Tl 1000?

[Argyle]

Can anyone tell me what he/she thought about the TL1000S or TL1000R? I want to buy one but I'm afraid i will be disappointed since the last bike i did ride were an GSXR 1000 k6.
Really want to own a sport VTwin, they seem to be really good on NZ roads.

[one fast tl1ooo]

Noooooooooooooooo WAY you wont be disappointed with a TL1000s

[Boob Johnson]

Noooooooooooooooo WAY you will be disappointed with a TL1000s
lol.

I enjoyed mine immensely while I had it. Really depends on what you are expecting I guess & the budget. Also depends on what work has been done to the TL in question.

There is a lovely 99 S on trademe at present, has done just 12k & has an Ohlins rear, that should be a nice bike :niceone:


The S is the road going version & the R was developed for the track.

S is 187 dry with 125BHP while the R is 197 dry with 135BHP.


Apparently the S is more collectible than the R, bit of a cult bike. The purest's will say the 97 S is the one to get, raw & untamed

[Elysium]

Or even better, get yourself a Firestorm.

[Squiggles]

S is 187 dry with 125BHP while the R is 197 dry with 135BHP.


Apparently the S is more collectible than the R, bit of a cult bike. The purest's will say the 97 S is the one to get, raw & untamed

<img src="http://www.mariposaderojo.com/Pics/TLR/Dyno/TLSTLRDyno1.jpg"></img>
S is green, R is red... done consecutively on the dyno by Caffeinated on the zone.
gixxer definately has more power but power aint everything! :scooter:

'97 S is a fun bike, too much for me in the end :yes:

[Boob Johnson]

Or even better, get yourself a Firestorm.
Someone wash his mouth out with soap! :bash:

[Elysium]

Someone wash his mouth out with soap! :bash:

I said Firestorm, not SV1000;)

[YellowDog]

There's a guy I see with one around the Takapuna area.

Enjoyed following him.

Nice looking bike.

[Sensei]

Yea K6 1000 Handling /brakes /power/suspension to a TL cann't be to much different there :whistle:

[Boob Johnson]

I said Firestorm, not SV1000;)
Could live with SV, just but no way in hell a FS :nono:

May as well be an IL4 with the power they have



Yea K6 1000 Handling /brakes /power/suspension to a TL cann't be to much different there :whistle:
All very true of course but is he going to be riding on or near the limit to get all that out of either bike? Is he looking for a change of pace?

[2much]

I had a K2 & K3 Gixxer thou before getting my S. Peak power ain't everything and the TL is still an incredibly fun bike with enuf power to kept things interesting and a hell of a lot more character. Have never tried n R, the styling put me off it.


Or even better, get yourself a Firestorm.

Bwahahahahahaha! Great tui ad.

[NighthawkNZ]

Can anyone tell me what he/she thought about the TL1000S or TL1000R? I want to buy one but I'm afraid i will be disappointed since the last bike i did ride were an GSXR 1000 k6.
Really want to own a sport VTwin, they seem to be really good on NZ roads.


Go take one for a test ride... the one I test rode I had to give back was to uncomfortable...but that was just me. Heaps on here will say they love, them... truly depends on what you want. A few other options are;


Suzuki SV,
Honda Firestorm (I had one for 3 years great bike... again some don't like the firestorm)
Honda SP1, SP2
Ducati ST4 or ST4s, 999, 996, 916 etc.

Depends on your budget, what you want and if you like the bike, and it meets your needs and riding style... got for a test ride and each to there own...

Most modern bikes are reliable and should have any major problems...

[Elysium]

Hmmm an intresting quote I found about the TL1000. :wari:

"Newbie riders should simply skip the TL and go straight to the morgue."

[AllanB]

Hmmm an intresting quote I found about the TL1000. :wari:

"Newbie riders should simply skip the TL and go straight to the morgue."

Just as I thought - a TL will make you stiff ......... :wari:

[Boob Johnson]

Hmmm an intresting quote I found about the TL1000. :wari:

"Newbie riders should simply skip the TL and go straight to the morgue."
That came about from a journo killing himself on one early days. A bad tradesmen always blames his tools :msn-wink:

[Grumpy]

TL1000S ..... for me, one of the few bikes out there with soul ...:love::niceone:

[Argyle]

I like the R version more then he S version actually.
Just that i did go for a ride with a guy, now this were a Ducati 996 but his riding did look more smooth along rural curvy roads then my GSXR 1000 K6.

