Suzuki TL1000R Review - Suzuki's Forgotten Superbike | FrontWheelUp.Com

We spent the day road testing and reviewing suzuki's big twin from the early 2000's to find out if its any good.
You can read the text version of this review over on the website:
www.frontwheelup.com/suzuki-tl1000r-review
Many thanks to our friends at JD Comps (www.JDComps.co.uk) who are giving you the chance to win the bike that is featured in the video review, be sure to check out their website and get your name in the hat!
Don't forget to subscribe to our channel, we've lots of exciting superbike content planned over the coming weeks!
www.FrontWheelUp.com
www.Facebook.com/FrontWheelup

[@liv0003]

Is it only me who finds this bike extremely beautiful?

[@NudaMan]

They are so hard to find in good condition though 🥲, I’d collect all the 90’s to 2000’s Vtwin sport bikes eventually

[@Plazmapants188]

You don't ride a TLR you pilot it , you learn to respect the throttle, Torque and steering position. One of the best Vtwin engines ever on a bike , newer bikes maybe better now but when I'm out on it I know why I keep it , a smile every time 😀

[@FrontWheelUp]

Fully agree - how can you not smile with an engine like the TL hsa! Glad you're enjoying it, don't ever sell it!

[@juvendlypieter6455]

Me to👌🏾

[@mattcoyne3923]

Over the last 33 years I have owned loads of bikes I have enjoyed / liked / been impressed with. The only bike I have really LOVED is my TL1000R. I bought it 10 years ago, a 2003 model and still love every chance I get to ride it. The character, sound ( OMG above 7K RPM ), style ( love it or hate it ), torque ( loads ), and yes power ( its still plenty quick enough ) more than make up for all of its 'quirks'. One of the best V Twins ever made in my opinion. Oh, also a load of forums and TL enthusiasts who are super helpful on tuning, servicing, parts etc..

[@FrontWheelUp]

Couldn't agree more, it's a very underrated bike!

[@jayharrison7782]

Love mine, always turns heads when people hear it coming and always a talking point at bike meets. Never ever getting rid of it

[@FrontWheelUp]

Its a very underrated bike - enjoy it! 👌

[@youraveragejoe7644]

Mine was always broken. Spent more time in the shop than on the road. Intake problems, head gasket, entire wiring harness, rear suspension, and more. Got rid of it 2 yrs later at 11,500 miles. Should have gotten the rc51. It was only $500 more

[@raydunne1271]

Lovley bike I made that mistake sold mine looking for one again 👍

[@mwbrada]

Those few years, where Japanese manufacturers figured out they had to go at Ducati head-on with a V-twin of their own, to break Ducati's dominance at titles was very special to me. I couldn't wait for the RC-51 (SP1), I bought, and still own a '98 VTR SuperHawk. I just love v-twins. Hell yes a V-twin sportbike turns heads when it has proper pipes lol... not some buzzy inline four sound. btw, I just bought an '02 RSV Mille R lol... I love, V-twins.

[@mwbrada]

Just for the record, I don't think the SP1 was deemed the better bike. It was proven fact. The TL 1000R never sniffed a podium in its existence before the plug was pulled. The SP1 won a Championship in the year of its unveiling.

[@johnj3577]

After the TL-S, Suzuki made these TOO stable hence the heaviness. Thankfully its easy (and cheap) to make them handle much much better. Drop the yokes 5mm down the forklegs, fit a 190/55 rear tyre and junk that massive steering damper for a lighter adjustable one. Stiffen up the damping a tad and they become a completely different bike. Just doing this gets rid of all the heaviness and understeering, and they become flick-able, neutral but still uber stable even with all the torque of that awesome motor. I love mine and have owned it since new, other bikes have come and gone, but the TL is still in my garage after 20 years. I think that says a lot, they are awesome fast road bikes, they are even really comfy.

[@wasatchoverlanders2065]

Absolutely one of the best looking sportbikes ever made. They sound great too!

[@FrontWheelUp]

Couldn't agree more!

[@CanadairCL44]

Everything you said echoes precisely what I think about my TL1000. I love it!

[@FrontWheelUp]

Glad your enjoying it 👍 this was my first time on a TL...won't be the last!

