Suzuki TL1000R Review (1998-2003) - Specs, History, Exhaust Sound - Fearsome or Forgettable?
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- čas přidán 16. 07. 2024
- In this 11th "Blast from the past" episode, we're taking a look at Suzuki's "designed for racing" TL1000R. Though it was designed for the racetrack, the TL1000R was never really a success on the track, winning only one race during it's racing career. The lack of racetrack success carried over to the sales floor and ultimately spelled the end for the TL1000R in 2003. I owned a TL1000R previously and will be talking about the history and specs of the TL1000R. I will also be giving my riding impressions of the bike and how it compares to the TL1000S and RC51. What was the TL1000R like to ride? Let's find out together!
- Auta a dopravní prostředky
Thanks your very thorough and balanced review of the TLR. I own two of them. Have also owned an RC51 and currently a Ducati Monster. I've had benefit of being able to push all 3 designs on the road. My favorite remains the TLR. I agree completely with your observations on the RC51 not being as easy to ride. The Ducati is a beautiful machine but I still find myself heading toward one of the TLR's when the sun is out and it's time for a therapeutic ride. The biggest problem I have with my TLR's is stopping at a gas station and take my helmet off. People invariably do a double take when they see I'm not a kid riding that thing. (73 years old thank you very much). One kid behind the counter summed it up last summer when he said "Aren't you a little old to be riding one of those?". I never grew up and the TLR's keep me of that mind set. Thanks again!
Right on! Riding a motorcycle keeps you sharp, and it's quite therapeutic as well. I hope to be riding at 80. Cheers!
Im 61 i own 2002 tlr i love it and people do take 2 nd looks they can keep on looking because im gonna keep on riding good job buddy
I have owned three of these bikes. I have ridden them to their maximum potential. You’re absolutely right as far as the unique handling… But once you get it down, it is one of the most exciting bikes to ride on the street. People on Harleys will come up to you and ask what it is because of the sound this thing revved all the way up to 10,000 RPM like it’s nothing. And you will frequently bounce off the red room. I feel like if I had the money to build the motor up a little bit and tune it to 12,000 RPM. It would perform much better when riding hard. Honestly, the only complaints I have for these motorcycles is the extreme heat. They will definitely burn your legs. And when you ride hard, you will always hit the red line. Seeing this motorcycle with one wheel in the sky never gets old. That combine with the sound into a real hooligan on the street. I’m about to buy one molested for $4000. This will be my fourth one. You will have no problem keeping up with modern motorcycles on the street.
Right on! Thanks for the insight. It's great to hear from someone with as much experience as you have with the TL1000R. They're still capable bikes and a thrill ride as well. Cheers!
I owned one back on 2005 and just purchased an all OEM 2000 w/4100 miles.
These bikes are a cult classic and pure joy to ride. Those that know love seeing my bike and telling me their story! Long live the TLR!!
Right on Kevin!
I rode one when they came out when i was looking to buy a new bike, and was impressed, I don't know why they got such bad reviews by the bike press (particularly the British bike mags) they've got a storming engine, and ive always thought they looked good, especially in Blue/white.
"Enjoy The Ride" indeed. Nice work on your video by the way!
I am a long time owner/pilot of the TL1000R(over almost 20 years, I've owned 4 of them, & one of them twice). Over all that time I've gotten plenty of experience with it, on the street and the track, maintenance, engine tuning, suspension, tires, & geometry changes. At the track this old/big guy riding the dinosaur TL1000R, surprised a lot of folks.
It certainly had its warts, particularly in OEM form, but a lot of it is addressable, turning it into an amazing machine. The forks were actually not bad in stock form, valving worked really well. It only really needed stiffer fork springs and slightly thicker fork oil. After replacing the rear damper with a mid level Bitubo standard shock, made changes in the bike's geometry a bit. Ended up settling on Dropping the front by about 5 millimeters and raised the rear by about 15mm. It resulted in handling that was light and nimble, but still tracked straight and stable enough on fast straights.
Some history about why the TLR was such a short lived program... It was because Suzuki wanted to concentrate on its GSXR program. As you mentioned, a team could run 1000cc Vtwins against 750 4 cylinders. That rule was about to change out of favor for twins. The TLR raced only 1 year in 1998. Steve Crevier #14 and Larry Pegram #72 were the pilots. I think one of their bikes is still at Barber Motorsports Museum in Alabama(a few hours drive from me, and I want to go visit sometime).
I could go on forever about this, as it was my favorite motorcycle for a long time. I've tried the RC51 and The Honda Superhawk, and yeah I really like the 90° vtwins.
