A Modern-Day Widowmaker: The Suzuki TL1000R V-Twin

[@scottbott8525]

I had a TL1000R. Yellow and black. What a bike. It was fun every time I rode it.

[@ribbit876]

I resurrected a TL1000R this summer and I absolutely love it . I ditched the rotary damper and went with a Bitubo shock. The forks had 10kg springs and revalved cartridges already so I just serviced them . Once I got things adjusted she hasn't done anything scary . I only raced small displacement bikes and haven't owned anything bigger than a 600 . So to me the power is incredible . I haven't opened the motor so I'm assuming it's stock but man this bike is fast . Yeah I'm a fan lol .

[@Payt-y5d]

The only make 120hp. Not really any quicker/faster than a modern 600

[@ribbit876]

@@Payt-y5d like 135 . I'm thinking it's the torque though . It pulls hard without wringing it's neck . Don't get me wrong I like that to but it's kinda nice to ride that torque wave on the street .

[@Payt-y5d]

@@ribbit876 I had a few tl1000r and a couple rc51. Even though they make almost identical power numbers, the TL1000R did feel a lot stronger. The RC51 was significantly superior in every other aspect though. You are correct about riding that torque curve. The tiller felt stronger at lower rpm than even the Hayabusa until you got them up around 7500rpm

[@ekspatriat]

It was not the R it was the S

[@hollowsesh90]

Yeah ive heard that too, here in aus its common knowledge among motoheads 😂

[@philliprichardson637]

The you are so correct The s was the so called widow maker he's on about with it rotary damper and chain tension was critical on the s as it affects the damper on how it worked it should really have come with a steering damper as standard the R had most of the bugs ironed out I like iconic motorcycle videos but the first guy should really stay behind the scenes and leave it to the second fella

[@justin3131ify]

The R was still reviewed as a widow maker here in Australia. I recall reading a review from a test rider that put the R around Phillip Island. He still referenced it as a widow maker.

[@troy45uk]

TL1000S in the UK had a recall to be fitted with a steering damper. My brother had this done on his, remember riding it felt fairly twitchy with lighter rider onboard though can’t remember if it had the damper on it. Was ok for heavier riders like my brother. He actually traded his S in for the TL1000R when it came out.

[@pjofurey6239]

Dumb badly informed too noisey brat

[@tlr-nut7275]

Brings back alot of good memories. I bought new a '98 yellow/black TLR. I had alot of factory "kit" parts, like aluminum fuel tank, titanium con-rods, and ecu with changeable chips(marked with SC and LP) . Wish I never sold it.

[@trackdaylbs]

Really enjoy my TLR. It's fast enough for the road, and always a talking point when other bikers see it. Adam's TLR is stunning.

[@michaelmckenna2882]

I bought a brand new yellow '99 model TLR back in the day, I traded it three years later with only 24,000 klm on a new 954 Blade. The next day I went riding with mates, one of my best mates with a red '98 TLR asked what the Blade was like. I said don't sell the TLR mate, it's like a big cuddly teddy bear. Damn I wish I kept the TLR.

[@gregorygrimm3310]

Bimota SB8R owner here! The S version has only a few tiny differences from the red bikes: different turn signals, gold adjustable rearsets including carbon shift rod, and the black paint. It does not have more carbon fiber bodywork so weight is the same. The engine makes the extra power via a unique ECU and extra large throttle bodies. It’s a great bike and I would say the only negatives are the unique ECU (they have some weak components that tend to fail even at low mileage) and the stubbornness to start as seen in the video.

[@Radke32]

Had a 2000 TLR that I put over 50K miles on. Took it out to the trackdays all over SoCal. Such a fun bike, sounded and looked like nothing else back in the day

[@woooster17]

Adam, your TLR is absolutely gorgeous! Those high mounted Ti Yoshi’s are stunning.. Mine has the standard RS3 Yoshi’s.. I’d love a set for mine!! 🥰 Long live the mighty TLR! 🔥

[@ashhughes9682]

I absolutely love TLR's, currently rebuilding my second one, a 2001 model, hopefully get it finished for next year.

[@JstnBrwnn]

This channel is awesome.

[@IconicMotorbikes]

@@JstnBrwnn thank you, we’ve got more coming soon!

[@MalShakur]

Never owned one, but I had two buddies back in my college years that did. One had a TLR and the other a TLS. They were really my introduction to V-Twins and low end torque, and I got to understand how that engine configuration was much different to my K1 GSXR750 at the time. I wouldn't mind having one at all now. Always felt like they were special even if they weren't the success that Suzuki intended them to be.

