Suzuki TL1000s, 1998, 10,000miles looking £1900, good or bad buy?. any probs with this bike, what should i pay

Question

Is £1900 a fair price

Answer 1

Make sure it has a steering damper fitted. This model was recalled by Suzuki because of severe steering shimmy under certain conditions and the rectification involved the fitting of the prescribed damper. The problem causing the shimmy was actually the rotary damper controlling the rear suspension, so the steering damper hid the symptom, rather than cured the disease.

Motor is reasonably reliable, providing the oil has been changed regularly, though prone to bad starting / misfires in wet weather, and the plastic clutch cover has been known to warp and leak oil onto the rear tyre.
With two large pistons lunging up and down, a good battery is a must if you want it to turn over quick enough to start.

This bike is low mileage for year, but condition is more important, unless it has done starship mileages.
Does the owner know the history of the bike?

Is the mileage genuine, or has the clocks been changed, if so why? Does the bike look straight? is it on the register for write offs or on a "Q" plate? does it have a service history? Is the bike registered at the owners address?

Any negatives and just walk away.

Answer 2

Of the v-twin sport bikes this is the worst. The power is low, the bike is heavy, and the stability is kinda a big issue...if you want to have a stable SPORT BIKE!! I hope you do want this.

Major heat issues from the bike. It radiates heat onto the rider on the right side and is so hot it can burn you.

You can buy these bikes for nearly nothing because most people don't want them. If you are on a tight budget this might be a good transition bike to tied you over.

I had a 98 TL then went to the GSXR. Never looked back. I could not believe the difference.

Honestly you would be better with an SV1000 or the RC51, which is light years better.

Answer 3

These were real tank slappers in their time. Good bikes but not the original models which had handling issues at speed. Try to bargain down and make sure there is a service history of sorts as mileage is very low for an 8 year old bike. check out bike trader, second hand bike price guide or glass' manual (should be available at a library) for prices v. condition of bike - check out tyres, frame and suspension, fork seals and brake callipers - all out of age more than anything. a clean bike is not necessarily a well kept one and follow the usual precautions when buying privately apply. good luck

Answer 4

It is bloody December, £ 1000 tops.
Watch the handling, evil reputation, probably not warranted, but take as much weight off the handlebars and forks as poss and fit a decent aftermarket fairing, It may be the steering damper causes the handling probs but you dont want to work this out half way through a blackthorn bush at 130 mph do you?
Sounds like the s motor is better than r for the road but r handles better, still if you cant afford a Ducati......

Answer 5

Good bike not a bad price but would try to knock him down this time of year £1650-£1700. Some say they get out of shape when pushed hard in corners but in all fairness as long as you get the suspension set for your weight and riding style they are fine and have a much better motor than the Honda Firestorm too.

Answer 6

It's a fair price.

It's a great bike, although has a slight stability flaw, but overall, its fantastic.

Happy biking.

Answer 7

its winter time ,pay 1600 , plenty bikes on the market

Answer 8

the honda's would be better deal. this bike was prone to be squirelly, and if u like to ride long distances, the honda would be more comfortable.