I briefly owned the new Yamaha R7, and it reminded me of my old TLR. Hoping Honda comes out soon with a CBR that uses their new 755cc 270° twin.
Thanks for posting this video, it brings back memories. and again... Enjoy The Ride!
Coach Bob
Right on Bob! I was just in Atlanta and wanted to get to Barber, but didn't this trip. I have owned just about every L-twin/V-twin and enjoyed many of them (and hated some of them). The Aprilia Tuono was my favorite to ride, but it was ugly.
Me and 2 buddies in 1999, one bought this TLR..other the RC-51...I bought the R1....that was a really fun year.
Right on!
Bought a 'cheap' TLR1000, for a track bike. Great box, larger front fork tubes, damper fixed. Thrashed my VTR1000 times around Philip Island, running slicks & 100 % RON unleaded. Beautiful beast
Wow, that's impressive!
I had a yellow model for 6 yrs from new. Fantastic bike to ride. Yes a little heavy but so stable in heavy wind. Wish i still got it. Best bike i ever owned. Who cares if it won one race. Didnt buy it to race. The looks was enough and to ride for miles and still want more. Very comfortable to ride. Plenty of power on tap and the yoshimura exhaust note just awesome
Nice Glenn!
Great video! What a beautiful bike, and such a great sounding v-twin. I'm glad I stumbled upon your channel, subbed.
Thank you!
Very nice looking bike. Like I said before, I almost purchased one. Enjoyed the video Jon and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE.
Right on Henry!
I agree. On the road these bikes look the business. I’ve drifted across TL conversations on the internet and I’ve found there are lovers and there are haters. Barely anything in between. Yours is the most neutral adult conversation I have heard. The TL will, or already has, achieve cult status.
Thank you! I always try to give a realistic review but that can get me in trouble at times.😉
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I’m always in that kind of trouble. No woman that knows me ever asks me "how she looks in this dress?" (Tho truth be told, sometimes I’ll just throw out a compliment even if it isn’t completely true. I’ve learned).
Great review again mate. The TL 1000S was launched with much fanfare in Europe but then the reports of uncontrollable tank slappers started. It seemed that people were crashing left right and center on them. Suzuki even started fitting steering dampers to them free of charge but the damage had been done. No one at the time wanted something that was going to throw you off with little warning. The TL 1000R was completely revamped (with a steering damper) but sales never picked up and the press were not kind to the bike. A shame, as Suzuki tried something different and deserved a better result. Still, as you say, find a good one now and it will go up in value.
Thanks Michael. You can check out my TL1000S review if you want. czcams.com/video/DnRoh-wgF1Y/video.html&si=uE7m6I6QyfeY54at
Great video! Thanks for the comment on eating batteries, I just killed mine and was wondering what was up. I’m fairly new to the bike but really enjoy it.
Right on, thanks Mark!
I have a beautiful 1 owner 2000 tiller, looks like its out the showroom floor and rides like it to, has the dual yosh full system tuned with the yosh program, air box mod, tre etc. And yes modern bikes obviously blow it out of the water but for some reason i have much more fun on the tiller. Puts a smile on my face evertime. Its a character ride at this point lol
Awesome Shawn! The TL1000Rs were always neat looking, fearsome sounding, unique machines. And, you hit on a key point - YOU enjoy riding it. No one can argue with that. Though I've owned many of the latest and greatest bikes, I ride vintage bikes as a choice - because that's what I enjoy.
I love my red 98. Not too many people know what it is anymore. I haven't seen another one on the road in years. I keep her shiny and loved and plan to do so as long as I can.
Sounds like you have a nice one Karl!
Yeah, you just don't see them anymore.
I saw one a few weeks ago and just about lost my mind. It was a yellow one. It made my day.@@uhtred7860
I bought one years ago and was a newer rider and was moving up from my first bike (cbr600f3 smokin joes addition) and was trying to get used to it but a car ran right into the rear of it 4 miles from my house so I only had it for about 40 minutes and a total of maybe 25 miles 😢😢 I ended up buying a busa to replace it but I've always loved the look and sound of the TL and I would like to find another one at some point... no not the fastest thing around especially now days but I'm still just absolutely in love with the looks and the whole package of them..... plus I like having something a little bit different than what you see everywhere around.....
That is a sad story! As a bike, the Busa was a nice replacement and probably easier to ride. But I'm with you - the look, sound, and uniqueness of the TL1000R make it desirable. Cheers!
I love my 03
Right on Josh!
