Here's Why The Suzuki TL1000R Was Forgotten...
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The TLR had it's day, but Suzuki let the bike down. Don't get me wrong, it is an awesome bike (hard to knock any V2 SUPER BIKE). And I actually REALLY like the TLR. But the RC51 competition and Suzuki totally abandoning it made us forget about it... and that is just too bad in my opinion.
RC51 is better in every single aspect, but you made the video like how bad Suzuki was compared to Honda. It really was, but this bike is a Legend on its own, and many of us like that bulky appearance of TLR. Nowdays bikes are so small that makes me angry because you look like a Bear riding bicycle.
Thanks for another solid history video. Looking forward to more videos from you.
Agreed! Id take the rc51 any day sp1 or 2
It is because they were busy with the GSXR that every squid is on now. In sales, they are selling really good as well!
donmlaaden I personally like the old sport bikes because they are large compared to today's bikes. I am 6ft3 and own a vf1000f honda. Its like a sport tourer its so big compared to todays bikes
I actually happen to love the looks of TL1000R.
I just posted the same comment!
I like them too, but more for the nostalgia. It's dated now.
@@HeroRR I would argue that it's holding up pretty well. With just few aftermarket parts it can look absolutely awesome.
Update the headlights and it is a thing of beauty👌
I actually think it's one of the best looking bikes of its era. I would definitely love to own one.
TLR was one of the last big displacement bikes with soul. When you ride one, you don't care about final numbers or even race wins. Just the experience alone is a win, each and every single time. There is a die hard cult following behind these bikes, not because of statistics, but because they are just that much of a blast. Dyno numbers don't compare to butt dyno. Race statistics don't compare to the sense of dominance which comes from straddling one of these while it thumps. The noise and power delivery of the TLR are absolutely unparalleled. The RC51 is more refined because Honda put so much more money into that project and therefore it has all the race wins. But the TLR is a riders bike, unforgiving, unapologetic, confident, poised, focused and ready.
I had the 1997 TLS with the "widow-maker" tune, and a fully tuned 2001 TLR. TLR will always be my Eleanor, no experience has paralleled it. Not the fastest at the track, but by far the most fun on a solo ride. And its body lines are timelessly beautiful, regardless of youtube dude's opinion.
You are totaly right, thx for good text 👍🏻
Honda was so smart they released a watered down pre-version (street friendly) of the RC-51 in '98, the VTR SuperHawk. I still own mine. Just to make it clear, Honda purposely released a potentially appealing to the masses machine, before they destroyed Ducati's 8 year dominance when they unveiled the RC-51. The obvious handling issues of the TL in corners, were why it was destined to the dustbin.
I also had a 1997 S with a few good mods and the usual suspension upgrades. It wasn't a full-on mental project bike but it was incredibly fun and carried me through countless trackdays. I bought a KTM 1290R while I still had the TL-S, and a couple of years later sold the KTM while keeping the TL-S. I never would have guessed the TL-S would be the one to stay! Best bike I ever owned. It could do it all, from touring to 9/10th track action to getting groceries. Fantastic bike.
I have a 2002 that was my first bike. Bought it in boxes and put it all back together. Fast forward 5 years later and she still looks great and I just turned over 54k miles on it and everywhere I go I get compliments. Because nobody knows what it is and those that do just wanna stand and talk about it all day which I'm more than happy to do. No not even close to being the fastest top end but coming out of turns I can keep up with morden bikes all day long and in a lot of cases Ill smoke them in the twisty stuff just because of all that bottom end power. 21 year old bike and she still picks the front end up off the ground with power alone and I'm 230 lbs. A lot of people said I was crazy for this being my first bike but I would have it any other way. I love my TLR and some day they'll bury me with my TLR.
Did I just watched an advertisement for Honda RC51 ?
watched? yes u did. really like my sp2
Every HeroRR video is a Honda commercial. To say he leans towards Honda is like saying water is wet.
I wonder how Hero rates the dull Firestorm against the TL1000s? I'll go see...
no this is cagiva navigator advert
@@MartinLV.aah yes the comedian aka the clown 🤡
The TL was never forgotten.. you're just not in the right groups..
not forgotten just outperformed
Your either a TL person or RC person...I agree with you.
It's the bike that FL squids ride and then low side into guardrails taking off ramps way to fast 😂 isn't it like 550 pounds or something
Facts
This video should be called “Why a RC51 is better than a TLR” 😂
Or let's slag off the TLR.
ill take my rc over any 2 TLs
Mike That’s how every TLR video should be.
