Suzuki TL1000S

Luke

Luke

Luke

Soldato
Joined
19 Jul 2005
Posts
7,092
Location
S. Yorkshire
I know at least a couple of people here either have one, or have had one so am hoping for some real feedback.
The TL1000S has a real reputation for being a twitchy bike (if you're being conservative, or a widowmaker (for the more sensationalist) due to a dodgy rear shock and a decent amount of grunt from the v twin engine.

I'm still drawn to one as a cheap bit of fun, seeing that tidy examples can be found for well under 2 grand. Insurance is surprisingly cheap to say it is between 118 and 130bhp depending on year and revision.

Can any of those with direct experience of this bike give me some of their opinions on the bike, and also provide any insight into how often they need to replace rear tyres. Also real world tank ranges would be helpful along with any essential mods/tweaks that make the bike more enjoyable to ride.

I'm not a small rider at 6'1" and 19st, but I've heard that it does tolerate bigger riders in the way that a lot of other bikes dont. Again, any experiences on this would be great.
Cheers
 
someone here has owned one, cant remember who (goldfish mem)

i think the problem was the grunt coupled with sharp geometry / weight dist meant it shook it's head far too easy out of corners... and put a lot of newer riders into ditches, sure nothing a damper wont sort

i owned a tl1000r (see siggy), but that was a different beast alltogether and from what i've heard abit of a pussycat in comparison, though even that got a 'rep'... essentially same mill though

only problem with these bikes is they are quite down on power compared with newer kit and abit on the lardy side.. i think my R only put out 118 at the wheel, but you could get the power down so fast

if I was in the market again for a vtwin I'd find a mint SP2, not because I've ridden one just because I love the way they look and sound


have you thought about something like a ZX12 or older Busa ?, would suit your height better and arguably better bikes.... and certainly more powerful (and even more grunt)... or how about a cheap sv1000
 
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