The GSXR is really nice on the highway, but i always had to be really easy on the throttle when it came to rural roads, i were never able to use the bikes power.

Looking for a sporty VTwin, got the impression that they are a bit smoother on small rural roads, not as aggressive, like you are in a bit more control. Correct me if wrong!

[Elysium]

Audio aint that good but this guy carved up twisties on Rimutaka Hill on a V-Twin. Compared to my CB900 Hornet I used to have, the V-Twin has way more torque and you easily climb the steep hills with little effort.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPOYGIrUQQw&feature=related

[crazyhorse]

Huge difference between the bikes. SO it depends on what you want. The V-Twin sound and torque, or the GSXR faster bike.

I put a yoshi pipe on my GSXR and it sounds heaps better now - still not as good as a TL.

Our horse power leaves the TL for dead, so it then comes down to your riding ability. :yes:

I love the GSXR, but won't go to a TL. Mine is more comfortable and heaps better for riding etc. Although I have a K1 not a K6, so cannot compare those models.

Stick to the GSXR :woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

[Creeping Death]

I like the R version more then he S version actually.
Just that i did go for a ride with a guy, now this were a Ducati 996 but his riding did look more smooth along rural curvy roads then my GSXR 1000 K6.

The GSXR is really nice on the highway, but i always had to be really easy on the throttle when it came to rural roads, i were never able to use the bikes power.

Looking for a sporty VTwin, got the impression that they are a bit smoother on small rural roads, not as aggressive, like you are in a bit more control. Correct me if wrong!

Do you still have the K6?

[98tls]

I like the R version more then he S version actually.
Just that i did go for a ride with a guy, now this were a Ducati 996 but his riding did look more smooth along rural curvy roads then my GSXR 1000 K6.

The GSXR is really nice on the highway, but i always had to be really easy on the throttle when it came to rural roads, i were never able to use the bikes power.

Looking for a sporty VTwin, got the impression that they are a bit smoother on small rural roads, not as aggressive, like you are in a bit more control. Correct me if wrong! Ride both the S and R,the R is only 10kg heavier but in my opinion feels way more.

[Squiggles]

TL1000S ..... for me, one of the few bikes out there with soul ...:love::niceone:

Yes, soul is important.

[Argyle]

Do you still have the K6?

No I sold it before i came to NZ

[rocketman1]

Must say that I bought the SV1000S new, yoshis etc sorted the suspenders and it cranks and sounds real nice, has a 2 year warranty, which I havent needed at all, touch wood.
I have always had a soft spot for the TLS in some ways they look real better, and can look even better if modified, and seen a few great ones with lots chrome and wicked paint jobs, they real look and sound a million dollars.
I also love the GSXR1000's, I have a old 750, I just feel that the SV's power is so more controllable and the sound is magic, no baffles carving up tight twisty hill is just magic, the GSXR betters it handling power wise, but as someone prev. said power just aint everything, its the soul, the smile it puts on your face, the looks, not being vain, but many comments like, f**k that sounds f**en mean mate.
Always make me feel good, and that what motorcycling is all about.
I figured that the the difference power wise between the GSXR and the SV is in the 9/10 plus power range, and I am never riding at that pace.
Dont get fooled into thinking if you buy a real fast bike (GSXR) that you will use all the power, unless you are a bloody good rider, & I guess only about 5% of KBkrs riders would fall into that category,you wont be able to ride them to their true potential. I feel an SV, and i guess the TLS you can use alot more the power more of the time , they are more forgiving.
Must admit I have not ridden a TLS

[Argyle]

What about an Aprilia Mille, they have a bit more power, might be a better choice then the Suzuki Tl1000R but then i love Suzuki!

[javawocky]

Never been on a TL, but on paper the SVs is lighter, so might be a factor for everyday usage.

Rode a K4 GSXR :eek: and discovered rocket power. When I rode my SV I was hooked immediately, sound + character, so I bought it.

Get around to the bike shops and test ride all of them. Then decide.

