Description
Please note: As Adam points out in the video and the photos confirm, it had a low speed lay down on the left side. The frame, swingarm, and subframe all appear to be fine but there are clear signs on the left body panels, left lever, and bar end. The wheels could also use fresh paint or a powder coat; otherwise, it would make a great rider or winter project to clean up even more. We are including an additional tail section with the solo seat for the new owner.
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1998 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.
This example is VIN: VT52A100028. It originally came to Iconic Motorbikes as an import from Japan and then sold to a private party at auction. Adam acquired this bike with a second TLR as his very close friend from NZ kept telling him how epic it would be to do another TLR ride together. SO, he picked up TWO simply for that reason. Per Adam: “Just wanted to relive old times and happy to say the visit was perfect and now Iconic is going to have a presence in NZ once Red & Storm complete their new bike barn buildout in 2025. Long live TLR’s!!!!”
The odometer shows 21,368 kilometers (13,276) miles.
Maintenance:
When the bike first came to Iconic in 2023, our service department changed the oil and oil filter, the coolant, and the brake fluid. We also serviced the chain and replaced the front brake switch, the front right turn signal, the wheel bearings, and the tires.
Modifications:
Tank pad.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires from 2022.
The sale includes a spare tail section (complete with rear cowl) that features an aftermarket tail tidy.
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 Florida title. Have any TL1000R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
