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SUZUKI TL1000S vs TL1000R

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Santa

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May 8, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/8/99
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Hello everyone!

I currently have a 95 Ninja ZX6R,, It is very fast and has good
looks. I recently put a larger sproket in the rear, and It
accellerates ALOT HARDER now. It is geared more for the Qtr Mile.
I have lost top end though, it maxes out at 143. We have alot of
country roads here in Northern Illinois. My buddy has a new F3, I
take him with accelleration, but once we pass 140 mph, he starts to
slowly pull away. However, I am thinking about getting a new bike
soon. But am not sure to get some of the bikes like the BUSA, ZX11
(too much money) or the XX, but I am interested in the TL1000R,
V-Twin, not the TL1000S with partial faring. My question is, I am
not familiar with V twins and if the TL1000R will be much faster than
the ZX6R. I know it is a bigger engine but it is also a bigger bike.
And how do V twins sound??? Does it have a Deep RUMBLE? or scream
like an indi car????? anyway's it is a beautiful bike, but I dont
hear much about it. Can anyone elaborate it more for me?

I will also love a sports bike. I am a PUSSY though, cause I dont
like to take turns hard. which is mainly a sports bikes speciality.
I will always have one though, I am interested in a VMax also, they
say that thing is VERY fast with accelleration. Go Figure, since it
aint a sports bike. I am 30 yrs old.

Nu...@whyme.com

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May 8, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/8/99
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Well, I saw your message on the newsgroup, so I can give you my opinion
of the Honda Superhawk VTR1000 since I own one.
Have you ever ridden a V-twin? They are alot different from an inline
4, the Superhawk makes 110 horsepower and a little less torque than the TLR.
I'm not going to tell you the Superhawk is better than any bike out there,
but it is a great all around bike, touring, twisties, commuting, it does it
all. I've only got about 900 miles on a new '98 that I paid $7300 for.
These are some URL's for the Honda Superhawk and there is a comparaison
between The Ducati, TLR, TLS and VTR. I also subscribe to two mailists one
for the TLS/TLR and one for the Superhawk. You wouldn't believe the
mechanical problems the majority of those TLR's and TLS guys seem to have
from cracked frames to oil leaks, to slipping clutches, to fuel tank
recalls, to computer recalls. But do the research for yourself.
http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mccompare/best2.html
http://www.sport-twin.com/VTR1000.shtml
http://www.motorsports-network.com/HONDA/vtrtest8/Vtrtest.htm
http://www.streetbike.com/S.B.pages/6.4/VTR%201000.html
http://www.mcnews.com/articles/vtr.htm

This URL will lead you to some TLR/TLS links
http://www.sport-twin.com/TL1000s.shtml

Santa <ho...@me.com> wrote in message
news:3733d410...@news.newsville.com...
>

Gerhard

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May 9, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/9/99
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Nu...@whyme.com wrote:

-snip-

> I also subscribe to two mailists one for the TLS/TLR and one for the
> Superhawk. You wouldn't believe the mechanical problems the majority of those
> TLR's and TLS guys seem to have
> from cracked frames to oil leaks, to slipping clutches, to fuel tank recalls,
> to computer recalls. But do the research for yourself.

I wouldn't use the word "majority" to describe the number of TL owners who have
major problems with their bikes. I also subscribe to the email newsletter
dedicated to TLs, but I have only had some minor quirks to deal with. I have
two friends that currently run somewhat modified TLs at Willow Springs (one an
S, the other an R). Both bikes have given their owners no real problems to
report despite the fact they are run very hard on a monthly basis.

Remember that people who post messages to boards about specific bikes will often
have a problem they need advice on how to correct. They throw this out to the
group mind for a solution & often times only those people who have had similar
troubles or are in the know will respond. Therefore you get a large list of
"problems to solve" type posts to such lists. But you don't know the percentage
of subscribers of the list that own the particular model of bike being discussed
that have the same problem. This can be a rather large or conversely a rather
small number.

Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying that TLs don't have any problems
associated with them. They sure do, but most of the problems are just minor and
can be dealt with. BTW, I have just put mile # 1,000 on my 97' TL S (which I
picked up used with 2,200 miles on it). Bike has a bit of a surge at steady
cruising between 3,500 & 4,500 RPM, which is annoying, but probably can be
eliminated with a little ECM reprogramming. I think the bike is a great deal
for the price you will pay for one. And yes, the fuel tanks have been recalled
(which was nice since I got the bike used & got a brand new tank in the deal),
steering dampers have been thrown on (also a recall item) & the ECM units have
also been recalled. Take one for a ride (if you can) & you'll be hooked.