[@alexxela754]

I feel your reviews are well made in every perspective. Honest and precise. And perfect balance between history, specs and test ride. Well done, keep it up!

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thanks so much, there's a surprising amount of work that goes into putting them together so it's awesome to receive such nice feedback! I've just finished filming a Benelli Tornado review yesterday, so that will be available on the channel later in the week. 😊👍

[@twowheelpilot]

🤮🤮🤮 ugly. Give me a TLS any day. They are interesting, without the ugly. The TL1000R lacks torque (for a V twin) by the time it gets going it's out of revs! And it's a slow steering heavy lump. There is a reason why the TL1000R flopped.

[@craigrennie5458]

Great upload love the styling of the bike

[@robrogers4105]

I just bought a yellow 98 TL, its run to ride . .Love the sound of it. Going to get a few KMS on it before winter. nice video

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thanks Rob, enjoy the bike! 👍👍

[@kalobtzzk4458]

I had 5 bikes and 4 of them were tlrs. Still have one to keep forever! Nice video man! 🍻

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@stuartcope7407]

Excellent review 👍 I’ve had mine for years and absolutely love it! Sure there’s faster and better handling bike but very few that are as quirky and it has a character all of its own.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thanks for your kind words. I couldn't agree more, I was really pleasantly surprised with how well I got on with the TL.

[@stuartcope7407]

@@FrontWheelUp I don’t think it deserves the bad rep it has, a guy I worked with really disliked them until he got one and now loves it.

[@adrianniles5333]

Awesome review. Well presented in a style that made a refreshing change to the usual hype fest/pissing contest approach that some reviewers utilise. Well done and keep up the good work.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thanks so much, really means a lot. It's a surprising amount of work that goes into putting them together. Cheers!

[@itialianpasta]

I have a 97 and she's a monster. Demands your respect but also extremely capable.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Absolutely! It's a very underrated bike.

[@kenyonc7162]

Wow I might have to start riding my TL again after watching this video. I love my TL but I’ve only ridden her maybe 20 miles in the past 8 years! I miss the purring and the thumbs up I use to get at red lights.... Tiller time

[@FrontWheelUp]

Do it! I'm sure you won't regret it 👍👍

[@razzaspencer7473]

I had one of these a few years ago back when you could pick them up cheap, I paid 1500 quid got mine, it was a shitter but I loved it, it wasn't fast compared to any Inline 4 1000 but it was so much fun to ride and I felt an absolute badass on it

[@TheHorrorkind]

I Owned 3 TL, s my Favorite one was a '00 model with Upgraded Suspension, Power Commander 3 and Barracuda Exhaust, Airbox Mod and many more things.. I Loved it

[@FrontWheelUp]

Sounds awesome 👌😎

[@trackdaylbs]

Similar to mine. "Lively" I think describes its character...

[@rm25088]

I love my 2003 TLR. It's raw and sounds amazing. I don't care about the speed. It draws more attention then anything I have ever ridden. You can't go 160mph on the street anyways.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Couldn't agree more. 👌

[@019208237]

That’s why I want one that sound draws attention and they look tops. I’m saving for one.

[@mds1986ms]

Sheeit with some very minor mods "deleted scissor gears, deleted decompression valves, delted pair valve, modified air box and chopped/gutted yoshi rs3 added baffle in right side" i keep up with my boys 05 busa up to about halfway thro 5th gear then he starts to gently stroll away.

[@stichupman]

I bought mine for £1600 as a project and its certainly been that plenty of heartache but it's nearly there now mechanically just need new fairings it's got 46k miles and the engine runs a treat. I absolutely love it it's got so much character compared to a 4 pot.

[@Unfunny_Username_389]

"You can't go 160mph on the streets" - I can and I do. Not legally, though - I'll give you that much.

[@bmsj]

I have such a love for the TLR. I chose this bike as my first one because it was just sitting in my dad's garage alone and untouched for years, so much so that a of last year she was barely broken in mileage wise. First time ever riding a bike, much less a liter, it was very intimidating but I showed her respect and maturity and a few weeks later, I become so comfortable riding the Tiller.

