Suzuki TL1000S reviews

I'm the very proud and happy owner of a 2000 model TL1000s. The only problem I've encounterd since buying the bike was very abrupt throttle response and surging at steady cruising speeds. My Dealer and I suspected a defective ECM. He orderd a new one and installed it FREE OF CHARGE. Since then my bike runs flawlessly. More power and handling than I could ever use on the street. The only thing my beloved bike lacks now is a RADAR DETECTER, Catch you in the twisty's. Ride safe/Ride smart. Show less

This bike is for people who don't want a "buzz box" for a bike. V-Twins have a sound all their own...even at 10,500 RPM's. The bike is not perfect, but none are. It handles great, but is set up for someone under 180lbs. If you weigh more, you will want to switch springs. Set up properly and ridden by a good rider this bike can keep up with the best (Ducati 996, R1, etc). Show less

After totaling my 600, I was about have scared to get on another bike. After test driving my 97 TL, I was really scared. I got it anyway (go figure). Great acceleration and handling for a twin. Just recently had water pump leaking problems and fuel injector problems any suggestions? The bike shops in town can't figure this one out. Manny@tca.net Show less

I bought my 97 (Euro spec) used in 00 with 20 thousand kilometers for $4250. It was in good shape and ran fine. I ride it weekly on the autobahn at 150-puls mph for hours. I've ridden it at Hockenheimring on open track night, and carve the mountain roads throughout Bavaria's finest offerings. This bike can be a handful! It has all of the normal complaints of throttle abruptness, backfires, and slipping clutch. After running over 150 mph for over an hour, the clutch slips often. In long carving sessions the same problem appears, as well as a few scarey handling issues such as downshift tail wags, and standing up mid corner under braking. New Metzler's helped a lot. Forget traffic riding or anything slow enough to need first gear. This bike doesn't want to go slow. This is not a novice bike. Get a few hours under the belt before charging into that first hard right behind your buddies 996. And please don't judge the bike by the uglier than mortal sin tailpiece. Show less

I have a 97 T1000s and I have no problems keeping up with my friends on the R1 AND 900RR or 9R. This is the only bike for me. I think it is very underrated as a kickass supersport bike. Show less

I own a 97 TL1000S and it is the best streetbike I have owned. I have 20K trouble-free miles on mine. It was my first twin after riding 4s. The character of the motor is what gets me every time I ride it. I have 2Bros bolt-ons so the exhaust sound is great. I also like the unique looks of the TLS. It looks less porky than the TLR. It probably doesn't handle quite as good as other bikes I have owned or ridden (F2, CBR900, R1) but quite honestly if you are having trouble with the handling you are riding too fast on the street anyway. I'm an ex-roadracer and have taken my TLS to the track. Yes, at 9/10th speed on a track it wasn't quite as sorted as the bikes I mentioned above, but in the real land of armco, gravel, and minivans you are a poser if you think you are pushing it hard enough to tax the handling (or your useless race compound tires on the street) you are full of b.s. So there, the TLS is all you could want or need on the street. Twins rule!! Show less

I have had two TL's a 97 TLs and a 99 TLS. The 97 was haunted with FI problems, stalling, popping the same things every one complains about. I did have after-market pipes on both maybe this was the root of all my problems I bought the second one brand new after i read in cycle world magazine that the FI probs were remedied, big mistake. My 99 had anti freeze leaking out of the water pump. A oil leaking clutch cover, major surging at low speeds, popping on downshifting, self adjusting clutch lever, stalling at stop lights(big embarrassment with buddies on inline 4's)Just a total nightmare. It was definitely a the dealer more than in my possession. Now I own a 99Superhawk and I am happier than a pig in!@#$%!! Show less

How many recalls and defects before a bike isn't "great" any more? Suzuki has developed a bad reputation for not taking care of customerswith problem bikes. Look on any Suzuki message board and you'll find loads of people with problem bikes that Suzuki refuses to fix under warranty. Look at how many people there are with problem TL's. Then there are GSX-R owners with broken cam chain tensioners everywhere. My bike ('97 TL-S) has been recalled three times (computer, steering damper, fuel tank). Suzuki refused to fix the leaking water pump and slipping clutch that is common on many TL's. Some people HAVE had these problems fixed but a customer generally has to be threatening or hire a lawyer to get Suzuki to fix these well-known problems. DOT doesn't consider these a "safety" defect so the Federal government hasn't pushed for an official recall. The suspension parts on this bike are second-rate. Take apart the rear spring and damper linkages and see for yourself. Enormous, sloppy clearances, no seals to keep the dirt out and damn little grease in there to begin with. Yeah, this is a "great" bike all right. There are two kinds of people who say this bike is great; people smart enough to fix all the problems and people who don't know any better. Show less

I have never had more fun on a bike. Mind you, I do not own any other vehicle. I ride 365 days a year, rain, or shine. This bike has a bad reputation for no good reason. I guess, if compared with Hondas, it appears pretty rough. If you like long distance touring in comfort at the speed limit, or if you like to exercise caution coming out of the traffic lights, DO NOT BUY THIS MOTORCYCLE. If, on the other hand, you like to ignite ass hairs of your local constabulary, and enjoy watching cars become really tiny specs in your rear view mirrors, this is a bike for you. It requires authoritative handling, and a responsible right wrist. Pure fun! Show less

I had the 1997 TL1000S in Dark Green. Did some minor mods to make it what I wanted. Added a full Yosh RS3 Race only exhaust system, Power Commander II fuel injection mod, dropped one tooth in the front sprocket for added torque coming out of corners and off the line, Pirelli Dragons (Corsa) and K&N air filter. With Power Commander, Full syst, and K&N alone it added 16 horses, which is more than enough for the average street rider. I'm 6'4" and 275lbs. I can only imagine what the bike would feel like had I been average height and about a hundred pounds lighter. For the money, you can't beat it.... TRUST ME! For Pete's sake, look at my screen name....Hellified wheelies all over the place and in first and second with just a twist of the wrist. Made me want to wheelie straight through the gearbox, which had been done. Loved the half-fairing look. I had the bike polished which gave it a better look along with chrome rims. We crashed though on August 7th...I'm recouping from a shoulder reconstruction, but trust me...Already got a down payment on a leftover 1999.... See ya! Show less