Suzuki TL1000S

Suzuki TL1000S

Manufacturer	Suzuki
Production	1997–2001
Successor	Suzuki SV1000S
Class	Sport bike
Engine	Water cooled DOHC 996 cc (60.8 cu in) 90° V-twin
Compression ratio	11.3:1
Top speed	165 MPH
Power	125 hp (93 kW) @ 8500 rpm[citation needed]
Torque	79.21 LB-FT @ 7,100 RPM
Transmission	6-speed, chain
Frame type	Alloy oval section trellis frame
Suspension	43mm USD forks with adjustable preload, rebound, and compression damping
Rake, trail	94mm (3.70")
Wheelbase	55.7 in (1,410 mm)
Dimensions	L: 80.5 in (2,040 mm) W: 28.1 in (710 mm)
Seat height	32.9 in (840 mm)
Weight	411 lb (186 kg) (dry)
Fuel capacity	17 L (3.7 imp gal; 4.5 US gal), 4.5 L (0.99 imp gal; 1.2 US gal) reserve
Related	Suzuki TL1000R

The Suzuki TL1000S was a Suzuki V-twin roadster sport bike made from 1997–2001. It is frequently referred to as the TLS or Suzuki TLS. It is notable for the 90° V-twin engine which is still used in Suzuki's modern SV1000 and V-Strom 1000 motorcycles.

Due to its problems, it has earned the title of ‘The Widowmaker’.^[1]

History

The Suzuki TL1000S was introduced by Suzuki in 1997 in order to compete with the Ducati 916 in World Superbike Championship.^[2]

A prominent journalist was killed on TLS during a tank-slapping incident with his wife as a witness. This earned the bike its reputation of a widow maker. Suzuki issued a global recall of the TLS after this incident to install a new damper, which became standard in later-year models.^[3]

Specification

The TLS motor featured a 90° V-twin for perfect primary balance and had hybrid chain/gear driven cams. A traditional cam chain turned a gear that in turn rotated the cams. This hybrid design eased maintenance immensely and gave the motor additional aural character because of the gear whine. The motor was also used for the Suzuki TL1000R. Suzuki also sold many of the TL motors to Cagiva to be used in the Navigator and V-Raptor models. Bimota also used the engine for their popular Bimota SB8K.

Rear shock

V-twin engines are longer from front to rear. In order to keep the wheelbase as short as possible, the rear shock absorber/damper was separated from the spring. The spring was located on the right side of the bike and employed a rotary style rear damper that provided its damping characteristics through rotating arms. This 'rotary' damper would overheat the oil under heavy use and can lead to a complete loss of damping. Many have now had this damper set up replaced with coil over shock units like 'Ohlins' etc.^[4]

References