[@FrontWheelUp]

That's the exact way to treat this old girl, with caution and respect. So glad your enjoying it! 👍👍

[@sebgribble1891]

This is good to hear as I’m in experienced and have just bought a very low mileage tlr at 1600 miles, respect will be exactly what she’ll be getting

[@FrontWheelUp]

Enjoy!

[@biglakebulliesadamg.8715]

Mine would shoot 3 foot fireballs out the Yoshi cans while down shifting. Was insane lookin at night 🔥🔥

[@FrontWheelUp]

Awesome! 👌👌

[@CastrolHondaSP2]

I had two. A blue and white one with the red stripe. A yellow one with black graphics. Both had race cans. Both would set off car alarms if you were within 50ft of them. 🤣👌 Seriously considering getting one just to stick next to my pool table so I can look at it all day. ❤️

[@John900C]

You could see it growing on him. A bonkers bike with hidden charms. I don't know why I love mine but it has developed into long term relationship. Comfortable for long days too.

[@tappski1980]

I have one in my shed, not ridden it in 4 years! Next year it's coming out! Personally never had much trouble with the bike being a handful, find it easy and very planted to ride...had an amazing time on it in the Pyrenees back in 2011.

[@abrasivegamer3675]

Have you still got it mate?

[@tappski1980]

@@abrasivegamer3675 yes I do....never did get round to getting it out! Doubt I'll ever will tbh.

[@lllzooklll]

I have a 2000 TLR and absolutely love it. Mine has an Ohlins rear shock, though I've heard the cheaper Bitubo unit is excellent, and the predictability and stability that mod gives the bike is huge. I can't see myself ever selling it. Its torquey, it handles, it sounds insane and the attention it gets from other riders is crazy 👍

[@FrontWheelUp]

Nice! It is certainly a very underrated bike. Make sure you keep hold of it, the price will only go up as they become sought after! 👌

[@lllzooklll]

@@FrontWheelUp Also loved the review mate, keep it up!

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thank you for the kind words! 🙏

[@TheDucpilot]

Great bike. I owned a lightblue/White '98 example and absolutely loved it. Sounded quite alike the Ducati 998 I traded it in for, but much more plush in suspension. Heavy off the sidestand, but a soon as you give it some pace, really very stable in corners. Nevermind the press releases and negative comments on the rear suspension. You won't notice it on the road unless you're Troy Bayliss :o))

[@philclarke7712]

Bad press was for the rotary shock which this one didn't have.

[@mark675]

Such a beautiful bike, love the S version aswell, iconic bikes

[@Ithboltar666]

I had VTR 1000 FS and SV 1000 S. I liked them a lot. Then had 2005 Fireblade 1000 RR and that was very linear for power delivery. As where those previous 2 V Twins, but Fireblade 1000 had 49hp more than SV 1000 S had. I still like V Twins more tho, they sound really good with good mufflers. I have H-D XL 1200 N with stage 1 stuff on it and i can easily keep up with sport bikes on that thing. Riding H-D XL 1200 N fast is totally not for inexperienced riders 100%. Thinking of getting TL 1000 R. H-D XL 1200 N i am still going to keep for rest of my life tho.

[@chrisstephens6194]

Had the full power TLS and loved it but always wanted a blue and white R. One day ill get one and never sell it

[@peter7624]

It does sound lovely. I had the SV1000S which was nice after I'd had the clutch sorted and replaced the magnets on the rotor, etc, etc. Great performance, handling and brakes just average, but he V twin motor does sound beautiful.. thanks for a great video without head banging music..

[@FrontWheelUp]

So glad you enjoyed the video, I wasn't very optimistic at the start of review but I was very pleasantly surprised. Thanks for the kind words. 🙂

[@rikipeters888]

I have a TL1000R. It's the best bike I've ever had. It corners easy on tight bends, you just need to know how...tighter corners let the bike fall in. Faster corners counter steer. Sometimes push weight on peggs to control bike.

[@FrontWheelUp]

It's a seriously underrated bike, there's something really rewarding about learning to tame and ride a bike well when its notoriously known as being a handful!

