Motoplanete's test of the Suzuki TLS 1000 1997

Field test Our tester's opinion on the TLS 1000 from 1997

one of my first tests and articles; please bear with me...

the sun came out timidly and the temperature didn't rise above 3°... Not exactly ideal conditions for enjoying the TL. But the urge is too strong! I leave my 650 SVS in front of the store and can't wait: its big sister is here to reveal her charms. Physically, they're almost twins - forkhead, seat, trellis frame, general appearance, it's all very similar - but the double pots, the inverted fork, the big rear tire, the absence of a passenger handlebar and above all, the big V-twin... HHHmmmmm! It smells like sport!

contact. Right away, the pounding of the twin fills the street - the original pots have been replaced by Devils. You can hear it coming from 5 km away (even if you're deaf). We're going to take it easy so that the engine warms up, and besides, we're in town. This allows you to savor the mill's suppleness: very smooth and torquey down low, it's a delight... thanks to the injection. The riding position is surprisingly good for a machine of this type, and the crotch is very narrow, making it easy to get used to the beast. Out of town, 80° in the pistons, Tilt... GGAAAAZZZZ!!! The horses roll up and the needles go on the attack. But these horses are well behaved and seem to let themselves be mastered. There's no comparison with the almost brutal arrival of the power of a 600. Here, the is present everywhere and it sends big stuff from 3000 to 11000. But when you see a largely forbidden figure on the speedometer when you've just opened wide, you think: "holy shit, that's crazy, crazy, ddiiinnnggguueee, but it's so good..." in 5th gear, the gear changes with a sharp click: the gearbox is a delight - fast, precise, the selection is very direct. it's still pushing hard and 6th soon takes over. Needles to the right - the horizon of the road darkens and prevents me from tasting speeds that are largely prohibited. But that's all there is to it.

the brakes come to mind: Powerful and dosable, they lack bite (it must be the Suzuki disease), but are enough to throw your head into the meters. Unfortunately, the winding road ahead at this point is still wet: attacking the bends is highly inadvisable. It's a pity. Back to the pits. Thanks and a twinkle in the eye. Magic moments are good!

M.B - Manufacturer's photos

Published on 4/16/02
by Greg

Essentials

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Key facts Suzuki TLS 1000 (1997) : What you need to know before you buy

Model sold in 1997 1998 1999 2000

Performance

Max speed : approximately 260 km/h (161.60 mph)
0-100 km/h acceleration : 3.30 s
Average fuel consumption : 9 liters/100km (0.26 mpg)
Estimated range : 189 km (117 miles)
Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.

Prices

	Basic version
France	10,000€

Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 34 reviews

Choisir une région

didier Model 1997

i forgot to say I put the coolant brand Evans it does not boil even at 180 degrees and you keep 25 to 30 years because it has no water I took at www.gt2i frankly the top ..and I passed the engine to the ceramic oil white oil ..a www xenumfrance .com phone number 05.55.74.35.97. good days to all and that good advice for your TLS 09/28/2024 20:35 Rating : 5/5 Respond to didier

Choisir une région

didier Model 1997

i've always had 4-cylinders, the twin nothing to see a treat even with the quiet ballads my TLS and 1999 .the only problem I've had is the leakage of the gasket of the tank a big hassle in total 7 leaks fortunately it happened every day in the garage and I made a big modification and no more leakage . also no problem ras . I have the original brake pads and yes I changed a quitte chain because I pamper ... with a full tank I do 248 kilometers and I have 4 to 5 liters of gas left and I don't drive at 50 kilometers an hour a combination used Meca run .c 99 .then lithium spark plugs and filter h and n ...with the c99 I make more than thirty kilometers and 60 kilometers for the car (if you have a Suzuki 1000 tls I can give you the combine for the leaks I d'onne you my telephone number 06.45.35.00.52 .et do not resell your TLS you will regret it because month I do not risk to céparer month 09/28/2024 20:07 Rating : 5/5 Respond to didier

