1998 Suzuki TL1000R review from United Kingdom

I have had no faults with the TL1000R in the 14 months I have owned her.

This motorcycle is truly awesome, I have had her for 14 months now and can honestly say that I have enjoyed all the 3,500 miles I have covered on her.

Being 6ft 6inches tall, I find that the size of the TL fits my lanky frame a treat, one sits in the bike rather than on it.

The grin I get every time I open the throttle says it all really, as that warp factor 10 cuts in at 6,000 RPM, the front wheel wants to launch itself into hyper-space.

It's not pure horsepower that pushes your bum into the single seat unit, it's that huge amount of V-Twin torque that's generated with the opening of the throttle.

The only negative point I can think of, is that I had to have a new clutch fitted at 19,000 miles!! It does seem to be the norm rather than the exception on this motorcycle. If you are thinking about buying a good used example with above 18,000 miles on the clock, be sure to check the roll on in top gear above 80mph to check if the clutch starts to slip.

As far as the handling department goes, I can keep up with the best of them along the lanes. I am a big guy and find that the rear rotary damper works well for me, with none of the frightening stories you read about in the press. Apparently, the oil in the rotary damper needs to get nice and warm before it works efficiently, and being 11 stone plus is mandatory for this to do so.