Suzuki TL1000R

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Suzuki TL1000R
Image:1998 TL1000R canada brochure.jpg
Manufacturer: Suzuki
Production: 1998-2003
Successor: Suzuki SV1000S
Class: Sport bike
Engine: water cooled DOHC 996cc V-twin
Transmission: 6-speed, chain
Rake: 23 degree
Trail: 3.6 in (90.6 mm)
Wheelbase: 54.9 in
Length: 82.6 in
Width: 29.1 in
Seat Height: 32.5 in (825 mm)
Dry weight: 434 lbs (197kg)
Fuel capacity: 4.50 US Gallons (with a 1.2 gallon reserve)
Related: Suzuki TL1000S
Similar: Suzuki TL1000S
Ducati 916
Honda RC51
Suzuki SV1000
Suzuki GSX-R750

The Suzuki TL1000R motorcycle was introduced in 1998 as Suzuki's V-Twin Superbike. Production ended in 2003

Contents

[edit] General Background

The TL1000R is a Full Faired racing-oriented version of Suzuki's popular TL1000S. The TL1000R was launched in 1998, one year after its sibling, the TL1000S. Unlike the TL-S, the TL-R was designed to compete in the World and American Superbike Championships, although it achieved only one race win before Suzuki pulled the plug on the TL racing program, in favor of the lighter GSX-R750 as its Superbike entry. The TL-R took aim at Ducati's 916 both in the Superbike Championship and in consumer sales. The R shares basic engine architecture with the S but has special components including forged pistons, stronger connecting rods, and a much stiffer frame [1]. The engine tweaks given to the TL-R made it known for its very good top-end horsepower [2] (as compared to most V-twins that make better bottom end power). The TL-R was offered in Yellow, Blue/White, and Red. Suzuki stopped production of both TL models in 2003.

[edit] Reputation

The TL1000R's sibling, the TL1000S, was widely known as a "widow-maker". Some riders crashed, and blamed the bike's instability as the cause. Although Suzuki claimed that they fixed this problem on the TL-R, the reputation stuck and Suzuki reported "sub-optimal" sales on both TL models. The TL1000R was also criticized by many in the motorcycle press for being overweight [3] [4].

[edit] Specifications

All specifications are manufacturer claimed.

Engine 996 cc, 4-stroke, V-twin, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve
Bore/Stroke 98.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio 11.7:1
Max Power 135 bhp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque 78 ft-lbs @ 7500 rpm
Fuel System Fuel Injection
Lubrication Wet Sump
Ignition Computer Controlled Digital Electronic
Transmission 6-speed, constant mesh
Final Drive #530 chain
Overall Length 82.6 in
Overall Width 29.1 in
Seat Height 32.5 in (825 mm)
Wheelbase 54.9 in
Dry Weight 424 lbs (197 kg)
Suspension Front 43mm inverted forks with spring preload, rebound and compression damping
Suspension Rear Progressive linkage with adjustable damper, rear spring in isolation with adjustable preload
Brakes Front Twin 320mm discs with six-piston calipers
Brakes Rear Single 220mm disc with dual piston caliper
Tires Front 120/70-ZR17
Tires Rear 190/50-ZR17
Fuel Tank Capacity 4.50 US Gallons (with a 1.2 gallon reserve)

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ "MotorCycleNews" Magazine 1998 TL1000R article (Page 5). Accessed Dec 14th 2006
  2. ^ "MotorCycleNews" Magazine Road Test. Accessed Dec 14th 2006
  3. ^ "MotorCycleNews" Magazine 1998 TL1000R article (Page 2). Accessed Dec 14th 2006
  4. ^ "MotorCycleNews" Magazine Road Test. Accessed Dec 14th 2006

[edit] External links

Forums/Communities

  • TLzone.net - Site with forums, articles, images etc. (Worldwide)
  • TLPlanet.com - Site with forums, file downloads, articles, images etc. (Worldwide)
  • ThumperZone.com - Site with forums, articles, images etc. (UK)

[edit] Other Links