Center loire France

Le Norvegien

Hello Didier, I would like to know the solution for the fuel leak, I have a 98 model and even with a thicker gasket the problem persists. Thank you for your feedback. Best regards B. Ternet 04/02/2025 12:39 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

for tank leakage

didier

salut le norvégien pour la fuite un conseil refait le système de la pompe a essence a neuf ..tu change la pompe tu mais la marque quantum garanti 170000 KLM tu change les 4 wedges en plastique le filtre a essence tu redait toutes les connexions cosse inox le tuyau essence pour commencer ...you but the tank on a very large rag so as not to damage the tank you tape the entrance to the tank you trace with a black felt-tip pen where the tank is fixed to the chassis you go all the way around a width of 4 centimeters you sand with 400 water body paper down to the bare metal you but a stroke of 400 water paper all over de 400 a l'eau de partout m'aime dans la gorge ou il y a le joint tu dégraisse avec de l'acétone tu décape la plaque de renfort des 4 cotés le joint d'origine tu le jette c'était de la merde tu achète chez magicap spécial nitrile pour essence ils on tous pour les joints une plaque de joint de 3 millimètres dépeceur leur téléphone 03.89.75.54.49..vous achète chez le Roy merlin de la soudure a froid pour métal c'est une résine pot en fer 2 pots ..des goujons en inox de 2.5 centimètres ..pate a joint marque motorblack résistance a l'essences ..8 rondelles anti desserage 8 écrous anti désaérage ..et 8 écrous simples après que tu retires ..the tank straight you but the studs with bracket fixed medium ...you have time 3 hours all around the tracing you put tape 2 turns you put the tape where it goes the pump that protrudes 1 centimeter you make resin you but m'aime in the groove of the joint you take the reinforcement plate you but in it without covering it you hold it by the 8 simple nuts as soon as it starts to dry you remove the 8 screws and you put resin again on it you cover it with 2 millimeters that and no air bubbles ...you let it dry for a good week you take a sheet of cardboard you put a drop of oil on each stud you make the print you die-cut you put a little oil on all the resin you make the print you cut it out you put a blank on the cardboard gasket if ok you transfer it to the nitrile gasket afterwards on the nitrile gasket then you assemble the gasket and the pump if all goes well you disassemble and you put the gasket paste on the 2 sides of the gasket and you reassemble everything without too much tightening of the nuts and you take a good week before reassembling everything and also change all the fuel hoses ..I'll give you a list of dealers for the TLS ...WWW.CMSNL.COM...you've got WWW.PARTSSS.COM.and WWW.SUZUKI pièces ORIGINE .COM ...if there's a problem and you need more advice, call me at 06.45.35.00.52 04/03/2025 13:08 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

Jc Model 1999

I've had it for over 22 years, I don't drive it as much now, but it's still a great pleasure to drive. It's got 80,000 km, a power commander, the airbox unbridled, in 17 by 41, the original pots, it consumes barely 6l while remaining reasonable (no need to pull on it to appreciate). Uncompromisingly reliable, I've only changed one clutch cable, one regulator, one battery and one frame ;) a clockwork and a formidable weapon in its day on twisty roads. 08/10/2024 22:25 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Jc

Bouches-du-Rhône

tls 1000 Model 1997

i've always had 4 cylinders. this is the first time i've had a twin cylinder and nothing to do with it. i bought the tls 1000 new in 1999 and i don't want to part with it for anything in the world. it's a super bewitching machine. i've bought a high performance air filter. i've modified the fuel pump system. because it's faulty, i've had 7 fuel leaks since then with this crappy gasket that Suzuki didn't modify. a scandal for fortunately the leaks always happened at home.I found out how to modify the system on moto planete. I've managed to go more than 270 kilometers on a full tank. people are going to tell me it's impossible, it has to run at 70 klh. I'll give you the trick I use. the meca-run c99 brand that you put in the gasoline and it really works. I go 40 klm further. a great product that's been tested by turbo and also cleans the engine. less pollution and more torque. and even for cars, I go 60 klm further 08/14/2022 11:37 Rating : 5/5 Respond to tls 1000

Hono Model 1999

I had a 97 model from 2002 to 2004, I sold it because of the range (100km) and the height, I'm 1m70 I had trouble, I even fell with it in duo because of that

The engine, well, it's a missile, with a kick in the ass at 5000t/m, really strong, I'd never seen that before, and then it pushes like crazy, you see blurred on the sides :) A man's bike, absolutely not linear

Too bad the aesthetics have aged badly compared to a Vtr or a Trx

I took a Trx afterwards, and I much prefer it. 05/08/2022 14:15 Rating : 4/5 Respond to Hono

