Suzuki 1998 TL1000s Review and Ride

Here is a short review of my 1998 Suzuki TL1000s. I always wanted one and finally got to buy this red beast some 4 years ago. I love the music this produces so I thought I should share it. A quick walk around the bike, then a run out and finally a review of the issues I have had with it. Please enjoy and leave any comments below.
I apologise for the sound as I am new to this and don't have access to quality microphones yet.
Filmed on GoPro 4 and 7

[@karstensiegmarsson5304]

Owning mine since 1999, I´d NEVER give it away... NEVER!!!

[@zedddddful]

The engine is just perfect I had an sv1000N and that thing just sang now got a tuono 1000r and it's an absolute nutcase bike vtwin sportsbikes have so much character don't care about top end or showing off HP figures down the pub its how it makes you feel while riding it.

[@waffey2008]

Agreed, it's about the smile not the numbers

[@Banditmanuk]

Great review, love the sound 👍👍👍

[@gazbev]

Had a green one, I googled it just to hear that sound again! superb bike!

[@daveh8602]

Thanks, sounds real nice. had my 98 TLS for over ten years now, it's my happy place😂

[@waffey2008]

I should say I cant tire of the sweet music makes with those Twin Brothers' end cans. Shame they are a bit perished. I'm looking for new ones over winter

[@Saddlebags73]

Oh my! I hate myself even more now for selling mine. That’s just gorgeous. I had a 97’, full power, no steering damper, carbon venom cans, black screen and seat hump. Looked just like yours. Maddest bike I ever owned. Kept it for 8 years, rode the pants off it and survived, somehow. Saw one for sale in North Coast Motorcycles the other day. I was drooling over it 🤤 Thanks for bringing back some great memories 👍🏼

[@Saddlebags73]

Ps, love the editing at the start 👌🏼

[@waffey2008]

@@Saddlebags73 thanks, I am learning all the time with editing

[@waffey2008]

Buy it!

[@Saddlebags73]

Tempting 🥴

[@waffey2008]

@@Saddlebags73 it's just cash! Did you want to try my TL to make you're mind up!!!!

[@takitamszyszek3752]

I want this so much 😍 beautiful bike

[@wokeybrokey8006]

i had a TLS 1997 when new , loved it but had loads of clutch issues and traded for GSXR750SRAD at the time, just bought a 1999 TLS to join my ZX9RC2. love the character of the twin and the induction roar of the Ninja :-)

[@pauln6803]

I had one of these and had ALL the issues mentioned; cracking frame, fuel tank leaked, warped clutch cover, dodgy electrics and unpredictable handling. Finally got sick of the problems (and getting hurt) and got an 03 aprilia RSV. I stopped getting chucked in the road, found out what good brakes and handling were and it was more reliable too. After that bike got white van manned I had an SV1000S on loan while van man's insurance played silly buggers... The SV was a nice, easy to ride bike but Christ on a bicycle they cut the balls off the motor - no trace of the TL's hooligan aggression or soul remained.

[@waffey2008]

Thanks for the comment. As much as it always has a few issues going on it makes me smile every time I ride it. Never ridden the SV, I've seen a few in the shop but not been tempted to get one. What I would like to try is the SP1 Honda. Ride safe.

[@KM-302]

I had two, a 97 and 98 but a few years apart. Both impeccably reliable, no issues, handled beautifully, kept up with everything, sounded fantastic. Looks like I got lucky...twice. Miss them both a lot.

[@ade-1772]

I have a one that I have had for 16 yrs and all original every piece and sound is good

[@waffey2008]

Hi, thanks for watching. Yep, amazing bikes. Mine needs tidying up so I'll be putting her to bed soon.😁

[@jamesvandemark2086]

Wish I still had mine. My last rocket bike! What fun!

[@waffey2008]

There's still a few out there!

[@vierkleursalwapper9592]

Awesome motorcycle! Had one and I had loads and fun and memories with it.

[@rensgreuter8152]

Zonde man, je had m nooit weg moeten doen....

[@vierkleursalwapper9592]

@@rensgreuter8152, I am looking for one again. I'm hot on the trail of a yellow one

[@allwheeldrive]

Always wanted to ride on, and now I did! Thanks for the video. Currently riding what this beast turned into: 2004 VStrom DL1000 with aftermarket cans and a Commander tune. It. Is. Too. Much. Fun! Have a Speed Triple, and I've been going to the DL more and more.

[@waffey2008]

I hated when I first test rode one decades ago. When I bought this I did nothing but smile and laugh. Sweet music. Enjoy you're DL

[@alxx1378]

. Me too. Dl1000 with gpr cans.

[@DirtyMerkin]

Cheers mate .. I going to look at one tomorrow.. Your video was helpful. 👍🇦🇺

[@waffey2008]

Check out www.tlzone.net

[@TheLifeinDenver]

It's a shame they don't make motorcycles with personality anymore... Nice bike!!

