Post Sale Update: this TL1000S sold for $6,420 including buyer’s fee after 7 bids on Iconic Motorbike Auctions.
Over on the auction site we’ve got an impressively-modified TL1000S that’s being offered by the original owner.
Back in the 70s, the Kawasaki H2 developed the reputation of a ‘widowmaker’ thanks to incredible power with no discernible handling. When it was released in 1997, the Suzuki TL1000S also earned a similar reputation thanks to the unique rotary rear damping system. While it performed adequately in pre-production models, production bikes in the UK had some serious issues. Tank-slappers became a too-common occurrence, and after several high-profile accidents (and one fatality), Suzuki initiated a worldwide recall to install a steering damper. You might think that this would have killed consumer demand for the bike, but motorcyclists are an odd breed. If anything, the Suzuki TL1000S became an instant cult classic with the mystique of a difficult-to-tame beast.
The seller of this example (VIN: JSV1VT51AX12100107) is the original owner, who purchased it new from Orange County Suzuki in Costa Mesa, California. It has just 4,024 miles and it’s equipped with several modifications: Dymag magnesium wheels, Power Commander, Yoshimura RS-3 full titanium exhaust, Sunstar front disc rotors, Ohlins steering damper and rear shock, Ridelite rearsets, ride height adjuster, frame sliders, and steel braided front brake lines.
Find this TL-S for sale in Santa Monica, California with bidding up to $5,000 and the reserve already met here on Iconic Motorbike Auctions.