Suzuki TL1000S 996

Bike has been faultless, now got 75,000k on it. Power delivery is great, reliability great never let me down, no handling problems, no mechanical probs, still stays with latest machines even at 11yrs old, mines the one with my number plate.

I think it should be law that everyone has to have a Suzuki TL1000 for some time in their lives. Just an all round great sportsbike. Needs firm hand but kind if you treat it with respect.

Crackin' bike, takes time to master unlike modern bikes of today which flatter your skills straight away, (where's the fun in that?) people are always suprised how fast it is especially when sorted (ohlins rear shock, ohlins fork springs, dropped forks, 6 pot TLR calipers, goodridge hoses, good metzellers and a slightly slack chain, decent cans or system and a power commander) and ridden by someone who's confident on it, (it's taken me years!) makes me like it even more because people see it as an underdog until they have to keep up with it!

My 99 TLS, like many others, had a myriad of personality disorders... Rock hard rear suspension with no dampening, noisy cam gears, leaking fuel pump gasket etc., and like the hot girl in the club, who your friends warn you not to take home, (but you do, only to realise that she is a chronic bi-polar with regressed compulsions to inflicting pain on her sexual partners) you learn to love her.

Later model TLs have the power sapping ECU, though the power delivery is extremely usable and predictable. With a power commander, modified airbox, and some slip-ons, 115-118 hp can be struck, but don't expect any more unless your going to replace the ECU for a 97 unit.

6 piston calipers are a good investment, especially if you intend to carry a pillion at any brisk pace. And contrary to opinion the front suspension is fine, just what it should be for the road, on the soft side.

Tyre wear is as expected. Average riding will see the back disappear around 4000km, though a track day will strip its kit off quicker than Paris Hilton in front of the camera.

My TLs was running Pilot Power 2, which were awesome, though the 190 tyre is all for show. Can it for a 180 and feel the difference.