TLS Questions

[Ham]

Hey I'm looking at buying a TL1000s in the near future but I would like to know how they compare to the VTR's? I prefer the looks of the Suzuki better and higher power figures but is there anything else I should be basing my opinions on? as the VTR's can be had a bit cheaper..

Also if I do go ahead and get a TL where do I buy a lower fairing for it?

[Teflon]

If you do a search, you will find shit loads of threads.

Buy a TL, VTR's are slow and boring.

[DemonWolf]

Welcome to the Site V2 Fan....

=)

[DMNTD]

Welcome mate. :niceone:
I am bias but get yaself a TL-S or R. Wicked fun sports tourer :headbang:

[Ham]

Thanks guys, yeah I have been searching and came accross some good info and problems to look for.


Any ideas on the fairings?

[DemonWolf]

Me personally.. wouldn't have a clue.. but if ya find out.. sure to post it up =)

[Ham]

Well looks like I've been talked into a TLS

Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...Get a TLs...

Thanks TLS rider :niceone:

[DMNTD]

Subtle as a brick eh? :whistle:
Nah mate get want tickles ya bits I reckon :niceone: Nothing better than a decent growl out ya pipes though :eek5:

[DemonWolf]

hahaa... good one... =)

[spudchucka]

I've had a 2000 VTR and a 1999 TLS. The VTR is more user friendly, the TL is much more nutty and more fun but can catch you out if you relax too much.

[Ham]

Subtle as a brick eh? :whistle:
Nah mate get want tickles ya bits I reckon :niceone: Nothing better than a decent growl out ya pipes though :eek5:

Yeah I took one for a ride the other day and I loved it, my previous bike was a NC30 VFR400, I jumped on the TL thinking it would be a whale and man was I wrong! the thing felt more nimbe than my 400 but the sound is what really sells it to me :woohoo:

So now I'm frantically looking for a fariring source... I'll post what I find

[DMNTD]

I've had a 2000 VTR and a 1999 TLS. The VTR is more user friendly, the TL is much more nutty and more fun but can catch you out if you relax too much.
Aint that the truth Spud! Got binned fully off my last one. :mellow:
As long as you remember that they aren't a gixxer or whatever you'll be right. :niceone:
Why a fairing?

[Ham]

cos they look porno

[dss3]

you can get a lower fairing from "just farings" in hamilton. I thought about getting one on mine, but liked it the way it looked personally.

[yamama]

I agree the lower fairings do look great. Im new to the site too, seams everyone is really helpful.

[S&S]

Howdy,

If ya looking for a big fun V-Twin like a TL's, then why not go the whole hog & get the face eater of a TL'R already with full fairings & a few more tricks in the bag :devil2: ?

[cowpoos]

Thanks guys, yeah I have been searching and came accross some good info and problems to look for.


Any ideas on the fairings?

lower fairing...www.sportsbikesnz.co.nz

Get the TLs....1st thing to buy....ohlins rear shock....2nd thing....ohlins [or similar adjustable steering damper] third thing to buy...fork revalve and spring..... then maybe get your fairing....

Get the handling sorted...you have been warned...

[cowpoos]

Howdy,

If ya looking for a bike fun V-Twin like a TL's, then why not go the whole hog & get the face eater of a TL'R already with full fairings & a few more tricks in the bag :devil2: ?

coz they are fat and heavy...and smell funny...and are no faster...well topspeed they are...but not quicker... :devil2:

[Grumpy]

Marty has an awesome TL for sale PM him. The best looking fairings ( I reackon) are ex UK. They are made by the same outfit that make the fairings for the SV's you see around. I saw them in a catalogue that Suzuki UK put out and got one shipped over. Looked hot. Thats the same type that Marty is wearing on his.

[saul]

I agree the lower fairings do look great. Im new to the site too, seams everyone is really helpful.

Mate your pic is outrageous. Where did you get that from :yes: :banana: :banana:

[S&S]

My mate just got a VTR, damn nice bike, sounds great, handles & goes well. Worth considering.