Bouches-du-Rhône

tls 1000 Model 1997

when you have a fuel leak on a 1000 tls i've found the solution that works i've modified the fuel pump system and i no longer have any leaks take advantage of changing the fuel pump take the quantum brand guaranteed 166000klm the fuel filter the 4 silent blocks the hose change the lugs redo the connections well.the Magicap company sells gasoline-resistant gaskets month i took a 4 mm thick plate buy gasoline-resistant resin buy a 5mm stainless steel threaded rod 8 nuts with threadlockers cut 8 pieces of 2.5cm redo the end caps. sand off 1 cm of paint around the pump space, clean everything well with asetonne sand off the reinforcement plate evenly, put in the rods glued to the threadlocker, make a bowl with scotch tape outside the sanding area make a little resin to glue the plate, put in simple nuts to hold it in place once dry, remove the nuts. make more resin, cast it all, the plate immersed in the resin, wait 3 days, remove the scotch tape.make the seal 4mm thick on all the surface take its to do it well . put the seal in place to white meter the pump month I put it gently with a mallet I had no problem remove the pump and the seal put the paste motorblack black on the 2 surface all put in place roundels nuts with brake thread let dry several days before putting the gasoline . celebrate it well and you will not have any more leak . I just did it on mine good reading 04/09/2022 18:15 Rating : 5/5 Respond to tls 1000

get Model 1998

The motorcycle I dreamed of when I took my driving test. 6 years ago, I came across an ad when I hadn't yet sold my previous one, and I fell for it
The original pots are really ugly and the engine mount is minimal. Mine has stainless steel pots and a full fairing. Protection against splashes and sound rendering are spot on
Quite physical on small country roads, the twin-cylinder nonetheless saves on gear changes. Braking isn't always easy to control, and the master cylinder will seize up over time
On the other hand, acceleration... it's long, long, long! What's more, it's quite quick on the main roads, so it's a real pleasure to ride. But beware of dropping points!
Clearly not for everyone, but I must admit I'd like to try out its sister, the TLR. 01/27/2021 19:23 Rating : 4/5 Respond to get

bastien Model 1997

motorcycle from 97 owned one year and unfortunately destroyed after a road cut... I miss it, a crazy engine as much in torque as in rpm... a bit heavy and physical to ride originally, my configuration was filter kn, lithium battery and stainless steel line house / short gp points, result 196 kg and a behavior of crazy on the road despite the bridle to 100 ponies. I will buy one one day. and that noise... tl 1000 s I love.. 08/01/2018 01:30 Rating : 5/5 Respond to bastien

Fabian Model 1997

I had a TLS that I sold for lack of space and I regret it, what a shame. 06/30/2018 19:44 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Fabian

Pneu AR pour Suzuki 1000 TLS - 180 ou 190 ?

Foène 17 Model 1998

Hello everyone
I just bought my 1998 Suzuki tl 1000s
My question which is bothering me?
The rear tire is a 190! I have the impression that my bike is less agile? On the technical description I see that originally it's a 180!
Can you advise me on the right size to use and a good rubber that sticks to the road?
Thank you in advance, I look forward to hearing from you
Best regards Mr Delaporte Bruno. 04/07/2018 13:08 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Foène 17

gsxrbob1000

I have a 97 equipped with 190 Michelin pr4 and it handles very well. The shock absorber on the other hand is an EMC s56.it replaces the Rotary advantageously 04/21/2018 20:29 Rating : 4/5 Participate in the conversation

Laurent R

190 normally. Personally, I have a 180, but that's not a phenomenal difference either... 05/07/2018 22:24 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

Laurent R

Hello,
Normally it's a 190, but like many sports bikes, especially from this era, some owners, including myself, ride a 180. I had a ZX7R and it was the same. A little better handling, though. 06/22/2018 12:18 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

réservoir

dpctst2 Model 1997

it's interesting to note that the 17-litre tank, described as "ridiculous" at the time, is now well within the average range, or even "big", with this idiotic trend towards 15-16 liter max tanks (see the latest Ducatis, except for the Multistrada) 01/06/2017 12:26 Rating : 3/5 Respond to dpctst2

algo Model 1997

bonjour j\'ai un tl de 97 débridée depuis 1999 116300 kms je fais 1a2 foi part an de la piste moto super donc je n\'ai aucune envie de me séparé je l\'apprécie toujours autan que du plaisir 01/07/2016 19:30 Rating : 5/5 Respond to algo

recherche revue tecnique TLS

FredosFripon Model 1997

i'm looking for the technical documentation for my TLS in French
contacts
Face Book
https://www.facebook.com/groups/667980443279714/
or
0670907536
or mail
fredosfripon@gmail.com

Thanks

Mine is bought since 7 months, without review nor booklet of maintenance, she will be 18 years old the 25 11 2014, I would make an apero in my garage with her is you if you come LOL be welcome I am on Libourne!

