_3D_Concept.jpg&hash=e7b179c3071cf5fba43967b89df19850ebec168d)

this café racer style was described as "pinnacle weird"
(https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Bimota-Tesi-3D-RaceCafe-02.jpg)



Yamaha GTS1000

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.motorcyclespecs.co.za%2FGallery%2520%2520A%2FYamaha%2520GTS1000%2520ABS%2520%25201.jpg&hash=f6b4e876060ecf7e0804314b6ac1dc32e96325ee)

Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: VladTepes on Monday, 20 August 2018, 09:44 AM

Single sided swingarms are so common now, but what about a single sided front fork?
'91 Gilera CX125
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fraresportbikesforsale.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F05%2F1991-Gilera-CX125-R-Side-730x548.jpg&hash=c9e66fd3233fbe5e8ce37e7ebc83adb43c0a61f1)


Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: KiwiCol on Monday, 20 August 2018, 10:07 AM
The engineering principals must be sound, but I just couldn't trust that.  I don't really like a single sided rear either, they look good, but not something I'd go for.
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: VladTepes on Monday, 20 August 2018, 01:06 PM
I love this quote
QuoteFor an instant lesson in different cultures, place Yamaha's GTS1000 next to Bimota's Tesi. Both are hub-centre steered motorcycles but here the similarity ends because where the Bimota is beautiful, exotic and so unreliable it barely works, the Yamaha, despite being another take on the same idea, is plain (and that's being charitable), over-engineered and will work forever.


full article: https://www.visordown.com/features/yamaha-gts1000
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Monday, 20 August 2018, 03:33 PM
I know a guy in the UK with a DIY single sided front end Bandit.

Nothing super trick, both fork legs down one side and a stub axle for the wheel.

Get gets around a bit on it.

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi65.tinypic.com%2F2j1n8js.jpg&hash=94584c47a399bc00dd3a08b0257516aa2ec93411)
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Kiwifruit on Monday, 20 August 2018, 04:43 PM
Used to know a guy that was a regular rider of the Britten. He believed with a conventional front fork setup the bike would have been better.
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Batkwaka on Monday, 20 August 2018, 05:30 PM
No pictures but I've ridden a 500cc Rotary Norton, very different engine feel to it.

Interestingly with the GTS1000 Yamaha, it is RAD design but the designer was annoyed at their project as they had done many things he had told them not to, as it would compromise the end result. The end result was compromised because those that didn't understand the concept but thought they knew better, ruined the potential of it.
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Mick_J on Monday, 20 August 2018, 07:49 PM
Hub centre steering bikes are still available.

https://www.vyrus.it/
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Monday, 20 August 2018, 08:37 PM
Bloke up my street has a Travertson.

They are built in the US and based around a V-Rod.

It's certainly turns heads but it's not that great.

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi68.tinypic.com%2F25spxmb.jpg&hash=6fefe5de4127de14fb622fdbca1dbf02e110a416)
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: KiwiCol on Tuesday, 21 August 2018, 02:37 AM
It sure is a nice looking show pony Tony, just not that good at being a bike though?   Shame.
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: VladTepes on Tuesday, 21 August 2018, 01:36 PM
Quote from: mjgt on Monday, 20 August  2018, 07:49 PM
Hub centre steering bikes are still available.
https://www.vyrus.it/

Sort of available; if you're rich. I gather they are built to order.
I think that company built the Tesi 2d in their factory?
When the first Vyrus came on the market it was IIRC around GBP25,000 and I very much doubt it's got cheaper in the interim. 

But yeah, they are cool.

Quote from: Tony Nitrous on Monday, 20 August  2018, 08:37 PM
Bloke up my street has a Travertson.
They are built in the US and based around a V-Rod.
It's certainly turns heads but it's not that great.
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi68.tinypic.com%2F25spxmb.jpg&hash=6fefe5de4127de14fb622fdbca1dbf02e110a416)

http://travertson.com/          Yeah that is super ugly !
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Teufel on Wednesday, 22 August 2018, 12:08 AM
I am going to test ride one of these at Eastern Creek in a couple of weeks.
Wouldn't mind keeping it, but at $115,000 I may have to wait a very very very long time.
Not an oddity really. I just wanted to show off.
I cannot wait.
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: VladTepes on Friday, 24 August 2018, 02:01 PM
Well in the last few days I've done a lot of research on the GTS1000, also spoken to bike mechanics etc
Have decided its better to look at other people's rather than buy one myself. :)
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: KiwiCol on Friday, 24 August 2018, 04:18 PM
Come on then, tell us why . . .
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: VladTepes on Friday, 24 August 2018, 04:37 PM
Well I'm told that the front suspension components are weaker than they need to be.

The front rotors (located in the dead centre of the wheel) are unobtanium - basically you need to get one machined when you need one.

Overall - the cost of keeping one on the road is significant.

Aside from that novelty factor there are plenty of 'as good but much cheaper' bikes in the same class - not the least of which is the FZR.