[Unit]

Subtle as a brick eh? :whistle:
Nah mate get want tickles ya bits I reckon :niceone: Nothing better than a decent growl out ya pipes though :eek5:
I KNOW, and I can confirm the rubber that gets spat in my face everytime the throttle gets wound on, they do chew through back tyres a bit, but we think we've got that sussed. The sound is awesome, I know, cause Im the one that right behind it (or try to be). Dont like all the decals, but that can be sorted. Oh, and you can set off car alarms, great fun on a Friday night :headbang:

[S&S]

coz they are fat and heavy...and smell funny...and are no faster...well topspeed they are...but not quicker... :devil2:

I would just love to disagree.... but just can't be bothered :)

V2 Fan, take em both out for a spin & decide for ya self!

[Ham]

Mate I would love one but funds won't allow at this stage

[Ham]

a tlr that is

[loosebruce]

I'm not biased at all, buy a freckin TL, no offence to VTR firestrom owners, well apart from markNZ, but they are slower, suspension is even worse than the TL's, look bloody boring and ugly to boot and are bloody boring to ride, compared to a TL, what else.............. Honda, but in saying that at least it aint a duke :Pokey: .

I've had two TLS's and my current one has taken some fair abuse alright and it's still mint as, right off the showroom floor, errr sort of. But a stonkin good fun bike, not worthy of the rep some people give em, on the road they handle sweet, the track you can find it's limit's, some people spend thousands trying to sort, i just brought a GSXR1000K3, and then that broke down, fuck.

When the time comes and you8're looking, there are many a good deal out there, if you need someone to have a squiz at a TL for you up in the upper end of the north island, give me a yell, i'll help you out any way i can.

[cowpoos]

I would just love to disagree.... but just can't be bothered


lol...best book one of those last spots on the KB trackday 18th dec [ http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=19434 ] and I'll see ya there bud...

Ps:TLR look bloody nice in that colour scheem... :done:

[APPLE]

apple here?i had my TLS 4 3years 97 model b4 i took my eyes off the road and ended up the ass of a 4rd explorer?the japs make good machinery man?u cant go wrong with there vtwin engines man?ive spent $$$$ on my TLS mabe its a waste of time and money,but it did everything i wanted it 2 do,tourqe,punch outta corners,sound of 2brothers pipes,everything?but now i have a TLR?ok not as good as the APRILLIA or DUCATI.....but :whocares: this will keep up with them all TLRS are tuned 2 do 300k any way so ive heard from a suzuki dealer.....TLR "poor mans ducati"................APPLE OUT :done:

[S&S]

apple here?i had my TLS 4 3years 97 model b4 i took my eyes off the road and ended up the ass of a 4rd explorer?the japs make good machinery man?u cant go wrong with there vtwin engines man?ive spent $$$$ on my TLS mabe its a waste of time and money,but it did everything i wanted it 2 do,tourqe,punch outta corners,sound of 2brothers pipes,everything?but now i have a TLR?ok not as good as the APRILLIA or DUCATI.....but :whocares: this will keep up with them all TLRS are tuned 2 do 300k any way so ive heard from a suzuki dealer.....TLR "poor mans ducati"................APPLE OUT :done:

:headbang:

[cowpoos]

apple here?i had my TLS 4 3years 97 model b4 i took my eyes off the road and ended up the ass of a 4rd explorer?the japs make good machinery man?u cant go wrong with there vtwin engines man?ive spent $$$$ on my TLS mabe its a waste of time and money,but it did everything i wanted it 2 do,tourqe,punch outta corners,sound of 2brothers pipes,everything?but now i have a TLR?ok not as good as the APRILLIA or DUCATI.....but :whocares: this will keep up with them all TLRS are tuned 2 do 300k any way so ive heard from a suzuki dealer.....TLR "poor mans ducati"................APPLE OUT :done:

300kmph....WTF ??? your local suzi dealer has delusions of gradure...lol

[DMNTD]