[@waffey2008]

That's the fun of owning some of these older bikes. I took it out yesterday, stalled it and couldn't start it for 5 minutes. Still unsure why.

[@radrock6249]

Great video, informative content. Thank you kind sir.

[@waffey2008]

Thanks for watching. It has its moments but it makes me smile everyone I ride it

[@thebear6529]

Sounds great

[@belgiumlife]

Just picked up my first '97 tls in prime green, bought it also as a future classic

[@waffey2008]

Defo for a future classic. I said I would never sell it but store it if I didn't want to ride it.

[@TheKevphil]

I liked that one driver who pulled way over to let you get by. He was either showin' you props-- or you scared 'im! ;)

[@nomasker1360]

sounds like my 97S with full Yosh exhaust ! Great sound quality. Had mine for 20 years not for sale😊

[@lipglosshelmetsandhim]

Thanks for watching. Defo a keeper, no way I'm going to sale mine

[@trevonstewart3636]

This sounds amazing

[@waffey2008]

Sounds better in the flesh

[@Taz6688]

Mine was a 97 had some fun on it, not long after they recalled it for fuel tank leak, remap, and steering damper, I never had an issue with the steering, even hitting a rabbit while breaking in the engine, so much fun sounded great, the damper made it a bit slower when turning but nothing to complain about.

[@waffey2008]

I've not had any head shakes of it though it might be cause I aint riding it hard enough....lol

[@wsmv]

Morning mate, found your channel from the legend that is saddlebags73, the TL looks and sounds stunning, an awesome bike, and who doesn't love a big V twin 🤣 Great quality visuals and audio on the vlog bud, the colours scheme on you TL is what I want my VTR to have, red top end with gold wheel, got a video out this week about my plans. I've subbed your channel and look forward to seeing more videos. Stay safe on the widow maker (youve changed the rear shock so you'll be fine 🙂) and I'll catch up with you on the next one 👍

[@waffey2008]

Hi WestonSuperMotoVlog. The TL is great, makes great music when I ride it but it hasn't been without it's issues. Too many!!! Always interested in the VTR as it the same sort of decade. Curios to know the difference. Fancy a swap for an hour for comparison? Ride safe out there

[@wsmv]

@@waffey2008 yeah I'm sure we could sort something out mate, gotta do some suspension work over the winter but would be good to try each others out 👍

[@jamiedean5106]

I'll be able to attempt my das soon, really after one of these bikes! Glad to see you're a local rider too!

[@waffey2008]

You will sure love it and hate it at the same time! Check out the TL forums to see all the unique personality of the bike......lol

[@zedddddful]

Hope you didn't get one as a first bike not beginner friendly at all.

[@jamiedean5106]

@@zedddddful No im currently on A2 with an sv650, have had several bikes before hand. It'll be my first 1000cc though

[@zedddddful]

@@jamiedean5106 honestly get the sv1000 it was a much better bike stronger engine conventional shock lost a bit of top end but you won't notice. We've had both in the family the TL could be a pig in the wrong hands the sv will look after you 👍just so you know I've had 2 sv650's curvy s and a pointy N and 1 sv1000N and multiple IL4 superbikes twins and singles in between and am now on a aprillia tuono 1000r so I'm a v-twin geek 😂 my brother has had an sv1000s and a tl1000r and my dad had the tl1000s and a sv1000 neither TL lasted as long as the sv's in the garage.

[@ftwhardnz]

Links please send

[@rosstisbury1626]

nice sounds mate thro my 4 speaker system

[@woooster71]

Just bought a ‘99 TL-R with Yoshimura exhausts (oem cans included), it does sound the nuts. Sounds better than my Aprilia RSV Factory with carbon Akrapovic exhausts.. Love Suzuki’s take on the gear driven cam noise too

[@waffey2008]

You know TL stands for Ticks Loudly.....lol

[@thebear6529]

I have the same one. Haven’t ridden it yet. Very soon though. Sounds great

[@waffey2008]

They make lovely music!

[@019208237]

These engines can see well over 150,000 miles. Very reliable. I don’t know a bike that sounds better than these. If you want to look good on a bike the TLS and TLR will turn heads😉

[@rensgreuter8152]

My trx 850 🤣

[@019208237]

@@rensgreuter8152 lol yeah they sound brutal too but I think the TL engine just wins on sound imo but you may disagree🤣. I wanted a TRX once because of the looks and sound but the power was not enough to give me the thrills I’m after with being used to bikes with 120-130 hp. I’ve got a yellow n grey 2000 TLR now with art cans and it sounds and goes insane🤩

[@rm25088]

I always wanted a TLR so I bought a clean one 3 years ago. Never selling it. Only going to improve it for many more years to come.