Just doesn't add up.  Sure if I'd won lotto I'd get a pile of bikes including a GTS1000 but not for me until then.  :)

I still have a TL1000R hankering though.
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: KiwiCol on Friday, 24 August 2018, 05:21 PM
Thanks Mike, just shows our model has a few saving graces.
I wouldn't mind something a bit lighter though. I was moving it around in the garage the other week n recall thinking, god this thing is heavy!  I'd hate to have it over balance on me.  I must be getting old!
But riding it is no trouble, no heavy there. We've got price, power, distance, comfort and more in our plus side. Annnnnnd we beat most Hardleys anyday at anything, speed, braking, cornering, acceleration & reliability, not to mention cost.  Good bus the GSX1400.
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: KiwiCol on Friday, 24 August 2018, 05:40 PM
Here ya go Mike, 1 over this side of the ditch, now ya just got to get her back.  That price would be about $4800 - $4900 AUD I guess.

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-1738422936.htm?rsqid=2bc5394e3d8d438390e9ed35ac625b57

@VladTepes
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Friday, 24 August 2018, 06:47 PM
There are still a a couple of GTS based race bikes.
I think there's a couple being prepped for a Classic TT or similar.
They don't hang around !

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi67.tinypic.com%2Fvgrmuq.jpg&hash=33159836db57325a08acd9e0c51a9da97a8e9879)
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Friday, 24 August 2018, 07:02 PM
Honda / ELF race bikes ....

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi64.tinypic.com%2Fjt5u2h.png&hash=c02d9c4a5e2342bb662fb83b69f9990daa7860f6)

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi68.tinypic.com%2F34ff72s.jpg&hash=b00e96041a14157870f866aea09e9369c5a6c85d)

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi63.tinypic.com%2F313ncr5.jpg&hash=ada3c52ce6d978667d353829784db3d8a80d5154)
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: KiwiCol on Friday, 24 August 2018, 07:08 PM
Whadda ya reckon that big cancerous growth is hanging down between the 2 wheels on #9?  #5 doesn't have it.
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Friday, 24 August 2018, 07:15 PM
Quote from: KiwiCol on Friday, 24 August  2018, 07:08 PM
Whadda ya reckon that big cancerous growth is hanging down between the 2 wheels on #9?  #5 doesn't have it.

Not sure. That's a more recent photo from The Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: KiwiCol on Friday, 24 August 2018, 07:29 PM
The belly pan is shorter on 9 than 5, looks like it could be part of the exhaust, but it hangs very low.  maybe he's an Asian rider? Won Hung Low?
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: VladTepes on Friday, 24 August 2018, 11:14 PM
Quote from: KiwiCol on Friday, 24 August  2018, 07:08 PM
Whadda ya reckon that big cancerous growth is hanging down between the 2 wheels on #9?  #5 doesn't have it.

Another view
(https://www.cycleworld.com/sites/cycleworld.com/files/styles/1000_1x_/public/import/embedded/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/ELF-Honda-SuzukaRon-590x393.jpg?itok=aDafBqGd)

part of the 'orrible exhaust system.  I assume it's a two stroke.

More oddments  https://www.visordown.com/features/motorcycle-top-10s/top-10-oddball-500cc-gp-and-motogp-bikes


Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: VladTepes on Friday, 24 August 2018, 11:26 PM
Quote from: KiwiCol on Friday, 24 August  2018, 05:40 PM
Here ya go Mike, 1 over this side of the ditch, now ya just got to get her back.  That price would be about $4800 - $4900 AUD I guess.

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-1738422936.htm?rsqid=2bc5394e3d8d438390e9ed35ac625b57

@VladTepes

Thanks mate, I like that.

Yeah around AUD $4600-ish. Then of course there are the import costs/hassles.

Not sure on the actual rules read here but I read it costs $2500 to get them complianced here, over and above shipping costs ?
Anyway that bike looks trick but $ do not permit at the moment.
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Saturday, 25 August 2018, 03:50 PM
Vlad.... do it !

Forget the R, go the "Evil Twin"

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi64.tinypic.com%2F14268aa.png&hash=4f5a3b4a858f3b4a32de62c03e4b79dc61819c2c)
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: grog on Saturday, 25 August 2018, 07:03 PM
i love those v twin zukis. how did they solve the rear suspension prob. from memory a major concern. dont know much/anything about it really. just wondering. they sound so nice.
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Saturday, 25 August 2018, 08:02 PM
Quote from: grog on Saturday, 25 August  2018, 07:03 PM
i love those v twin zukis. how did they solve the rear suspension prob. from memory a major concern. dont know much/anything about it really. just wondering. they sound so nice.

There are several options to swap the rotary damper out for a more traditional shock and spring. It's often done.

