Suzuki TL1000S Review 1997-2001 - History, Specs, Sound, Riding Impressions
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ส.ค. 2024
- In this 10th "Blast from the Past" episode, We're taking a look at Suzuki's fearsome TL1000S. After several European journalists were killed in "tank slapper" incidents while testing the TL1000S, it gained a reputation as being a widow maker. I owned a TL1000S shortly after it came out and will be talking about the history and specs of the TL1000S as well as giving my riding impressions of the bike. Is the TL1000S deserving of the title "widow maker"? Let's find out together!
I still have a 99 TLS with a 97 00 ECU that I daily. Hasn't given me any serious issues other than a dead battery the other day. I will never sell this bike, the sound and pulling up everywhere and having the only one is priceless.
Right on! That sound is beautiful. And they seem to be reliable as well. Truly a modern classic. Cheers!
Hey, what’s the deal with the ‘97 ECU? Does it “run/fuel better”?….I read somewhere that the ‘97 head design was the reason the ‘97 was so brutal in its power delivery…not 100% sure. If the ‘97 ECU does the trick…
Ah, my heart bike. I still want a 1997 TL1000, unmodified, no silly steering damper. I test rode one when they first came out (back in the days when dealerships would let you take new bikes out for a test ride) and I have never been so instantly comfortable on a motorcycle. I ended up taking it up into the mountains because I HAD to try it in the twisties...EXCEPTIONAL...it felt to me like it almost anticipated my thoughts. It just flicked through the corners, and I literally could not help yelling "WHEEE!" ever time I touched the throttle. Needless to say, the sales guy was freaking out by the time I returned it, and I was no longer welcome to test ride their motorcycles, lol. So worth it, though. I decided I couldn't afford it, and I regret that decision to this day. I test rode a new CBR600 after that, and it was so smooth and so refined and so well-behaved and so BORING that it almost put me to sleep. Made me realize how exceptional the TL 1000 was.
I always find it surprising when people say it's hard to get used to, or handles poorly, or doesn't inspire confidence. Coming from riding a series of big, tall, single-cylinder enduros (Suzuki DR600, etc), this bike, with it's high centre of gravity, low-end torque, and punchy, on-off throttle response felt absolutely familiar and predictable to me, and it really felt like I could instantly trust it when throwing it aggressively around corners at high speed. Like my old DR600, but reborn as a sport bike.
I honestly think the bad reputation this bike got was largely due to riders who were used to a smooth, high-revving, four-cylinder sport bike (like the CBR or Ninja or GSXR) with a completely different power band, and with a lower center of gravity, that handled like all four-cylinder sport bikes of the day. Most sport bike riders just found the TL 1000 too different, and had the wrong ingrained reflexes for riding it through curves, which could get you in trouble.
But in the end, I think that what an unmodified 1997 TL1000 needs is a rider with a LOT of estrogen. (Well, okay, I suppose a lot of testosterone would do, if you're a dude.) Aggression and perhaps just a touch of recklessness, anyway, regardless of the contents of your underwear.
Very true! If you're used to the on-off throttle response of a big single, the response on the TL would be familiar. I had a 1997 ZX-9R at the same time as my 1997 TL1000S (run without the steering damper), and I was so comfortable at speed on the ZX-9R and so uncomfortable on the TL. The abrupt power delivery and seating position of the TL were the main culprets for me, as well as the lack of front-end feel in comparison to the ZX-9R.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I ended up buying an almost-new 1996 Kawasaki Ninja 600R instead, with the purple rims, that I got a great deal on because a new rider had bought it and decided he didn't like motorcycling after about 3 months. It took me a while to get the hang of that bike. It was pretty comfortable for long trips, but had a seriously inadequate front suspension that limited how fast you could go through corners, so it wasn't comparable to a ZX-6R or 9R. More motor than suspension, and you were usually riding right at the edge of the bike's abilities. It was constantly wobbling and threating tank slappers in the twisties. That bike should have had a "widowmaker" reputation. Probably the only reason it didn't was because serious sport riders bought a ZX-6R. This bike was a bit of an odd duck, marketed to beginner riders, or riders who wanted a little more comfortable seating position, and I guess not many people really pushed it. Unlike a TL1000, which invites silliness, as someone else said.
