Produced from 1998-2003, this TL1000R was Suzuki’s V-Twin superbike, the fully-faired (and racier) brother of the TL1000S. This model was briefly used in Suzuki’s World and American Superbike Championship campaigns before they switched to the lighter 750 Gixxer.
The TLR put down a hefty 135 horsepower and 78 pound-feet of torque, motivating a bike that weighed 424 pounds dry. The rear shock performance was improved over the “widowmaker” TL1000S, but the GSX-R 750-based frame had a short wheelbase and the handling still required courage and optimism. For more on the TL-R, check out this review by MCN – they say “the Suzuki TL1000R is exciting to ride, but for experts/nutters only“.
The seller of this example calls it “perfect”, he says that it’s “in flawless condition”, and that it is “probably the best one in captivity”. Quite a set of claims, but it sure looks great in the photos. The bike supposedly has never seen rain and it has less than 6,500 miles. The sale includes Vance and Hines pipes and a new set of Metzeler tires (though the original rubber is still equipped). The seller is letting it go as he is “73 years young” and can’t handle the riding position anymore.
Find this TL-R for sale in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada for $6,500 here on Craigslist.