[@weirdowilla1027]

steering problems could be due to the geometry of the bike (its made to go fast all the time). great vid/ beautiful Suzuki

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thank you for the kind words 🙏

[@johnhoolihan9452]

I had one of these with a full M4 race exhaust and it was awesome!

[@FrontWheelUp]

Nice! 😎

[@ekimnamdets6946]

I have a 2001 with 25K miles, absolutely love it

[@edeaton1000]

Never been a fan of these or heard great things until I tried one, that engine really is a peach. I would love to shoe horn this into something sharper like a gixxer 750. Worthwhile having as a second bike to be honest. 100% agree with all of your points, great review thanks. *subscribed*

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thank you for the sub! It's a really under rated bike, enjoy it!

[@mds1986ms]

But the frame is based off a 750. Just throwing that out there.

[@edeaton1000]

@@mds1986ms ok so just the suspension thats at fault then. Considering an sv1000 currently.

[@mds1986ms]

@@edeaton1000 I dunno unless i just got a good one ive never had an issue with mine. Ive even had folks sayvits as flickable as their 600. Now i do have a lowering link on mine so im sure the lower center of gravity helps.

[@mds1986ms]

@@edeaton1000 The sv1000 is a whole different animal. But i wouldnt consider it id just go get it. I love the sv 1000.

[@apexslider1]

Have had two, and loved them both. Lost my yellow one to a Merc suv. Been thinking about selling my K6 1k to track down another one. My RC51 was more comfy and easier to ride, but it didn’t have the personality. Something a bit raw and chaotic about the Tillers.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Totally agree with you about the chaotic feeling! I'm hoping to get my hands on a RC51 for review this summer...I would be really interested to see the comparison.

[@3D_Zaga]

i have a cagiva raptor 1000 love it !! this motor is a beast

[@JimmerofOz]

I have the TL1000S motor in my Cagiva Raptor and its a beauty, the rumble, the torque.. its not a winner by modern standards but the gearbox is silky smooth and more than enough go to get you into trouble

[@behindbarsmototouring898]

Picking one up this week with 13,000 miles, D&D cans, for $2,000 USD. Thanks to this video, I cant wait to ride it.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Bargain! Enjoy the bike 👌

[@mds1986ms]

Thats a steal. Makes me wonder if the guy didnt pull the star off the drive sprocket so the speedo and odo dont work.

[@behindbarsmototouring898]

From the looks of it, he bit off more than he could chew and dropped it. Fairings are cracked on the right, pipes are scratched on both sides, needs tires, and it has some low budget ebay turn signals. Runs really good though. The guy owns 41 motorcycles. So, who knows how long it has sat around.

[@mds1986ms]

@@behindbarsmototouring898 its pretty common to see them lowsided. Mine was a little chewed up when i got it. Do you have it? If so have you changed oil yet and if not good when you do cut thevoil filter open and see what secrets shes hiding if any. While the oil is out id check the clutch plates and clutch springs for tolerance. Thevsprings get compromised over the years and theyll start slipping. Even a half a mm is a big difference. I flush the coolant system too. Oh and youre going to want to make a tether for the hump if it has one. I have mine tethered to the sub frame and good thing too because my buddy would've eaten it atvaround 110mph the time it flew off. The wayvi understand thats not an if thing its a when. And check under the gas tank the fuel pump gaskets are known for leaking.

[@mds1986ms]

I stripped all the turn signals off mine and got a shit load off single diode LEDs and i drilled holes in the fairings and popped them through. When i hit the turn signals the whole side of the bike lights up but you cant see them at all until theyre lit. Completelyoff the charts dope. I did the brake lights the same way. Took awhile and a lot of soldering but it was cheap and looks awesome.

[@michaelmckenna2882]

I bought a brand new one in 1999 and had it for three years, after all the bike's I've owned it's the only one that I regret selling. Awesome bikes even with their little flaw's like the rear shock. Damn I wish I still had it.

[@FrontWheelUp]

They have aged incredibly well, I was pleasantly suprised by how much I enjoyed making the review...if I'm honest my expectations weren't very high after reading so many negative things. A very under rated bike!

[@waynester71]

Just bought a ‘99 TL-RX, 15k miles, blue/white.. It’s my 2nd one, I had a ‘98 back in 2004

[@daveyt4802]

Sweet bike!! I had a 2005 SV1000S.