Gerhard Lippert
rgv34...@earthlink.net
97' TL 1000 S
86' gixser 11

to reply directly: remove the initials of the late model, big bore twin sport
bike from the above address

motoboy

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May 10, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/10/99
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Stories about the TL's many problems are mostly untrue. There have been a
few guys with problems, and they scream very loud over the internet, but the
majority of TL owners (like myself) are VERY happy with their machines, I
think you'll find. Want proof? Get on the TL mailing list and ask how many
of us would trade for a VTR or a Duc. My guess is not many.

- Jason
97 TL1000 - Zero problems.

----------


In article <UaXY2.1923$MG3...@newsr2.elp.rr.com>, <Nu...@whyme.com> wrote:


> Well, I saw your message on the newsgroup, so I can give you my opinion
>of the Honda Superhawk VTR1000 since I own one.
> Have you ever ridden a V-twin? They are alot different from an inline
>4, the Superhawk makes 110 horsepower and a little less torque than the TLR.
>I'm not going to tell you the Superhawk is better than any bike out there,
>but it is a great all around bike, touring, twisties, commuting, it does it
>all. I've only got about 900 miles on a new '98 that I paid $7300 for.
>These are some URL's for the Honda Superhawk and there is a comparaison

>between The Ducati, TLR, TLS and VTR. I also subscribe to two mailists one


>for the TLS/TLR and one for the Superhawk. You wouldn't believe the
>mechanical problems the majority of those TLR's and TLS guys seem to have
>from cracked frames to oil leaks, to slipping clutches, to fuel tank
>recalls, to computer recalls. But do the research for yourself.

<)(8^)

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May 10, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/10/99
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motoboy wrote in message <7h6rdg$7vd$1...@fir.prod.itd.earthlink.net>...

>Stories about the TL's many problems are mostly untrue. There have been a
>few guys with problems, and they scream very loud over the internet, but
the
>majority of TL owners (like myself) are VERY happy with their machines, I
>think you'll find. Want proof? Get on the TL mailing list and ask how
many
>of us would trade for a VTR or a Duc. My guess is not many.
>
>- Jason
>97 TL1000 - Zero problems.
>
>
Ya, I mean poor handling that needed steering damper fitting, and EFI
problems that caused annoying surging problems add up to insignificant
problems to most riders. Why would anybody complain about stuff like that.

John (shaking my head)


Dive in 6

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May 10, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/10/99
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well i hate to tell you this but the efi has absolutly no probems. it is very
smooth and as for handeling, sorry bud this bike handels great the tls is a
great bike. it handels great.

http://scrapinparts.freeservers.com

Barry J. Grundy

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May 10, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/10/99
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> Ya, I mean poor handling that needed steering damper fitting, and EFI
> problems that caused annoying surging problems add up to insignificant
> problems to most riders. Why would anybody complain about stuff like that.
>
> John (shaking my head)

So, you own a TL? The so-called "poor handling" was a bullshit issue.
Typical media over-reaction. Many of the US mags shook *their* heads at the
"KILLER TL" emblem given so freely by the Brit rags. My TL had a lively
front end until I learned to shift my weight forward a little. No problems
at all (even before the steering damper) once I adjusted my riding style.

As far as the surging goes, it was annoying at about 3500rpms, steady
throttle. Big deal. At anything other than stop light to stop light
speeds, it was gone. The ECU was replaced in 20 minutes under warranty.

The TLS is a fantastic bike.

<)(8^)

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May 10, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/10/99
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>So, you own a TL? The so-called "poor handling" was a bullshit issue.
>Typical media over-reaction. Many of the US mags shook *their* heads at
the
>"KILLER TL" emblem given so freely by the Brit rags. My TL had a lively
>front end until I learned to shift my weight forward a little. No problems
>at all (even before the steering damper) once I adjusted my riding style.
>
>As far as the surging goes, it was annoying at about 3500rpms, steady
>throttle. Big deal. At anything other than stop light to stop light
>speeds, it was gone. The ECU was replaced in 20 minutes under warranty.
>
>The TLS is a fantastic bike.
>
So you're saying that everything said about them in the mags was wrong, and
all the owners who had problems are liars because you had no problems. I
read so many poor reviews, that I felt there must be a problem with them,
and there are so many low milage ones for sale, it seemed to back up the
theory. It's a good thing they are so butt-ugly, I was never interested in
one.

Art and Michele

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May 10, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/10/99
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The steering damper was fitted because of reports in British Mags of
instablility. Most of the articles I read now, seem to indicate that it was
really only one British Mag that was reporting the problem and had blown it out
of proportion. The American press reported NO such problems with either
headshakes or tankslaps. The damper was fitted as a precaution.

Very early on with some of the 97s this was a problem but was rectified and
don't believe this happens on the 98s or newer.

If you think thats a lot of problems or severe, check some of the other
sportbikes like the R1 which was recalled for a clutch basket that could
grenade the tranny or early 96 GSXR750s that had problems with the cyclinder
heads which could result in a collision between the piston and valves or the
first 900RR with its 16" wheel that caused some instability and was not
corrected for some time. I'm sure there are others.....