Next time "Why the RSV 1000 stomps the VTR SP2" ;D
yeah init what a toss pot
Well damn!,..let me start off by writing;...I’m an 🇺🇸residing in🇯🇵Japan.
Have lived here for a few centuries...and owned & rode three different Suzukis in that time:..’86 Gamma 500cc,..’89 Gixxer & currently,..’98TL1000R!! 21yrs old and still running strong! (150,000klm+ on the speedo!)
In love with this bike,..we’ve been thru a lot and it gives me the thrills I bought it for!...fun at the Drags,..killer looks/sound,..Thriller at night cruising,..and nerve jolting,..heart rate raising enjoyment in the twisties!!..🏍💨 🏁👍🏾
I’m in my 60s,..6ft’5”..and I feel great on it!!..(suspension adjusted just right for me/riding style)
Look closely at the left side of this comment,..see it in the thumbnail pic!!...got an TH-cam upload of it out.
Recently heard from the horse’s mouth @Suzuki Japan that our days are numbered though,..support from the factory will be fazed out soon so parts will be a challenge to obtain.
Till then tho’...I’m gonna enjoy the sh#%*t out of riding one of the Bad-Ass Street Bikes Suzuki has ever released!!...and keep turning them heads!..(and decapitate anyone who calls a TLR a Gixxer or ‘Busa in my presence!!..🧟♂️🗡💥🔪🤬‼️)
👊🏾Tiller Riders!..United!..☝🏾💪🏾✌🏾
The TLR is just a kick ass Super Bike the wouldn’t be tamed!!...for the race track!!...Suzuki let a MONSTER out in the streets instead!!..that true owners-riders KNOW is still terrorizing!!
(Yeah!,..Godzilla,..The TLR & I are givin’ em hell in Tokyo!🗼🔥🦖)
✌🏾
I agree man everyone calls mine a gsxr... It is a weapon, only 36,000km on mine
My tlr wasn't forgotten I ride it everyday.😁
Same
@arborcidal maniac I don't know man, could have happened either way. This is my second 03 TL1000R and cruise it about 5 days a week. The looks and sound is no comparison. I get looks every where I go.
@arborcidal maniac I don't know if shitty is the word to describe my favorite bike of all time. Like i said tho, it's not a GSXR 1000. It's a TL1000R. Theres completely different design qualities.
@arborcidal maniac my squad buddy low-sided his into a guard rail on an off ramp lol everyone crashes them for some reason
Yeah well my TLR and i think you honda girls fart in the bath tub and bite the bubbles... LONG LIVE THE TLR! Lol.
I don’t get why you think the headlight is so outdated it looks amazing I’ve just bought a TLR and I couldn’t praise the looks more. It turns heads everywhere too. There are twin headlights on it you just stand back from the bike and there is a nice big separation of the lights. IMO it’s a better looking bike than the SP1. Id have a TLR any day over the SP1. Mine is bright yellow and grey. I’ve owned loads of bikes over the 20 plus years I’ve ridden and the TLR is by far the best ride, sound and looker.
I owned a TLR and would buy another one today if I had the spare money. They are a beautiful bike in looks and ride 🥰
I only discovered the TLR when I was riding next to one in traffic. Thought it was a GSXR for a while until I saw the TL1000R graphics. It emitted, without question, the greatest sound I’ve ever heard come out of a motorcycle! Basically fell in love with the TLR after five minutes of exposure to that exhaust note.
MMMMMMM ....... YES!
Me in the 90s
Yes the sound. Now listen to one with a Yoshimura 2 into 1.
I'm one of those anomalies that actually thought the TL1000R was better looking...
No mate, he just thinks everyone thinks in/has the same tastes that he does, look at the other comments, the majority agree with you.
I guess you like the hayabusa as well
+1 TLR Has my vote
Nah dude literally everyone agrees with you except him, that Honda was disgusting looking
I hated the RC51 it looked you were perched on top of it where as the TLR you were more part of it. Better looking too in my opinion and fetching quite good money these days. saying that i actually prefer my 97TLS as it handles far better.
I've owned a TLR since 2007, had alot of bikes, still my favorite
"Here's why the TL1000R was forgotten"?
Apparently not.
Isn't it funny when the comment section response so completely rejects the premise of the video. lol
It seems the punters are better informed than the content provider.
I used to see TL1000Rs doing football field wheelies on Crapital Blvd in the days of my youth - drooling over that wonderful V-twin sound! I reject this video as it is not relevant to my opinion!
