Location: Freeport, NY
Miles: 438
Price: $5,750 BIN
There was a time when it seemed like everyone was cranking out V-Twin liter superbikes. Ducati had been at it for a long time and Honda got into the game with its VTR1000 (RC51). Suzuki had been producing the TL1000R by the time Honda joined in. But shortly after that, Suzuki decided whatever reason to discontinue its monster twin. Being produced for only fives years from 1998-2003, the TLR was not the biggest hit with consumers and Suzuki
managed to only win one Superbike race before Suzuki decided to return to the GSXR.
With the lackluster sales, its relatively short production span, and the unusual-for-Suzuki race designed liter-twin, the TLR has the ability to be a step into the rare and collectible category. The particular bike up for grabs here is a prime example to fall into that category. With only
400 miles, this garage kept and regularly started unit is the one you are looking for. It even comes in classic Suzuki white and blue livery with white wheels.
From the seller:
For the right price i will sell my Brand New TL1000r, this bike only has 400 miles on it ,that is all original 400 miles , never crashed, tipped or even rev limited the bike. This is a rare opportunity and probably the only time i will be willing to sell the bike. The bike has been started every 2-3 weeks and is in factory showroom condition, i did however put a crash cage on the bike in fear of tipping over, the cage is removable and is only their for safety. the bike is a super-bike v twin engine and is capable of speeds well over 200mph this is not a toy and not for the faint of heart
If you have been looking for a super clean TL1000R, then here is your chance. At almost 10 years old, it’s hard to imagine finding many of these in this condition with such a little amount of mileage. Clearly the seller has been hanging onto and maintaining this bike for a reason. The price is definitely on the upper range, but this bike is essentially from the showroom. I think it would make a fine addition to any collection of Suzuki’s or Superbikes. If you agree, then take a look at the auction here!
-JS
This is a very very nice TLR. Its such a shame that when you remove that ugly stunt cage there will be two gaping holes in the fairing.. I think thats the main reason a collector hasn’t snapped it up.
“But shortly after that, Suzuki decided whatever reason to discontinue its monster twin.”
from what i remember there were huge issues with the chassis on this bike and it handled horribly. it seems like suzuki threw in the towel. with all of the gixxer dominance that they had, it’s easy to understand why they didn’t want to bother with sorting this one out. i’m sure that the motors on these are great, and if you’re just goofing around these bikes are surely fine. but get them on the track or push it hard through the canyons and it’s a totally different story
Sean- Yes, I agree that drilling holes in the fairng to install a cage that protects the fairing is a little counter productive.
The owner has also created some of the greatest Chicken Strips I’ve ever laid eyes on!
Nice bike.
The “stunt cage” destroyed any value there is in this bike. What a shame.
IIRC the primary shortcoming of the TL-R was excessive weight… nearly 200kg dry. As far as top speed “well over 200mph”… maybe in your dreams 😉
Its obvious that this owner either never intended to ride this bike much, or was so uncomfortable with the “learning curve” these bikes present (probably the reason he put the cage on it) that he just wasn’t motivated to do so. A shame, really, since these are real “riders bikes”!
I wasn’t “on the scene” when they were racing these units,
but my guess is that the intractable problems with getting them to perform consistently @ high levels might have had to do with the overall size (not necessarily the weight) of the bike, along with it’s brutal throttle response.
For the road, the overall size is just PERFECT! And the throttle response? It takes some work to master, but for
any SANE road use, it is possible to master it.
There truly are no other bikes on the road like these, and for me, that’s a sad thing.
GET IT WHILE IT’S STILL HOT!!
I bought one of the TLR’s new. They don’t go 200 mph, the seller is a moron. It will go about 165 on a good day. They are cool bikes, but the rotary shock had a smidge of free play in it and many adapted an Ohlins to it. Steve Crevier raced one briefly in AMA. Still a good bike and would do well at track days. A bit of low rpm snatchy throttle typical of many FI bikes.
First off this article omitted that Hondas Superhawk (996 V-twin) was on the scene at the same time, representing Honda. The Superhawk was in production from model year 1997 on. This bike was later replaced by the more track focused, cam driven, fuel injected RC-51 aka VTR1000.
As previously mentioned the TL’s had a “6 way adjustable” rotary dampener on the rear. People could not figure out how to set them up right. This lead to many cases of the TL’s tossing their riders off.
Many riders gave up on the rotary dampener and put in a conventional shock. Although the TL’s had a great motor (130HP) there were heavy pigs, and they also had some electrical issues.
Shame about the crash cage!
The mileage is low but is it really “Rare” enough for RSBFS to be included here?
Speirmoor, We try to appeal to a wide range of enthusiasts and collectors. Though not a low production bike or necessarily highly collectible, we enjoy posting survivors that have managed to stay intact over the years and represent a good value in the used sportbike market.
Thanks for everyone’s comments,
dc
With respect to Birdman’s comment, “I bought one of the TLR’s new. They don’t go 200 mph, the seller is a moron. It will go about 165 on a good day.”
I realize this is a slippery slope to jump on, but the TLR is capable of a lot more than 165mph. I had a 99 that was still pulling at 190mph before the float bowls went dry.
