Description
Please note: Adam acquired this TLR from one of Iconic’s Facebook followers so that he could display it at the Rhode Island facility. Per Adam: “I rode the bike around Bristol and over a couple bridges just for some sightseeing and for a trip down memory lane, as I’m a huge TLR fan (and so is my mate that was visiting me at Iconic East). In fact, I had a second, JDM TLR there just for that reason — it’s since sold.
This particular bike is most certainly the better of the two. Very smooth and rode exactly as it should. I’ve literally had dozens of TLRs as my old shop (prior to Iconic) was well known for the bike. I used to buy every single one that would come available. Some I’d fix up, others I’d take to the track, and some I just kept so that my buddies could ride with me. Point is, I know them VERY well and this example was certainly very well cared for and wasn’t abused by the feel of it. Other than the tires being older and the paint damage due to the common fuel pump leak, it’s a really great example and sounds “spot on”. Typically, for any bikes we’re keeping at the East Coast facility, I like them stock (or not loud) as it’s a very peaceful town and this bike has a nice throaty exhaust that’s not annoying and doesn’t get the attention of the police. I rode by a few officers and they didn’t bat an eye.
I was thinking about keeping this bike in RI to use but we had a SB8R come into Iconic – Santa Monica so that will be my next rider for a bit until something else grabs my attention :)”
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 2000 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 TL1000S in 1997, though the next year the Japanese marque would follow up the half-faired 1000S with the even racier TL1000R. “The concept behind the TL1000R is simple: Build a V-Twin with the potential to win Superbike races”, explained Hiroshi Moritake who led the TL-R project.
While the 1000S and 1000R models both shared the same engine, the R-spec was far more than just a full-faired version of its predecessor. The 1000R featured a beefy aluminum twin-spar frame based on the GSX-R750. The frame was complemented by a new braced swingarm, a standard steering damper, and a revised version of the 1000S’s notoriously finicky rotary damper spring unit with new linkages.
The V-Twin motor was also updated for the TLR, getting a revised ram-air-box, Mikuni electronic dual-injector throttle bodies, upgraded cams, forged pistons, beefier connecting rods, improved ignition timing, and a 1,000 rpm higher redline. The changes to the liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 996cc, 8V, DOHC, 90-degree V-Twin ultimately afforded the TLR a cool 135hp at 9,500 rpm and 78 ft-lbs of torque at 7,500 rpm. And despite the bump in performance, the V-Twin retained its reputation for bullet-proof reliability. The Gixxer-derived chassis was paired with a 43mm inverted fork, and both the front and rear suspension are adjustable for spring preload, rebound, and compression damping. Slowing the twin-cylinder superbike was a pair of 320mm front discs bit by six-piston calipers and a single 220mm disc with a dual-piston caliper in the rear — all provided by Tokico.
Weighing around 430 lbs dry, the TL1000R sported wind-tunnel-developed bodywork including a distinctive “shark nose” fairing, which helped the 135 hp V-Twin cut through the air and reach speeds of up to 170 mph. Suzuki also offered a myriad of trick factory race kit parts for the TLR, including upgraded internals, and a wide array of chassis adjustability such as swing-arm pivot position, ride height, and steering stem rake.
Manufactured August 1999, this example is VIN: JS1VT52A6Y2100484. Iconic Motorbikes acquired the bike from one of our Facebook followers — “he purchased it in April of 2023 and he really didn’t do much to the bike other than purchase and install the new Yosh RS3 bolt on exhaust. He purchased the bike with somewhere around 4600 miles and the prior owner bought it with 1200 miles but he’s not sure how long the last owner had it for.”
The odometer shows 6,563 miles.
Maintenance:
Per Adam, “The bike shows very well and I took some extra time to clean it with polish, had Steve (from our shop) look it over when he was there and he said it was ‘good to go’.”
Modifications:
Yoshimura exhaust.
Teardrop turn signals.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Pilot Power tires that have aged out.
The sale includes one key, the owner’s manual, the stock exhaust pipes, the stock turn signals, and the passenger seat.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Bristol, Rhode Island, (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Suzuki is offered on a clean South Carolina title. Have any TL1000R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
