The
TL1000R first appeared in 1998, it was brough in to act as Suzuki's
v-twin superbike.
The Suzuki TL1000R was a fully-faired version of the Suzuki TL1000S which had been introduced a year
earlier.
Aside from the styling changes Suzuki also took steps to improve
the handling and performance of the TL1000R, as the TL1000S
had come under fire for unpredictable handling and front end
instability. The changes included a retuned engine which developed
more power thanks to timing and fuel injection modifications,
a sturdier frame, a steering damper (retrofitted by Suzuki to
the TL1000S), redesigned steering geometry which provided better
stability, and superior six-piston brake calipers.
The TL1000R was originally designed to compete in the World
and American Superbike Championships, although it achieved only
one race win before Suzuki replaced the bike with the lighter
GSX-R750.
Due to slow-ish sales and a less-than-perfect reputation Suzuki
decided to drop the TL1000R in 2003. Although the bike still
enjoys considerably popularity among dedicated enthusiasts
External
review by "J"
I have ridden the RC 51, Ducati 999 and the TL1000 both the
R and S models. Personally the TLR was the finest V Twin that
I had the pleasure of riding! I thoroughly loved the bike, yes
it was heavy but there is nothing like the sound of that V Twin
rumbling through a full Yosh system with PC3. The rotary shock
was not great and got worse the longer your ride went but that
was easy enough to replace. I regret selling the bike and plan
on adding one to my collection when the time and money is right.
It is too bad that Suzuki quit building this bike in 03'.