Art

<)(8^) wrote:

> [snip]


> >97 TL1000 - Zero problems.
> >
> >

Erik Astrup

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May 11, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/11/99
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On Mon, 10 May 1999 21:00:09 -0600, Art and Michele <pi...@h2net.net> wrote:

>The steering damper was fitted because of reports in British Mags of
>instablility. Most of the articles I read now, seem to indicate that it was
>really only one British Mag that was reporting the problem and had blown it out
>of proportion. The American press reported NO such problems with either
>headshakes or tankslaps. The damper was fitted as a precaution.
>
>Very early on with some of the 97s this was a problem but was rectified and
>don't believe this happens on the 98s or newer.

So what are you saying? In the first paragraph you say only one magazine
reported it and blew it out of proportion. Then you say the problem was
rectified. Which is it? Was there a problem or not, and if so, what was it?

Do 99's come with dampers?? Sure looked like it when I saw them at the
show this year.


---------------------------------------
Erik Astrup - Team Iguana Racing (Ret)
1995 Triumph Tiger
"It's such a fine line between stupid and...And clever."
http://www.mother.com/~eastrup/
---------------------------------------

<)(8^)

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May 11, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/11/99
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Erik Astrup wrote in message <3754aded...@news.mother.com>...

All I was trying to point out was that there where problems with these
bikes. If Suzuki provided fixes. that tells me that the problems were real,
and not imagined. I'm glad your bikes are okay, but I forgot what a sin it
was to point out that a bike is less than perfect. If a bike has handling
problems that could lead to accidents, I feel that is much worse than a
clutch fix, or other mechanical problems.

John

Art and Michele

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May 11, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/11/99
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Lets see if I can make myself more clear :-)

There are/were a few cases where individuals in the UK said there was a problem with
headshakes and tankslaps. One British mag which I can't remember which one, heard
about the problem and reported on it. They created a multi-issue spread about how to
fix this "horrible" problem with various fixes for the bike and making all kinds of
claims about how unstable it was. Not living there, and only from reports in US
mags and other British mags, this story that the TL was highly unstable spread,
mostly, not totally unfounded. So, Suzuki tried to stop the bad press and claims of
instability by fitting a steering damper. Since then, haven't seen any further
reports of ill handling from UK mags. Again, the American press never found this
headshake to be a problem with all their test bikes. So, all TLS were retro-fitted
via a recall. And you are correct, all TLS since then come with a damper as does
the TLR.

I think I have a few of those issues. I'll look back through them to see if I can
find more detail.

Hope I cleared this up for you Erik or at least answered your questions.

Art
'98 TL1000R

Erik Astrup wrote:

> On Mon, 10 May 1999 21:00:09 -0600, Art and Michele <pi...@h2net.net> wrote:
>

> >The steering damper was fitted because of reports in British Mags of
> >instablility. Most of the articles I read now, seem to indicate that it was

motoboy

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May 11, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/11/99
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Hey John, you ever RIDDEN one? Go on - try one, then come back and let us
know how you feel. The "problems" that Suzuki fixed were MINIMAL...I mean,
look at the first year CBR900/Fireblade...remember the stories of
instability and funky handling? Suzuki put a damper on the front because
it's quite light and couid POSSIBLY slap on hard throttle over
bumps..otherwise, it was unnecessary. Believe me. It was put on for the
LAWYERS rather than the riders. As for the ECU, there was a bit of surging
between 3-4000 rpm. It was a non-issue really, and Suzuki were gracious
enough to offer a new box to correct it.

It's not perfect, for sure. What bike is?? But the TLS ROCKS, and if you
haven't ridden one, you'll never know.

It always saddens me to see people dissing the TL who have NEVER RIDDEN
it...and if you wanna dis its looks, well...let's hear about what YOU
ride...

----------
In article <7h97qe$i85$1...@nr1.toronto.istar.net>, "<)(8^)"

<)(8^)

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May 11, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/11/99
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motoboy wrote in message <7h9gn0$jt0$1...@oak.prod.itd.earthlink.net>...

>Hey John, you ever RIDDEN one? Go on - try one, then come back and let us
< blah blah blah blah snipped>

Right now I have a 1986 Suzuki GS1150EF that I bought for 500.00. It is
filling in until I decide what I am going to buy as a more permanent mount.
My perfect 93 Kat 1100 was turned into a U-shaped piece of scrap when, in a
moment of wild abandon, I lowsided on a decreasing radius curve,and slid
tank first into an immovable 10" cedar tree. There are so many bikes to
choose, I haven't made up my mind, although it will not be a TL1000, even
though there are lots for sale. I do know where there is a 98 YZF 600,
2500mi.,mint, for 5000.00.It has possibilities. We don't all have a chance
to ride all bikes, and I for one, read as many mags as I can, to get an idea
of good and bad, and I read enough about the TL to decide, in my mind
anyway, that it had problems. If you like yours, that's all that matters.
I'm not going to try heal your wounded pride by telling you it is the
greatest bike ever made, though.