[Bend-it]

Yup... comes down to budget... RSVs also fit the 1000 twin and look magic! errr... Buells? the 1125r isn't bad... I was abit ambivalent about it after test riding (better [to me] and more expensive than the SV though) , but lots of people rave about it...

Cagiva Raptor 1000? I have the 650, which is magic. Afew months ago, I test rode an SV thou and the Buell 1125r, jumped back on my bike and actually preferred it! Except for missing the extra 350cc... So I reckon the 1000 will be an excellent bike!

[Argyle]

Been looking at the Honda SP2, really like the style and motorcycle. Might be an option?

[SlowHand]

Had a K6 750, tried a TLS cos I got a softi (or is that a hardi) for one.

750 prob faster, but different feel in delivery. 1000 vs 750 power is a different story, so not much to compare, but from memory the K6 1000 handling is close-ish to the 750.

Gentle riding made me feel that the TL will be a wicked bike once I've feel for it, and trying to push it bit more. My humble opinion is get a TL or similar if you ride just to piss around. But stick to late models if you want effortless speed. Me, I'm convinced I don't want late model sportsbikes anymore. Most of which is faster/smoother is in the rider anyway. Im no <insert Fiat Yamaha rider here>

[Elysium]

Been looking at the Honda SP2, really like the style and motorcycle. Might be an option?

Remember the SP's were designed for the race track so I wouldn't concider them suitable for NZ roads. But proberly good if you mostly desire to tear up the twisties and stop at a coffee shop when you finish. :ride::drinknsin

[Insanity_rules]

I had a TL1000s as a loaner when my Duc was getting serviced. All I can say is its madder than a meat helmet. Little bit more torque than the doom bringer missile. I'm a v-twin whore though, just love the instant on of power. I find a nice big v-twin less work on the twistie bits and great fun for wheelies, burnouts and other juvenile stunts (Me? never!).

Downside is that kind of torque requires a little finesse at times but you get used to it. Bit different to using a big 4 in anger.

[Argyle]

I had a TL1000s as a loaner when my Duc was getting serviced. All I can say is its madder than a meat helmet. Little bit more torque than the doom bringer missile. I'm a v-twin whore though, just love the instant on of power. I find a nice big v-twin less work on the twistie bits and great fun for wheelies, burnouts and other juvenile stunts (Me? never!).

Downside is that kind of torque requires a little finesse at times but you get used to it. Bit different to using a big 4 in anger.

Since I've been riding inline fours all the time and been very ANTI v-twin engines I want to try a sporty V-Twin, but i don't want a motorcycle where the RPM ends at 7000RPM. Might need to look into a Mille perhaps? Can't afford a Ducati I'm afraid.

[vifferman]

Since I've been riding inline fours all the time and been very ANTI v-twin engines I want to try a sporty V-Twin, but i don't want a motorcycle where the RPM ends at 7000RPM. Might need to look into a Mille perhaps? Can't afford a Ducati I'm afraid.
How many of them are like that (apart from tractor-engined ones)?
From memory, the VTR's redline was 10.5 (or thereabouts). The thing I liked about the v-twin was the torque wodge (technical term) started at 3k rpm. Makes it very easy to short-shift and just ride the torque. It also makes for a relaxed-feeling ride, as although peak HP is still towards the redline, there's no need to rev it to make deceptively quick progress.
When I got the VFR (torque peak at 8k), I wondered why there was a hole in the power delivery at 3-4k rpm. There wasn't - it just felt like it compared to the VTR.

Funny thing about various engine configurations - the character of pwoer delivery feels quite different. I test-rode a brand-new CBR600 a couple of years ago, on my usual communtering route. It puts out roughly the same power as a VFR800. When I rode over the Harbour Bridge, I thought, "Man! This things sounds SO busy compared to the VFR!"
I was shocked when I looked down at the tacho and saw I was doing Eggs Zachary the same revs as I would've been doing on the VFR! I was sure from the sound of it that I would've seen a few thousand more.

[Elysium]

Aprilia Mille are great fun bikes, though disadvantage was cost of parts I understand? Though that could be for all Aprilia bikes ,as like Ducati's, they could be expensive to service.

