TL1000R or not?

[Juzz976]

Well I've been out test riding bikes last few months and have decided I quite like the TL1000R.

I can get a good deal from the shop I got my current bike on their TL-R (35,000 k)

Sacrifices I shall have to make to buy the bike I want -
Will need to push bike to work as I will sell our second car and will no loger have my commuter bike. I wont be able to ride it everyday like I ride my current bike :bye:

Ok so what I need to know is Can I afford to RUN this bike: Can you help?

Tyres how many kms will I get out of a $280 rear and $200 front
Fuel - How many kms per L
Any other consumables/maintenance/issues particular to these bikes.

[Gibbo89]

Well I've been out test riding bikes last few months and have decided I quite like the TL1000R.

I can get a good deal from the shop I got my current bike on their TL-R (35,000 k)

Sacrifices I shall have to make to buy the bike I want -
Will need to push bike to work as I will sell our second car and will no loger have my commuter bike. I wont be able to ride it everyday like I ride my current bike :bye:

Ok so what I need to know is Can I afford to RUN this bike: Can you help?

Tyres how many kms will I get out of a $280 rear and $200 front
Fuel - How many kms per L
Any other consumables/maintenance/issues particular to these bikes.

MPG km/litre litres/100km Max tank range Realistic tank range
Average 43.2 15.4 6.6 252 km 237 km
Best 56.7 20.2 4.9 344 km 324 km
Worst 33.0 11.8 8.5 200 km 188 km

check out the tyre thing on

http://wotid.com/tls/content/view/32/51/

hope this helps

[DMNTD]

Ok so what I need to know is Can I afford to RUN this bike: Can you help?

Tyres how many kms will I get out of a $280 rear and $200 front
Fuel - How many kms per L
Any other consumables/maintenance/issues particular to these bikes.

Re tyres...who really knows? Between 1000kms and maybe up to 10,000kms?
Petrol...depends on your right wrist mate.
Keep an eye on your chain tension and keep clean and lubed, should last 30,000kms????

Hard one to answer as it truly depends on how you want to ride it.
I've had 4x TL1000S's...you need to own one! :shifty:

[Toot Toot]

I had a '98 TL1000R for a few years. The subsequent models were exactly the same other than some colour changes so dont believe people that tell you they have a 2000 model, they are all 98's just different colour schemes.

With regard to tyres, of course this all depends on your riding style, but the TLR was notorious for shredding rears even with an "average" rider at the helm. Two reasons for this, firstly the sheer grunty torque going through that rear and the tyre trying to provide some grip for the pulsing mass of power it is being delivered. Secondly is the type of rear suspension on TLR's...the Rotary Dampner. It was something Suzuki tried and it didnt really work, hence you will rarely see a standard suspension setup on these bikes these days. They handled like a water buffalo on steroids. A change to Ohlins full setup or the like will elimunate that problem though.

I used to get 5000km out of a rear on a good set of tyres. Less if I done a trackday or two, morre if I pootled about after getting speeding tickets etc.

Fuel is the same... pootling around to work etc the fuel light would come on at about 250-260 kms. Riding crazy Coro GP stylz would see 160kms before the light. It is an 18 litre tank.

My advice BUY THIS BIKE.. it is awesome and I regret selling mine. Just loved the power, the sound. You will not care about getting tyres or it's milage, if you do it is not the bike for you.

Hope this helps.

[Juzz976]

Yeh thanks, the tyre thing worries me as I've got 10,000 km on my last 3 rear tyres @ $145 so if I go through twice as many at twice the price....

I'm pretty well sold on the bike tho, I loved it even tho some of the I4's were fantastic.

[DMNTD]

Yeh thanks, the tyre thing worries me as I've got 10,000 km on my last 3 rear tyres @ $145 so if I go through twice as many at twice the price....

I'm pretty well sold on the bike tho, I loved it even tho some of the I4's were fantastic.