Yup!! Have it still!! Was my “Daily Ride”…and still will be!! (Even tho’ I’m in my late 60s now!😁) I🇺🇸reside in Japan so still some support to keep it on the road! See my thumb pic here to get a gander! Features a cool “Flamed” paint scheme!🤣..thus the name here,..Flames at 1000ft!! 😍it!! Have had it since it was born in April ‘98‼️😊
@@FlamesAt1000ft So cool 😎! Thanks for sharing the memories. Cheers!
I trade my bmw 325ci e46 for my tlr a couple weeks ago and this is the best bike I ever owned it dose take a lot to start tho once wen it was cold i had to bump start it cuz the battery died from trying to start it but the only happened once. I’ve had a vstrom 1000, vfr 800, 1988 Ninja 600rr, sv 650, and a couple of other bikes the tlr is my favorite out of all of them. One thing I never seen is a choke on a fuel injected bike before until I got this one
Right on! The TL1000R is a fun bike. The choke lever was used on many of the earlier Suzuki FI systems including the Hayabusa!
I gut one now and its cool af.. glad i found it
Right on!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 if you look hard enough you'll see mine... ttyl
Have one 1998 yellow and black. Love this beast.
Right on!
Almost bought a 98’ yellow TLR for $3500 but sold right before I sold my 03’ R1 ☹️ had a 03’ Aprilia RSV Mille though #22 ever made that year, will buy another!
The Aprilia RSV worked better as a cohesive package. It also had that lovely Rotax V-Twin!
There's 2 yellow TLR's for sale in Tasmania at the moment. Both asking 19.5k Aust. Both look like new.
@@johnshaw8327 Are you looking to pick one up?
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I'm looking as I had an SV1000s a fee years ago and loved it. Had to leave it back in Canada when I came back to Australia.
@@johnshaw8327 Right on! Good luck in your search!
The TLR is my 2nd favourite bike in my collection..after my ZXR750 H2. I have a ‘99 blue/white TL with 15k miles. It has stainless Yoshimura silencers, and sounds the business! I had an Aprilia RSV Factory prior to the TLR which had carbon Akrapovic exhausts.. the TLR sounds much better!
Right on! My TL1000R was blue and white as well. What year is the ZXR750? I previously owned a 1997 Ninja ZX-7R. It was obnoxious with a D&D exhaust. I would try to surprise pass my father on his Goldwing at full throttle and at redline just to wake him up. His Goldwing had an aftermarket fog horn on it, so he would return the favor when I least expected it. Great memories! Cheers
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Apolgies.. My ZXR750 H2 is a 1990.. Pretty old school bike, but I love it 🙂👌
@@waynester71 Right on!
That F1 tech compact rotary action rear damper was the bikes handling problem.. that was a perfect example of a technology that never stepped across to other motorsports well.. it never worked well in f1 either.. Paxton Engineering developed an excellent drop in version of the shock that uses conventional hydraulics tech & totally transforms the bikes handling..
Right on! Thanks for the tip. Do they make a drop-in for the TL1000S?
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 bit of a mental typo.. Paxton Engineering.. yes for the S & R TLs
czcams.com/video/8jdx9T_gljc/video.htmlsi=JONXlmXcKy4QKIES
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 my mental typo.. Maxton Engineering .. yes for the TL-S & R
czcams.com/video/8jdx9T_gljc/video.htmlsi=JONXlmXcKy4QKIES
I wonder what the comparion between the TL1000S vs TL1000R vs SV1000 ends up being if you were to bike hop all in one day.
I've owned all three and had the SV1000S and DL1000 as well. It would be fun to ride them all back-to-back!
Hey i own a 2002 suzuki tl1000r its a bit heavy, it takes getting use to turning i live the bike it was yellow i change all plastics to blue and white still trying to figure the best rear shock setting i know there aint much there, the power is there sounds great i got it cheap, im having fun on it everything is good, be safe have fun talk to ya later
Right on! I'm glad you are enjoying your TL1000R. Cheers!
I have a 1999 beautiful bright yellow TLR 1000R However my father being a mechanic for Toyota decided to play around with it and took off all the fairings lost all the bolts and how knows where the battery is and now I have now juice to the crank. I don't know if he hooked up a charger directly to the cables but I'm afraid he could of fried the CPU on the motorcycle. I need help with someone that can direct me to get my baby back running. I love the bike since I saw it and love the way it rides. It pulls front in 6th gear with out clutching it when it worked. Can someone help me get my bike running I can always replace the fairing bolts but I just want my bike back.HELP ME PLEASE
Where are you located? Do you have a local Suzuki dealership?