This is often the case. I don’t think he’s wrong about these bikes, but when people aren’t racing their bikes they appreciate so many other aspects of the machine
click bait
for me is a forgotten bike too
I still have my 1 owner 2000 TL1000R in 2019 that I ordered brand new. I LOVE THAT BIKE!! I will NEVER let it go. It was my 3rd bike (600 Katana, GSXR 600, then TL1000R) and by far the most fun to ride and go into and out of the corners on. I have a bagger now but my TL brings back great memories 😎😎
Same. I have the Black Novelty Pearl.. best color In S trim with shark skinz lower. I’ll never let her go.
I still have my 1998 VTR SuperHawk lol... I will never it go. Such an amazing time to be a sports bike fan, when all of the other manufacturers were trying to catch Ducati's tail with those soon to be closed displacement loopholes.
I’ve always loved the looks of the TLs. I would rather have the S, but I don’t see any problems with the aesthetics of the R. For a 20 year old bike, it still looks amazing and modern.
fr my dad has had a tls for 2 summers now and it literally shoots blue flames
Love my tlr. No chance I'll ever sell it. I have to disagree about the light. To me the Honda's lights are screaming 80s
Agreed👍
1) The TL1000R was not based on the Tl1000S. It shared a basic engine configuration but other than that was a different motorcycle. Suzuki was developing both concurrently, but the TLS was released to market first.
2) To call the TLR a failure based on unrealised race success is myopic and ignorant of the bikes following.
3) "The TLR would have been an amazing bike but it's hard to claim that when there's just an overall better bike out there on the market."?
What does that even mean? Does it mean the SP2 is not a good bike bike because the 916/996/998 exists? Does it mean the Ducati isn't a good bike because the '98 R1 exists? Yeah nah, rubbish argument akin to the sort a 10yr old bike fanboy or noob might make.
At less than half the price of an SP2 it's hard to dismiss the bike's a)value & b) potential. Buy a TLR, spend some money on a shock (if it hasn't been replaced already), an exhaust system, set your sag (which you should do on any bike) and sort out your settings, get some braided lines and sintered pads and maybe a PC3 or 5 and you've got a bike that's equal to if not better than an SP2, more fun to ride, is quicker AND you've saved $thousands entering the 'v twin' bike club. AND, the TLR is fast becoming a collectable motorcycle with prices for rare clean examples steadily rising. So it's all upside for the TLR. It's a legend in the bike world to those who 'know', whereas those who don't make YT vids like this.
4) "Suzuki should have responded with an updated model"
Maybe so but they didn't, and with good reason. The onset of 1000cc WSBK. Regardless, the TLR may well be 1997/8 technology but it's still relevant bcs of the riding experience it delivers. It's an analogue animal that rewards the rider as only legendary bikes can. I've owned both the SP2 and the TLR, the bike I missed most was the Suzuki, so I spent 18 months looking for the right one, found it and bought it. That was 6 years ago, today it sits alongside my other favourite Suzukis. All are pristine, road registered and ridden regularly. Oh, and the TLR's market value has doubled since I bought it, so the tab for all the upgrades has essentially been picked up by appreciation. Nice right ; )
To conclude, quote mining Wikipedia and a few cliched tropes is neither research or informative.
This video and others of its ilk beg the question, 'do you even ride brah!?!'
PREACH!
I fell in love with the TLR when I first discovered it last year, and i'm proud to say that i am now a TL-R owner. I feel like if you're going to make a retrospective comparison of two legendary bikes, you ought to have ridden both of them first.
I'm not surprised by the illicit bias in this video, given that the channel name is "HeroRR."
The TL-R deserves better than this.
P.S. I was in awe when the opening script completely mimicked the TL-R's Wikipedia page haha
You talk a lot of sense, there Space. With a few mods, my S model was a hell of a bike. Am sure the R would be better still.
As a recent TLR owner I totally agree with Space's summary. I owned a 2002 RC51 for some time and it truly was an amazing motorcycle. The TLR (with my current mods) is honestly just as special a ride as my SP2 was. Both the RC and TLR have such a remarkable following even now, years after production has ended. It's obvious the video author is a Honda fan (even just based on the his screen alias), but to say the Tiller is forgotten is not accurate.
Not many people are skilled enough drivers to unleash the maximum power out of any bike anyway. (including myself)
@@nukenabber7228 Kenny Roberts used to ride a 30hp 250 in the foothill canyons. No one could stay with him. - just got it up to 80+ and kept it there through most turns. The lighter bikes are so much better in the tight stuff. That's why we need those great RD/RZs again.
I had both TLR and RC51, I enjoyed canyons with RC51 but my street ride was without a TL1000R. I loved it.
Now I want a TL1000R! LoL
I upgraded from a GSXR600 to a TLR, even splashed out on a registration plate - V100 OTL, had it for 7 years, still miss it.
Yes, I liked the video. But I love the tl1000r. Its something special. Its everything a modern sportbike isn't. Its heavy, wild, big, and deadly. That's why I love it
Throw your leg over an Aprilia RSV Mille R. You'll never feel it's big or heavy. Wild and deadly, yes.
I love the TLR's looks, especially that beautiful duck tail and when kitted out with Yoshi exhaust it was glorious.
Dont forget the SV1000 was supposed to fill that gap in Suzuki's line up. But they gave it a weaker frame and weaker vtwin motor. But the sv650 took all the sales away from the sv1000
Great comment mate. Gotta love the sv 650. One if bikes is a sv 650s heavilly modified it was my first big bike.
@@milesahudson3720
It's actually insulting how bad the Gladius is, when it carries the same engine as the SV
SV1000 made a bit less power than the TL1000, but the engine was better in most other respects including bottom end strength and more linear power delivery.
I had an 05 SV1000s, my first twin.. I loved it, 3rd gear stand up wheelies.. could clutch it up at any speed.. actually rode a SP1 back to back and was happy to be back on the SV.. then again it was only streeted. I didn’t like the rear shock tho
@@crevis12 I have a 05 SV1000S at what RPM are you bringing it up at in 3rd, ,,I can just Crack the throttle in 1or 2 but not 3rd how hard do you clutch it up
I’ve always been a Honda fanboy
But I have to admit the TLR is a pretty cool bike
I have one, 1998 with original rear suspension and from where I seat and the way I ride (hard), I could not fault it at all. Probably at a race track that’s another animal, but overall, it’s a great bike. Smooth linear acceleration, great breaks and reasonably comfortable for a 43 year old chap. 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
I’ve done a track day on mine it was absolutely faultless, inc the standard rear suspension
I had an 02. A well sorted suspension helps. I got rid of the pogo stick rear shock and put a directly linked CBR600F2 rear shock with a heavier rate spring and revalved/resprung the forks.
I rode both bikes 10 years ago and bought a TLR which I still own and love. The TLR is by far the bike with better engine, more character, better looks, better sound and most of all more support from a great Fan Club / Forums. The Honda is a great bike, but is has no soul, sorry. Its not all about build quality.... Just ride both bikes back to back and I guarantee you will prefer the mighty TLR. By the way, in 10 years of ownership mine has had NO problems, totally reliable if kept maintained.
Matt Coyne Every Honda I’ve owned was soul less...
ive owned both TL-R and TL-S both great street bikes(i prefer the S) and i dont care that the RC-51 is better id still buy the Suzuki again (to go with my 6 current Suzukis :D )
Damn 6 Suzuki's! You are a Suzi fan for sure! I've owned a few Suzi's/arcticcat's but never had a TL, I always thought that the TL engine in a flattracker or streettracker would have been a competitive bike in the flattrack world 🌎. The only Suzuki that I own now are a few old sleds (arcticcat) and a project bike from before I got disabled in 03. It's a 1975 RE5 rotary engine 2stroke bike that I was adding a turbo to with a lil squirter of nitrous, and wanted to take to the Bonneville salt 🧂 flats, my goal was 200mph. Don't know if it was possible or not, just a personal goal...from Wyoming USA 🇺🇲🤠
I’ve owned every year tlr it’s my absolute favorite bike ever made ‼️
My yellow “Tiller” is waiting in the garage!❤️ He feels great, and is eager for battle)).
Tnx for video👍🏻
To me, the TLR looks waaaayy better than the RC51.
Hell yeah👍
Oh god no.
21 years on since the launch of the RC51 and it still turns heads - enough said I think.
@@TheVaughan5 could say the same for the TLR. It turns heads everywhere I go and I get some nice comments from strangers about its looks. I’d take the TLRs looks over the SP1 any day. I’d not buy a red or black one though. Must be yellow.
Man if they made a TLR for 2024 I’m gonna have to feed my unborn kids ramen noodles and rice with pork shoulder bones for soup for two years hehe. Sorry kids daddy’s gonna take a leap of faith for a TLR.
Ilegal immigrants arent allowed to buy one......
I still ride my 1997 tl1000s and get compliments on it and constant looks from
Sport bikes and Harley’s lmao
I think the S still looks the beans, but the full fairing of the R just kind of ruins the look in my opinion.
Looks of the TLR are actually really nice. Even the headlight
Own an RSV Mille R and just bought a TL1000R yesterday, man it's a charmer! fixing small issues currently and getting back to stock livery!
That Honda RC51 was better compared to the GSX-R750 in 2000. Suzuki simply didn’t need the TL for their Superbike. Just ask a guy named Mat Mladin. And I agree with everyone else here who’s been doing motorcycles for more than just a few years, no one forgot about the TLR/TLS AKA the Tiller! ;-)
The engine from this bike is still in production today after a QUARTER of a century. ( DL1000 v-strom) It was also used by other company's such as Bimota (SB8R), Cagiva (Navigator, Raptor 1000) plus suzuki's own SV1000 so there was plenty of other options besides the TLR, or TLS. Did Bimota do a better job compared to the TLR?
The TLR with 4 brothers exhaust sounds freggin amasing.
I like the way of the TL looks over the RC51
Me too mate. I’ve just bought the TLR in yellow and grey it’s amazing looking and the sound is bliss👌 I’ve had loads of bikes over the years and this one looks and sounds way better than any. It turns heads everywhere.
I thought this video was about the TL1000R 😐
I've not forgotten it, because mine is happily sat in my garage waiting for the next outing :) Owned it since new and they are an awesome fast road bike, its even quite comfy. I've toured on it, tracked it and commuted on it. I've had other bikes along the way, but the TL is staying. The handling can be 95% sorted very cheaply by ditching the original steering damper (its way too stiff) changing to a 190/55 rear tyre from the standard 190/50 and dropping the yokes 5mm down the forks. Makes it super neutral and track way better through turns. IMO it also looks so much better than an RC51.
I like em both. A real motorcycle fanatic will compare Lemons with Lemons. Its very obvious that the Video,s owner is an absolute Honda lover. Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with that BUT we should all remember that each bike had its time. Many of the old ladies out there still has. Like I said: I love anything with two wheels and could bring the wing in you face. If he wanted true absurd comparison he should bring in other models to and not just the RC. Like the RSV 1000 or even 998 Ducati which is in the same area, Now I grew up with the "Wing" on my gas tank and they build good machines even today. The TL still has a very iconic sound to it and it could be heard from a mile, I think its shape is still adorable even if it wasn't a bench-mark setter with regards to its racing world.
REMEMBER... There are hundreds of models out there that is purely forgotten too which nobody even talks about anymore. (ZZR,CBR XX, ZX 11, FZR, CBR 900, YZF R1 and even the gen 1 Busa).
For GOD's sake I still love the first GPZ 900 Ninja and even the first CBR1000 and I would build a 10000 sq ft shed and get hold of all iconic retired beasts if I had the money.
This Video should have been named: "20 MIL reasons why I love the RC over its rivals"
Peace out..... Be safe out there
Rc's are great, but if you like modding, TL's are where it's at.
Suzuki pulled the project because it legitimately had a chance at being something great, and didn't want the flagship bike "GSX-R", to fall in the shadows. They also only ran the bike for 3 races before pulling the project.
Yep!
Not true. Yoshimura Factory rider Steve Crevier had 9 top 10 finishes on it in WSBK.
I heard Suzuki didn’t have the money to develop the TLR and the GSXR so since the GSXR brand had pedigree and name recognition, the TLR was left to wither and die.
And the tl1000r was my favorite bike. I'm sad now.
I own a TLR and prefer it over the honda, and yes I like it's looks and it's sound, I also don't care if the handling isn't up to scratch, You buy a bike because you love it and that's why I got mine.
Because it's a Real bike for men . Not a toy for childs ...
I really do enjoy watching these type of videos
They will still live on!
LONG LIVE THE TLR!
Just added a 1999 TL-RX to my collection, blue & white, 15k miles, fsh. It has Yoshi RS3 exhausts but comes with the oe silencers. I also have an Aprilia RSV Factory with Akrapovic exhausts, but the TL-R sounds so much better 😍
It has become quite collectible so I’m pleased I found such a nice one 😊
Looks are also very subjective.. I considered the SP1/RC51 but for me, it just looks a bit dull (imo) compared to the blue/white TL-R
Thanks for making this video.
I will be checking to see if I can re-add a TLS and TLR along with another RC51 as I forgot how much I love Vtwin superbikes.
