Suzuki TL1000S

The late 1990s saw a rush of new V-twin sports machines, spurred by the success of Ducati's 916. Suzuki's first attempt was the TL1000S, a stylish, half-faired sports machine, with a host of innovative technologies.

The heart of the TL-S is a liquid-cooled V-twin, which produces a healthy 93kW (125bhp) at 9000rpm. Fairing-mounted ram-air intake scoops feed an advanced fuel-injection system which enhances power and reduces emissions, while a slick, six-speed gearbox delivers the power to a broad 190-section rear tyre. The valve-train design is also unusual, using a mixture of chains and gears to drive the camshafts in order to reduce the size of the cylinder heads.

The chassis is unusual. The frame uses an aluminium tube trellis design which combines stiffness with low weight. Upside-down 43mm (1.7in) Kayaba forks are more conventional, but the rear suspension was unique when launched. Rather than use a combined linearspring/damper unit as on most bikes, the TL split the spring from the damper, and used a new rotary damper design. This layout, partly chosen to assist in routing the rear cylinder and exhaust, has been criticized by some experts, although in theory it should offer benefits including reduced friction.

The TL1000S received some criticism for its handling, particularly claims that it wi susceptible to front-end instability. Suzuki reacted to these claims by adding a steering damper shortly after the bike was introduced, and retro-fitting the damper to customers' bikes.

The non-adjustable damper fits above the top yoke, and does calm the steering under hard acceleration, although it makes the steering slightly heavier at low speeds.

Despite its strong performance and aggressive character, the TL1000S wasn't a big success for Suzuki. Price discounting did keep sales bouyant in some markets though, and many riders also appreciated the aggressive reputation which the TL had gained through its strong performance and tricky handling. The TL1000S was discontinued in 2002.