- Suzuki TL1000R
Infobox Motorcycle
name = Suzuki TL1000R
aka =
manufacturer =Suzuki
production =1998 -2003
predecessor =
successor = Suzuki SV1000S
parent_company =
class =Sport bike
platform =
engine = water cooledDOHC 996 ccV-twin
transmission = 6-speed, chain
rake = 23 degree
trail = 3.6 in (90.6 mm)
wheelbase = 54.9 in
length = 82.6 in
width = 29.1 in
seat_height = 32.5 in (825 mm)
dry_weight = 434 lb (197 kg)
wet_weight =
fuel_economy =
fuel_capacity = 4.50 US Gallons (with a 1.2 gallon reserve)
related =Suzuki TL1000S
similar =Ducati 916 Honda RC51 Aprilia RSV Mille The Suzuki TL1000R
motorcycle was introduced in 1998 as Suzuki's V-Twin Superbike. Production ended in 2003.General background
The TL1000R is a [full fairing] racing-oriented version of Suzuki's popular TL1000S. The TL1000R was launched in 1998, one year after its sibling, the TL1000S. Unlike the TL-S, the TL-R was designed to compete in the World and American Superbike Championships, although it achieved only one race win before Suzuki pulled the plug on the TL racing program, in favor of returning to the lighter GSX-R750 as its Superbike entry. The TL-R took aim at Ducati's 916 both in the Superbike Championship and in consumer sales. The R shares basic engine architecture with the S but has special components including forged pistons, stronger connecting rods, and a much stiffer frame.cite journal |last=Port |first=Martin |year=1998 |month=September |title= On the Record: TL1000R Road Test |journal=Australian Motorcycle News |volume=48 |issue=6 |pages=41 |issn=1320-2103|accessdate=2007-02-17 ] The engine tweaks given to the TL-R made it known for its very good top-end horsepowercite web |url=http://www.mcnews.com.au/Testing/tl1000r.htm |title=Suzuki TL1000R - The Twin with a top end |accessdate=2007-02-17 |format=HTML |publisher=MCNews |language=English] (as compared to most V-twins that make better bottom end power). The TL-R was offered in Yellow, Blue/White, Black, and Red. Suzuki stopped production of both TL models in 2003.
Reputation
The TL1000R's sibling, the TL1000S, was widely known as a "widow-maker". [cite web|url=http://www.doctordanger.com/motorbikeroad/TL1000S.html|author=Ricky Mullis|publisher=DoctorDanger.com|title=TL1000S Owner's Report|accessdate=2007-04-08] Some riders crashed, and blamed the bike's instability. Although Suzuki claimed that they fixed this problem on the TL-R, the reputation stuck and Suzuki reported "sub-optimal" sales on both TL models. The TL1000R was also criticized by many in the motorcycle press for being overweight, and is faulted for its rotary damper rear suspension. Despite these set backs, the TL-R enjoys a strong almost cult like following amongst its owners, who take pride in their bike's history and uniqueness.
Specifications
All specifications are manufacturer claimed.
See also
*
Suzuki SV1000
*Suzuki TL1000S References
External links
*
* [http://www.mcnews.com.au/Testing/tl1000r.htm MCN AU Online review]
* [http://www.tlzone.net TLZone.net -- Largest TL1000R Message Forum]
* [http://www.tlplanet.com/forums TLPlanet.com]
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