The Suzuki TL1000 range feature one of the truly great V-twin engines, in some of the most unpredictable handling chassis ever devised. The Suzuki TL1000R has an improved rear shock, which doesn’t misbehave so much as the TL1000S model’s, but both motorcycles get so light at the front end, so very easily with all that V-twin grunt on tap. The Suzuki TL1000R is exciting to ride, but for experts/nutters only.

Engine: The Suzuki TL1000R has a truly awesome engine, producing a claimed 135bhp and though it revs another 1000rpm higher than the TL1000S, the Suzuki TL1000R still feels like it makes as much poke as a Ducati 916 can manage, by about 6000 revs. Sheer, liquid, adrenaline-pumping lunge and the fuel injection works better on the TL1000R than on the Suzuki TL1000S.

Ride And Handling: The Suzuki TL1000R features a frame based on the Suzuki GSX-R750 of the era, and it perhaps suffers from a short 1405mm wheelbase. Maybe the V-twin motor’s poke would upset almost any chassis, but the TL1000R doesn’t quite handle with the precision of say a Bimota SB8R, or Duke 916/996. When you push it, the Suzuki TL1000R gets loose at high speeds, and oversteers on slow corners.

Equipment: The Suzuki TL1000R’s full fairing is fairly wide, especially at the top half, so it keeps some windblast off the rider. The TL1000R pillion perch is a bit of joke, footpegs are too high and the upswept pipes makes panniers impossible to fit. You get a steering damper as standard on the Suzuki TL1000R though…which is nice.

Quality And Reliability: The TL1000R’s motor can take all kinds of abuse without any problems and the overall finish is quite high - for a Suzuki. The Suzuki TL1000R will still show some corrosion rapidly if you foolishly rode it through winter, it is basically a summer trackday kinda motorcycle. Electrics on the Suzuki TL1000R’s can play up and it needs a strong battery to start that big motor, so invest in an Optimate.

Value: Hardly anyone wants the Suzuki TL1000R nowadays, with the earlier TL1000S model achieving cult status thanks to its lairy reputation. If you like danger, then the TL1000R version is almost as challenging to ride fast and can be had for a couple of grand in mint condition - surely a bargain compared to an unloved 916 for twice as much dosh? Find Suzuki TL1000R motorcycles for sale.

Model History: 1998: Suzuki TL1000R launched.
2000: New colours/graphics.
2003: Suzuki TL1000R model discontinued, Suzuki SV1000 replaces it.
2004: Last Suzuki TL1000R stocks sold at discount.

Engine size 996cc
Power 135bhp
Top speed 165mph
Insurance group 16

This articlw was taken from: Motorcycle News

Triumph unveiled its new models for the 2009 model year to an expectant audience of dealers and press at its Global Dealer Conference in Birmingham, England, as well as officially announcing the eagerly-anticipated parallel twin-cylinder cruiser, which will be known as the Thunderbird.

Set to go on sale for the 2010 model year, the all-new six-speed 1,600cc cruiser has been designed to take on the best in the cruiser category. Combining sleek and modern looks with great dynamics, the belt-driven Thunderbird will provide an authentic cruiser experience in a uniquely Triumph package.

The Thunderbird will be offered with an extensive range of official accessories which will allow the rider to tailor the bike to their individual needs. Whether they want a stripped down and chromed up hot rod with muscular performance or a fully-dressed classic style custom-tourer for two-up touring, Triumph’s accessory range lets the rider customise the Thunderbird to their individual tastes. An ABS option is also available.

Before then, Triumph fans can look forward to an exciting 2009 range. New for the coming season is the high-specification Street Triple R, aimed at discerning riders looking for a naked bike that provides a sporty riding experience normally associated with fully-faired supersport machines. Based on the phenomenally successful standard Street Triple, the 675cc triple features race-track derived suspension and brakes and will be launched with a new Matt Graphite colour scheme, complete with striking orange graphics. A Matt Blazing Orange (with Graphite graphics) option will also be available from January 2009.

Triumph is also introducing a heavily revised Daytona 675 for 2009. Producing 3PS more than its predecessor and weighing 3kg less, the highly acclaimed supersport machine handles even better than before thanks to the latest race-developed suspension, featuring high and low speed damping at both the front and rear, while new Nissin monobloc brakes give improved feel and stopping power. The bike has also been restyled, with a new cockpit, headlight and screen complementing the Jet Black and Tornado Red colour options.

Triumph’s Bonneville range has also been given a serious makeover. The iconic model celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2009, and Triumph is marking the occasion with a limited edition model. Just 650 Bonneville T100 50th Anniversary models will be produced in a unique orange and blue colour scheme that echoes the 1959 original. Based on the standard T100, the Anniversary model features a host of detail changes and comes with a numbered handlebar-mounted plaque and a certificate of authenticity signed by John Bloor, the owner of Triumph Motorcycles Ltd.

Meanwhile, the standard Bonneville gets Seventies-look cast wheels and revised ergonomics. With its lower seat height, the 2009 Bonneville is more manoeuvrable than ever before. Also on sale is a higher specification Bonneville SE, which takes the standard Bonneville and adds a two-tone colour scheme, brushed alloy engine casings and additional instrumentation. The Sixties-influenced Bonneville T100 remains in the line-up for 2009, with minor detail changes and a new blue and white colour option.

The Rocket III, Rocket III Classic, Rocket III Touring, Speed Triple, Tiger, Sprint ST, America, Speedmaster, Scrambler and Thruxton all remain in the Triumph range for 2009, benefiting from minor detail updates and exciting new colours, including an attitude-filled Matt Khaki Green option for the Scrambler.

Triumph’s dealers were also treated to the full range of products for the forthcoming year. In addition to the new motorcycles, Triumph’s clothing team unveiled its most comprehensive range of apparel ever. Over 50% of the 2009 range is completely new. At the top end is a new product line developed in collaboration with Italian manufacturer Alpinestars, while a number of classically-styled ‘essentials’ have been introduced to bring high-quality Triumph products at very competitive prices. Riders of cruisers will be catered for with a new range of high-specification products designed especially for their needs, while the company’s first heated product will also hit the marketplace, in the form of the electrically-powered EXO2 vest.

Triumph’s popular casual range hasn’t been forgotten about either. A special edition range celebrating 50 years of the iconic Triumph Bonneville is being introduced alongside a new summer range of T-shirts, including a new design inspired by legendary Triumph rider Steve McQueen.

This article was taken from: Total Motorcycle.com