I do like the TLS.
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Hooli on Saturday, 25 August 2018, 10:02 PM
I spent a day out with a bloke (Baso off the old Org, I don't think he's here) riding a GTS-1000. It seemed to go ok & cornered pretty well. Did like a drink mind, I was on a ST1100 & did the day on one tank when he filled up three times. The first time he had to fill up my gauge was still on full!
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: mlivkovich on Saturday, 25 August 2018, 10:28 PM
I owned 1997 TL1000s for 5 years and never had problem with rear suspension. Great bike! Lots of torque, sharp steering. I would like to own it again!
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: VladTepes on Sunday, 26 August 2018, 01:44 AM
Nope simply don't have the money. Why the S rather than the R ?
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: VladTepes on Wednesday, 13 March 2019, 11:44 AM
Got offered a  GTS1000 for $4500 negotiable. Said no.
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: seth on Wednesday, 13 March 2019, 05:59 PM
I always wanted a gsx1200ss
:cheers:
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Wednesday, 13 March 2019, 06:10 PM
Not really oddities, but 2 bikes that are certainly on my "to do" list are....

GS1200SS

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi66.tinypic.com%2F2iwabl.jpg&hash=8bd4034f446583af9362fbf3648feed01398bf9e)


GSX1200 Inazuma

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi65.tinypic.com%2F2v9yusk.jpg&hash=ec0f8c313ea5d3e7aee0368ce23602def2f3d390)

Both using a 1200 Bandit type motor, one a Slabsider / XR69 race style bike, one a more traditional retro style bike.
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: seth on Wednesday, 13 March 2019, 07:10 PM
@Tony Nitrous
There are a few imports here but they were never sold as official models in the uk .
:cheers:
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: stone on Wednesday, 13 March 2019, 07:27 PM
Owned a gsx1200, nice motorcycle :cheers:
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: VladTepes on Thursday, 14 March 2019, 09:27 PM
I'd heard of but never seen a GSX1200 so thanks for the pics !
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: stone on Friday, 15 March 2019, 01:04 AM
A photo of my Suzuki gs1200ss, i imported  from New zealand  about 6 years ago, with the great help of Andy Davies Sweetstreet Motorcycles New Zealand,   :cheers:
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Sunday, 18 August 2019, 08:07 AM
I'd be happy to try either of these two mutants......

(https://imgshare.io/images/2019/08/17/82208CF7-D8E3-4F44-9E4C-85CF0D8D08CD.jpg)

Some "WANT".... and some more "WANT".

(https://imgshare.io/images/2019/08/17/9249AF7A-22CC-4824-9792-EF013C122636.jpg)
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Sunday, 18 August 2019, 12:47 PM
More Want...

(https://imgshare.io/images/2019/08/17/C104F4EB-E1ED-416D-B572-66475B8AD963.png)
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: GSXKING on Sunday, 18 August 2019, 12:49 PM
I can't believe someone did that many km's on it LOL  :stir: :stir: :stir: :stir:
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Sunday, 18 August 2019, 02:55 PM
Quote from: GSXKING on Sunday, 18 August  2019, 12:49 PM
I can't believe someone did that many km's on it LOL  :stir: :stir: :stir: :stir:

I saw that !
Maybe they rode it here from Japan .... the long way!   :grin:
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: GSXKING on Sunday, 18 August 2019, 02:58 PM
Circumference of the earth is 40,075 km that would be a few times around LOL  :stir: :stir: :stir:









Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: grog on Sunday, 18 August 2019, 05:08 PM
Met a bloke once who had Guzzi Le Mans, seat about same comfort as above. Over 300 th ks. Always been on my hero list.
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: GSXKING on Sunday, 18 August 2019, 06:37 PM
@grog Those guys are weird anyway  :stir: :stir: :stir: :stir: :stir: :rofl2: :rofl2: :rofl2: :cheers:
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Bob on Sunday, 18 August 2019, 10:02 PM
Always fancied a Carver from those crazy clog wearers, sort of 2 wheeled torpedo.
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Kiwifruit on Monday, 19 August 2019, 06:30 AM
I'd like a ride on one of those Aussie Vincents. They look very nice   :worshippy:
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Snapey on Monday, 19 August 2019, 07:26 AM
Quote from: Kiwifruit on Monday, 19 August  2019, 06:30 AM
I'd like a ride on one of those Aussie Vincents. They look very nice   :worshippy:

Which one Col ... 2 or 3 wheels?
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Kiwifruit on Monday, 19 August 2019, 08:27 AM
Either Pete, couldn't do the passenger though, knees are too buggered.
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: Snapey on Monday, 19 August 2019, 01:06 PM
Quote from: Kiwifruit on Monday, 19 August  2019, 08:27 AM
Either Pete, couldn't do the passenger though, knees are too buggered.

I'd get on with you Col but we'd be in trouble if you wanted to do more than half a lap.
Title: Re: Motorcycle oddities you'd like to try or own.
Post by: GSXKING on Monday, 19 August 2019, 09:11 PM
Vincent in name only those things are works of art. Similar in some aspects to the rarity of the Kiwi built Britten.  :drool: :drool: :drool: