Suzuki TL1000R
Encyclopedia
The Suzuki TL1000R motorcycle
was introduced in 1998 as Suzuki's
V-Twin Superbike. Production ended in 2003.
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 returning to 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. The engine tweaks given to the TL-R made it known for its very good top-end horsepower (as compared to most V-twins that make better bottom end power). The TL-R was offered in yellow, blue/white, black, and red. Suzuki stopped production of the TL1000S in 2001, and the TL1000R in 2003.
, was widely known as a "widow-maker". Some riders crashed, and blamed the bike's instability. 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, and is faulted for its rotary damper rear suspension.
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
was introduced in 1998 as Suzuki's
Suzuki
is a Japanese multinational corporation headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan that specializes in manufacturing compact automobiles and 4x4 vehicles, a full range of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles , outboard marine engines, wheelchairs and a variety of other small internal combustion engines...
V-Twin Superbike. Production ended in 2003.
General background
The TL1000R is a full fairingFull Fairing
A bicycle fairing is a full or partial covering for a bicycle to reduce aerodynamic drag or to protect the rider from the elements. It is more common to see recumbent bicycles with partial or full fairing...
racing-oriented version of Suzuki's
Suzuki
is a Japanese multinational corporation headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan that specializes in manufacturing compact automobiles and 4x4 vehicles, a full range of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles , outboard marine engines, wheelchairs and a variety of other small internal combustion engines...
popular TL1000S
Suzuki TL1000S
- General background :The Suzuki TL1000S was introduced by Suzuki in 1997 and was produced until 2001 and is frequently referred to as the TLS or Suzuki TLS. It is notable for the V-twin engine which is still used in Suzuki's modern SV1000 and V-Strom 1000 motorcycles.The TLS motor featured a 90°...
. 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
Superbike World Championship
Superbike World Championship is the worldwide Superbike racing Championship. The championship was founded in . The Superbike World Championship season consists of a series of rounds held on permanent racing facilities...
, although it achieved only one race win before Suzuki pulled the plug on the TL racing program, in favor of returning to the lighter GSX-R750
Suzuki GSX-R750
The GSX-R750 is a 750 class sport bike motorcycle from Suzuki's GSX-R series of motorcycles. It was introduced in 1985 and can be considered to be the first of the modern racer-replicas with many race-derived technologies and the looks of a Suzuki Endurance racer at an affordable price.-Air-cooled...
as its Superbike entry. The TL-R took aim at Ducati's 916
Ducati 916
The Ducati 916 is an Italian sports motorcycle manufactured by Ducati from 1994 to 1998. In contrast to Japanese inline four-cylinder competitors of the time, its V-twin engine produced less outright power, but a more even torque spread...
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. The engine tweaks given to the TL-R made it known for its very good top-end horsepower (as compared to most V-twins that make better bottom end power). The TL-R was offered in yellow, blue/white, black, and red. Suzuki stopped production of the TL1000S in 2001, and the TL1000R in 2003.
Reputation
The TL1000R's sibling, the TL1000SSuzuki TL1000S
- General background :The Suzuki TL1000S was introduced by Suzuki in 1997 and was produced until 2001 and is frequently referred to as the TLS or Suzuki TLS. It is notable for the V-twin engine which is still used in Suzuki's modern SV1000 and V-Strom 1000 motorcycles.The TLS motor featured a 90°...
, was widely known as a "widow-maker". Some riders crashed, and blamed the bike's instability. 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, and is faulted for its rotary damper rear suspension.
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 (101 kW) at 9500 rpm | ||
| Max Torque | 98 ft·lbs at 7500 rpm | ||
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | ||
| Lubrication | Wet Sump | ||
| Ignition | Computer Controlled Digital Electronic | ||
| Transmission | 6-speed, constant mesh | ||
| Final Drive | #530 chain (17 Front-39 Rear) | ||
| Overall Length | 82.6 in | ||
| Overall Width | 29.1 in | ||
| Seat Height | 32.5 in (825 mm) | ||
| Wheelbase | 54.9 in | ||
| Dry Weight | 424 lb (192 kg) | ||
| Suspension Front | 43 mm 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 320 mm discs with six-piston calipers | ||
| Brakes Rear | Single 220 mm disc with dual piston caliper | ||
| Tires Front | 120/70-ZR17 | ||
| Tires Rear | 190/50-ZR17 | ||
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 4.5 US gallons (with a 1.2 gallon reserve) (17 L, 4.5 L reserve) | ||