Here's a good one that have done bugger all K's
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-175636729.htm

[Boob Johnson]

Since I've been riding inline fours all the time and been very ANTI v-twin engines I want to try a sporty V-Twin, but i don't want a motorcycle where the RPM ends at 7000RPM. Might need to look into a Mille perhaps? Can't afford a Ducati I'm afraid.
The TLS still pulls hard at high revs. Neither of the TL's end at mid range rev's. The R actually has two injectors per cylinder, the 2nd injector comes in for the 2nd half of the rev range so helps eliminate any lag or drop in torque.

[Sensei]

Aprilia Mille are great fun bikes, though disadvantage was cost of parts I understand? Though that could be for all Aprilia bikes ,as like Ducati's, they could be expensive to service.

Here's a good one that have done bugger all K's
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-175636729.htm

That is an 2002 Model not 04 very different bikes , The only dear thing about Aprilias is if you crash them . Done 50k on mine now & checked the shims for the first time at 40k from new & still Factory spec . Oil & filter / tyres > RIDE !

[Elysium]

That is an 2002 Model not 04 very different bikes , The only dear thing about Aprilias is if you crash them . Done 50k on mine now & checked the shims for the first time at 40k from new & still Factory spec . Oil & filter / tyres > RIDE !

Oh ok. Just when I was looking for my next bike I was told it's common to find used Mille's on Trademe because they are due for servicing or parts replacements and it is costly to do so.

But still that Mille at City Honda is nice.

[clauds]

I have heard good things about them???

[Argyle]

I have heard good things about them???

Yep, allot of people seem to like them.

[DEATH_INC.]

The RSV is a bloody good bike. They handle pretty well for an older model and make plenty of power in the higher rpm range.
The TL's' is a bit like the gixxer of the same era, a hooligan bike. They're heaps of fun if you're not worried about getting from a to b as fast as possible. You'll giggle like a schoolgirl every time you get on it.
Neither of them will come close to a late model thou in either power or handling, but on the road who cares?

[bryce]

i test rode a vtr looking to buy,they had a tls so tryed it for fun .loved it .so looking at a new bike tried an sv ,i now have a tls in the shed ,ended up with the 2000s and the 98r ,the r heaps of fun and handled will at hi speed not so great at legel speeds ,the s works will at most even legel speed ,the vtr was more fun than thr sv .was more ballaned ,easy to wheel stand, the tls r fell long in the front but you get over that quik,the tl r not so got to wheel stand as there a rush of power in the midde ranger that will put u on your ass ,same times feel it in corners ,almost put it down to a flat spot ,it had been a race bike ,the butter fly etc had been taken out of the air box etc etc ,it may have been runnig len .

[lankyman]

TL1000S ..... for me, one of the few bikes out there with soul ...:love::niceone:

Definatly!!....I am immensly enjoying mine. Like has already been said, TL's are not so much about peak power, there is just so much grunt everywhere in the rev range. Will leave a little to be desired in the handling department though after riding a K6.

["D" FZ1]

If you want a V Twin....

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers//auction-234419322.htm

["D" FZ1]

A Real Torque Monster....

[R-Soul]

Since I've been riding inline fours all the time and been very ANTI v-twin engines I want to try a sporty V-Twin, but i don't want a motorcycle where the RPM ends at 7000RPM. Might need to look into a Mille perhaps? Can't afford a Ducati I'm afraid.

The Firestorm has decent handling and weight, and great (ridiculous) torque. The only people that you will find criticising them are people that have never owned them. Find me one ex-'Sorm owner that does not like and respect them...
They rev to 10 - Dukes just a bit past at about 12. They are also real smooth at high revs. With aftermarket pipes they sound awesome - easily as nice as the TL. They have better build quality and handling than TL (without mods) although front forks a bit soft. And are cheap to service (unlike Duc's).

They dont have the power (i.e. at high rev's) of the TL - but then you dont use this most of the time on the road anyway - its all about torque and how quicly you can get to the sped limit (not what limit you can get to). The torque is downright frightening and it takes brave man to open that thing up full in first, second or third. Pure grin factor. An experienced rider will stay with anyone on the twisties, and an inexperienced rider will ride above himself on a Firestorm.