[@FrontWheelUp]

An equally sweet bike! 👌

[@019208237]

My ZZR 1100 D2 just had engine failure and I’ve always wanted a V twin. This is the bike I want to own next. the owner reviews speak for themselves this bike is seriously underrated. Can’t wait to give it a try. nice review it made me want one even more😉👍

[@FrontWheelUp]

Sorry to head about the ZZR, the TLR is definetly a beast that will need to be tamed. Quite the sad story really, it could/should have been sometbing really special. Thanks for the kind words!🙏

[@019208237]

Front Wheel Up thanks man👍My ZZR 1100 D2 was a beast as well and very heavy. I went down a tooth on the front sprocket and i made the bike lighter with after market exhausts and a lithium battery ect. second gear acceleration saw the back end swing out and the back tire wheel spinning. it went light at the front from a second gear roll on and if not careful 1st gear I was vertical lol. I reckon I’ll be able to tame the TLR and love it more.

[@jayharrison7782]

Take your time to find one that's been looked after mechanically. Ideally without any mods as a lot of people do bodge jobs with the wiring and airboxes on them

[@019208237]

@@jayharrison7782 I will do mate thanks Jay👍

[@019208237]

@@FrontWheelUp I’ve just bought one😉 it’s done 21,000 miles and looks in mint condition. It’s a 2000 model in yellow and grey. It’s being delivered in early January. £4100. can’t wait😁 it’s still got all the factory stickers on it I’m not sure why the previous owners didn’t remove them as most people remove them. Does it add value by leaving them on lol.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

I wanted one of these but in 2003 when I was looking they were all gone near me. I bought the SV1000S instead. I still have and love THAT bike but have never stopped looking for a TLR.

[@FrontWheelUp]

The SV is an awesome bike! 👌 If you get the opportunity to own a TLR then go for.it, a very under rated bike and a solid future investment.

[@zedddddful]

I had a 2004 sv1000 that engine was just a total peach not the fastest but just strong everywhere and a super slick gearbox and reliable you could trust that bike to go round the world multiple times and still be begging to go again. my brother had a TLR but he sold it because it was too heavy on his wrists made it uncomfortable for longer rides.

[@jamessalem2825]

Had mine in 2002 and removing the steering damper made no difference at speed but really improved low speed steering and handling.

[@grokster9ontheroads174]

I plan on putting a tl motor into my v-strom 1000 when it’s time for a rebuild!

[@FrontWheelUp]

That sounds awesome! 👌👌

[@trackdaylbs]

... and that's why I bought mine. Fast enough for the roads, and still interesting.

[@bryansmith6054]

I had the 2006 TL 1000 R it’s a bad ass bike. Yellow and black oh yeah.

[@019208237]

There isn't a 2006 TL 1000R. They stopped prouction in 2003. I've a 2000 model in yellow and sliver. Maybe you meant 2003 they made a yellow and black for that year and the earlier model's.

[@yawhatever1421]

I had my 97 S on the Dyno at a demo day at the local track . Beat 2 RC51's . One by .8 of hp and the other 1.2 hp .

[@zachkuby87]

Best bike ever. Was my first bike. I now have 5 Suzuki's including a gsxr 750,busa and gsxr1000r. The ole tiller is still my favorite

[@FrontWheelUp]

Nice collection! This was my first time on a TL and I really enjoyed it. 👍

[@019208237]

@Zach Kuby, WOW that says a lot about the TLR. it must be dam good. I’ve just bought one I’m going to test it out once the rain stops🙄 U.K. weather sucks🤨👎

[@zachkuby87]

@@019208237 the TLR isn't the lightest or fastest. But what it lacks in power it more than makes up for with character and style. There's just nothing like it out there.

[@019208237]

@@zachkuby87 yeah it sure is unique I’ve not had a bike like this although I’ve also had my fair share of bikes since I was 16. I’m 44 now. My neighbour was on a high last night after he saw and heard it and he’s not even into bikes lol. I’ve always wanted to try a v twin and this one caught my eye back in 1998 in the yellow and black. some would disagree but I think in the right colour it’s the best looking bike around.

