Suzuki Gets Serious
SUZUKI GETS SERIOUS
SUZUKI WILL OFFER A racier, fully faired version of its popular TL1000S sport-Twin for 1998. That, we knew. What we didn’t know is that the new TL1000R will wear a conventional twinspar aluminum frame, not the S-model’s exotic trellis affair.
As with the GSX-R750, the TLlOOOR’s extruded beams are mated to a cast steering head and swingarm pivot.
The rectangular-section aluminum swingarm is braced heavily, and is controlled by a separate rotary damper and spring. The spring is mounted alongside the damper behind the engine’s rear cylinder, though, rather than to the right of the cylinder as with the TL1000S. Each component still functions through its own linkage, and wheelbase remains the same, 55.7 inches.
The liquid-cooled 90-degree V-Twin has been modified. Displacement remains 996cc, but higher-compression forged pistons, lightened con-rods, revised fuel-injection mapping, a bigger airbox and new mufflers up output. Suzuki alleges 135 horsepower at the crank, or about 122 at the rear wheel, 11 up on the TL1000S. Dual radiators and a beefed-up clutch help compensate for the increase in performance.
Suggested retail is $9499, just $500 more than the ’98model TL1000S.
Big news on the GSX-R front is fuel injection for the $9299 750, id engine and chassis refinements to the $7799 600. On the former, 46mm throttle bodies replace last year’s 39mm Keihin carbs. The two-stage setup monitors throttle position, atmospheric and intake pressures, engine coolant and intake temperatures, and engine rpm. Other updates include a digital direct ignition (with stick-type coils built into the sparkplug caps), revised cam timing, larger airbox, a new stainless-steel exhaust system with shorter head pipes and a smaller-diameter collector, and tighter gear ratios.
Changes to the GSX-R600’s engine address the need for increased bottom-end and midrange power. Airbox capacity is up, intake ports and piston tops are reshaped, cam timing is changed and gearing is revised. Also, the front brake discs are thicker, the cartridge fork features adjustable compression damping and the rear shock has an internal temperature compensator to reduce fade.
The popular Katana 600 and 750 get stylish new fairings, and minor engine and chassis revisions. Both bikes are now shod with radial tires, and list for $6199 and $7199, respectively.
On the cruiser front, Suzuki has jumped headfirst into the retro market with the Intruder 1500 LC. Powered by a biggerbore version of the old-style Intruder 1400’s air/oil-cooled V-Twin, the LC (Legendary Custom, we’re told) is tuned for torque, has a low 27.6-inch seat height and utilizes single-shock rear suspension. Suggested retail is $9899. Matthew Miles