@alanazon1 You're correct. The Ninja 600R was a holdover 1980's bike and, by 1996, quite outdated.
@@alanazon1my first bike was a beaten up 600r.. With an obscenely loud Vance and Hines exhaust.. But, I luckily got my TL several years later, after my local dealer didn't have any blue and white Gixxer 750s in stock, but they had one beautiful red leftover model year TLS, and after walking around it, and sitting, I knew I would love it.. I'm highly thinking about another one, it's the most fun, rambunctious motorcycle I've EVER had.. If I get another one I may go further and do actual engine building upgrades.. But mine with minimal mods felt, and beat so much faster bikes, at least spec wise.. My friend had a TL, the R model, and he couldn't outrun me no matter how hard he tried lol
@@jasonmorris3533 I know, right? I want to go find one and buy it! The unfortunate reality is that my back couldn't take that seating position for any length of time now.
Nearly bought one but bought a 2006 SV1000s instead. Loved it. Now back in Australia I'm picking up another SV tomorrow morning. Riding it back 700kms. Turn 80 next year.
Awesome! I hope I'm still riding at 80. I think riding keeps you young. Cheers!
80, wow. Good for you!
I agree with you. This is not a bike for everyone, she's not the "usual" jap bike easy to ride. She's a thoroughbred
Right on! It could be ridden fast, but I just wasn't confident on it.
I had one of these back in the day. My over riding memory, is that as much as you tell yourself that you are going out for a nice calm ride, the character of the bike seemed to compel you into being at least a bit silly. Loved it. Thank you for the review.
Right on!
Ah, judging by your moniker, you're a fellow denizen of the Lower Mainland. What I would have given back in the day for a chance to take a TL1000 up the Duffy Lake Road...and not just to Squamish once, lol.
@@alanazon1 Right on!
Your totally right it was a rocket it sounded like a helicopter with slip on d&d pipes on it. Sold it after a while the guy that bought it put a turbo on it and looped it. Sent my Tl to Suzuki heaven.
Had mine 18 yrs and full blast and love to bits
Right on!
got mine 2000 model 5 years ago. its got 79000 km on it .The Arrow carbon twin exhaust notes keeps it in my collection💯
They sound so mean with a nice exhaust system!
I got mine, a green one in August 1997, and almost 27 years later I still have it! As soon as an Ohlins rear damper kit became available, I fitted one of those and I have now removed the steering damper. Other mods included braided brake hoses, Heli-bars(slightly higher and wider), cf hugger. Despite the initial problems, eg fuel in the oil, leaking fuel tank, leaking clutch cover, slipping clutch - all now solved, I still love to ride it. From the UK.😁
Right on, Steve! You've been a loyal owner. The Ohlins is a tremendous improvement as are the other mods you mentioned. Did you do anything to smooth the power delivery (Power Commander, etc.)?
I believe it was remapped by the dealer early on as part of the recall to correct excess fuel being injected on the overrun, but the power delivery is still a bit like an on-off switch. Cheers.
@SteveTrockroll Right on. It makes it exciting, but tricky while cornering. Cheers!
Hey man, I’ll soon buy my first bike, a Cagiva Raptor 1000 which has the Suzuki tl1000 engine. I can’t wait!
Nice, that's a great engine!
To be honest, it's my fav bike I've ever owned..i had a red 99, which got knocked over by a guy in a dump truck.. So it became black, with factory 97 new fairings and tail section.. And new yosh fill header, carbon high mount cans, one down on the front sprocket,2 up on the rear.. And a good tune map on the power commander, and a k&n filter.. I had several friends with " faster bikes".. I weigh about 150, same as then.. None of them could really out run me very easily, except the Gixxer1000, or zx14s and of course the Busa.. But i never got left very easily.. It was so fun.. It wound up having a bottom end knock, after 3 years of almost daily riding.. Lol i was told it was from the oil pickup being dry while my front tire was always in the air too long.. But damn it was the ultimate hooligan wheelie bike.. And it's not a bad handling machine thru the mountains either.. Now I'm looking at used ones online suddenly😉
Right on! It is a wheelie machine! Cheers!