Now, before this turns into a “BS” match, I am well aware that the speedometer isn’t accurate past a certain point, so I know it wasn’t actually doing 190, however, I was running wide open with newer model R1’s and Gixxer’s and no one was passing me up. And if you think that sounds like absolute poo poo, the bike’s sprockets were swapped out for lower-end torque. Aside from the usual pipe, commander, the gears, and some chip thing that allowed an extra 5k rpm, the bike was stock as far as I know.
It’s curious though, because every TLR owner I know agree’s and swears by the 165mph limit. I argued my point above for years, and constantly took a pounding for it; no matter how many newer model bikes I beat with it. Finally, on a day I will probably always regret, I sold my beloved TL1000R to another TL enthusiast, who later went onto the forums and confirmed that, yes… my TL was in fact, much stronger and faster than any of his previous TL’s.
The only reason I decided to share this, is because the TLR is sort of like my soul mate. Now that I’ve had one, I want nothing else. It’s perfect. And also, regardless of what was done to it before I purchased it, I know what a TL is capable of … and it’s a lot more than 156mph.
I am trying to be nice and not call BS to ALL of this: but I have to comment!
“I had a 99 that was still pulling at 190mph before the float bowls went dry”
Sorry to break it to you but the TL’s were fuel injected, not carbed, so they had no float bowls to go dry. Try again.
If the bikes sprocket or sprockets were swapped out, as you say they were, then the speedometer needs to be recalibrated for accuracy. Its great that you think you did 200mph.
“and some chip thing that allowed an extra 5k rpm” Its amazing that the engine didn’t grenade itself
“Now that I’ve had one, I want nothing else. It’s perfect”
Let me share my favorite TL memory with you. I pulled up next to a TL that was at a traffic light. He revved the engine and it was obvious that we were going to race. Before the light turned green his motor died and he was forced to push his bike off to the side of the road. His friends shook there heads and pulled off to the side of the road. Perfect bike…..well it helps when the engine runs when you want it to.
“I know what a TL is capable of … and it’s a lot more than 156mph” At least that’s what the speedo says, with different gearing.
(Sigh) This is normally the same old comment that I usually got before, which is why I normally never bothered.
Firstly, I will give you the…
“Sorry to break it to you but the TL’s were fuel injected, not carbed, so they had no float bowls to go dry. Try again.”
… but know that I am well aware that the TLR is fuel injected and not sure why I wrote it like that. I can only assume that I was trying to present it as a concept, and rather meant to quote it as the classic “float bowls went dry” issue experienced with racing carbed bikes wide open. The TLR’s EFI system is anything but normal, and does not act like other FI systems. Hence the bikes choke, AKA. “Fast Idle” lever.
However, with that unfortunate mishap cleared up, and me taking the hit for it, I’ll comment on your next quote:
“If the bikes sprocket or sprockets were swapped out, as you say they were, then the speedometer needs to be recalibrated for accuracy. Its great that you think you did 200mph.”
I believe my comment was:
“Now, before this turns into a “BS” match, I am well aware that the speedometer isn’t accurate past a certain point, so I know it wasn’t actually doing 190..”
So I’m not sure what’s up with the: “Its great that you think you did 200mph.”
Lastly: “and some chip thing that allowed an extra 5k rpm” Its amazing that the engine didn’t grenade itself ”
You do realize just how dumbed down a Factory TLR is don’t you Diver? The very fact that you think the TL’s you’ve seen are at full potential is sad. When people say how slow their TLR’s are, it just tells me that they’re running them with the restrictions in place.
Anyone who doubts their TLR’s potential should really look over this material
http://www.chucksirois.com/TL1000/FAQ.htm
“The TLR comes with about 115hp out of the crate. Then with a few mods she can be bumped up to 120-130hp. It is very cheap to get to 130hp or so because you are basically just pulling off factory restrictions.”
http://www.chucksirois.com/TL1000/FAQ.htm
I’m with tiller… ” Holly Thread Re-vival ” ..
It’s funny how I stumbled upon this blog, a buddy of that I recently met on TLPlanet that happens to live in NYC, whereas I live in Brooklyn where the above TL is originally from..
As for the crash cage de-valuing the bike completely? -that’s not necessarily true. In the past a lot of “original” un molested vehicles have had one form of modification or another and still retained the full value as a collector vehicle, thats part of the beauty of it, that when the new or first few owners at the time would not think twice as to the consequences of his or her actions will have 10,20 or 50 years down the line. The value really will lay in at what any one prospective purchaser would be willing to pay for it.. as I did for the actual bike in the pictures above.. Yes, two weeks ago I came across a craigslist add touting a TL1000r with ONLY 491 miles on her, 10 blocks away from my house here in Brooklyn.. I was skeptical at first but after seeing her in person going over her and seeing all the factory white marks still bright as day one, taking her for a five minute ride, I knew she was for real…
Thats where my bud comes in, he texted the link to this page today and I was dumbfounded.. I couldn’t believe my eyes… Yes, i checked the VIN, same bike, Just doesn’t have the crash cage or tool kit or the booklets, but she’s 98% showroom condition…
I am going to replace the fairings with OEM direct from Suzuki VS. repairing them but they will stay with the bike and Presto a flawless original super-bike..
” I had a 99 that was still pulling at 190mph before the float bowls went dry.” … Isn’t it FI, no floats involved. Lol!
Ooops, never mind…sorry.