300kmph....WTF ??? your local suzi dealer has delusions of gradure...lol...and ya coin! :argh:

[loosebruce]

300kmph....WTF ??? your local suzi dealer has delusions of gradure...lol

Bullshit mate, i had 295kph on my TLS down the back straight of puke in the wet, mind you i was geared down 2 teeth on the front :whistle:

[cowpoos]

Bullshit mate, i had 295kph on my TLS down the back straight of puke in the wet, mind you i was geared down 2 teeth on the front :whistle:

I saw a motorbike test on the net somewhere....they were doing topspeed runs in one of the tests...tlr did 274 [5 or 6 can't exactly remeber] through a speed trap on a USA airforce runway...at sealevel

[loosebruce]

I saw a motorbike test on the net somewhere....they were doing topspeed runs in one of the tests...tlr did 274 [5 or 6 can't exactly remeber] through a speed trap on a USA airforce runway...at sealevel

yea i've only ever heard of somewhere in the 270's for the R's and mid 60's for the S, really at the end of the day, a shithot rider on the S will destroy an average rider on the R, the difference between them is sweet FA.

[cowpoos]

yea i've only ever heard of somewhere in the 270's for the R's and mid 60's for the S, really at the end of the day, a shithot rider on the S will destroy an average rider on the R, the difference between them is sweet FA.

yeah I thought you were just shit stirring...lol

Ps:doesn't TLs have better power to weight ?

[loosebruce]

yeah I thought you were just shit stirring...lol

Ps:doesn't TLs have better power to weight ?

Nah mate not shit stirring, seriously read 295kph, but read on and being geared down 2 teeth, and having the speedo driven off the countershaft sprocket, it reads faster and you need a yellowbox to fix it etc etc, cost money, cant be arsed, really the bike was prolly doing 245kph flat out. Not much use at puke when a sorted 400cc can hit near on 235-40kph. But for wheelies :devil2: only you gotta watch the chain doesnt start chewing into your swing arm, and it does place more stress on the chain being a tighter raidus to turn, but at $20 for a front sprocket, it's the cheapest way to daft wheelies even if only for a little while.

[S&S]

TL'S 2000 Specs - http://www.bikez.com/bike/index.php?bike=375

TL'R 2000 Specs - http://www.bikez.com/bike/index.php?bike=376

VTR 2000 Specs - http://www.bikez.com/bike/index.php?bike=251

:done:

[DemonWolf]

Mate your pic is outrageous. Where did you get that from :yes: :banana: :banana:

Yeah have to agree with Saul... very intersting Avatar pic there ya got :devil2:

[DemonWolf]

Goin up to Auckers for Xmas.. how many of you guys would be keen to take me on one of your routes? Would prolly be up round 23rd - 7 Jan or there-a-bouts... and wouldn't mind meeting some TL riders =)

[inlinefour]

and bugger anyone elses' opinions, there are plenty of them around here :argh:

[BurnCycle]

Go with the TLS then…

1. Grab a set of brakes from a TLR or Busa or ZX12 as well as the master cylinder.
2. Find a Bitubo dealer and swap out the rear suspension and steering damper.
3. Do some work to the forks.
4. Head over to TLPlanet.com and get ready to become a poor man.

At the end of the day a lower would just cover what makes this bike sex.

[Ham]

Yeah you are right... that looks gorgeous!! I think black is the colour to get

[cowpoos]

Yeah you are right... that looks gorgeous!! I think black is the colour to get

I know where a really nice looking black tls is....drivin past it heaps....

T&V motorcycles 06 379 7887 and ask for tony...[he's the owner operater real top guy] they have just become a yamaha dealership in carterton in the wairarapa...10mins from me...can go take some pics if u want dude?

[Damon]

My Cousin just bought a TLR on tuesday and i happily got to ride it out to puke for him, i wasn't that impressed at all, the steering was nasty at slow speed, no good for in the city, the seating possition was really high and the front end was far to hard, it did have good mirrors though and was fast but there was no feeling when i nailed it, it was like, oh.....i'm doing 150 already.... where as on the VTR it's like "Hell yeah! here we go".
I've also heard of the front end peeling away from the frame on the TLS after a bit of hard wheelie abuse so if your new to wheelies i'd be carefull with the S.

