2000 Suzuki TL1000R - A Successful Fruit

Everybody knows about Gixxers and 'Busas, but one of the lesser known rides in the Suzuki stable is the TL1000R. While Super Streetbike might not be as race-focused as some mags, racing is relevant in this case. You see, the TL is a machine that was built to work the track, but it was also available in two models-the TL-S (a half-faired street version) and the TL-R (a fully faired race version)-and was only made from '97 until '02.

Ducati had been cleaning up with its V-twins on the world's racetracks, and the TL1000R was Suzuki's attempt at fighting back with its own big twin. So while the name on the gas tank may sound familiar, the riding experience isn't-the TL couldn't be more different than a four-cylinder Gixxer. These things have crazy low-down grunt, so revs aren't as necessary to make them fly.

This particular 2000 model TL1000R is owned by Jason Williams, a young guy from Virginia. We asked him why he chose to own and build a TL: "The torque is great. And it doesn't sound like a regular bike."

He's not kidding-it sounds glorious, especially with the added Yoshimura exhaust system. Williams also installed a Timing Retard Eliminator, which, in effect, removes the rev-limiting modification that Suzuki made after its early bikes received a reputation for being too wheelie-prone. Yep-some people actually thought that was a bad thing.

Obviously, minor engine mods weren't all that Williams did, though, and the first step in making his bike truly unique was to add some boisterous paintwork. Once the bodywork was off, Williams had the frame painted with a tangerine-candy-colored clear, and at the same time he started searching for a swingarm.

Finding a custom swingarm for one of these beasts isn't easy, so he had Alumachrome build him a one-off-then gave it the same candy-clear finish to match the frame.

Next in line for a spray were the body panels. Williams had a rough idea of how he wanted things to look, but he left a lot of the finalities to his painter, Barry Short. The gorgeous end result actually was a bit of a collaboration between Troy Wells (who applied the base color) and Short (who added the green graphics, pinstriping and all of the airbrush work).

Anybody who has built a bike will know that it doesn't stop with a flashy paint job. The next big item on most shopping lists is a set of aftermarket wheels, and Williams chose Performance Machine's "Gatlin" model. He didn't fall in with the current fat-rear trend, however, and kept the stock width in the rear.

With the big stuff sorted, it was time to finish it all off with special touches like grips, levers, a kickstand and that funky Louis Vuitton seat. Custom Sportbike Concepts handled the hardware, while a local car shop gave the seat a special pimp appeal.

For now, Williams is finished with the bike and content-it sounds different from everything else on the road, it draws a crowd everywhere he parks (especially when the sun's shining and that paint's popping) and it can keep up with just about any superbike ever made. What more could he want?

Here at SSB we're constantly trying to encourage builders to work on different machinery, and finally our request has been filled. Williams used a unique bike to carry out his fresh and functional build idea, and that should inspire owners of other less-popular models. While it might not have the shock value of a 360-tired monstrosity, this Suzuki uses what it has to its advantage and is a fruitful success indeed.

The Buyer's Box 2000 Suzuki Tl1000r
Front end: Performance Machine "Gatlin" wheel
Rear end: Alumachrome six-inch-over swingarm, Performance Machine"Gatlin" wheel
Motor: Yoshimura exhaust, TRE
Paint: House of Kolor by Barry Short and Troy Wells
Polish/chrome: Motorcycle Parts and Accessories, Roanoke, VA
Bodywork: N/A
Accessories: Louis Vuitton seat cover by Kings Auto Upholstery
Other: Custom Sportbike Concepts grips, levers, mirrors and kickstand
Owner: Jason Williams
Builder: Jason Williams

"Finally our request has been filled."