Thanks 11/20/2014 21:35 Rating : 5/5 Respond to FredosFripon

Fido

Hello just bought my 1st tls I want to vinil drink lapero I'm not far from libourne 05/02/2017 00:18 Rating : 4/5 Participate in the conversation

presque parfaite

maitre gonzo Model 1997

my 97 and its 63 MKM, despite its reputation for fragility, has never caused me the slightest breakdown. sporty but not extreme riding, a torquey, powerful engine (100 hp is more than enough) ....
The only drawback: the aesthetics have not aged well, especially when parked next to more recent bikes.
but the quality/price ratio is second to none 10/03/2014 09:06 Rating : 4/5 Respond to maitre gonzo

Puissance hors bridage

motaro85 Model 1997

Hello,
I want to buy a tls for a track project

Will this bike have enough torque? What is its power once unbridled?

Thanks 03/02/2014 20:52 Rating : 5/5 Respond to motaro85

lolo

there's plenty of torque, no problem with that, but when it comes to power, you're looking at around 130 hp, so get a model after 98, which is easier to jump. I put mine on the track from time to time, and I'm right up there with the old-generation cbr1000rr (pot under the seat) 06/08/2014 10:20 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

FLOX Model 1998

!!!!!! I can't wait to find one...what's left of my 650 SV ?! Any takers? If not... Super machine that turns hard and has a well asserted "Karaktère" !!! j\'adore ! 07/01/2013 14:27 Rating : 5/5 Respond to FLOX

jouissif

lolo Model 2000

i've had it for 2 weeks now, a 99 tls full, I'm coming off a zx7r, really wonderful bike, it pulls like crazy! be careful on corner exits in accel, it slips. I'm going to keep it for a long time, I think 06/27/2013 21:29 Rating : 5/5 Respond to lolo

legion Model 1997

for weekend play 05/15/2013 22:43 Rating : 1/5 Respond to legion

le malgache Model 1998

what can I say about this bike? I've gone from 4 legs, v-twins, twins....bref, bi c\'est ce qui me donne la banane....on ne peut plus rouler vite.donc mon plaisir est passé au niveau des courbes, entrees et sorties de rond-points.tout dans la réacceleration.....brouaap!!!!! 03/12/2013 19:14 Rating : 4/5 Respond to le malgache

prix d un reglage injection

ludo Model 1997

hello everyone i'm seriously considering buying a 97 1000tls but i need to have the injection pump tuned and i'd like to know how much it would cost me financially speaking thank you 03/04/2013 20:45 Rating : 5/5 Respond to ludo

probleme ralenti tl1000S

SNATCH Model 1997

HELLO I have a big problem since I bought the tl1000s it is from 2001 with 43 THOUSAND km
unstable idle and stalls all the time at low revs
i took it back to suzuki and they did a tps adjustment plus injection adjustment, all the same
help me i'm at the end of my rope!!!! 02/25/2013 09:56 Rating : 2/5 Respond to SNATCH

lolo

j'avais le meme soucis, apres changement du flitre a air et filtre de pompe injection plus de probleme ;)
03/28/2016 09:03 Rating : 4/5 Participate in the conversation

silvainfrance

Hello lolo,
I also have a 1000 TLS and it also stalls at idle or after deceleration when entering a roundabout, a traffic light etc.. I've noticed that it does this more often when the engine is hot, it sounds like my fuel pump is cutting out... I have to turn off the ignition or OFF/ON and I hear the pump replenish the engine... then it starts up again... However, at 65° and above, it stalls almost all the time.

I'd like to know what you call the injection pump filter.
Sincerely silvain 04/25/2016 23:36 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

floc Model 1997

i've owned this bike for 12 years since the oil changes, brake pads, etc. Fork fork chain kit if not very good bike big fishing not redicule we can tickle the new beaks without problems 12/09/2012 20:12 Rating : 4/5 Respond to floc

Données technique TLS

firesteff Model 1997

Hello,
I'm looking for the technical and mechanical data of my 1997 TL 1000s, because I have to do everything myself because of the sinews of war: Money, and I simply love it! I need the serrage couples in particular.
Thanks in advance,
Stéphane from Brussels. 12/03/2012 01:53 Rating : 4/5 Respond to firesteff

firesteff Model 1997

I love this bike, I mean this machine!
In spite of a few minor faults, such as the fragility of the frame suspension mountings, the shock absorber to be exact, which are difficult and expensive to repair, I'm crazy about this Vtwin Monster that is MY TL. And it's true that the quantity of fuel in relation to fuel consumption is a major problem, but you get by...
Sincerely yours, dear TListe.
Stéphane from Brussels. 12/03/2012 01:43 Rating : 3/5 Respond to firesteff