I ha a red '97 with D&D slip-ons that set off car alarms! Steel braided brake hose and modified fork internals helped too. Used to do a lot of track days on it and toured a good chunk of the US west coast on it too. It felt very different from the Yamaha FZR1000 I had before, with my initial feeling that it was a lot slower, but it has deceptive V-twin power that took awhile to get used to and was probably faster than the FZ. The TL was my favorite motorcycle of the many I owned, I just loved the feel and sound.
@@chrisblacklock9468 Right on! Thanks for sharing your experiences. It sounds like you clicked with the TL1000S. Cheers!
I’ve got one now. Replaced the rear damper, much more responsive handling. I never really thought about how letting off the acceleration would slow down so much but you’re totally right, it wants to kill the speed once you let off. I’m just use to it by now. Did a Saddle Sore 1000 on it, that was tough but fun :)
Right on! I'm sure the rear damper replacement was a significant improvement. A Power Commander can also help somewhat with the on-off throttle response (though it doesn't change engine braking). That long of a ride on a TL would be a challenge for sure! Cheers
Love your real world reviews, without any sugar coating.
Thank you! I definitely get flack for it at times.
Nice. Afer zx12r, I Owned a 97. Was impressed how engaging it was to ride. Amazing sound and vibrations. Also removed the steering damper. It had an ohlins rear shock. I used to track it. Surprisingly, I never had any issues or 'fear' with it. Perhaps the ohlins was the ticket. AM back riding a zx12r again, but would n't say no to another tl
I think the Ohlins and the fact that you had just stepped off the ZX-12R were contributing factors there. I hope to get to do a ride review of the TL in this video sometime soon. Cheers!
Replacing the rear shock with a standard conversion and a proper set up of front forks transforms the bikes handling and you can throw away the steering damper!
Full exh system, air filter and custom map produces a flouless motor!
Yea its few grand extra but well worth it!
Got a 97 green'y...my 4th since 99.
Right on!
Hi Jon, I just discovered that you made a video on the Suzuki TL1000S. Guess what; It turns out that I currently own a 1997 model TL1000S, Canadian model, green color just like yours!!
I bought it new back then and kept it since.Because I also own a Yamaha SRX600 as my daily driver, my TL still has only around 30000Km on the odometer.
When new, the bike was very prone to stalling; in many occasions just stalling abruptly while riding at slow speeds and low revs.Since then I made a few tweaks to get rid of this sudden- stalling problem.Among the things I did are; treat the engine with Microlon oil treatment additive, supposedly this treatment reduces the friction of the engine internal components; this procedure pretty much eliminated the stalling problem that the bike had. Fast forward few years and the bike started exhibiting some pinging and stalling.This time I replaced the in-tank fuel pump and I replaced the stock ignition coils with powerful Dyna coils and the problem disappeared.
Unlike many comments that are out there, I feel that my bike wrings out enough torque from as low as 2000RPM all the way to redline, and do not feel the abruptness of power that many people describe.
Just like your bike, my bike was retrofitted with steering damper at the local dealer following the test riders complaining about its handling. Just as you stated, this made the steering very heavy, so I removed the steering damper very soon after. I do not ride at fast pace (because I am not a good rider) , but removing the steering damper has not given me any problems so far.
Aside from the initial problems described above, the bike has been very reliable.
One thing I must note is the fact that my bike is extremely gas-guzzler. When used around town for commuting, the bike does only around 8~9Km/liter which equates to around 19~21miles/gallon.My Honda Fit (Jazz) with 1500cc engine and about 5 times the vehicle weight gets better mileage!!
Initially the bike's riding position was very forward leaning , very unbearable for my size. To alleviate this, I have installed a two Brothers clip on high rise aluminum alloy bars; And in a desperate effort to lower the seat height, I have removed the 2 round front cushion pads at the base of the seat, believe or not this made a significant difference on the reach to the ground.
Thank you for bringing the video about this bike.
Very cool! I love the green TL1000S. I'm surprised by the fuel mileage, especially since you don't ride it hard. I think the bar modification you did would improve the comfort quite a bit. Did you need to get longer cables or brake lines?
