1993 Yamaha GTS1000

For only one year in the US, Yamaha sold a sport-touring bike that was far ahead of its time – the GTS1000. Full of technology that would not make its way to most bikes for years to come, the GTS featured fuel injection, ABS brakes, and most importantly, the RADD front suspension designed by James Parker. This suspension was able to isolate braking from damping, leading to increased performance in both aspects, as well as more stability.

Unfortunately, the extra cost required for all this innovative technology was high and consumers weren’t ready for it. The bike was a commercial flop, though it did sell for a few more years outside of the US. Like many poor-selling, technologically advanced bikes, owners are very passionate and have developed communities to keep these bikes alive. Parts are still available for the front end, and the rest of the bike is straightforward enough. Yanked from the FZR1000, the Genesis engine was detuned but still made triple digit power. This bike gives you all the fun of a rare, quirky bike, but without the support-related drawbacks. You can use it everyday, and that’s one of the reasons why Bike magazine called it the ‘coolest of rare motorcycles’ ever made.

This specific Yamaha GTS1000 has just 5,124 miles and looks to be in good shape. The seller says that this was his dream bike, unfortunately he has stopped riding so the bike has to go. Impressively, Yamaha replaced the ABS unit under a goodwill warranty in 2009, when the bike was 16 years old. Not bad.