As the mad ambo suggested....once you start riding it you'll simply just not care too much about tyres etc.
In saying that...I'd recommend say PR2's front and rear. Should get quite good kms out of those. Watch your tyre pressures and they'll last.
I know of a guy that got 18,000kms out of his rear tyre on an RF900 running PR2's.

[Edbear]

If tyre life is an issue, just buy a C50T. I'm at 27k and still only half-worn on the original tyres... :yes:

[Juzz976]

If tyre life is an issue, just buy a C50T. I'm at 27k and still only half-worn on the original tyres... :yes:

Nahh that'd be too crazy, I'd sure kill myself on one of those....and not just on purpose

[Edbear]

Nahh that'd be too crazy, I'd sure kill myself on one of those....and not just on purpose

...:bleh: :spanking:

[Juzz976]

Not to say its not a nice bike or theres anything wrong with them, its just I've ridden similar bikes and come up to a corner and realised 'woah #$@%, forgot I need to go real slow round the corners. I'd forget and it'd be over, its my curse actually.

[Edbear]

Not to say its not a nice bike or theres anything wrong with them, its just I've ridden similar bikes and come up to a corner and realised 'woah #$@%, forgot I need to go real slow round the corners. I'd forget and it'd be over, its my curse actually.

Yup, I found it didn't take long to discover that going from a GSX600F to the C50T required a somewhat different cornering style... LOL!!! Got used to it now of course..

[Lurch]

Well I've been out test riding bikes last few months and have decided I quite like the TL1000R.

I can get a good deal from the shop I got my current bike on their TL-R (35,000 k)

Sacrifices I shall have to make to buy the bike I want -
Will need to push bike to work as I will sell our second car and will no loger have my commuter bike. I wont be able to ride it everyday like I ride my current bike :bye:



I have two questions> What price are you being offered it for? And why the hell couldn't you commute on it? I commute on my SV and it's fine for it.

[SMOKEU]

Re tyres...who really knows? Between 1000kms and maybe up to 10,000kms?


Not if you do skids!

[Juzz976]

I have two questions> What price are you being offered it for? And why the hell couldn't you commute on it? I commute on my SV and it's fine for it.

They want 9k for it and will trade me FZR for $3500 which is $1500 more than any other shop has offered.
Their service is good, the guys really look after you unlike other shops around here which is why I go to them even though I have to pass 5 other shops to get there.

Commuting - waking neigbours up, clocking kms, running costs and depreciation are all factors I Should consider.

[Lurch]

They want 9k for it and will trade me FZR for $3500 which is $1500 more than any other shop has offered.
Their service is good, the guys really look after you unlike other shops around here which is why I go to them even though I have to pass 5 other shops to get there.

Commuting - waking neigbours up, clocking kms, running costs and depreciation are all factors I Should consider.

Well the neighbours will be able to sell their alarm clocks as you will be providing a free wake up service with your new ride, and anyway who really gives a damn.

BUT if I was you or me or someone who thought like me I would not even consider an aging TL for 9k and instead pick up an SV or similar with many less years and KMs for 7k and just flog the FZR for whatever you can get.

Even if the SV doesn't float your boat there are a fair few modern bikes to choose from in the 7-9k market if you look around.

[Juzz976]

I like full fairing bikes and the TL is a damn good looking bike.

yes a more modern bike with lower kms is the sensible thing to do, however I do believe these bikes are more likely to depreciate quicker as you add kms to them.

I am partial to the more upright naked sports so maybe test ride some of them.
I test rode many bikes and never thought I'd go TL, it wasn't untill the dealer insisted I take 1 for a squirt that I changed my mind.

[Reckless]

Commuting - waking neigbours up, clocking kms, running costs and depreciation are all factors I Should consider.

