New member from Ireland

1225 Views 17 Replies 9 Participants Last post by rxf610, Feb 12, 2014

Night Bandit

Discussion Starter · Feb 10, 2014

Hi guys.

Ive been looking at The Tl1000r for the past while now..there's just something about the bike that im in love it. Ive been watching videos on u tube, And the sound of this beast of a machine is pretty amazing. Now ive also been looking at the rsv mille...ive been talking to somw guys about the Tl1000r and some have said I should stay well away from them as they are a bad handling bike that cant take corners...overpriced..parts are very hard to get etc. They advised me to go for the Aprilia even if it meant more expense! !! The problem I have is the people I asked all own Aprilia's. So can anyone here set the record straight as I would really like to own a TL1000r but after hearing the horror stories im quite frankly afriad to buy one.

Your thoughts are very much appreciated.

Cheers guys.

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Hursty46

· #2 · Feb 10, 2014

Hello n welcome I had a tlr years ago it went round cadwell park well with my knee on the deck so why they are saying it won't go round corners who knows unless they are scared of the compertation from a old Tlr to there modern day aprilla lol buy one you won't regret it I have the Tls now that bike don't like to go round corners on full chat just slides out lol all part of the fun of owning one lol

snowblind

· #3 · Feb 10, 2014

Welcome.

A couple of things to consider. Any TLR is going to be at least 10years old and its a 15 year old design. Keep this in mind when someone says its crap/no power/doesn't handle etc. If your mate with his RSV-R starts shouting the odds he may well have a point. Its a newer design. It has lots of trick components as standard (and it was a lot more expensive when new).

This is where is gets more involved. Any old bike is going to be a labour of love. If you want sanitized go buy something new. If you don't mind accepting the limitations and having the patience to fix them then go with your emotions. The frequent mods section on here will cover most of the TL's shortcomings and suggest ways to go about addressing them. Suspension is the main one which is why most TLs these days have some or all of it replaced. Don't let that hold you back.

Given that it is over a decade old the TL-R is still a very capable machine. The motor is generally solid and it remains one of the best v-twin powerplants around. You can torch your license in a heartbeat just as easily on a TL as on a Mille. Its only when pushing the extremes that the TLR will show its age and even then, with a few judicious tweaks, it will still more than hold its own.

Obviously we're biased here, same as Aprilia or the owners of any other marque will be.

Me? I think the TL-R is a good looking machine. I can fit on it in comfort (which I can't say for most of the new stuff) and its fun. There's something just a bit different about it and I like it all the more for that. Plus the changes I've made to mine have made it more special because there is something of me in it.

Aprilia RSV's have their own set of failings. They'll just be different to a TL but equally as frustrating. Chances are whichever one you buy it will be a ride.

If you have a hankering for a TL then I'd say indulge it. You'll never know until you try. :devious

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Reactions: 2

Night Bandit

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 10, 2014

Hi Snowblind.

Thanks alot for your reply...you see im the type a guy who just likes cruising along making noise ..im not a speed freak by no means. I love the look of the bike..it has the big dog look and I really love the older bikes as they have that mean look and sound just the way a big bike should in my opinion not this rasping irritating buzzibg noise. Just a couple of more things. .are these bikes suitable for taller riders?? And seen as this bike needs mods are the parts easily sought ?? I really want to give this bike a shot....im addicted to watching videos on YouTube of this bike and it's animalistic sound!!! It goes right to the heart.

Cheers

snowblind

· #5 · Feb 10, 2014

I'm 6' 2" and there's a guy on here goes by the name six5 (take a wild guess why) so yes they are suitable for the taller rider.

Reactions: 1

Night Bandit

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 10, 2014

Well that sure as hell solves that question lol

Really appreciate your replies mate.

I just have to go TL hunting now

Cheers

rxf610

· #7 · Feb 10, 2014

Also 6'5"

Fits a treat.

S but the ride geometry is about the exact same.

Reactions: 1

rxf610

· #8 · Feb 10, 2014

Night Bandit,

One more thing. The reason I got a TL...

These guys here are so incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. Some are even nice. Stu is a cuddly teddy bear :laugh.

Yes you can find faster, better handling, louder, blah blah blah. What you can't find is a better group of guys. I read over this forum for months before joining / getting a TL. Parts can be had for a relative bargain at times (and Suzuki is doing entire parts remanufacturing on classic bikes :devious ) as well as the fact that some of these guys like Sam and Stu know these engines better than the guys that designed them. Just a rant!