Take a couple for a ride and see what you think, the VTR is a nicer ride but doesnt quite have the power as the other two, the TLS is dog ugly and possibly dangerous if you abuse it and the TLR is so so sexy but is more of a race machine.

[TLDV8]

I've also heard of the front end peeling away from the frame on the TLS after a bit of hard wheelie abuse so if your new to wheelies i'd be carefull with the S... the TLS is dog ugly and possibly dangerous if you abuse it and the TLR looks like a plastic maggot.

Your right both ends of my black TLS fell off
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v63/manurewa/RatAttackk.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

Thats why you need a spare one :bleh:

<img src=http://photos.imageevent.com/tldv8/tlsetc/websize/TL1000S%20_Small_.bmp.jpg>

[Damon]

The black one is starting to look good, bad luck about having a second Calf shit yellow one lying around :bleh: :dodge:

[DemonWolf]

What do you mean by the front end peeling away??

[TLDV8]

What do you mean by the front end peeling away??

some TLS's (most likely 97's) have been known to get cracks in the steering head casting.

[Damon]

some TLS's (most likely 97's) have been known to get cracks in the steering head casting.

If you dont notice the cracks, when you come down too hard the front end just streches away and the bike ends up looking like a chopper and your riding on the engine, not all that common but something to be aware of

[wendigo]

WRT TLS v. VTR

One thing - fuel injection. As far as I remember the early VTR's didn't have it. I don't know whether the later models have it (though thinking about it they must do for emmisions regs), but whatever, if you're buying a VTR second hand, it might not have it. The reason I bring this point up, is because I've spent far to much of my life pissing about setting up / cleaning / fixing / balancing carbs, so this was quiet a large criteria when it came to buying a new bike. There's also the the fact that EFI theoretically gives better fueling hence power, efficiency etc.. Saying that, the TL was one of Suzuki's early efforts, so the above argument is (definitely) maybe void.

As for the argument of TLR v. TTLS, the TLR is bigger, heavier but more powerfull. 6 of one, half dozen of the other. TLR is more expensive though.

If you're going to go down the path of modding your pride and joy (i.e. getting the suspension sorted etc.), the TLR could be a better bet. The R being that bit bigger means that you can replace the separate spring & damper units with a conventional shock, wheras with the S, the space for the spring unit is narrower, meaning a conventional shock won't fit & the spring and damper units have to remain separate. This is the one gripe I have with my TL, as the stupid bastards put the damper unit about an inch away from the hottest part of the bike.

Just my 2c.

Somewhat of topic, does anyone know where I can get good brake disks over here? The ones I have will probably fail their next WOF. As I originate from Ireland & still have family over there, I was going to get a nice set of PFM cast iron numbers sent over. However if anyone knows where I can get similar over here, I'd be much appreciative...

Oh & finally, a lower fairing on a TLS??? Oh God no, there's just not enough beer in the world to make that look good!!

[S&S]

[QUOTE=TLDV8]Your right both ends of my black TLS fell off
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v63/manurewa/RatAttackk.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">


Thats a nice lookin TLS in black TLDV8, I love the rear wheel & swingarm.

[BurnCycle]

If you're going to go down the path of modding your pride and joy (i.e. getting the suspension sorted etc.), the TLR could be a better bet. The R being that bit bigger means that you can replace the separate spring & damper units with a conventional shock, wheras with the S, the space for the spring unit is narrower, meaning a conventional shock won't fit & the spring and damper units have to remain separate. This is the one gripe I have with my TL, as the stupid bastards put the damper unit about an inch away from the hottest part of the bike.
Hence the Bitubo unit I mentioned before. It is a conventional shock that replaces the spring-on-a-stick and rotary damper.

