Yamaha To Fork It Over Once More

YAMAHA TO FORK IT OVER ONCE MORE

YAMAHA WILL PRODUCE A second motorcycle with a forkless front end, confirms a European Yamaha source.

Expect, sometime in 1996, a

900cc motorcycle considerably smaller and lighter than the GTS 1000, which showcased the company’s James Parker-designed front suspension. (The GTS did not sell

well and is no longer available in the U.S.)

Details are few, but the source says the yet-unnamcd bike will use the GTS's Omega frame and compete with Honda's VFR750.

Parker said he wasn't surprised by the GTS 1000's lack of sales success, given its price and styling, but is encouraged by Yamaha's new approach.

“I'm pleased they're taking better aim at the market," he says, “I think everybody has conceded the fact that the 1000 was a miss, not a hit. The bike not being a success slows a company down in terms of trying it again. BMW has made it obvious they believe iii the Telelever front suspeilsiolL over time. Yamaha will make it obvious that they be lieve in this front end."

A U.S. Yamaha spokesman says he is unaware of any bikes in deve1opn~ent that use alternative front suspension.

Robert Hough