The other factor is the jump from a 250 to what is a very grunty 1000.
As I understand it they mellowed the SV1000 quite a bit from the TL1000R.
Look I'm not one of these guys who's gonna get on here and start preaching to you

BUT

I have convinced my son to go from his 250 to a 650/675, he likes the Sv with the full fairing or the 675 triple. In the long run I think he will be a better rider if the learning curve goes from pushing a 250 along, to pushing a 650, to pushing a 1000 along.
You can actually inhibit your skill by going to big to fast IMHO. In the end, on the road, the modern 600 is probably faster in most areas (other than flat out in a straight line) than most thous anyway.

My opinion would be save some money on tyres, fuel etc buy a 600/650/675 and go just as fast, have as much fun and get more respect by your riding buddies saying "he does alright on that 600 doesn't he?"
IMHO you'll be a better rider for it two years down the road.

Shit sorry just an old fart ranting but I felt it had to be said, my 2c anyway?

OH BTW the tl1000r is one of those bikes you will pay a premium for you will probably get a lot more modern bike, requiring less upkeep for your money if you go with the above.

OK I'll shut up now LOL!!

Good luck!

[Kornholio]

Did the TLR come out with the rotary damper as well? I thought was only on the TLS... Ive never had a close look

Have ridden one and giddy up that had some balls.. felt like being on my bike but with a twin instead of a 4.... very easy to pull looooooooooooooooooong wheelies :)

[Squiggles]

I'd say they're asking a bit much, maybe if it had all the fruit (Ohlins, pipes, low k's etc) it'd be 9k...

[DMNTD]

I'd say they're asking a bit much, maybe if it had all the fruit (Ohlins, pipes, low k's etc) it'd be 9k...

Valid point...however another way to look at it is that he was offered $2k+ more by the dealer therefore...yada yada yada

[MaxCannon]

5,000km from a rear, jeez

The M3 on the back of the BMW has just clocked up 10,000 km and is about due for replacement.
This includes 4 trackdays and some spirited riding.
According to the spec sheet it's 13hp down on the TLR but has 6NM extra Torque.

[DMNTD]

5,000km from a rear, jeez

The M3 on the back of the BMW has just clocked up 10,000 km and is about due for replacement.
This includes 4 trackdays and some spirited riding.
According to the spec sheet it's 13hp down on the TLR but has 6NM extra Torque.

I'd be wrapped to get 5000kms out of a rear tyre!

[doc]

I quite like the TL1000R.

Sacrifices I shall have to make -
Will need to push bike to work as I will sell our second car and will no loger have my commuter bike. I wont be able to ride it everyday like I ride my current bike :bye:

Ok so what I need to know is Can I afford to RUN this bike: Can you help?





:blink: Maybe you can't afford it. 6 months down the track when the novelity has worn off.

[98tls]

TLs are pretty hard on tyres and gas,i bin my rears after 5000km generally.Both the S and R will need swingarm bearings etc looked at by now if they havent already been done,Suzuki didnt exactly go overboard on lube from new.Rear suspenders will be buggered if still oem.Both had a crap fuel pump gasket so inspect for any seepage under tank as it will eventually leak.Not trying to put you off,i love mine (S) and have had it 10 odd years.If you buy it enjoy.

[Juzz976]

So wouldn’t that ‘premium’ be a non-depreciable component of the bikes value.
Would that not say, hey people actually want these bikes.

I’m not really jumping from 250 to 1000, I only got my 250’s to get my licence on.
Prior to that I have ridden road bikes/driven cars for the last 13 years with around 20 years of trail riding.
Different story to a 17 year old jumping from a 250 to a 1000.

I’d be happy with 5,000 k on a tyre, which is realistic because I consider myself to be a rather conservative rider.

Novelty may wear off, can't argue that. Although its very unlikely and even if so I'll just trade it in on a I4 of similar value.
The whole commute thing on that bike is I don't want to use up the kms of a GOOD bike rolling 3.5 kms to work and back in 50k zones.
I'd save those kms up for weekend rides and the push bike/sell car is for fitness/save money for other stuff.