[@waffey2008]

Always a keeper. Thanks for watching

[@blackbirdxx4613]

Thank you

[@skywatch4639]

Handlebar riser conversion plus cowhorn bars for your comfort sir. Many vtr's have this conversion

[@019208237]

If you ever want to replace those exhausts you should check out MTC exhausts. I bought a pair of tri oval 4500 mm with twin spouts and they look absolutely amazing👌. I had them on my ZZR 1100 D which I sold and I’ll get a pair for my new TLR in the spring.

[@waffey2008]

Thanks for the info. I have to change them sometime soon as the carbon is old plus I have an exhaust leak on the rear down pipe to tackle.

[@ade-1772]

8k is when the ram air kicks in and hold on lmao and drive safe man

[@waffey2008]

Thanks, yes, love the power punch you get with the TL

[@karlwalker1771]

I thought my 1997 VTR FIRESTORM was MISSING SOME BODY WORK and looked LIKE an UGLY DUCKLING "BUT THE SUZI Takes the Biscuit lol" Horses for courses I GUESS? Loved the video mate and have Subscribed mate. LOVE YOUR CHANNEL MATE :) PPS 5000 RPM IS INSANE FOR SPEED But Hey it`s Usable power Ride LOUD N PROUD, pps please ride with your headlight on for Cager BMW Drivers EH!

[@waffey2008]

Thanks, like you, early years I didn't like it but now, looks great now. not had much opportunity to do filming but will try harder

[@1cccseed]

I worked at a dealership and we had a TL1000R tricked out trade in It scared the crap out of me when I came out of a turn and it stood straight up

[@waffey2008]

Not experienced that on it but then again I am cautious when exiting a bend!

[@motorhomefull-timewithdazm2106]

Nice bike where did you get rear suspension and was it easy to fit

[@lipglosshelmetsandhim]

The bike already had the suspension fitted on the rear (Hagon Shock). Thanks for watching

[@nomasker1360]

clutch centers wear out after a while , mine hung up time and I I gave it throttle I hit higher revs because I was expecting it to engage, but it wouldn't grab at all until i was into the throttle and I wheelied straight up and down in an intersection . Second time on two different TL engines , I got both centers welded . End of any problems .

[@ftwhardnz]

Is it a easy mod to get done ?? And cheap or costly to get that done ???

[@ultramag9413]

Yeen, never had any problems,1999 model It’s wired that they were only bad in the UK

[@waffey2008]

Just seems like I had a few of the known gremlins, wiring, oil leaks, not getting off the cold map, starter relay etc. But hey, its a great machine.

[@019208237]

excellent vid👍 I’ve always wanted one of these or the TL 1000R. If there is anyone who’s ridden both could you tell me which one is the better bike? I’ve recently owned a ZZR 1100 D2 for 5 years so I’m hoping the TL engine is going to give me the same sort of acceleration or better. i heard these were restricted after 1997. I don’t want no restricted TLS/R I want a bike that will put a grin on my face. the sound is the main reason I want one.

[@waffey2008]

Thanks, the first model I believe has the full 125 bhp but was a monster. Suzuki changed the ECU etc and lowered the HP but with better throttle control. The TL power deliver will be different form the ZZR as its a big twin but a revy one at that. You need to test ride one with the right end cans on as they sound sweet. As for the difference between the R and the S, I couldn't really comment.

[@019208237]

@@waffey2008 Thanks man👍 my ZZR 1100 D2 had a smooth but instant throttle response no sudden surprises it was the same pull all the way to the redline but it certainly kicked hard especially when I went down a tooth on the front sprocket with 2nd gear wheel spins common under hard acceleration and the rear end was a handful unless I was pointed straight. I miss it. it recently had engine failure with just 17,000 miles on the clock. the bike tipped over with me on it as I hadn’t put the stand down fully and the engine oil starved in one area causing the engine to fail. I was so gutted. I’m now saving for a TL. what I did wrong was ride the bike straight after it had tipped but I didn’t realise that would happen😕 the mechanic said there must have been something else wrong in the engine and this just tipped it off. he said it was a ticking time bomb. I thought they was bullet proof. btw do you find the sound gets a lot of attention when you go through towns and villages?

[@waffey2008]

@@019208237 The TL will give you a nice punch when you spin it up.

[@tonipamungkas7422]

Perumahan mana eta kang? Btw.. Motorna gagah pisan.. Abdi resep kang..

[@nickkermode7071]

Really kicking myself for selling my 97' TL!

[@nomasker1360]

Had my 97 since 02 , still not selling it

[@davapod]

The TL1000 is wonderful. Though I have to admit that rear seat hump, in my opinion is super ugly. 😀

[@waffey2008]

Thanks for watching. I do have the seat but I prefer the seat hump as I can get a bit more in it when I go out.

[@brobinson8614]

Unfortunately the microphone is vibrating

[@ade-1772]

Alot of tl1000s if someone has to burn it out it burns the clutch with too much torque and very snatchy and violent too on how they ride

[@blackbirdxx4613]

What language was he speaking

[@waffey2008]

Pirate!