Anthony Gobert Won a WSBK Race @ Phillip Island in the Rain back in 2000 or 2001 on Bimota SBR8 ?? It was a Bespoke Italian Frame Ect with a 'White Hot' Suzuki TLR1000 V-Twin Engine! Gobert Knew the Bike Couldn't Win Head to Head with the Factory Ducati's or Rvf750 Rc45's or ZX7rr's Ect, So he Took a Gamble on the Weather & Used a 'Full Wet' Set-Up on his Bike - The Rest of the Field Ran Slicks, & a Few went with Intermediate, The Track was Soaking Wet but was Drying Rapidly - Gobert Blasted to the Front, & Ended up Lapping the Field, All was Good Until the Clouds Disappeared, & The Sun Rapidly Dried the Track, & The 'Tables were Turned' The Wets Started to Melt like Licorice! Anthony Slowed to a 'Snails Pace' While the SBK Pack was Chasin' Him Down, It Ended up a Nail-biting Finish, But the Checkered Flag🏁 was Waived before Gobert's Bimota was Overtaken, He Wouldn't have Survived Another Lap or Two!! Anthony Gobert was👑 'King' 🏆of Phillip Island - He'd Won Both Legs in 1995 & 1996 on the Muzzy's Kawasak ZX7RR - 4 Back to Back Victories @ the Island!! - Cheers 👍😉🇦🇺🍺🥂
The TLR suffered due to the GSXR. It's like sorry nephew. I have to focus on my son. Here's a few dollars. Good luck.
One of my favorite race experiences at Sears Point AMA race was a RC51, Ducati, TLR in a corner at the same time. The sound. Oh, the sound.
MY FIRST STREET BIKE WAS A TLR 1K AND I STILL HEAR THAT ENGINE !! WITH AFTERMARKET EXHAUST, TUNE AND SUSPENSION IT WAS A DREAM. SOMETHING ABOUT A HIGH REVVING TWIN CAM V TWIN.
Brilliant bike. However, I seem to remember the GSXR1000 replacing this in the Superbikes, not the 750. Suzuki already had the SRAD 750 racing. The regulations prevented a 4 cylinder being over a 750. Only the V-twins where 1000cc. Hence the 996 Ducati and the VTR/RVT Honda. The 4 pots where GSXR 750 and Kwak ZX7R. Honda had the RVF750 but the twins where just dominating the class. Honda seen this and came with this monster. Suzuki where late to the party with the TL and then the year later they changed the regulations to 4 pots being 1000cc also. Then they scrapped that and brought in the GSXR1000. And Kwak stopped production of the ZX7r and brought in the 10. So it had nothing to do with being outdone by Honda. It was literally a change in regulations of the Suoerbikes that stopped them developing the TL further.
Some years ago, I went to an advanced rider training course held at Oran Park (a circuit in south-west Sydney which is now a residential area). One of the instructors was a blonde 5'4" woman and once we students had done the obligatory prep work and had followed one or more instructors around the track, there was a bit of a mid-morning break. In the break, we got to watch our instructors strut their stuff and the noise one of them made on their TL1000R thundering past the pits, lap after lap, was unforgettable - talk about "up it for the rent".
And yes, it was the 5' 4" blonde who rode it. Like a demon.
I own a '98 TL1000R. Pluses: one of the finest motors I have ever ridden over. Excellent brakes. Minuses: Heavy, needlessly so. High seat height, not good. A lot of heat coming off the motor, especially off the left side. The standard rear shock overheats after about 90 minutes of riding, compromising its performance. Also, the seat shape: the sides should have been tapered downward and not rounded, and the rear shock should have had either a finned remote reservoir or at least an air vent. Nothing any owner can't change. The real question: why didn't Suzuki get the same team that worked on the '85/'86 GSXR project to do this bike? These guys screwed the pooch; the bike should have weighed at least 50 pounds less if not more. That girder-strength frame is beautiful, but heavy. All that said, I love the bike. Mine has the Ohlins conversion and PM wheels which improved already good handling.
Man bro, I really appriciate how you describe every bike. You don't just describe the bikes but you describe all the relevant characteristics as well. I appreciate your honest opinions on the bikes as well. Thank you, keep up the good work!
I have a 2003 TL1000R, It's all chromed out, and when I pull up at stop light, it turns heads. The RUMBLE of the V-TWIN is second to none!!! Always get compliments on it. Guys who know their bikes, tell me they have never seen a TL as clean as mine!!! "ROLLING THUNDER"!!!! Love my TL!!! Wish I could post pics of my, BEAST!!!!!
Bought a low mile one and love it fast and feels solid and I think the tl looks awsome esp now so many people want to no what it is the noise the looks
I owned one, was my first Brand new bike. I loved that bike. Fun torque and great wheelie bike.
