TL - user friendly or just not?

Morning,

I've seen a few very nice looking TLS's for sale on MCN and Autotrader at what appear to be fair prices. They're making me seriously think of buying a different bike come next summer time. I know the TL series v-twins are getting long in the tooth now, but I really like the look of the TL1000S, it's like a curvy SV650S with the whole styling turned up a notch or two. However I'm certainly put off these bikes by their reputations as being ill handling and unsorted machines. What I'd like to know is will a TL1000S wind up just maiming poor me, an average rider. I'm more "driving Miss Daisy than driving like Crazy" in my affairs on two or indeed four wheels. I'd see the TL1000S as a fun bike for a nice ride, note that doesn't mean tearing around like some Carlos Fandago type, and a very occasional spin into work. Is the TL1000S just too much for normal riders to use safely I guess is my query? Thanks for any insight here.

[TSM]

pop over to TLZone.net for more info

They chew rear tyres and chains. Best is to find a sorted TL with the rear suspension all sorted and if possable also the front forks. Make sure there is a steering damper.

Everything I've read about the TL, suggests that it's a bike for very experienced riders. Personally, I'd think very carefully about buying one, even if the engine is a bit special.


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[TSM]

Originally Posted by jonboy

Everything I've read about the TL, suggests that it's a bike for very experienced riders. Personally, I'd think very carefully about buying one, even if the engine is a bit special.


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Would not say very experienced, but people already coming from a V-Twin background then its not that bad. A friend got on my SV and nearly threw himself off on the first round about because he was soo not used to the power deliver compared to his 4.

They are not that bad if you treat them well and dont do silly things like, shut the throttle mid corner or wack it open when the bike is leaned, too much throttle off the line. Other than that they are ok. And they are not brill in the wet. But again it depends on what year TLS you get as 97 vs 98+ are diffrent in the power delivery, the 97 is very harsh while the later ones are down on power a little and are mapped differently for a smoother delivery.

id say the tl is fine for riding you just have to give the throttle more respect as the first model has about a 35bhp increase at about 8000rpm which can catch you out, i was ideally looking for a tl myself but when i looked into it there was so many recalls with cracking frames ect i just choose the sv1000 instead.

[TSM]

Originally Posted by kwak zzr

id say the tl is fine for riding you just have to give the throttle more respect as the first model has about a 35bhp increase at about 8000rpm which can catch you out, i was ideally looking for a tl myself but when i looked into it there was so many recalls with cracking frames ect i just choose the sv1000 instead.

True, there were a load of TLS's that had cracks developing around the front radiator/steering damper mount. If you are looking, you need a torch and look from all angles for even hairline cracks. I think the recall on TLS frame expired last year, not sure though. It can be welded though. The TL is a heavy bike and people like to wheelie them so some of the headstock cracks come from that, others just happen for some reason. You could also look at the TLR.

[STRAMASHER]

Red and Green ones with gold wheels are the first of the line TL's and are gnarly as feck.

Later models (TL-R's when they came out too) were neutered by the CPU/CDI fingy.



Its a very cool ,classic bike tho'

Originally Posted by STRAMASHER

Red and Green ones with gold wheels are the first of the line TL's and are gnarly as feck.

Later models (TL-R's when they came out too) were neutered by the CPU/CDI fingy.

and the black ones, the newer rear shock helped calm things down too.
i think the biggest prob with the TL when i came out was there wasnt really nothing like it and i dont think joe public was ready for it, it has the same power as most modern sportsbikes of today and if you rode one of todays modern day sportsbikes 9 years ago you would have prob had the same result, like most modern s/bikes it just needs a little respect! class machine

[TSM]

Originally Posted by kwak zzr

and the black ones, the newer rear shock helped calm things down too.
i think the biggest prob with the TL when i came out was there wasnt really nothing like it and i dont think joe public was ready for it, it has the same power as most modern sportsbikes of today and if you rode one of todays modern day sportsbikes 9 years ago you would have prob had the same result, like most modern s/bikes it just needs a little respect! class machine

It had a steep angle on the forks that made it tank slap, along with a rear damper that if you started to push the bike even a little would get all bouncy and that was not good. Thats why they recalled all early TLS's for a steering damper to be fitted.

there is one in this mths streetfighters which explains a lil bout their problems. prone to tank slappers but most twins are. my sv certainly was.it was to do with the rear shock mounting on them more than anything else. but what a monster bike!!!!!!also the s has more power than the r!!!!!!!!