Suzuki TL1000R (1998-2004)

I've had it for nearly 3 years, it's taken a load of abuse and still looks and goes great. Will be looking for something new after this summer and it's going to take something special to replace it. Strengths: Engine. Power delivery. Weaknesses: Eats tyres (2000 miles rear), chain & sprockets every year (4000).

After riding 4 cylinder bikes it took a bit of getting use to, but now I wish I had bought one when they first came out as I have always liked the look of the TL R. That engine when coming out of a sweeping bend at 6000 rpm + is a good reason as any for continuing to live. The bikes rep (re the rear damper)did slow me down but I have yet to find any problems, & every ride I push that little bit harder. I think the rear damper problem is only an issue if you are on a track. As a real world usable road bike it's excellent.

Fabulous top end power but almost 4 cylinder-like in its power delivery. Turns heads. Suspension is way too harsh, spring rates too high and it is overdamped. Needs a diet.

Stonking engine, shame about the handling & reliability, I have had to make 4 warranty claims in 18 months; mainly electrical problems. I use the bike all year, I guess they are not supposed to be used when it rains.

REMAP GIVES BRILL MIDRANGE AND TOP END, 180 REAR GIVES FASTER TURN IN, MICORNS SOUND SWEET. D\B SCREEN 100%. THIS IS A GREAT BIKE AND WITH THE REMAP GOES MANIC AT 7500RPM. EATS MOST BIKES IT COMES ACROSS AND ALWAYS PUTS A BIG, BIG GRIN ON MY BOATRACE. LOVE IT.

I love the enormous torque and handling is well within my riding capabilities. Too bad Suzuki dropped the race program and further development of this awsome machine.

Love the sound, acceleration is blistering (chews up and spits out majority of bikes) and with faultless handling. Clutch hard work around town. Took rear fairing off and put seat on because it was a bit ugly. Bit of a nasty to get a decent insurance quote.

Lovely bike, fast, fairly comfy, reasonable economy all round, suprb V twin noise, If she could cook, I'd marry her, for excellent info, try www.tl100.com, the owners site, mostly U.S. members, but even the yanks seem to have the bike well sorted. NEEDS A CLOCK THOUGH PLEASE MR. SUZUKI!!!

REAL GOOD FUN, NOT SURE ABOUT THE FRONT END YET!! GOT A FUNNY TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, BLOW'S AWAY VFR 800'S EASY!!

Removed steering damper - feels much sharper and easier to get turned without it. Engine lumpy and awkward in traffic.