Bitubo...
http://www.mariposaderojo.com/Pics/TLS/03May05/Bitubo_RightSide1.jpg

No damper...
http://www.mariposaderojo.com/Pics/TLS/03May05/Stealth1.jpg

[cowpoos]

The R being that bit bigger means that you can replace the separate spring & damper units with a conventional shock, wheras with the S, the space for the spring unit is narrower, meaning a conventional shock won't fit & the spring and damper units have to remain separate. This is the one gripe I have with my TL

acctually...separating damping and spring forces is ideal...that way you can have perfectly tuned linkages for the springs only...the shock doesn't need and shouldn't need tuned linkages... That is why the ohlins kit leaves the spring in its current place...unlike penske and maxton...Biturbo is a better comprimise than the later two....the ohlins kit plus a 750-800lb spring up grade would be Ideal [800lb if you raise the ride hieght 5-15mm...because changed angle of swingarm lowers the leverage on the linkage for tls]

CP

[TLDV8]

Lindemann in the U.S do a 800lb spring also (fwiw)

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v63/manurewa/Lindemann.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

[wendigo]

Hence the Bitubo unit I mentioned before. It is a conventional shock that replaces the spring-on-a-stick and rotary damper.

Bitubo...
http://www.mariposaderojo.com/Pics/TLS/03May05/Bitubo_RightSide1.jpg

No damper...
http://www.mariposaderojo.com/Pics/TLS/03May05/Stealth1.jpg


I stand corrected. 'Scuse me while I put on my little pointy hat with a big 'D' on it, and go stand in a corner.

How do you Bitubo it? Was looking at the Ohlins damper & spring upgrade, but I'm not sure I can really justify getting it

[BurnCycle]

How do you Bitubo it? Was looking at the Ohlins damper & spring upgrade, but I'm not sure I can really justify getting it

As mentioned by cowpoos having a separate set up makes for one hell of a suspension... on paper. Since the original concept of the TL's suspension was a progressive linkage on the spring and linier rate on the damping I was worried how the damping characteristics would be with the whole thing sitting on the progressive linkage with the Bitubo unit.

After many km's and a few track days now under my belt with it I can say that it's not a concern at all. The rotary damper use to almost eject me out of my set under harsh conditions (big bump). With the Bitubo unit compression and rebound can be properly adjusted for a change and those adjustments can be felt. Nothing I ever did to the rotary damper made a difference.

Just recently I had the TL's suspension looked over by Art Diaz who is a professional rider for Buell motorcycles here in the States. His initial reaction was 'there may not be much we can do for a bike with limited adjustment'. At the end of session I had backed off some preload, added a click more compression and back off the rebound half a point and ended with a 'that feels pretty damn good'. Unfortunately the track day ended before I could go back out and test the new set up but I can tell a difference between the before and after just with everyday riding. Something I could never feel with the stock suspension.

But is the Bitubo the end-all-be-all. Nope. But it is the only conventional and readily available shock on the market. For other options check out this thread on TLPlanet...
http://www.tlplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7465

[wendigo]

I stand corrected. 'Scuse me while I put on my little pointy hat with a big 'D' on it, and go stand in a corner.

How do you Bitubo it? Was looking at the Ohlins damper & spring upgrade, but I'm not sure I can really justify getting it

Crap! that was suppposed to read 'How do you rate the Bitubo (un)it'. Still, you answered the intended question. Cheers.

[loosebruce]

Ya know i'm sick of people bagging the the handling of the TLS, i've left both mine stock as is out of the box, adjusted damping/preload to suit front and rear, i fully admit the handling is not upto GSXR spec, but it would be a gsxr if it was!!!! But apart from the odd waggle and rear steeping out i've never had issues with mine and i can haul along at a fair rate of knots, ask anyone who rides with me, i'm not the fastest rider out there, but i'm sure as shit not the slowest. I've always wondered what it would be like to take a fully sorted TLS out for a blast to see the difference, but in my books for the average rider there is nothing wrong with it. (even with a snapped shaft in the rear shock :done: )

[DEATH_INC.]