[@elgar6743]

TLRs are WONDERFUL...shame that it wasn't developed.

[@RobsNeighbor]

I bought one brand new in 2004 or the last yeat they were sold in the states, was a fun quircky bike wheelies for days!

[@woooster17]

I have a 1999 blue/white TLR in my collection of 1990s bikes.. and it’s one of my favourites! Mine also has Yoshi’s and it sounds awesome! Certain bikes leave an indelible mark on our hearts, and the ZXR750 H2 and TLR are the ones that do that for me.. I had a ZXR750 H2 back in 1992, and my first TLR in 2001. Bikes are awesome, and we all have our likes and dislikes…that’s what makes owning & riding motorcycles so cool 😎👌🏼

[@Josh-balti]

The sv1000 is a great affordable alternative as well, with a bit of money spent on a shock, gsxr forks, radial brakes an exhaust system and dyno tune they can be turned into a proper weapon. Mine was the only bike i regret selling, those suzuki big twins are such a good motor.

[@AStrangeHill]

Amazing, great presentation guys! Much enjoyed ❤

[@jarvisrider]

Awesome video 😊

[@cnealmartin]

I was in Charlotte NC and herd a dude coming on a SB8 ...omg it was amazing!

[@markchalloner5883]

I had a '98 TL 1000 S. I got the death wobble at 115 mph. Spit me off like a dog shaking off fleas! I still bear the scars to this day.

[@nordicusmaximus]

I’m always amazed when you guys fire TL-Rs up, at how much the engine sounds like a VFR750

[@Pickless0o]

Just got mine up and running again 2000 tl1000R

[@mmotorcycles9497]

My favorite bimota by far. It’s the first bimota I ever saw on a showroom floor so that might have something to do with it.

[@trueblueulster]

The handling issues with the early TL was grossly exaggerated...

[@poasei]

@@trueblueulster the TLs was the OG widowmaker cos it didn't come with a steering damper.ike the 1996 gsxr 750.

[@trueblueulster]

@@poasei and!!!

[@TreadTalk247]

Some may have been warranted but how do you get people to want something, tell them they can’t or shouldn’t have it….its too dangerous! Especially motorists! I couldn’t afford a TLR when they came out, as soon as I could I drove from Md to within 15 miles of Deals Gap to get a pristine 2000 Yellow R that I still own and will never part with. I’ve shared pics of it on a few of the IM Facebook posts, it’s entirely Carbon Fiber, we replicated the 2000 Yellow factory Suzuki livery over the CF weave and only let the weave show through where it would have originally been black from the factory, looks especially good on the belly pan and tank where the “Suzuki” letters are and the rear tail where the hump “number” area would be! Of course it has radial Brembo’s, a Duc Rear Brembo caliper, and beautiful BST’s! It gets more attention at a local bike night than ANY of my other bikes!

[@lordraiden5398]

I am excited to see how excited you are about your bike. The bike for me is a 1989 Yamaha FZR1000. I found one in 2014 with 4,002 miles on it. I kept it stock except for a period correct Vance&Hines slip on. Now after 24,000 miles I am going to refresh it. The new bikes visually just don't do it for me. I want Ohlins forks and rear shock. Bigger brakes and maybe bigger carbs. Never getting rid of it.

[@davidwright9139]

I had a tlr from new and it was a good road bike. The S was the one that apparently had the suspension problem. I was looking to put it on the track but i knew that the suspension needed more work, but that’s a common sense thing.

[@pokechopracing8862]

Nothing wrong with having a love affair with a sexy twin! And that one will be amazing once it is complete. I have a 2002 RC51 sitting in my garage along with my Harley lol. Hats off to you guys for what you do one day I’ll have to ride down to the shop since I’m up in Apple valley in the high desert it’s just a little jaunt lol. Hope you guys had a great holiday.

[@LeadSamurai87]

Is there a link for that Brembo brake kit?

[@doombuggy7331]

I had on me when I was stationed in the UK- loved that TL-R.

[@RavenSL65]

God i miss my TLR it was such a great bike!

[@douglaswilliams1792]

It's not Farrah Fawcett. LMAO

[@alanbrown5593]

Guess you never heard of Cagiva's that used the TL engine !

[@IconicMotorbikes]

@@alanbrown5593 we have and we’ve sold one before (it was imported as they were not sold in the US) but we don’t have any in stock right now.

[@poasei]

Back in the day I rode a 954 fireblade .my buddy had a TLR.I called it the tugboat.....only works on open roads. And Avi be like.. .what are you talking about man.....😅

[@Emily-ou6lq]

I don't think Abhi's jewish. That's probably why his name isn't Avi.

