Tweaking the TL

[BurnCycle]

This is such a fun bike to play with. So far I’ve thrown on a set of ’03 TLR forks, ZX12R calipers (TLR master cylinder), Kevlar lines as well as all sorts of other debris. The latest go around includes a new rear shock from Bitubo that eliminates the rotary rear damper with a convention shock, a TLR swing arm modified to fit the TLS and a caliper from a 01 GSXR 1K.

I’m currently working on installing the Bitubo. I started last night and got all the stock components removed. The new Bitubo has a remote reservoir that makes installation interesting at best due to where it mounts.

Anyway… I’m having a lot of fun with this bike and thought I’d share.

http://www.mariposaderojo.com/Pics/TLS/Plate/Plate2.jpg

[Motu]

We played around with a TL a few years ago - big bore kit,cut the frame and tucked in the steering head a bit then put a set of KT250 forks on,turned out a really nice bike - but still lacked grunt.Then last year I got my TLR and it sure was a big improvment over the TL,but it's still taken a lot of work to iron the bugs out - but what I really want is a TLR250,serious grunt there!

[marty]

well done motu. i wondered who would be brave enuf to cut and reshape a frame...

[DEATH_INC.]

Looks good....hows that shock going?

[Grumpy]

Great looking bike. I've got a bit of a soft spot for TL's. I had 2 of them in the past. Had to change to a more "old prick" friendly riding position and give my elbows a rest, hense the GSX1400, but I do miss that V-twin
My second one I tried a Ohlins damper unit. Massive improvement. Let us know how you find the new unit.

[Morepower]

We played around with a TL a few years ago - big bore kit,cut the frame and tucked in the steering head a bit then put a set of KT250 forks on,turned out a really nice bike - but still lacked grunt.Then last year I got my TLR and it sure was a big improvment over the TL,but it's still taken a lot of work to iron the bugs out - but what I really want is a TLR250,serious grunt there!

KT250 forks ????

Are we all talking about the same machine ??

[pete376403]

Doubt it - the KT250 I know of was a Kawasaki trials bike

[Deano]

Have you considered a power commander?

I got an extra 10 HP on my SP-1 - matched the K&N to the pipe nicely and get 10% better fuel economy (not that I worry too much about fuel economy, but then agian lately........)

[BurnCycle]

The Bitubo is in.. What an event that was. Nothing serious, just a royal pain to complete. I just got back from a 160k ride. I stuck with back roads I knew and some I had just ridden last week to make an accurate comparison... Thing is, there is no comparison. A few of the bumps I knew as 'ejection bumps' were absorbed and the bike didn't even twitch. Running around twisties the bike felt composed and when the road surface changed the composure didn't. I did have one unnerving moment when the rear slid out but again the big bike kept its cool and rode through it.

Deano,
I picked up a Yoshimura R421 box (aka YAFMS), so I can play with the settings for the Suki FI as well as any one else in the area with a Suki (non 32bit FI's). It's not as fine as the PCII but does the job.

The work area...
http://www.mariposaderojo.com/Pics/T...o/BBitubo1.jpg
http://www.mariposaderojo.com/Pics/T...o/BBitubo2.jpg

Installed...
http://www.mariposaderojo.com/Pics/T...o/BBitubo5.jpg
http://www.mariposaderojo.com/Pics/T...o/BBitubo8.jpg

[Motu]

KT250 forks ????

Are we all talking about the same machine ??

TL was always a Honda trials bike,the TLR was the updated 80s version.

[duckman]

Thats a nice setup you got here fella, but I gotta ask, with all those TLR parts why didn't you just buy a TLR ...

[Ghost Lemur]

Not only is that one super nice job you've done so far, but that is one seriously kitted garage you got there.

Congrats all round.

[vifferman]

So what's the guts with the Bitubo? Does it just bolt in where the spring goes, and the rotary damper gets binned?

If you want some serious performance enhancements, you should try a smaller helmet. That there huge one must create an enormous amount of drag.

[slob]

Nice one mate! Makes me wish I hadn't sold off my '98 TLS. Your's looks like a post 2000 model? I heard that after '97 Suzuki electronically restricted the engine in the first 4 gears to prevent "accidental" wheelies. Apparently there's some wires that need to be snipped to derestrict it...

[duckman]

Nice one mate! Makes me wish I hadn't sold off my '98 TLS. Your's looks like a post 2000 model? I heard that after '97 Suzuki electronically restricted the engine in the first 4 gears to prevent "accidental" wheelies. Apparently there's some wires that need to be snipped to derestrict it...

Or you can install the TRE - Timing retardant eliminator!!!