Riding V's on the twisties is pure fun. You only need second and third all day. You also get used to using the engine braking in lining the bike up for a corner. You dont use much brakes at all. You use the torque and throttle to change your corner line because the throttle response is awesome. Then you can focus on finding th perfect balance of bike and man for that corner. A Zen-like experience.

You also explode out of every corner (because you can!!).


And you can pick a decent one up for about 7k on Trademe. Vaue for money - unbeatable!

Convinced?

And

[R-Soul]

Oh and teh VTR has smooth linear torque dlivery at all revs - not like TL's that like to lash it out in a powerband (fantastic when leaned over in a fast corner in the rain).

[Munterman]

Horse for courses. Ive ridden a gixer k2 but never owned one. Ive owned a TL1000S about a year and love it. If you want a fun bike, comfortable to ride with plenty of character then the widow maker is for you it wont disappoint. TLS is a bit like the perfect woman with the body of baywatch and the manners of a whore but you cant help lovin her anway! Getting one with an Ohlins rear would be a good move.

However if you are wanting a low maintenance bike to thrash about to work or on weekends - just put petrol in and go, its gotta be a gixer....!

[BuzzardNZ]

Horse for courses. Ive ridden a gixer k2 but never owned one. Ive owned a TL1000S about a year and love it. If you want a fun bike, comfortable to ride with plenty of character then the widow maker is for you it wont disappoint. TLS is a bit like the perfect woman with the body of baywatch and the manners of a whore but you cant help lovin her anway! Getting one with an Ohlins rear would be a good move.

However if you are wanting a low maintenance bike to thrash about to work or on weekends - just put petrol in and go, its gotta be a gixer....!

+1, LOL, that's a classic ( and accurate ) description of a TLS. I've always been a fan of them, whores too for that fact ;)

[Elysium]

.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RctQnyppOX0

[Jinx3d]

I have had mine for 6 years now.

Unbeleivably reliable
Needs an after market shock to get the rear working properly
Runs out of breath around 10K rpm
Lousy fuel economy
eats back tyres, but rear brake pads last forever ha ha ha

If you can ride okay, you will have no problem keeping up with anything else.
Sounds beautiful, something an inline 4 can never do. (cross plane cranks excepted)

[98tls]

I have had mine for 6 years now

:facepalm:10 years for me and still love the old tart.:facepalm:

[Morepower]

Oh and teh VTR has smooth linear torque dlivery at all revs - not like TL's that like to lash it out in a powerband (fantastic when leaned over in a fast corner in the rain).

That power band especially on the 97 which had bigger intake ports is what makes it a bonkers bike . The torque curve goes almost vertical at 6500 rpm add that to a safe but twitchy frame geometry and it adds up to fun , lots of fun.
The VTR is like an SV with almost as much power as the TL in the real world but a smooth safe power delivery.

Getting a bit long in the tooth now so don't expect a TL to be trouble free , they are still pretty robust as long as they don't spend too much time with the front wheel in the air.
A well ridden TLS is tough to keep up with in the corners

Stock the rear shock is poo , belongs on a morris minor.

TLR's are showing their age styling wise , the S has timeless good looks , a bit like the Katana .

Also I am very one eyed when it comes to TL's :facepalm:

Conclusion

Most other 1 litre bikes = nice, smooth ,predictable, fast
TLS = bonkers unpredictable fun.. who cares how fast

[Juzz976]

That power band especially on the 97 which had bigger intake ports is what makes it a bonkers bike . The torque curve goes almost vertical at 6500 rpm add that to a safe but twitchy frame geometry and it adds up to fun , lots of fun.
The VTR is like an SV with almost as much power as the TL in the real world but a smooth safe power delivery.

Getting a bit long in the tooth now so don't expect a TL to be trouble free , they are still pretty robust as long as they don't spend too much time with the front wheel in the air.
A well ridden TLS is tough to keep up with in the corners

Stock the rear shock is poo , belongs on a morris minor.

TLR's are showing their age styling wise , the S has timeless good looks , a bit like the Katana .

Also I am very one eyed when it comes to TL's :facepalm:

Conclusion

Most other 1 litre bikes = nice, smooth ,predictable, fast
TLS = bonkers unpredictable fun.. who cares how fast

Disagree about the looks of the TLR, it also has a flat torque curve and very well behaved even on stock damper.
They're absolute Bonkers when your having a play too