[98tls]

Just a thought,if you see an S than theres no harm in taking it for a ride eh,there only 10kg lighter but onboard it feels way more than that.Not to mention that on the S you wont look like your riding round with a Platypus sticking out your bum.:shutup:

[Kornholio]

I'd be wrapped to get 5000kms out of a rear tyre!

You'd be wrapped to get 5000k out of a bike :sunny:

[Lurch]

The whole commute thing on that bike is I don't want to use up the kms of a GOOD bike rolling 3.5 kms to work and back in 50k zones.

True, 3.5k isn't even a commute that is a walk.

[Reckless]

I’m not really jumping from 250 to 1000, I only got my 250’s to get my licence on.
Prior to that I have ridden road bikes/driven cars for the last 13 years with around 20 years of trail riding.
Different story to a 17 year old jumping from a 250 to a 1000.

Many apologies my friend! I shouldn't have assumed only young fellas where on 250's! my mistake:shit:

Secondly unless you are a TL enthusiast that's a lot of money for an older bike. To give you a guide my SV1000 cost me under 5K ( there's some pics on KB somewhere?). I need to fix a dent in the tank but the rest is not bad. I just made my own tail tidy and got a new bubble screen. Although I don't really like the way it handles (still a work in progress) its a cheap enough run about and it goes like stink in the mid to low upper range!

[Latte]

I've just gone from an NSR250 to an RSV1000 and althought there's a lot more power, I don't feel overwhelmed by it. I've a similar riding history (15+ on dirtbikes, road on and off for 5+).

I would commute on the TLR (yes even at 3.5k) - I'm commuting on the RSV, and i did on the NSR. The wrists/back adjust to the position over time and squirting through traffic can be entertaining (Loooove the VTwin rumble echoing through town).

You're only getting older, have some fun now , can always sell it and get something more appropriate later on.

Short Version: If the bikes not a heap then buy it :D

[neels]

Go the pushbike, by the time you've got your gear on and started the bike you will have cycled the 3.5k's to work.

Having said that, I've just bought an ST2 (could be worth a ride for comparison purposes?) and I'm quite happily commuting on that, a bit further than your 3.5k but I don't think the novelty is going to wear off any time soon.

If you've done your homework and you like it, buy it, as long as you're not going to take a big hit if you change your mind and sell it. The cost of ownership is going to be similar for any other thou if that's the size range you're looking at.

[marty]

Not if you do skids!

wtf would you know? On a TL, 1000km out of a tyre on solely road riding before it's fucked is quite easily acheivable with no burnouts at all.

[marty]

Many apologies my friend! I shouldn't have assumed only young fellas where on 250's! my mistake:shit:

Secondly unless you are a TL enthusiast that's a lot of money for an older bike. To give you a guide my SV1000 cost me under 5K ( there's some pics on KB somewhere?). I need to fix a dent in the tank but the rest is not bad. I just made my own tail tidy and got a new bubble screen. Although I don't really like the way it handles (still a work in progress) its a cheap enough run about and it goes like stink in the mid to low upper range!

I agree - $9k is a shite load for a TLR.. there was a mint SV1000 with Yoshis on here for around $6k.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/125674-2007-SV1000S.-Keen-on-trades-swaps-deals-Oh-and-cash...?daysprune=30

and here's a fully sorted TLR still for sale:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/123511-For-Sale-99-Suzuki-TL1000R?daysprune=30

[SMOKEU]

wtf would you know?

I know that I have fucked brand new tires without even putting a single km onto the (working) odometer.

[marty]

just confirms you're a fucking idiot then

[doc]

I know that I have fucked brand new tires without even putting a single km onto the (working) odometer.And you moan on here that you cant afford petrol for your bike? and want to buy a van...next youll be asking for a free mouse for your puter that doesnt work. :laugh:


Not into guns are ya?