I had a yellow 01 right off the showroom floor. Kept it for two years. Loved the look. AND the headlight as both sides would come on on low and how beam. Having said that... right side of your inner leg would roast in city riding.. Heat came right off the back cylinder and onto your leg.one had extremely low mileage when I sold it. Never had an issue though.. Sounds like that entire thing about the chain rubbing is an issue from a backyard mechanic! That's why you need to take it to a professional and get things done right the first time. Or pay repairs later! Back to the look.... loved the look.
I own an SP1 and love the TLR too, looks amazing in gixxer/screamer blue and white racing colours but sounds like thunder.
I had a TLR back in '99/'00. It was fast; pulled wheelies with passengers; and with a little massaging it was a competent sport bike.
Interesting video! I did not know that the TL1000R had gear driven cams... that's cool! It's a real shame the tech didn't get moved into the SV range.
I had two childhood dream bikes, the RC 51 and the Tl1000r ..
I got older and after many bikes I had an opportunity to buy a 2002 tl1000r fully done with 150+ HP and 85+ lb torque to the tire so I finally got a dream bike.
Then you bought your rc an I got the burn to try to find one this year..
There is only a few in Canada for sale and they are all extremely expensive .
I found a mv agusta f3 for a decent price and an electric motorcycle and still waiting for the right RC51 to pop up and I'll scoop it up if I can.
Your bike is beautiful by the way.
Considering the WSB change to allow 1000cc four cylinders in 2003, I would say Suzuki put their effort into making the Gixxer thou the best bike they could. They realised they couldn't beat Honda and Ducati at the Vtwin game and doubled down on what they were good at.
Another great visit to yesterday’s bikes- keep up the good work!
i agree it does sound amazing , definitely one of the best sounding bikes ever made.
The RC51 was designed by the same person who did the Honda S2000 sports car. But it was also known as the bike that would bite you back! As awesome as it was, they were very crash happy as well as the TL series and when Suzuki created the SV1000, that was a waaaayyyy better package than either the RC or the TL’s.
I have no clue at most of the bikes that you ever talk about buddy because most of them I have never heard of them until you bring it up online via videos this is how I find out about serton Motorcycle's that I have never heard of before so thanx riding bro for interceding me to forgotten bikes bro
The TLR was never a GSX-R twin. The TLR was always a road bike, and a gorgeous one at that.
I do like the look of the TLR.
From a Hayabusa rider.TLR is a Suzuki and its a GREAT bike.And by the way ... Its not forgotten.😀
Haha, my dad is a hayabusa rider and also loved his TLS.
I’ve owned an RC51 in the past and I just bought a TL1000r. So far I think the RC51 Handled better but I like the looks of the TL better.
My TLR is never been forgotten...SB-Bar, Wilbers rear suspension, and Yoshimura exhaust....l rode it on racing cource and street.....and l was so stupid one day to sell mine. Though l ride a Ducati Streetfighter S today l stll search the web for TLRs....and want mine back.
I blame Suzuki not to rework and update it as they did with their GSXR-line.
TLR slaps on the RC51 in the looks department! Opinions of course.
I had a 99 tiller and After all the inlines since then I want to go back and get my tiller back. I love it and miss it everyday. Someday I will have another.
I think the TL1000 was an excellent bike. Great engine and chassis. I rode one a few times and loved it. It got a bad rap because people expected it to be lighter. But it was a great sport touring bike as long as you could make due with a tank and tail bag. The pipes would get in the way of saddle bags. If you mounted a low set of pipes on it, you could throw on a couple of soft bags too. A person might think it would be a gas guzzler, but my experience was just the opposite. My son owned the yellow one. I thought it was a great looking bike. We took his bike and my 2000 VFR800 on a 10 day trip. I was truly amazed by his fuel mileage. It was slightly better than my VFR, except at high elevation in the Rockies, where I got slightly better fuel consumption. I regularly got over 60 mpg (Imperial Gallons) on my VFR loaded up like a pack mule on trips, which is why I was amazed that his mileage was slightly better than mine. He was about 30 lbs heavier than me, but my bags stuck out in the breeze more, so I’d say those 2 things equaled out.
I love the old 90's styling. I have a 96 katana 750. My favorite bike, and I was able to find one cheap enough. It's all personal preference.
I own a 51...I still like the looks of the TLR
I was a inch to buy a TLR and finished buying a VFR750 from 92 EU spec, and I don't regret for it. It's an amazing bike. Had before a Yamaha tdm 850 and loved the bottom torque, but the vfr and honda proven quality from the day is confirmed. Good job my friend, continue with your movie's
I had a '97 TLS, upgraded the suspension with Bitubo and full D&D exhaust and loved it. I traded it for a BMW K1200S a few years ago and not that I don't like the BMW, but once in a while wish I still had my TLS.