Battery is on the kickstand side. It has its own plastic cover to hide it. Weird place to put it. The battery definitely needs a new one. They take a lot of juice normally for these 1000cc V-Twins.
I have a 2000 16000 miles salvage title run great needs battery ,what's it worth??
Has polished rims,Yoshimura exhaust
You can check NADA motorcycle values to get a ballpark. Salvage title lessens the value. Ultimately, it's worth whatever someone else is willing to pay for it. Good luck with it. Cheers!
There's one for sale in Tasmania with 40,000 kms for $20,000. Not exactly cheap. But also has not sold.
I don't know if that's a good price there, but it would be really high here (we have a larger supply available). Let us know if you pick it up. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Not at that price. Can buy a SV1000s from a collection, like new for $5500. I had one I bought in Tampa and took to Canada where I lived. Loved it.
@@johnshaw8327 That sounds much more reasonable! Cheers
Whilst a great bike, I always felt it was hit by the ugly stick. Though if in the blue/white livery it wasn't bad at all.
The styling was unique if not classicly beautiful. Cheers!
Collector and plan on adding both please give me details to their differnces
Hi Joe, in short, they're both very racey for street use. The Suzuki is the better streetbike from an ease-of-use standpoint. The Honda has more potential performance on tap, but it is the worst streetbike I've ever ridden. Very much the untamed bronco that wants you OFF it's back. Experts only if you actually want to go fast. Both are exciting to ride.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 thanks alot🏍️
@@joestrickland5153 You're welcome. I plan on doing a review video on the RC51 at some point in the future.
I brought one like you had and now my 2002 sv650s feels slow 🤣🤣
Right on!
The rest of the world, including Japan & HRC called them VTR1000 SP1/2, Ive always wondered why the U.S called them "RVT1000R"🤔
So it wouldn't be confused with the VTR1000F. Anyway no one really called them that either. At the dealership I worked at they were always referred to as RC51s.
Interesting, I always heard them referred to as the RC51.
Right on!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Everywhere else they were badged and known as SP1/SP2. Even Edwards race bikes had SP1/2 badging on them. I just wondered why they changed the name just for the U.S.
@@uhtred7860 I honestly don't know. It's odd how the same bikes are given different names for different markets.
The TL won one race the RC 51 won titles
Yep, though neither enjoyed the success of the Ducatis.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
Thanks for the response it's good to interact with your audience I just came across your channel and REALLY ENJOY THE CONTENT VERY INFORMATIVE I'm a collector and you've owned a number of bikes I intend to I have 916 and the RC & the TL would make great stablemates the one I'm likely to purchase in the spring is the blackbird couldn't agree with u more on how the tail section looks we have similar taste I'm 6 foot so should be a better option fit and it's a contemporary to my ZX-11 I have a fleet manager and I'm not techy or mechanical but if you could post some simple maintenance videos would be much appreciated GREAT CONTENT KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK 🏍️
You mean V twin, it’s not an L twin 😂
A 90-degree V is an L. There are people who are insistent on calling it a V-twin. Ducati insists that it's an L-twin. Regardless of what you call it, the TL1000R motor is a great powerplant. Cheers!
Mine runs D&D cans and it sounds a lot better …
The D&Ds sound nice too.
Stop saying L twin. Its not cool.
I get flack either way. Lighten up 🙂
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 to be technically correct.. of a technical review.. step back & look.. it's MUCH more a V than an L.. from the angles.. AND .. the label SAYS ITs a V-1000.. it's that bloody aluminIUM alumin u m American "imperial" thing.. screws up the atomic table .. get metric ffs!
@@Errol.C-nz If we're talking technical, 90 degrees is the angle of an L. Less than 90 degrees is a V. As I said, if I call it a V-twin (which I have in the past), people correct me. If I call it an L-Twin, which is technically correct, people correct me. Call it whatever you like, it's a fantastic motor. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I believe it because of the canted angle forward & horizontal front cylinder not the included angles of cylinder banks .. Americans started the trend referencing Ducatis & a modern media trend.. fords 60deg small blocks vs their 90deg big blocks are still called V8s.. still excellent posts thanks.. Q: "it's not what you ride .. it's where you're going .. & how you get there" .. the journey more than the destination
Suzuki only makes V twin engines, the term "L twin" is an !D!0T term used by Ducati!
And if I call it a V-twin, people will give me flack for that. Regardless of what you call it, it is a great powerplant.