Thanks for the comment Jon. No, I did not need to replace the stock cables and brake lines; I wasn't able to rise the handlebars that much because it hits the front fairing; although it could have been nicer if I could rise the bars a little more.@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
@@76Datsun280zturbo Right on!
Almost purchased a yellow 2002 TL1000R. Thought it was a beautiful bike. But I was just getting back into riding and wanted something more comfortable and shaft drive. Enjoyed the video Jon and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!
Thanks Henry, you too!
This bike looks amazing, what a great piece of history. Thanks for the review Jon.
You're welcome Russ!
It’s beautiful, have the picture on my wall. Nice pics, thanks.
@@mygreatbigfoot1679 You're welcome!
In 2001 I was debating on a new TL100S or VTR1000. Went with the Honda VTR and loved it, ended up putting over 35K miles on it, enjoyed every one.
Nice!
VTR was a big softy!
Average engine and front end
I've looked at a few tl1000's and a few Honda Superhawks. I really like the tl1000, but the Honda VTR looks like it might be a safer more reliable option.
Very good review of the TL's - they are beautiful motorcycles (I think) despite their 'ŵidowmaker reputation' - enjoyed the video👍...
Thank you! I've always thought the TL was a great looking machine as well!
Re-visited your video .. I don't think I could have put it better ( in terms of how you describe the TLS ) ...
My own TL has been 'upgraded' over time (just a little) and has 'Maxton' rear suspension & some aftermarket enhancements, but she still 'fights you' on those corners and twisty lanes ... 🤣 ... The look & sound of a TL is something addictive ... and for an 'old motorcycle' still got a kick & exciting motorcycle to ride ...
Please view my TL walk around vids if you wish ... she's always 'evolving' ...
Kind regards 👍
@N J S Thank you for the feedback! It is my goal with each review to give an honest assessment of the bike. Hearing from a current owner that I accurately described their bike makes my day. The TL is still a good-looking, mean-sounging, bike and an exciting ride, as you said! I'll check yous out. Cheers
I want to get a TLS so bad. I already have the R. I need the full collection.
Right on!
I have a TL.
The TL needs mods to fix some issues !
For on-off throttle smoothness it needs an airbox mod (out with the flapper), a power commander or the likes, and for even more smoothness some form of coil boosters.
For handling a new rear shock set up is a must, adjusting the suspension sag front and back (change springs if needed).
And for comfort and steering, new slightly raised clip-ons (like helibars) which being a little wider increases leverage.
Right on! I'm sure those modifications would certainly help. I'm laughing out loud here because every TL owner has the same story - It works better if you just... then comes the list. It seems like we agree, as released from the factory, it was an exciting but difficult bike to ride quickly on with any degree of confidence. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I forgot the all important timing retard eliminator !
Bridgestone S22 works well with it.
And setting sag correctly front and rear helps to.
Cheers !
@@nanoffyourbesyness9577 Right on!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 As old as these bikes are, I'm a bit surprised that all of the bugs haven't been addressed/fixed. I'm looking at one this weekend that appears to be in almost mint condition for $4k which seems like a pretty good deal. I've seen them advertised for $3k, but they never last long enough for me to get there before they're gone.
@@shnarklevonbarkle110 Right on! They're still an exciting ride. Cheers!
The first time I heard one of these, I wanted one. Glad I didn't pursue that dream ! Nice review !
The good news is that the motor from the TL1000S found it's way into many newer Suzukis if you want to experience that beautiful sound without the "excitement" of riding the original. Cheers!
Hi I bought one of these brand new in 1997 fantastic bike I wish I hadn't sold it. I have owned two TLSs and two TLRs but I think the the TLS was the better bike.
Right on! The S was lighter and felt more exciting with its more abrupt fueling. It would be fun to do a back-to-back ride on each to compare. Cheers!
Nice review , i have a green 97 tls. All original even the brakehoses 😮
That's the color mine was. Definitely an exciting ride every time!
Ah, good man, leaving it all original! (Uh, well, maybe you want to have a good look at those brake hoses, lol.) I think it's the quirks that make this bike fun. If it's smoothness and forgiving handling you're after, why not just buy a well-mannered, four-cylinder Japanese sport bike, is my way of thinking.
