Description
4/6/23 Update: Upon further investigation, we have determined that this is a 1998 model and not a 2000.
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
After 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.
Manufactured in November of 1997, this example is VIN: JS1VT51A9W2100252. It was orignally sold in Canada and it came to Iconic from a collection in Japan, the history is not known.
The odometer shows 22,429 kilometers (13,935 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for this listing, our service department installed a new battery and changed the oil and oil filter.
Steve did the work, he reports the following in his condition report:
Tire Years – Front/ Rear: 2019
Tire Life – Front/ Rear: 90%
Tire Pressure – Front/ Rear: 36PSI
Brake Life – Front: 70%; Rear: 60%
Hydraulic Life – Front/Rear: Ok, New
Engine Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: Ok, New
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Works Intermittently
Battery: 12.6V
Modifications:
Bitubo steering damper.
Aftermarket tinted windscreen.
Aftermarket front turn signals.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Power 2CT Plus tires with date codes of 1219 and 3819.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Suzuki is offered on a clean Oregon title. Please note that as an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to transfer a title. Have any TL1000S stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
