Although Suzuki only won a single race with its TL1000R racebike in 1998 before returning to the GSX-R750, little did it know it created an instant cult-classic. The 1000cc monster was as unpredictable as it was fierce with a widow maker stigma that followed. As a result, sales numbers never flourished. But that didn't stop many riders like Jamie Howser from deeming the TLR one of their all-time favorites.
"I knew the suspension was odd and it was overweight, but a TLR is unique and the fact there weren't that many made meant I had to buy one," Howser said.
Unfortunately, with low production numbers came a lack of available aftermarket parts.
"Unlike a Gixxer where you have choices in parts, I was limited to just a few companies."
Howser was able to take his TLR from an awkward stocker to a race-track rocker with a mile-long list of mods that include the likes of Öhlins suspension bits, an '06 GSX-R1000 front end, OG first generation Carrozzeria wheels and a one-off custom Yoshimura exhaust that sacrificed three different systems for its existence.
It's interesting that odd characters like the TLR seem to develop a following not for their unique behavior, but more for their often-overshadowed attributes. Perhaps the fact Howser gets, "Killer 'Busa," and "Nice Gixxer," every time he rides the TLR is seen not as an insult, but more as an odd form of flattery. Long live the legendary TLR!
2001 Suzuki TL1000R
Front End: 2006 GSX-R1000 forks with Traxxion Dynamics internals and radial-mount calipers, Galfer Wave rotors and stainless lines, Brembo radial master cylinder, Carrozzeria wheel, Michelin Pilot Power tire, Öhlins steering damper
Rear End: Driven rear sprocket (+1), Galfer Wave rotor, Carrozzeria wheel, Michelin Pilot Power tire, Hotbodies undertail, Öhlins rear shock, RK chain, GSX-R1000 rear caliper
Motor: BMC air filter, airbox mod, '99 TLS cable clutch conversion, custom Yoshimura titanium TRS exhaust system
Accessories: 2001 GSX-R1000 gauges, Vanzuki.com brake reservoirs, clutch cover/plate/retainers, return brake spring, sprocket cover, tail risers, mirror block-offs, exhaust hanger and swingarm offsets, carbon fiber Ducati Öhlins rear shock cover and frame/case covers, CNR levers, fan switch, Gilles Tooling rearsets, GP Light clip-ons, bar ends, chain adjusters and titanium nuts/bolts, Lockhart Phillips carbon-fiber Chicane mirrors and Dzus fasters, Renthal grips, Zero Gravity windscreen, Yoyodyne titanium bolts, Sharkskinz tail and ram-air tubes
Owner/Builder: Jamie Howser