[SMOKEU]

And you moan on here that you cant afford petrol for your bike? and want to buy a van...next youll be asking for a free mouse for your puter that doesnt work. :laugh:


Not into guns are ya?

It helps when you have a mate who works at a tire shop who is keen to exchange tires for alcohol.

Guns....gotta have guns.

[Capinure]

What about the Honda SP1/SP2? Grunty vtwin like the TLR, sexier too :yes:!

[bucket boy]

I'd be wrapped to get 5000kms out of a rear tyre!

you be wrapad to get 5000 ks out of a bike dumptydo

[Juzz976]

What about the Honda SP1/SP2? Grunty vtwin like the TLR, sexier too :yes:!

They cost more and havn't been able to test ride 1 here,

Spotted a couple of RSV1000's that I'd be keen on, still not being able to test ride is a pain

[BuzzardNZ]

Did the TLR come out with the rotary damper as well? I thought was only on the TLS... Ive never had a close look



both the R and the S have the crappy rotary damper.

[st00ji]

And you moan on here that you cant afford petrol for your bike? and want to buy a van...next youll be asking for a free mouse for your puter that doesnt work. :laugh:


Not into guns are ya?

i particularly like his guitars, appear to be from rock band / guitar hero games :love:

[frogfeaturesFZR]

Got an RSV, just love it. Fabulous bike, fun to ride, handles well, sounds great.

[Latte]

They cost more and havn't been able to test ride 1 here,

Spotted a couple of RSV1000's that I'd be keen on, still not being able to test ride is a pain

Taken my new RSV out for it's first "proper" ride yesterday - 250k through sh16, Mangawhai, Woodcocks, Waiwera. Can't wipe the grin off my face :D Go the twins!

Jumped back on the NSR to go get Fish and Chips and felt like I was riding a PW50 :(

There's a good priced VTR up here in aucks (8k) but it's been down the road by the looks.

[Juzz976]

I'd only go 4 the SP1 or SP2 but just a bit out of the price i want to spend and not many around.

Hopefully an RSV comes up for sale round here soon. Definatly keen on a twin since been on a sewing machine for that last 2 years.

[Latte]

Yeah I meant SP1 - trademe ads expired unfortunately, was all black with no stickers.

[Animal]

Did you end up buying the TL-R then?

[Juzz976]

Not yet, I plan to very soon. I've got my car for sale now and am selling it at good price for quick sale.

Bugging me that its not mine yet

[Juzz976]

At last the beast is mine!:rockon:

I pickup on Sat and riding to Auckland and back from Tauranga on sunday.:scooter:

Awesome bike and awesome deal and great service from Adrenalyn Mount Maunganui.

Tomorrows gonna be the longest day ever..........

[DEATH_INC.]

Nice work. You won't regret it, they're a cool bike. :woohoo:

[Creeping Death]

At last the beast is mine!:rockon:

I pickup on Sat and riding to Auckland and back from Tauranga on sunday.:scooter:

Awesome bike and awesome deal and great service from Adrenalyn Mount Maunganui.

Tomorrows gonna be the longest day ever..........
Noice!

Like someone said earlier,take it easy on the corners,TLRs seem to have a habit of wanting to run wide.

Enjoy!

[Juzz976]

yeh at 197kg dry, add my 80kg, tank of gas, 51L Ventura pack. Probably wont turn as quick as some bikes.

Just looking forward to not changing gears all the time again really...





and the sound.

[trailblazer]

congrats on the new bike. MMMMMMMMMM Vtwin rumble is music to my ears. :woohoo:

[DMNTD]

yeh at 197kg dry, add my 80kg, tank of gas, 51L Ventura pack. Probably wont turn as quick as some bikes.

Just looking forward to not changing gears all the time again really...

and the sound.

It's all about its set up man. I found that running Pilot Powers helped a great deal in 'quickening' its turn in plus having a tutu around with the suspension/ride height helped gratuitously

[98tls]

yeh at 197kg dry, add my 80kg, tank of gas, 51L Ventura pack. Probably wont turn as quick as some bikes.

