Suzuki TL1000S reviews

I have a '97 TLS with 15,000 trouble-free miles. I was notified timely by Suzuki about the warranty fixes with the gas tank and the bike came with the updated ecu. It gets 40 mpg, and I have no trouble leaving my R-1 riding buddy for dead on our favorite 55-85mph twisty mountain roads. Not saying my TL is faster, because it is not, but in my hands and on real roads it does quite OK, thanks much. I rode the R-1 and even have a pal with a new RC-51. The TL does feel heavy steering and stable next to those two, but the motor rocks, even over the RC-51, which has a very top-weighted powerband and tall gearing. My bike is running better and revving freer as the miles add up. The Yoshimura RS-3 race cans give it awesome sound. A must add on for any TL! I can see keeping her for another 8 years. My old Ninja 750 is not missed! Check out a photo of my TL on my web page! http://members.delphi.com/DUKEN4EVR Show less

I think this bike has had an extremely bad rap. Many sources claim this bike to have "Monster" power and boast about how easy it is to pull "killer" wheelies and do "amazing" burn outs. While all this is true, there is a lot more to this bike than ham-fisted stunts. Unfortunately, I think, this bike's ability to gracefully corner and blast canyons has been seriously overlooked. The suspension is more than adequate for street prowess, and a change in tires would help build upon the bikes handling strengths. A more pointed front tire would help turn in and corner stability while a narrower rear tire would speed up corner transitions and make the bike feel more flickable. Braided brake lines and EBC green pads will go a long way to improve brake feel and control. My wife bought the SuperHawk because of its better comfort, but wishes regularly that she got a TLS, simply because she feel more comfortable with the TLS's handling. Its easier to corner, has lighter throttle response, better clutch action and the stiffer chaises gives it more stability while leaned over. In its rush to come out at the same time as the Honda, Suzuki gave itself a bad rap about this bike. Suzuki has gone to great lengths to improve the problems that plagued the '97 model. Even the bubbalicious styling grows on ya, really fast, especially when you focus on the aggressive, predator looking front end. Who can complain about any twin headlight setup? I think the TLS is a fantastic runner with more elegance and grace than it is given credit for. Its the poor mans 916/996. Only more reliable, more affordable to maintain, lower price tag and cheaper insurance. Show less

Anyone who thinks there is something wrong with this bike needs to get their head examined. It simply the most fun bike I have ever ridden. No its not the all dominating R1, or the super light weight GSXR750, but it IS a V-Twin which makes any, and I repeat ANY inline-4 look, feel, sound and handle dull. I'm not talking about how well it corners at 13,500 rpm, it doesn't rev that high, What I am talking about is how it pulls out of turns, stoplights, strait line cruising, just about anything. Also the folks who complain about its comfort have apparently never heard of adjustable clip-ons. Hands down this is the most fun and affordable big twin supersport on the market. As a side note, a lot of insurance companies charge less for this bike than other supersports. The only reason I can think of is the fact that it is a half-faired bike. And at the last, a word of warning to all of you 600cc CBR, GSXR, ZX6R, and such riders, if you do get on one of these, be respectful of the torque, The bike will do a wheelie in third by just giving the throttle a good hard twist. It will dump you on your ass coming out of a corner faster than you would think possible. Show less

I love everything about this bike. This is my first bike and I don't regret a thing. It has power, comfort, and I love the design of the engine/bike. I feel that you get allot of bang for your buck!!!! The response that this bike has is wonderful. I feel that I won't get another bike for awhile. If you want power and speed, a bike that asked to be ran hard...look no farther than the TL 1000. If you haven't rode a twin you need to. Show less

PROS (all years): Fairly light, decent handling, comfortable (for a sportbike), easy to ride, plenty of power, smooth-shifting transmission, bargain resale values. Exaggerated reputation for being a "hard-core" bike. CONS (1997): Recalls for engine computer, steering-damper, and leaking fuel tank. Warranty campaigns for misadjusted throttle-position sensor, slipping clutch, leaking clutch cover, and leaking waterpump. CONS (1998+): Revised engine computer (fuel-injection mapping/throttle sensor input) results in less aggressive engine performance. CONS (all years): Horrible resale value due to an exaggerated poor-reputation. Rear suspension sub-par due to Suzuki's unique "rotary damper" mechanism. Conventional replacement rear damper from either Lindemann Engineering (US) or Maxton (UK) costs about US$1,000. Added steering damper makes steering unnecessarily heavy. Mid-turn stability is not the best in class. TIPS: - 16-tooth front sprocket from GSX-R750 adds cheap performance. - 6-piston brake calipers (and master cylinder) from GSX-R750 adds major braking power for a reasonable price (if bought used). - MUST visit TL1000 Frequently Asked Questions page at Sporttwins web page. - Excellent candidate for a SV650-syle naked bike conversion (I'm doing mine now). BOTTOM LINE: Fun, powerful, easy-to-ride sportbike. NOT for novice riders due to handling and mechanical concerns. EXCELLENT bang-for-the-buck in a used bike or non-current dealer carryover. Show less

As a taller rider (6'4")it was hard to find a sportsbike that was comfortable for more than 30mins. When I test rode the TLS I knew I had to have it. Plenty of room for the taller rider and heaps of V-Twin torque. I have done over 7,000km on this bike without a hitch or a slipped disc. I would highly recommend this bike to anyone, but it is superb for the taller sportsbike rider. Show less

This bike was greatly over-shadowed by its brother the TLR. Suzuki put all of this hype into the R model for 98 and left the TLS for dead. In all respects this is a much better bike than the R- mid-range power, more comfortable, better looks, and lighter weight. The mid-range power coming out of corners just decimates all but the biggest inline fours(Busa). It is bike with personality and a blast to ride. I have added heli-bars, micron slipons, K&N, and Yosh re-map. Suzuki was the first Japanese OEM to do the sport-twin right. Now other manufacturers are realizing the benefits and practicality of large CC v-twins. No RC51 in my future!!! Show less