I'll vouch for the awesome handling of LB's special TLs,I took it for a few laps of taupo last time we were down there and it blew me away how good it was,even with a buggered spring unit it still outhandled the Gixx,sure it wobbled and shook a bit but it was bloody great. :niceone:
Dunno 'bout 'em loosing front ends either,they'd be the most abused bikes out there next to the srad gixxers,and I've never heard of this.If it was gonna happen it'd have happened to LB....

[Teflon]

Ya know i'm sick of people bagging the the handling of the TLS, i've left both mine stock as is out of the box, adjusted damping/preload to suit front and rear, i fully admit the handling is not upto GSXR spec,

I agree mate. 99% of the riders out there who knock the TLS are riding no where near the limits.

[TLDV8]

I agree mate. 99% of the riders out there who knock the TLS are riding no where near the limits.

WTF does that have to do with anything ?..feel free to tell us about your TLS ownership experiances?

[saul]

:dodge: :corn: :corn:

I have had a couple of TLs's and though I am not that great a rider, if I did have the expendable cash I would have swapped that rear shock out, only because that is what I enjoy doing, I like to tinker.

I only had one fairly nasty crash on the TL and I would put that down to me :whistle:

I can't say that I ever pushed the TLs hard enough to ever be that concerned about the damper unit. I did do a track day at Taupo and did some fairly tidy times (after a while)

I did break a rotary damper down and drilled it out for a bit of fun :niceone:

4 I's in a row :crybaby:

10c worth

[cowpoos]

Ya know i'm sick of people bagging the the handling of the TLS, i've left both mine stock as is out of the box, adjusted damping/preload to suit front and rear, i fully admit the handling is not upto GSXR spec, but it would be a gsxr if it was!!!! But apart from the odd waggle and rear steeping out i've never had issues with mine and i can haul along at a fair rate of knots, ask anyone who rides with me, i'm not the fastest rider out there, but i'm sure as shit not the slowest. I've always wondered what it would be like to take a fully sorted TLS out for a blast to see the difference, but in my books for the average rider there is nothing wrong with it. (even with a snapped shaft in the rear shock :done: )

well if you get lucky I might let you do a few laps on my TLs at taupo....YOU WILL HAVE A DIFFERENT OPINION THEN....

for me the before and after were a huge difference...you don't need to ride around the TLs faults...u pick a line...bike rides that line...want to alter line...mid corner...I alter the line...I can feel more....I can feel the grip better...so well...on friday I was scraping my footpegs [on the tls] at the hairpin at taupo...and it still had more to give...I just didn't have anywhere to put my foot so I couldn't go faster....lol....another guy there had a zx6rr race bike with ohlins sus on the rear [probally re-valved front...not sure] I was faster out of the sweeper and along the straight [because I presume I had higher corner speed out of the sweeper]...a hell of alot faster through the left hander and through the hairpin...after that...he was quiker through the right hander and the S's to the sweeper...because its still a farking heavy bike to muslce through the S's...and he was carring shit loads less weight [I had full road gear,lights electric,etc on] and we had a similar HP output...we were laping at the same times...

[loosebruce]

Mate if you're lucky you can get a go on mine :banana:

But it may be sold by then and chances are the K3 wont be fixed, so i'll most likely be GSXR600 mounted, maybe! Otherwise you'll al be fucked coz i'll be on my pushbike then.

[Teflon]

WTF does that have to do with anything ?..feel free to tell us about your TLS ownership experiances?

Had the pleasure of riding a brand new 98 TL around for over a year (owned by my father). I had no probs with the handling, and i pushed fairly hard.

I can remember magazine journalists knocking the handling of the TLS, from then on every homo was paroting what they wrote.

I've seen your TL before, is it restricted?

[cowpoos]

Mate if you're lucky you can get a go on mine :banana:




lucky.....LMAO....I'll be to scared to ride in-case somthing falls off or it shits it self...lmao :2thumbsup