[@019208237]

@@zachkuby87 oh and they still look modern 23 years on. I couldn’t believe how chunky it is compared to my last bike a ZZR 1100 D and that bike is not exactly slim. the tank width on the TLR is insane. if that bike was a human it would be a body builder. it’s got muscles lol.

[@smellylittlekiwi5743]

Don't know why people give the TL a bad wrap. I have owned a 916 and ridden a SP1 and the TL handles great

[@FrontWheelUp]

I wasn't very pleasantly surprised while making thr review, its a really under rated bike. I would love to make a review of both the SP1 and 916....hopefully the opportunity will present itself soon!

[@captainamerica9353]

Smelly Little Kiwi , Did you have all the fun I hear about with your Ducati? Very stiff and cramped ride, rear wheel bearing issues, chrome in the oil, $1,500 tune-ups every 2 years . . . my friend had a 996S brand new but didn't have it long.

[@wheelwonderland]

Great vid mate. I've dropped you a sub.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thanks so much!

[@paulscountry456]

It looks like a fat gsxr, when I first saw one I was impressed , you better respect those short wheelbase bikes and the power and torque are there.

[@wokeybrokey8006]

sorry i have had a 1997 TLS and currently have a 1999 TLS...awesome bike

[@ade-1772]

8k and more and then she goes I have had the tl1000s 97 that's mine and love it and would to ride the r to see the difference

[@prototype9904]

I've got a 97' TL1000S with 10k miles and all the "quirky" suspension upgraded with a new paint job last summer \m/

[@FrontWheelUp]

Mega! Must be one of the lowest mileage TLs around 👌

[@mariusmuller4676]

Beautyful....

[@tnbrfller]

Did i hear a comment in this Video about sluggish steering, when i think i saw the forks almost flush with the top triple clamp ??

[@JeremiahHartmanPhotography]

Sorry, I know this is an older video..how would you rate it up against an Aprilia RSV1000? Im looking at both TLR's and RSV's and was curious since you've done video's on both..which one is the better bike?

[@FrontWheelUp]

The TL is a great bike, very underrated but if I had to choose I would pick the RSV. The power feels quite simular on the road ( I cant recall the exact specs) but the Aprilia is a much nicer bike to ride...and is the better looking out of the two, iin my opinion of course!

[@JeremiahHartmanPhotography]

@@FrontWheelUp thank you so much for replying. I love both...but i think you're right about the Aprilia. Im going to just concentrate on finding a good RSV. Thanks again for your input and have a happy new year!!

[@NudaMan]

Sold my 2003 RSV Mille for a 2003 Yamaha R1 (Less weight + More Power🥲) and now I’m wanting a TL1000R lol I just think Vtwin sport bikes are the best for the street imo

[@Sirsethtaggart3505]

I have a 2000 model. The best bike I've ever owned.

[@FrontWheelUp]

An amazingly under-rated bike!

[@Sirsethtaggart3505]

If you ever need another one for testing. Let me know.

[@mds1986ms]

The steering isnt that bad that bike will still keep up with midern 1000s And this is/was my first street bike. Rebuilt it from the frame up. The previous owner blow up the trans so i stripped it fixed all the 18 year old neglect and she rips hard man. Dont believe everything you hear about the suspension its not that big of a deal.

[@Noob-Splaining]

Two of my mates had this bike when we went out riding. I rode pillion on them a few times. It was a fucking lardy bike in size but fuck me it was quick when you dropped the wrist.

[@jamesowen4360]

Might swap.my Aprilia RSV for one of these 🧐 on a serious note love my prilla. I've always had a soft spot for these. Might just have both 😂

[@FrontWheelUp]

The TL is a really underrated bike. But, personally, if I had to choose one or the other I would keep the RSV. Both is a winner if that's an option! 👍👍

[@pauln6803]

Having owned a TL (albeit a '97 S) and no fewer than 3 Mille's and 1 Mille R, the TL engine has more character but you'll soon miss the handling and brakes of the RSV! The less said about what Suzuki did to the engine for the SV thou the better... Sports V Twin wise only the KTM RC8 (latter twin spark R if budget allows as they don't eat their water pump impeller and seals on a regular basis) possibly is a better road bike than an RSV, but even then the engine isn't as much fun as the Rotax V60, despite the extra power.

