Quick Ride

QUICK RIDE

ROUNDUP

YAMAHA RADIAN Four years later, still a great buy

WHEN A MOTORCYCLE REmains unchanged four model years in succession, it means only one thing: That model is selling well. Even the technology-minded Japanese, who have been accused of outdating their latest, greatest new model before an owner has made his second loan payment, seldom make radical changes to a well-received model like the Radian, one of Yamaha’s top sellers since its introduction in 1986.

Then, the 600cc Radian isn’t a style-conscious sportbike; it’s a modern version of the standard motorcycle. A bike for doing everything— commuting to work and school, or for a quick rip over a nearby twisty road. For to-and-fro riding, the Radian’s comfortable, upright seating position earns high marks. Its small size and ease of maneuverability were appreciated in city traffic jams, too. And with an average fuel mileage of nearly 50 miles per gallon, the Radian’s operating costs should be minor.

Performance buffs will appreciate the Radian’s dual-disc front brake, fat, 16-inch tires, three-spoke wheels, responsive, inline, tour-cylinder engine, six-speed transmission, excellent cornering manners and easily read speedometer and tachometer.

Paying attention to those instruments is a good idea, too, as the Radian, while lacking speed when stacked against the sporting 600s, is still a quick motorcycle. It’ll zip through the quarter-mile in the upper-12-second bracket and the bike’s top speed is an honest 125 miles per hour.

Almost everyone appreciated the Radian’s clean lines and quality fit and finish, although some of us thought

the square headlight and rear grab rail were unalluring.

Okay, maybe the Radian’s appearance could be improved with a round headlight and restyled grab handle. And while we are talking about possible changes, a better set of rear shocks would reduce harshness when riding solo. But these are certainly small complaints, and an owner just might find pleasure in

personalizing a few things himself. A pair of aftermarket shocks won’t cost much, the grab handle can be removed and a round headlight from another Yamaha model might be modified to fit the Radian. Or an owner may opt to take Yamaha's approach—leave the Radian 600 unchanged. It’s a neat bike as is, and with a price of $3499, it’s a great buy.

Ron Griewe