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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: bad Chad on July 20, 2026, 07:01:29 PM

Title: Anybody owned or ridden a Yamaha Radian?
Post by: bad Chad on July 20, 2026, 07:01:29 PM

These were a parts bin bike from Yamaha from 86 to 91.   In line 600 4, looked a little like a smaller Vmax.

(https://i.ibb.co/tpQwD7NK/IMG-0194.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tpQwD7NK)

Title: Re: Anybody owned or ridden a Yamaha Radian?
Post by: Shorty on July 20, 2026, 10:30:23 PM

Howdy. Yes I owned one, an 86 model. I bought it used after being inspired by the praise the Radian received from Cycle World magazine. Fun bike. Low to the ground (important for my 30 inch inseam,) fairly light weight. I was not used to the power delivery after riding mostly high torque twins. I pulled a few accidental wheelies
which is uncharacteristic for me. It's a little hot rod with a mildly detuned sportbike engine in it. It did not suit my needs at the time with its lack of storage, and it seemed a shame to cover that little beauty up with a windscreen and luggage. I had zero problems with it in my short ownership. CW article:  https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1986/7/1/yamaha-yx600-radian

Title: Re: Anybody owned or ridden a Yamaha Radian?
Post by: guzzisteve on July 20, 2026, 10:50:19 PM

I race one with the LM3 and all I saw in my rear view mirror was a headlight going up & down behind me. I guess he thought he had a fast bike, just not fast enough. I had an 8/35 rear gear set & once you got 2nd you were gone.

Title: Re: Anybody owned or ridden a Yamaha Radian?
Post by: chuck peterson on July 21, 2026, 05:23:51 AM

Long time ago…in a galaxy far far away…

I read a road story about a young lady who soldiered on with a Radian from the lower 48 to Alaska. Perfectly unsuitable to the situation but she kept on keeping on. Updates from the trip created a large following, and garage help from the audience of new friends

I’ll try a search

Title: Re: Anybody owned or ridden a Yamaha Radian?
Post by: chuck peterson on July 21, 2026, 05:33:34 AM

Here she is..

2010 on ADV rider. Her brother was killed by a drunk driver.


(https://i.ibb.co/N4wcBQY/IMG-3978.jpg) (https://ibb.co/N4wcBQY)


https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/virginia-to-alaska-and-back-on-an-86-yamaha-radian.831213/

Title: Re: Anybody owned or ridden a Yamaha Radian?
Post by: Stretch on July 21, 2026, 05:53:11 AM

I read that story on ADVRider, too. Epic tale - real adventure stuff.
Recommended!

The bike stood up just fine. Tough, tough machines.

                                       -Stretch

Title: Re: Anybody owned or ridden a Yamaha Radian?
Post by: DoubleGuzzi on July 21, 2026, 07:34:02 AM

Awesome story, that. I gave up reading after 1.5-2 hours 'cos it's about time I got back to polishing my bikes!   :embarrassed:

Title: Re: Anybody owned or ridden a Yamaha Radian?
Post by: davethewelder on July 21, 2026, 06:37:41 PM

I sold them back then at a multi line Japanese dealer, most people went with the Honda 650 Nighthawk both were great.

Title: Re: Anybody owned or ridden a Yamaha Radian?
Post by: Motormike on July 21, 2026, 07:02:11 PM

Quote from: chuck peterson on July 21, 2026, 05:23:51 AM

Long time ago…in a galaxy far far away…

I read a road story about a young lady who soldiered on with a Radian from the lower 48 to Alaska. Perfectly unsuitable to the situation but she kept on keeping on. Updates from the trip created a large following, and garage help from the audience of new friends

I’ll try a search

I remember that story as well.  Very early in (at least for me) my ADV days.

Title: Re: Anybody owned or ridden a Yamaha Radian?
Post by: nwguy on July 23, 2026, 01:45:35 PM

I bought one in the mid 90s after not owning a bike for 15 years. Pretty good bike! Cheap too.

The gal's tale of her AK trip sure is a good read.