[@twowheelpilot]

Can you get a KTM 1198 RC8 on test?

[@ORIGINAL-ou3iw]

Αξιζει να το αγωρασει καπιος μεταχηρησμενο η βγαζει προβληματα?

[@darrylgraham5538]

Love my 2001 Suzuki TL1000R V-twin superbike she my collection lady💌💌💌ALWAYS PLENTY OF POSITIVE COMPLIMENTS

[@FrontWheelUp]

A truly awesome bike, hold onto her!

[@Enfiare]

Wish Suzuki would nut up and make a badass 1250 ss/rr

[@fonziebulldog5786]

Forgotten !?. Have seen it in all to many KZbin videos. 😊

[@zeil1time145]

They just look fookin darty even today they look better than todays bikes

[@thebear6529]

does that mean that a tl1000r will fit in a 750 gsxr?

[@FrontWheelUp]

I can't imagine it would be a straight swap, although the it shares the frame design I expect the engine mounting points will be different. Maybe somebody better informed can chime in.

[@bikerboi1983]

Good bikes once you put an ohlins shock on and adjust suspension. 6 pot Tokicos are typically crap though. Aprilia RSV much better overall bike though.

[@FrontWheelUp]

I certainly saw the potential with the TL, I was presently surprised. Aggreed with the RSV, a truly awesome bike (I reviewed one on this channel a few videos ago).

[@bikerboi1983]

@@FrontWheelUp ive been lucky enough to own a tls a tlr , 2 rsv and 2 Tuonos, ultimately I've stuck with the gen1 Tuono , its hard to beat for the money. Not sure you've had the opportunity to review a gen 1 Tuono yet?

[@FrontWheelUp]

@@bikerboi1983 very nice! Not yet, getting hold of bikes to review is really difficult. I've reviewed a Gen 1 and Gen 2 RSV so a Tuono and the RSV4 are two bikes I would love to do for comparison. 🙂

[@bikerboi1983]

@@FrontWheelUp be next season now the way the weathers going!

[@FrontWheelUp]

@@bikerboi1983 that's it, I'm still waiting for 2021s summer time 🤣

[@theefnhatch7652]

Would you call me crazy if i said i got my first motorcycle and it was a tl1000r at 18 yrs old 😂 & for only 2000$ it was a gem and super fast to the point i felt like i was riding on a cloud but i knew if i fell it wouldnt feel like a cloud lol the 2nd day i had it remember my first motorcycle ever i took it on the freeway craziest thang ive ever done lol wish i still had it traded it for family car had first kid did it for him lol

[@FrontWheelUp]

I would call you crazy. 😂 In all seriousness its an awesome bike, if you can tame a TL you should be fairly competent to ride anything now! Hopefully you manage to get back on two wheels soon. 👍

[@jerrylagesse9046]

The super bike formula should still be v twin . Sadly the suzuki was quite heavy .

[@shannonmerritt5808]

Love my 98 tl1000r. I stretched and lowered mine. With Full m4 exhaust.

[@Noob-Splaining]

It was the tank slappers for riders of lower weight that killed this bike if I remember correct. It may be a big wide lardy fucker but damn she goes when you want her too.

[@pob1335]

One on auto trader now with really low miles just wish I had the 5 grand he wants for it 😔

[@FrontWheelUp]

Ouch! They have held their value really well...a great investment if you can get your hands on one. 👍

[@59vaughn]

For those that live at 30 mph....ehhh....but at 130... now that's where handling matters ....and v-twins have so much soul....they just need turbocharging...😳

[@Noob-Splaining]

This bike is not a cbr600 that is forgiving, it's a proper riders bike.

[@twowheelpilot]

The TL1000R didn't impress me at all. I'd take the TL1000S over the R any day. However I'd like to suggest the Aprilia RSV1000R milie is better than both. Yes i have owned all of these bikes. X2 TL1000S in fact and X2 Aprilia RSV1000R's.

[@k1ortia]

Totally forgot about this beast to be honest.