@@alanazon1 I've ridden some great twin-cylinder bikes that make rapid riding accessible (several Aprilias and Ducatis come to mind). The TL just needed some refinement in the fueling and suspension departments. Cheers!
Have just bought a mint black 1997 with red v stripe and full HyperPro outfit for $ 1300.....
With Delkevic hi level exhaust. Will compare it with my 1994 Duc 900SS Nuda.
Will keep these two forever of course.
Sounds like you got a great deal there!
Bought mine Jan 07 , still got it , it's got a 790 duke for a stable mate and my sons 765 street triple r and 390 adventure aswell 😂
So cool 😎! You've got some other fun bikes in the garage as well. Cheers!
Had mine since 1997. First time I rode it back from the dealership it was snowing 😂
Still love it although it's had a few mods like a rear Bitubo shock to make it more fun.
Right on! The TL1000S is still a thrill ride!
I got a 2000yr tl,and it's made me a better rider.
They say whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger 😉. If you can master a TL, most other bikes will be child's play. Cheers!
I remember these bikes. It has a great engine.
For sure. I have ridden every flavor of Suzuki with the 1000cc L- twin (TL1000R, TL1000S, SV1000, SV1000S, both generations of V- Strom 1000). It is always entertaining and smooth above 3,500 rpm!
That green with gold wheels looks really sharp!
It is my favorite TL1000S color scheme.
They certainly are great looking motorcycles.
I liked them when they came out, and they still look good today!
I have a 97' TL1000s, I agree, the fueling is twitchy af.. It's either on or off. I have a power commander 3 and TRE mod installed, and I even changed the throttle tube to a longer throw to try to take some of the sketch out, but it's still tricky to ride smooth for me. I have several other mods I've done, but those are the main ones for trying to tame the throttle response.
* I'm not new to motorcycles, have thousands and thousands of miles in the decades I've ridden several different bikes ~
Right on. The TL is a very difficult bike to ride quickly safely. Certainly not a bike you can relax on. But it's always a thrill ride. Cheers!
Hey John. The TL Is that type of bike that wants to be ridden. I'm an ex owner of a TL and after a car accident I couldn't ride it anymore so I sold it to my brother to keep it in the family. Once you understand how that massive engine functions U can use it to your advantage especially when downshifting. But I did shit my pants when I First got it.
Right on! The TL is exciting to ride and can be ridden quickly once you get used to it. Cheers!
You hit the nail on the head.
Thanks, Philip!
Your welcome
What a beauty and great motor, those were a little top-heavy and the wheelbase was too short by a tad , I dont know about these but the same handling issues were even worse on the R but that motor is fierce.Can you work the bugs out so you have confidence on one?
That's a great question! I've gotten lots of feedback from TL owners that state, "If you just..." and then they provide a lengthy list of mods needed to get it to handle well. The abrupt on-off throttle fueling is a big contributing factor in the handling as well. Maybe you can work the bugs out of one, but you need to be committed financially to the project. They're not "bad" bikes reslly, being fairly reliable, powerful, and good-looking with plenty of "character." Definitely an exciting ride if not the most confidence inspiring. I'm hoping to do a ride review of one soon. Cheers!
La mejor descripción mil gracias🙏💕
¡De nada!
Never had one never had the opportunity to ride one.
I've had the 2001 SV 650 which was a little small for me at 6'3 but much lighter and easy to handle from the TL
Right on! The SV650 was much more friendly than the TL and much more popular as well.
One of Suzuki's best engines....
Ducati copied the Semi Gear Driven cam system.
It is a great engine. I wasn't aware of that 🤔. Cheers
Still looks fantastic to this day, and always fancied one. However I think you need to think hard and fast about the reality of the thing. It is at best unforgiving and at worst.... Still want one though.😂
Right on!
Never rode one but I’ve talked to owners and they get quite defensive when asked about their evil handling characteristics. They are certainly unique. When you talk about feeling like being thrown over the front.. have you ever ridden a Buell? I demo'd a Buell Cafe with the Rotax, horrible in that respect. I’m six feet. And just recently I rode my friend’s Lightning. I got off the thing after less than a quarter mile. It’s miserable to ride. It may be good for the track but for the street, forget it.