[@poasei]

@@Emily-ou6lq thanks for the info.

[@Truthsearcherforever777]

In your experience what r the common electrical issues with the tl1000r ?

[@Truthsearcherforever777]

I have the CHEC on my dashboard. You have any idea why is on?

[@eoinkenny3188]

That flat tracker engine config sounds like a recipe for shearing crankshafts (or other internals) if it hooks up. A 1000cc sports twin typically puts down 100~Nm (75~ft.lb) at peak torque. If you're firing both cylinders at the same time wouldn't that double the peak torque?

[@sitnlow4life]

That's correct they were called "Super trackers"

[@IconicMotorbikes]

Thank you for confirming!

[@damienwood1414]

Push rod seals were an issue. I loved my TLR

[@metrichotrods1763]

I have an Aprilia RSV Mille that reminds me of an Italian TL-R. Wish I could sell that fuckin thing.

[@slandrum7350]

I had a blue/white 02 it looked tough sounded tough and I loved it but like him it nearly killed me with a speed wobble and I was done and sold it

[@cecilwilson5442]

That's probably the best TL in the world I've an SV with loads of stuff, cerrozeria forged wheels, ohlins,nice engine and reliable,,, I've a K6GSXR with lots off trick bits like a world endurance race bike ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ from northern Ireland,, that TL is AWESOME,,

[@IconicMotorbikes]

Both of your bikes sound great! Have you seen the custom SV that we auctioned off a few years back? iconicmotorbikeauctions.com/auction/2001-suzuki-sv650-custom/

[@rockettman2025]

The S model was the problem child. The R was awesome.

[@jamesdrew1549]

What about the SV1000? Same engine but in a usable road chassis. Or the DL1000? Same engine but with limited off road capability.

[@IconicMotorbikes]

Both great bikes - we sold a clean SV1000 on the auction site a couple of years ago: iconicmotorbikeauctions.com/auction/2003-suzuki-sv1000/ Thanks to the motor and the ergonomics, the DL1000 is one of my favorite bikes to wheelie!

[@Italmind]

Rotary shock for the loss

[@Emily-ou6lq]

"vicious" perhaps?

[@DrSmile81]

Just watching the airbox - now i know why my cagiva navigator only makes 100hp with this engine XD But im curious of how it would handle with 50% more hp - the ultra megamoto like honda xr "red pig" of supermotos...and still it would be destroyed by a stock 890 smt everywhere beside of a straight line 🤣

[@paulbrinston3336]

I’ve had one, great torque but a gsxr 750 will own it everywhere. Cool bike though

[@smitfs]

Hey, Team Iconic. I'm in search of a 2001 Gsx-R 1000 fuel tank. white & blue in good condition, pretty please?

[@imnowhacko]

Or, you could just get a Superhawk (with some nice Yoshi carbon slip ons) instead. But nah, that would make too much sense.

[@akmt9114]

Yup it was the S not the R. Buddies tried to tank slap me off it at 110 WITH the so called steering dampener fix.

[@othgmark1]

TLS was a harder hitting version of the same motor. Until the shock was changed it was somewhat evil. TLR was nothing that tough to ride. Cams and tuning took away low and mid and added top end, much easier to ride. By the way your helmet is supposed to absorb the impact if it cracks and you walk away it did it's job. You should just buy a new one.

[@davidciesielski8251]

Yea, no big deal.... 17 inch wheel, rake change, 28 mm clamps, shock.... just a great bike...LOL

[@neilmalcolmreed]

Sb8r had larger throttle bodies...

[@gerrievl]

V4's are the best* (aprilia's v4 that is)

[@Jessiejam-44]

I almost like the channel, a little less Back story and MORE Bike specific Please.

[@Crash276]

Modern day ? Huh ?

[@nialbarnsley4108]

OMG a bike specialist who doesn't know a TL from a TR ??? AND as everyone knows the suzuki TL was a complete FLOP . Didn't handle wasn't fast, didn't win anything AND throwing loads of ££££££ at it 😮😮😮😮😮 might aswell throw £££££ into the wind

[@justin3131ify]

Lol do you even Know what you are talking about? What is a TR?

[@Emily-ou6lq]

What's a "TR" again, Mr Smartypants? 🤔😆

[@nialbarnsley4108]

@@Emily-ou6lq exactly

[@nialbarnsley4108]

@@justin3131ify exactly

[@othgmark1]

Actually the Yosh Tlr performed well in Ama superbike but rules changes made it better for them to run the GSXR.1000. Steve Crevier raced it in period.

[@AT-bj5nz]

I don't understand the words though thank you Good　TL1000R