[@FrontWheelUp]

This was my first time on one, awesome bike its just a shame Suzuki didn't sort out the handling issues in the factory!

[@k1ortia]

@@FrontWheelUp yes i totally agree.. i can only imagine how much better this machine would of been, had they sorted it out.

[@bathy85]

im selling a mint low mileage TL..south wales if anyone interested, iv had it since 2009 , well maintained

[@bathy85]

standard cans, back seat, manufacturers handbook

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

The rsv mille was so much better sorted than this suzuki and better to ride.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Would agree with that, I've reviewed the Mille R and RSVR on this channel. I was still very impressed with the big TL though 👍

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

@@FrontWheelUp yes, the TL is fun to ride...I last rode one 15 years back. Handling was woeful though and the engine a little peaky but potent. I've had Ducatis, KTMs, Harleys, Triumphs, beemers, a blade and many more. The most sorted bikes out of the crate were my rsv mille, Colin Edwards rep Mille rsvr and my RSVR gen1. Better than the gen2 bikes including the mille R. The most grin inducing, brutal raw grunt and sublime handling from any bike I've owned or ridden. Once every few decades a really special bike is born. The gen1 Milles are that bike. The TL was the best bike there never was because they screwed up on the frame, suspension and geometry. Suzuki snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Love the looks though and the engine.

[@deano2160]

Wasn't this bike called the 'widow maker' if I remember correctly. A lot of born again bikers getting themselves killed. On that basis it was probably a monster to insure back in the day.

[@FrontWheelUp]

It was indeed! I think the Tl1000S that was before this bike had an even worse reputation ☠

[@pauln6803]

I can personally testify that the TL1000S is a very unpredictable machine but popular opinion is that the R is very stable. Both S and R are prone to rubber frame moments when the rotary dampers overheat because the design only has a tablespoon of oil and they're mounted right by the rear cylinder. The R gained a reputation for running wide on corner exit (largely fixed by a good aftermarket conventional damper) but not instability. The unpredictable nature of the S is down to more than just the rear shock.

[@DiscoFang]

The S was the one that gained that nick-name.

[@wokeybrokey8006]

The S was a super sport not a Superbike. I love the S

[@yjsnpi810snpi]

japanese pure HENTAI SUZUKI

[@TreadTalk247]

I have a 2000 TL1000R and will NEVER part with it!

[@FrontWheelUp]

Don't 😎👍

[@memewizard8372]

Too bad you only got to test ride a TL with the shitty stock rotary rear damper #ÖhlinsMasterRace

[@FrontWheelUp]

It does handle like a bit of a pig! You do get used to it...throwing a little cash at the suspension would absolutely transform the bike. Pity Suzuki didn't fix it from the start, the TLR might have gone down a very different path!

[@memewizard8372]

It handles 'like a pig' because you're running out of suspension travel, as the rebound dampening gets weaker and eventually goes away completely as the rotary damper heats up. A real pity Suzuki didn't fix it, as the engine has been a proven design trough the V-Stroms and SVs.

[@DiscoFang]

Cheaper than Ohlins is fitting a rear spring and damper from a CBR600 F3.

[@memewizard8372]

@@DiscoFang TL1000R and S do not use the same frame

[@DiscoFang]

@@memewizard8372 No kidding. What does the S have to do with this? The CBR shock mod for the TLR has been around for a long time.

[@christopherhines2718]

Not the greatest then! I can beat that easily on my cb600r circuit racer,with 110 HP,better leave it alone.widow maker!

[@twinstarmusicent7514]

Its not that great of a bike. Sounds bad even with pipes, looks great but the ride is🥱

[@FrontWheelUp]

In all honesty I didn't have very high expectations after reading reviews of the TL1000S. I was pleasantly surprised, the engine and gearbox are fantastic in my opinion. 🙂

[@dickmoney2946]

What’s the controversy? It couldn’t beat the RC51.

[@NudaMan]

Suzuki pulled the plug too soon, if they would’ve shaved some weight added more power it could’ve easily won but the Bimota SB8K did that for them lol

[@motoshopoldskool]

Nice bike..done subcsribe

[@FrontWheelUp]

Glad you enjoyed!