Just looking forward to not changing gears all the time again really...





and the sound.

No idea whats on the rear but if a 190 when time for a new one try a 180 or 190/55.

[Juzz976]

No idea whats on the rear but if a 190 when time for a new one try a 180 or 190/55.

I tried a 180 Dunlop dual compound, was real soft on the sides and balled up something terrible. It was a great tire but I ended up with more rubber in the middle than the edges.

I've now done 14,000km on it and only used up the rear and front that came with it and the 180 dunlop + a wee bit of a new dunlop front.

I've now put a harder rear(190) and new front on.

New mods to date - New fairing kit (black + silver), TRE mod, remove clutch switch bypass, new forks, integrated LED mirror indicators & powder coated some bits.

[Madness]

Pics please....

[Juzz976]

Reluctantly I'm posting pics, I would have preferred to wait untill I had finished this years mods.

http://s1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa414/Juzz976/?action=view&current=DSC01002.jpg
http://s1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa414/Juzz976/?action=view&current=DSC00998.jpg
http://s1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa414/Juzz976/?action=view&current=DSC00999.jpg
http://s1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa414/Juzz976/?action=view&current=DSC01001.jpg

[98tls]

Looking good fella (not often i say that about an arghhh)."this years mods" :niceone:ive been saying that for 11 years re my S,never ends:weird:

[Juzz976]

Just finished off the Dunlop Q2 190 55 this week, was a nice tire plenty of cold grip and even wear (apart from the few xmas burnouts.)

Will be fitting another Q2 this week.

work on bike since last post

New Suspension bearings
Oil filler port for the SOAS
New fork oil
Painted the rear cowl black
Tail tidy (just hacked up, will have one of these soon http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-PLASTIC-SUZUKI-TL1000R-TL1000-TLR-BLACK-UNDERTAIL-/290585085909?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item43a83887d5
Gap tray removed and relocated reg & rectifier
Fixed exhaust leak with tinfoil and fire gum :woohoo: forth attempt on that and no bikefires for 3 weeks

Still need a new rear shock... after market one if anyone has a used one going at a fair price.

[DMNTD]

Still need a new rear shock... after market one if anyone has a used one going at a fair price.

I heard a rumour that a shock from a R1 ill fit. I have one from a 2006 R1 that I'm happy to flick off if it would work and if ya keen.

[98tls]

I heard a rumour that a shock from a R1 ill fit. I have one from a 2006 R1 that I'm happy to flick off if it would work and if ya keen.

Pretty sure the R1 and R6 shock only works on the S mate,theres a bloke on the TL site that sells the brackets to go with it,may be wrong but ive never seen it done,pic of R6 shock with brackets for the S fwiw.

[Juzz976]

It goes in but I fear the spring rate is much to soft. Stock is 8.6kg and I need around 17-19kg :brick:

http://www.tlzone.net/forums/suzuki-tl1000r-tl1000s-forum/129935-r1-shock-into-tl1000r-2.html#post1699328

[Juzz976]

May have spring sorted if I can somehow pull some money out of thin air. :violin:

[98tls]

May have spring sorted if I can somehow pull some money out of thin air. :violin:

Said that a few times re my own TL mate,fear not you will get there in the end.How much are they wanting for the spring?

[Juzz976]

Said that a few times re my own TL mate,fear not you will get there in the end.How much are they wanting for the spring?

$135 nz + shipping or $75 AU inclusive. I got laid off work the day before I was due to go back from breaking my ankle, hopefully I get some holiday pay next week and I can pay 4 it.

Still need to find some work though :(

[Juzz976]

Oh and I will also need to re-valve it too, not sure on that cost as the R1 uses an overall 2:1 swingarm:shock ratio and the TL is closer to 4:1.

Not sure on that cost as yet.