Ed la poigné Model 1997

hi,I bought one tonight and drove it 70 km home.97 model in 100hp with full power gearbox.it's already going strong in 100hp,240 on the freeway and it pulls again and again...problem,the guy put a 190 wide rear tire on it!! no steering damper and a compet style rear shock absorber to be adjusted for sure. consequence of the tire or bad suspension adjustment but it doesn't turn in tight corners, I have to force it like crazy; it wobbles slightly, waddles a bit (is that normal?) in medium curves and doesn't stumble at all on the freeway. Don't hesitate to advise me, I love this machine, the engine is an elastic (it pushes from start to finish!!). thank you in advance 06/25/2010 01:43 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Ed la poigné

tlman Model 1997

very good bike, once the rotary has been set up for a bitubo or other adaptable system lots of torque, braking a little limited, you have to change the cylinder, otherwise it's all good, gazzzzzzzz
10/09/2009 14:50 Rating : 5/5 Respond to tlman

tonio 1302 Model 1997

a super bike, simply !!!! 03/20/2008 20:36 Rating : 5/5 Respond to tonio 1302

Ducaticil2 Model 1997

Hello,

i found a used TL 1000 S from 98 with 44000Km.
I'm wondering about the reliability of the engine at this mileage.

The goal is to drive little but I would not like to have big surprises

V to all, and to keep nothing from you, the TL is for my 25-year-old nephew, because I've been hooked by Ducati for 3 years now... what happiness. 09/06/2007 17:24 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Ducaticil2

mat Model 1997

I've just bought a red 2000 tls with all options. I had a 1000 svn and I don't regret it. More character, more feeling on the handlebars, a nasty noise (devils oblige) and what a face! It's a crazy bike, happiness at any revs, I love it and too bad for the range, it gives you the opportunity to have a good time at the pump;-)Bonne route à tous les gros twins et rester prudence! 08/09/2007 13:34 Rating : 5/5 Respond to mat

tlscougar Model 1997

Just like you about the pleasures of this bike, it's simply a dream
However, I'd like to correct what Motoplanete says in the "Performance --> Max speed: over 230 km/h" section
It goes well over 230km/h, I rode it at 275km/h, the engine could give more, but I couldn't keep up ;-) The vibration in my wrists made me ease off the throttle

V to all 06/17/2007 14:44 Rating : 5/5 Respond to tlscougar

savatage Model 1997

I bought a blue TL 1000 S with 19,000 km

Even with the clutch on, the power and torque are such that in 1st gear you have to use the throttle carefully, otherwise... Space Mountain guaranteed!

I've only driven it 600 km since I got it, but it's won me over completely

A healthy twin, a chassis that holds up well (despite the Rotary shock that sometimes reacts strangely), a demonic noise when the LéoVince are free, in short, nothing but happiness

I'm going to sell my '87 CBR 1000 F. I'm fed up with inline-4s! 02/18/2006 20:03 Rating : 5/5 Respond to savatage

bilou Model 1997

i bought this bike a year ago and had a few problems with it.the frame broke at the rotary shock mounting bracket, which gave me a good scare at 140! luckily the frame was replaced under warranty by suzuki.it's one of its teething problems.because there was more to it than the handlebars!.you have to opt for a '99 model because before that, it's risky to end up with a bike with problems (leaking water pump seal, leaking tank seal, faulty injection box, broken frame, handlebars...).despite this, it's a bike full of character and liveliness that handles well on smooth surfaces. 03/31/2005 01:55 Rating : 5/5 Respond to bilou

seb Model 1997

This bike is simply brilliant, I know I own one, the engine has incredible length. Otherwise more reliable than other twin-cylinder 996 cc ... Indeed the braking could have been better, but otherwise R.A.S 01/13/2005 14:12 Rating : 5/5 Respond to seb

Tusmaster Model 1997

Excellent machine! A real "rail", incredible acceleration... a real treat! Criticisms (if any can be levelled at it): a slightly exhausting riding position, but a range that allows you to rest more often ;-) . That said, fast (but not sporty) driving gets you through the 200 km. Braking is powerful, but lacks a little bite. In short, 996 cc of happiness, and what a mouthful compared to an SV! 01/13/2005 14:12 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Tusmaster

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Motorcycle specifications

Suzuki TLS 1000 1997

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Road test of SuzukiTLS 1000 1997 Discovering the big nervous twin