John


motoboy

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May 12, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/12/99
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----------
In article <7h9npf$m2f$1...@nr1.toronto.istar.net>, "<)(8^)"
<wkb...@hurontel.on.ca> wrote:


>
>motoboy wrote in message <7h9gn0$jt0$1...@oak.prod.itd.earthlink.net>...
>>Hey John, you ever RIDDEN one? Go on - try one, then come back and let us
> < blah blah blah blah snipped>

Well, that's a friendly way to continue a conversation....

> We don't all have a chance
>to ride all bikes, and I for one, read as many mags as I can, to get an idea
>of good and bad, and I read enough about the TL to decide, in my mind
>anyway, that it had problems.

OK, fine. Just do yourself a favor and don't take the Brit mags at face
value.


If you like yours, that's all that matters.
>I'm not going to try heal your wounded pride by telling you it is the
>greatest bike ever made, though.
>
>John


And I won't ask you to, because it isn't. Just get a clue and get all the
facts before you come in here and talk shit about a bike you don't know and
have never ridden.


<)(8^)

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May 12, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/12/99
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>And I won't ask you to, because it isn't. Just get a clue and get all the
>facts before you come in here and talk shit about a bike you don't know and
>have never ridden.


Suzuki provides steering dampers to fix unstable front ends-FACT
Suzuki provides new ECU to correct FI- FACT
You say zero problems with 97 TL1000- BULLSHIT
Companies do not provide these things out of the goodness of their hearts.
I owned 2 of the early Honda V4 Intercepters and I had no problems, but I
will certainly agree there were problems with cams and cam chains. When I
think of early V4 Hondas I think of bad cams, when I think of TL1000s I
think of questionable handling. If this bothers you, get over it.
Someday, when you can read other people's opinions without becoming
indignant, maybe you can change your name to Motoman.

Have a nice day. >;^)

John

Dive in 6

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May 12, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/12/99
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thats nice you have your own opinion. and opinions are great but what about
facts??? go ride one then come talk about it having great handeling and no
problems with the efi. but then again all you do is read magizines so what
would you know.

http://scrapinparts.freeservers.com

motoboy

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May 14, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/14/99
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Wait! Where did I say the TL had ZERO problem? Huh? I just said that the
problems that SOME of the bikes have experienced are NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF
THE MAJORITY. OK??

Opinions are fine...but not when they're supported by fact plus experience.
Seems to me you have neither.


----------
In article <7hc87f$b5i$1...@nr1.toronto.istar.net>, "<)(8^)"

<)(8^)

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May 14, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/14/99
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motoboy wrote in message <7hhbjn$5ue$1...@holly.prod.itd.earthlink.net>...
Oh I'm sorry. I thought the steering damper installation, was fact. As
far as experience, I don't need it to comment on the FACT that Suzuki
supplied the above mentioned item to correct "non existing" problems. It
is my opinion that if no problem existed, and a potentially damaging
statement was made, Suzuki would have forced the accusers to prove their
accusations. Suzuki obviously did not have the confidence in their product
to challenge these accusations. Enjoy your bike, but don't throw the damper
away. This is my final say, as I can't add any more but these FACTS and my
personal opinion.

John

whiz

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May 14, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/14/99
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just shutup and admit your bike sucks, motardboy

<)(8^)

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May 14, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/14/99
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<)(8^) wrote in message ...

>
>motoboy wrote in message <7hhbjn$5ue$1...@holly.prod.itd.earthlink.net>...
>>Wait! Where did I say the TL had ZERO problem? Huh? I just said that
the
>>problems that SOME of the bikes have experienced are NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF
>>THE MAJORITY. OK??
>>
>>Opinions are fine...but not when they're supported by fact plus
experience.
>>Seems to me you have neither.
>>
>>
This statement makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. You are saying I have
no facts or experience, so my opinion must be fine. Thank you very much, I'm
glad you've seen the light.

John

Gerhard

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May 15, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/15/99
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whiz wrote:

> just shutup and admit your bike sucks, motardboy
>

That sounds a bit like ultra intelligence. BTW to save valuable newsgroup server
space please -snip- three paragraphs of text if you reply with one sentence
fragment. This is a relatively new concept known as common courtesy...

Gerhard Lippert
rgv34...@earthlink.net
86' gixser 11
97' TL 1000 S


motoboy

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May 15, 1999, 3:00:00 AM5/15/99
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OOOPS! Shoulda said "but ONLY when they're supported by fact..."

Now do you understand?

<)(8^) wrote in message ...

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