Suzuki TL1000S Overboard And Didn’t Bother Listening To The Firm’s European Testers

When Suzuki released the TL 1000 S in 1997 it is fair to say it wasn’t expecting the reaction it received, In fact the next few months were the stuff of nightmares as phone lines to Japan went into meltdown, lawsuits were threatened and eventually the bike was recalled for a highly embarrassing safety update. It’s fair to say the TL 1000 S was a complete disaster for Suzuki, but were we all being a bit dramatic. The TL 1000 S or widow maker as it was very quickly dubbed, was a brand new concept for Suzuki. Seeing the popularity of models such as the Monster and with V-twins the 1990s must have engine thanks to Ducati’s WSB domination, Suzuki decided to build their own version of a sporty naked V-twin. The problem was they went overboard and didn’t bother listening to the firm’s European testers. The result was an impressively punchy V-twin sportster with over sharp steering geometry, radical rear suspension that couldn’t keep pace and as a consequence, a reputation as a tank slapper. Although quickly recalled and remedied via a steering damper and engine tweak the damage was done. One of the highlights of the TLS is its engine and power delivery, The all new V-twin originally produced a punchy, dynamic 123 brake horsepower enough, in fact to quickly find the limitations of its chassis and suspension particularly out of slow corners. The resulting backlash prompted Suzuki to restrict second year on bikes to a more modest 110 brake horsepower by retarding the ignition in the bottom three gears, but the damage was already done. If you’re not sure which your bike is, unrestricted TL 1000 S ECU have 00 as the last two digits, restricted bikes have 01, Most survivors today will have been reverted to original spec. At the heart of the TL 1000 S was a brand new, water cooled, DOHC, 90 degree V twin motor displacing 996cc and originally pumping out a claimed 123 brake horsepower. Although original bikes were flawed the motor is still considered something of a gem and apart from the similarly flawed TL 1000 R, went on to be used in the SV 1000 and V-Strom 1000s as well as the Cagiva Raptor and Bimota SB8. Generally it’s a sorted reliable unit. Post 98 the black box retards the ignition in the bottom three gears but it’s a cheap fix to get it back, Standard twin exhausts are now rare with many owners switching to louder Yoshimura or similar systems which make the TLS sound incredible, The gearbox is a typically slick Suzuki six speeder.
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[@SteveTrockroll]

I got mine, a green one in August 1997, and almost 27 years later I still have it! As soon as an Ohlins rear damper kit became available, I fitted one of those and I have now removed the steering damper. Other mods included braided brake hoses, Heli-bars(slightly higher and wider), cf hugger. Despite the initial problems, eg fuel in the oil, leaking fuel tank, leaking clutch cover, slipping clutch - all now solved, I still love to ride it. From the UK.

[@Deezenutz27]

I had one of the unrestricted 1997 and i loved it. I called her " Monster booty Judy" . She was a wheelie poppin machine. Aa much as i shredded the turns i didnt get many tank slappers. But the frame did crack at the steering head . Suzuki warrantied it and said it was a recall. I wish i would have bever sold her.

[@NJS-TL1000S]

Very interesting ... but, the biggest question is quote, 'Is the Suzuki TL1000s still relevant today ... ?' Answer IMO is Yes, most definitely. An absolute classic of the late 90's, this sports bike I feel is a bike that puts a smile on your face & sounds awesome ... As an owner and enthusiast I feel these bikes have stood the test of time and despite initial bad reviews and criticisms of handling ( re rotary damper ), there is a beautiful motorcycle with a superb V-twin motor hidden behind a veil of media hype. Nothing immortalises a motorcycle more than having a naughty bike' widow-maker reputation. A very underestimated motorcycle and even today still has very capable performance. Stylish & above all great fun to ride ... love them. 🙂👍

[@ade-1772]

I have a 1997 tl1000s and all original even the shocks and mine has a grab rail too

[@rs5001988]

Bought mine about a month ago really don't see what all the fuss is about rides bloody lovely it's a 97 with no damper as well very easy to ride an I'm not the most extreme rider just take your time all is good punchy monster in my eye love it❤ an if one day it kills me just no I was buzzing hard at the time 😂v😂

[@roldannunez9866]

I had the first batch of TLS and it felt like riding a big two stroke. Once the ECU was change it tamed the bike and never was the beast it use to be.

[@stuartbarker6508]

Strange that EVERYBODY loves them now, eh?

[@fb3824]

carbon yoshis on these - no better sound in motorcycling - makes one weak at the knees