1997 Suzuki TL1000S

Post-Listing Update: This Suzuki TL1000S was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown.

Back in the 70s, the Kawasaki H2 developed the reputation of a ‘widowmaker’ due to its’ incredible power and complete lack of handling. The Suzuki TL1000S also earned such a reputation when it was released in 1997, for slightly different reasons. This bike was introduced with a very unique rotary rear damping system, which seemed to perform just fine in pre-production models. Once bikes were sold in the United Kingdom, however, it became clear that the damping had some serious issues. Tank-slappers became a too-common occurrence, and after several high-profile accidents (and one fatality), Suzuki initiated a worldwide recall to install a steering damper. You might think that this would have killed consumer demand for the bike, but motorcyclists are an odd breed. If anything, the Suzuki TL1000S became an instant cult classic with the mystique of a difficult-to-tame beast.

Most people think of Ducatis when they hear “V-Twin sports bike”. But this Suzuki changed some minds, with 125 horsepower, 96 pound-feet of torque, and incredible throttle response that could bring you up to a top speed of 165 miles per hour. As long as you don’t get too choppy with the right wrist, you can enjoy a surprisingly relaxed ride. This bike is narrower than you might expect, due to the compact nature of the engine. High-tech featuers like the trellis frame, fuel injection (first application in a Suzuki sportbike), torque-limiting clutch and inverted front forks make this an explosive but civil ride – lots of people consider the Suzuki TL1000S the most exciting commuter ever made.

This specific Suzuki TL1000S is being offered by the second owner and it has 21,000 miles. It’s in a rare green color which was only offered in 1997, and it comes with a few extras including a Healtech gear indicator, Yoshimura RS-3 slip-on, Bitubo rear shock, and the rare factory lower fairing, though the seller has that last piece separately.