TL1000 - 2000 model

[mbikeman1]

im thinking of getting one and selling my trusty gpz1000rx.i looked up the specs and seen that they are the same hp and was gutted.having ridden one i thought they would have been a bit more than 125hp.anyway what i would like to know is what are the pros and cons to these machines.i may end up getting the tl first and then sell or swap for a 250 for the wife to keep her happy as she sold her bike once she found out she was pregnant,so id like to get her another now she can ride again.thanks in advance

[BuzzardNZ]

the 97 model supposedly had more HP than the later models which I think was due to a slightly different ECU from 98 on.

The rear suspension sucks and should be replaced with an after market one.

TL's are getting on in years now, wonder how easy it is to get spares etc.

Other than that, a very fun bike that sounds amazing with an after market exhaust fitted.

Plenty of info on the net, might pay to check one of the many TL specific forums.

[Jinx3d]

I have a 99 TL1000S, I havent had any trouble getting spares, but then what spares are you going to need?
Mines done 85,000, I put in a new clutch pack and clutch cable and regular oil, filters and spark plugs.

I love mine. Sporty enough to stay with the gixxers in the twisties and comfortable enough to ride for 6 hours. Say no more, sold.
If you buy it, budget for an after market rear shock. It really does improve the bike no end. Fuel economy isnt that good, same as all big vee twins, who knows why...
TRE mod is a waste of time, but the charging system mod is easy and quick if it has the charging problem, (battery does not charge well because of corrosion in the loom)

[98tls]

Where to start remembering that its a tender old age these days,rear damper unit (if its still there) will be shot as would any damper/shock unit on a bike that age,inspect the damper mounting point for fine cracks well documented that they crack on the frame,swingarm bearings etc will be shagged,Suzuki barely bothered with lube there from new.Fork internals will need attention without doubt.Strong as hell motor though clearences need to be watched,naturally noisy and if quiet get them looked at.Had mine for many years with no plans to ever sell it,things are a riot to ride even these days.Forget the 97 v the rest bullshit,if you take the time to pull it all to pieces your far better off with the later model ones all things said and done.If you buy the thing head over to TLZONE.NET theres pretty much nothing you cant find about the TL over there.Post up some pics if and when you buy it eh.

[rocketman1]

I haven't owned one but I reckon there a great looking bike.
Lots of guys modify them with paint jobs etc.
They are getting on a bit so you may need to be able to do a bit of work on it yourself to save $.
The Superbike mag in the UK reckon they are a bike that has a bit of cult following and prices are holding good on them. Dont know about NZ though.
Good Luck

[grantnz]

im thinking of getting one and selling my trusty gpz1000rx.i looked up the specs and seen that they are the same hp and was gutted.having ridden one i thought they would have been a bit more than 125hp.anyway what i would like to know is what are the pros and cons to these machines.i may end up getting the tl first and then sell or swap for a 250 for the wife to keep her happy as she sold her bike once she found out she was pregnant,so id like to get her another now she can ride again.thanks in advance

Pros. Lovely motor, heaps of torque, grunty, likes to rev.
Cons. Big fat bitch, heavy as hell, average handling.
Brought a Ducati.
It's like the TL went to Jenny Craig and lost 40 kgs.
The TLR was better than the TLS.

[98tls]

Dont recall the TLR ever winning IBOTY,the thing might only have been 10kg or so heavier than the S but felt more like 50.

[Mad-V2]

The TLR was better than the TLS.

Now thats a lie
I've had mine 11 years with only one problem pop up, which was the dogs in the gearbox wore out due to too many wheelstands. Other than that, I've had alot of fun with it and will never sell it.

But buying a second hand one there is alot to consider which is why you should definitely check out TLPlanet or TLZone for all things TL1000

[Elysium]

Or get an SV1000?....hey why so quiet all a sudden?

[BuzzardNZ]

Or get an SV1000?....hey why so quiet all a sudden?

certainly beats a firestorm

[98tls]

Or get an SV1000?....hey why so quiet all a sudden?

Not a bad idea,there as cheap as chips.

[DEATH_INC.]

Or get an SV1000?

Yuk, Get a TL, either one...

[Juzz976]

ok so my 2c.

TL1000S 125hp
SV1000s 116hp
SV1000sz 125hp
TL1000R 135hp

the TL1000s was a bit of a wheelie monster so later models had timing retarded at high revs in lower gears (kindof like a soft limiter), the TLR has this aswell.
The TRE mod allows you to remove this retarding for the price of a 7c resistor.

I havn't personally ridden the TLS but was told by someone who's owned them that the TLR is superior on many levels.

The SV1000s I have ridden and difference to my TLR as follows.
Smaller pillion seat, more of a touring feel, less comfortable, does not corner the same and fair bit less grunt. They also do not have USD forks and without the fairings you get wet legs in the rain.

I'd like to add the SV1000S would keep almost up with a gixxer on road with amateur riders, however on track the gixxer would have huge advantage.

[Juzz976]

Now thats a lie

agreed, not was but is.

[DEATH_INC.]

so later models had timing retarded at high revs in lower gears (kindof like a soft limiter), the TLR has this aswell.

Sorry, gonna hi-jak this thread for a moment. This is a very common misconception. The timing retard only affects the first 3 gears, and only at partial throttle. Full throttle still gives full power in any gear.