The motor is one of the best 1000 V 90 ever made. I own a Dl1000 2002 model never opened the motor and tuned the valves 3 times in 120000klm. And the sound with GPR exhausts hollow inside make even harley owners turn around.
My sportbike was a 2002 TL1000R and it was trouble free. I kept it for a year and sold it for more than I bought it. Then I moved on to 2004 GSXR 750 before getting a 2006 GSXR 1000 that I modified to 168 whp, got the weight down 414 wet with suspension set up for me, brake lines and pads and going -1 +1 on the gearing. It was and still is the best bike I have ever ridden.
I loved both bikes but couldn't afford the insurance. In 03 Suzuki came out with the slightly nuetered SV1000S and my insurance man called it a standard costing 1/3 as much. I still ride it today.
God I want a TLR1000 now!! I'm selling my RC51 who wants to buy it!
I'll buy it!
Lmao he actually has an RC51. I’d take it! If I could afford it. The story of everyone’s life.
Trade?
You''l be sorry.
@Jimmy Doran Sportbikes are made to be ridden sportily and an RC will run circles around a TL. A TL turns like a dump truck compared to an RC. I had a TLR , I still have an RC.
....you have to love the TLR to live with it (like really love it and be a gearhead)
i've had mine for 10yrs and - it's never without some kind of ailment. it's a love hate thing. when it's running - you feel like zeus on a roaring lightning bolt. but it's just down so often that the frustration quickly overtakes.
picked up a 2006 GSXR 1000 from my friend. it always fires up and is just ready to go with no fear of dying on me.
i love the TLR. but i don't have the time or expertise
Evert time I look at my TL, I just think it looks better for every year.
Top video, cheers, but can’t agree ever on those aesthetics, the Tlrs looks are way above the rvt, I just can’t find that rvt front end better looking the the tlrs, but as you said, we all have different opinions
I loved the TL looks more than anything. My second bike was a TL but always wished it had a 4cylinder instead of the v twin so sold it and bought a gsxr1000 and then a busa
No way! I bought the TLR in 1999 as my first sport bike after learning to ride on my Bandit 600 for the previous 2 years. I just wanted a sport bike and my dealer wanted to sell a TLR. The TLR made me fall in love with the V-twin engine configuration (the sound, torque and power delivery). The only inline 4 that interests me is the cross plane crank I4 in the R1.
@@ghostwrench2292 that's awesome. My first bike I learned to ride on was an 89 fj1200. I've always been into the bigger sport bikes as I'm a big guy at 6'3" and 275 haha
One last thing to add....Suzuki sold a lot more TL 1000 R’S than Honda sold the SP1. what does that tell you? 🤷🏻♂️
I completely disagree with you here.. the TLR was a beautiful bike, sure the headlight looks 90s but it was a 90s bike. I rode one, also rode a SP1.. owned a SV1000 and a Tuono, all great bikes.. what you forgot to mention was the SP1 would bbq you in traffic with it’s terrible side rads, and wasn’t all that exciting until you were near it’s 10k redline.. truthfully the SV was a far better street bike, and I have lusted after a TLR ever since I first laid eyes on it in a showroom.. take this from a guy who’s owned nearly 30 bikes
My dad owns a TL1000R, and in Australia they are actually pretty rare now, especially where we live, so original parts for them are extremely expensive
LOL did you really just drop an eight minute diss track on a 21-year-old bike? I love it
If you need too compare with the RC51, you don't understand the TLR/TLS
I have an 03 SP2 and a 03 TLR, both completely stock. Yes the SP is an important and special machine, but the TLR gets the most buzz at gas stations, with “oh man, a widow maker!”. I am collecting the major v twins of the 99-02 superbike era, just need the Ducati and Aprilia to round out my collection. Unmollested examples are increasingly difficult to find. Both beautiful examples and sadly the last of the analog/digital machines. Thanks for the video.
Loved my TLR. Ive had the following bikes, but drowe the most on the TLR: 1996 Aprilia RS250, 1997 Suzuki GSXR600, 1998 TLR1000, 1998 Yamaha R1 and a 2001 Suzuki GXR750.
Now that retro bikes are main stream again I get a ton of people interested in my 2001 Yellow TLR. "Hey is that an old Hayabusa or an old GSXR 1000?"
I just picked up a blue 1999 Tiller, with only 12k on it. I friggin love it. Best 2 grand I ever spent
The TLR was the best bike i ever had. My friend had a rc51 and could not compete.
I still have my tlr and I love it new from 2000 even still as the original battery from new starts first click every time and gives me a kick every time I go out on it