I rode the Rotax Buell sportbike, and it was a track-only position for my tall frame. If the TL1000S wasn't so abrupt with fueling, I might have enjoyed the handling more...
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Was there ever an absolute reason for the bad handling? I've read it was the rotary damper and that changing to a standard shock solved it.
@blipco5 I think it was a combination of factors. The wide rear wheel and 190 tire, the steering damper, the on/off power delivery, excessive engine braking, and high seat, low bars seating position, and an uncommunicative suspension/chassis. You could "solve" any one of these issues and still have a bike that wasn't confidence inspiring.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Good concept, poor execution. Iconic, tho.
@@blipco5 Right on! They weren't poor handling, just not confidence inspiring.
The boy that ya can't drop the gears hard 😮
It's a dog of a bike you have to dominate it, do not hesitate then it's a thriller to ride 😊
Until it bites you... but it is a thrill ride!
The TL1000S a much better bike than the big softy VTR1000
Performance wise, I agree 100%. However, I would argue that the performance of the VTR1000 Superhawk is more accessible to a wider range of riders. It's more rider- friendly and less likely to spit you off. Cheers!
I had Black one in 1998...
Right on!
What is tank slapping?
It's when the front wheel oscillates back and forth violently. Usually, from the front end getting light under acceleration in a corner (in the case of the TL1000S).
Mine the light switch is always on for me
Sounds like you got the right bike for you. Cheers!
The hr driving is to get the bike warmamd need to feel the power
The hr drive was for me to get warmed up and feeling brave enough to push the TL a bit. Cheers!
The whole problem was people tried to ride the TL like a sports bike!
Which it's %100 not
Now I am curious 🤔. What is the TL, if not a sportbike?
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 a unique motorcycle for sure
@@brianmilosevic8400 You can do better than that to back up such a bold statement. 🙂
@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 let's be honest
The TLS is not a tourer or sports bike
Sports tourer, maybe?
@@brianmilosevic8400 Given the committed riding position, engine output, styling, marketing (it was marketed as a sportbike), etc. I think it is fair to call the TL1000S a sportbike and judge it accordingly. Besides, it would get better marks as a sportbike than as a sport tourer. Cheers!
it certainly is a good looking bike.unfortunately looks are just one ingredient of many to make a great bike.
Right on!
ride 2002 tl1000r
I owned a TL1000R later. It was better in some ways. Cheers!
I owned the last yr Honda RC51. Loved the sound of the big twin and gear driven cams. But it was a harsh riding position. The TL looks like a nice bike. Sounds good with the D&D exhaust.
Enjoy watching you reviews. I'm 58 and have been riding since my first minibike (10 yrs old). Then my first dirt bike. 1976 MR250 Elsinore (7th grade). Then on to a myriad of street bikes.
Take care and keep going with the reviews. Thanx
Thanks Vince! I owned a first year RC51 at one point. It was the most committed race bike I ever owned - absolutely beautiful sound but brutal on the street ( like you said). It would be a good topic for a review...
Yes, it would be a good bike to review. They are rare. And yes, racing was the intent. Beat Ducati at their own game. Which they did.
My list of bikes has 3 manufacturers. Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki. 1 1976 Kawasaki 900. Which I turned into a dragbike. 4 Suzuki's, and the rest were Hondas. My father had 3 Hondas also. Brother had 2.
My father got me into bikes. He past away last March. So as a tribute. I purchased a 2003 Nighthawk 750. He always said. "You don't need more than a 750". The Nighthawk is my last bike. I think it's bike number 17.
Have a great day and be safe!
@vince jewart Those are some cool bikes Vince! Sorry to hear about your dad.
Thank you sir.
I rode my buddies RC51 for a day and it was a beast out on open roads and highways. The fueling was horrible in town and the seating position was painful for my 6’4” frame. However, I have never rode a bike with better handling and suspension during aggressive riding than the RC51. The brakes were ultra touchy, I locked up the front and rear wheel at the same time coming up to a light. I still felt in control though because of its amazing stability. Honda hit a home run with that bike for outright performance.
I still have 1998 model and i will never sell.
Right on!