Description
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this Suzuki TL1000R. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Following the success of Ducati’s V-Twin-powered racers in the World Superbike Championship, other major manufacturers followed suit by developing their own race-bred V-Twins. Suzuki’s first attempt at a performance-driven V-Twin model came in the form of the half-faired TL1000S in 1997.
The TL1000S earned such a “Widowmaker” reputation when it was released due to the unique rotary rear damping system which had some issues and prompted a worldwide recall to install a steering damper. You might think that this would have killed consumer demand for the bike, but motorcyclists are an odd breed. If anything, the Suzuki TL1000S became an instant cult classic with the mystique of a difficult-to-tame beast.
Most people think of Ducatis when they hear “V-Twin sports bike”. But this Suzuki changed some minds with 125 horsepower, 96 pound-feet of torque, and a top speed of 165 miles per hour.
The seller of this example (VIN: JSV1VT51AX12100107) is the original owner, who purchased it new from Orange County Suzuki in Costa Mesa, California.
The odometer shows 4,024 miles.
Modifications:
Dymag magnesium wheels with new Dunlop Q4 tires.
Power Commander (not pictured) and Yoshimura RS-3 full titanium exhaust.
Sunstar front disc rotors.
Ohlins steering damper and rear shock.
Ridelite rearsets.
Ride height adjuster.
Frame sliders.
Steel braided front brake lines.
The seller is letting it go as he does not ride it anymore. The bike sat for a few years, so nine months ago he had his friend (Jason Britton of No Limit Motorsports) go through it and bring it back to life. The work included engine oil change, fork oil change, and fluid flush. The seller has covered just 50 miles since.
As one of our followers pointed out on Instagram, this bike was featured on Automaniac: Bikes From Hell from ~15 years ago. As the seller puts it, he worked with Jason Britton at X-Factor Productions on films like “All Twisted and Pucked Up”, and when producers from History Channel asked around about riders they should meet, they were introduced to the seller!
Cosmetic Blemishes:
This Suzuki is in impressive cosmetic condition. We only note some very minor scratches.
The seller states that there are no mechanical issues and that it’s ready to ride. At one point in the past, the bike dyno’d 135 horsepower at the wheel, however the seller no longer has the graph.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California, this TL-S is offered on a clean California title with registration current through July 2021.
Have any TL stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments below!