Hursty46

· #9 · Feb 10, 2014

I am 6ft 6 and I fit perfect don't look daft on the Tls like I do on a Fireblade or Millie zx10 etc buy a Tl n you won't regret it

Chris

· #10 · Feb 10, 2014

Adstl is 6'5" rides a TLS and big Ian is 6'8" and rides a TLR... On the other hand Toledo is 3'8" and he's got a TL.

I guess height is irrelevant :lol

Pat Man TLR

· #11 · Feb 10, 2014

My 2 cents I have a couple of friend who own Ducati and Aprilla, the Ducati guy almost every year he is in the shop with it and the Aprilia guys take it in every few years, I own 2 TLR and do all the work myself, which cost me less money, maybe I am bias because I love this bike since they came out, I am 6' 1" and it suite me fine, like they said in previous post once you address the common issues this bike work very well, I still have the rear suspention on my bikes and I can still keep up with my the Ducati and Aprilia friends, spend the time and set it up to your liking and riding style and ability and you will have no problem. I try the Gixxer and R1 and I will never part with my TL for anything else. Not knocking the other bikes but the TL is my love.

Good luck with you search

Six5

· #12 · Feb 11, 2014

snowblind said:
.... there's a guy on here goes by the name six5 (take a wild guess why) so yes they are suitable for the taller rider.

Now I feel obligated to post something.

Yes, I am 6' 5"........and I have a TL addiction......

rxf610 said:
.....
... Some are even nice. Stu is a cuddly teddy bear :laugh.

......

When he is asleep. :laugh

Chris said:
.....On the other hand Toledo is 3'8" and he's got a TL.

.....

I had no idea! He looks so much taller in photos! :eek

Pat Man TLR said:
..... Not knocking the other bikes but the TL is my love.

....

I'm sure you speak for many Pat Man, even if they won't admit it.

Night Bandit said:
....
I love the look of the bike......
I really love the older bikes as they have that mean look and sound just the way a big bike should....
I really want to give this bike a shot....
im addicted to watching videos on YouTube of this bike and it's animalistic sound!!!
It goes right to the heart.

Cheers

This guy is hooked!

Welcome to the club Night Bandit! :thumbup

Does your wallet know about this? :O

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Night Bandit

Discussion Starter · #13 · Feb 11, 2014

Thanks guys,

I really appreciate all your comments. .
And yes Mr six5...I am hooked big time ..lol

Im going to take my time research ing this bike and hopefully come across a very clean and tidy example. Im sure im going to have to ask you guys more questions leading up to the purchasing of one.

I just want to hear that thunder for real now.

Cheers lads

rxf610

· #14 · Feb 11, 2014

Night Bandit said:
Thanks guys,

I really appreciate all your comments. .
And yes Mr six5...I am hooked big time ..lol

Im going to take my time research ing this bike and hopefully come across a very clean and tidy example. Im sure im going to have to ask you guys more questions leading up to the purchasing of one.

I just want to hear that thunder for real now.

Cheers lads

Take a picture of your smile after your first test drive for us... :devious

Reactions: 2

762fmj

· #15 · Feb 11, 2014

Six foot two ... six foot five .... six foot six!!!! What the hell have you boys been eating? Jeez if I didn't feel inadequate before I do now .....

Reactions: 1

tlsgazza

· #16 · Feb 11, 2014

Chris said:
Adstl is 6'5" rides a TLS and big Ian is 6'8" and rides a TLR... On the other hand Toledo is 3'8" and he's got a TL.

I guess height is irrelevant :lol

****in hell Chris, I nearly spat my sammidge out ya bastid,
Btw I'm 6'4". And it fits me fine,

Reactions: 1

Night Bandit

Discussion Starter · #17 · Feb 11, 2014

I just seen a TL1000r for sale here in Ireland. .its a 1998 model and the owner wants €4500?? Wow ...another one on sale at €3000 ....I seen one sold for €1800 which was a 2000 model?? Prices seem to be very jumpy
All bikes in good condition by the way?

rxf610

· #18 · Feb 12, 2014

Night Bandit said:
I just seen a TL1000r for sale here in Ireland. .its a 1998 model and the owner wants €4500?? Wow ...another one on sale at €3000 ....I seen one sold for €1800 which was a 2000 model?? Prices seem to be very jumpy
All bikes in good condition by the way?

if they were all running strong.... Gimme the cheap one and almost 3000 Euro and I'd do some damage. Buy the engine... bring a compression gauge and cash. If she runs strong, you are 90% there. We can get you the rest of the way :devious

1 - 18 of 18 Posts

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