When I was looking at picking up a bike (which eventually led me to my VTR), I looked long and hard at both the VTR and TL. MY eventual choice is obvious but I hav always like the TL too, especialy the honkin' engine the first ones had.

 

I'd gladly take a first year TL and throw that abysmalic rotary damper away and have an excellent track weapon...

 

And aren't you happy you made the right choice considering all the intellectual, freindly, helpful, edifying, interesting, thoughtful, and generally wonderful people, me excepted of course, that you never would have had the pleasure to meet. And, those TL people are bad people and possess none of the aforementioned redeeming qualities of the illustrious SH forum membership.

 

I had a friend who picked one last year with just that mod performed. Unfortunately, I never got to ride it before he re-sold it to buy something else (he intended on keeping it but someone made him an offer he couldn`t refuse....). I remember seeing dyno sheets for the early ones and they were making about 114-115 hp with 74 lb-ft (about what my VTR is making now after semi-significant mods).

 

I have no regrets for my choice of bike (although I must confess to being slightly less than impressed the first few rides on the VTR, the seamless power delivery seeming lethargic compared to the frantic I4 rush I was used to). I also really enjoy this forum and the people on it. Like a second home of sorts, lol

 

Yeah... About 115 at the rear wheel stock, and around 140-145 with minor engine mods... A friend has one, with those mods (and nixed rotary) and it absolutely screams on a track... It's a tiresome beast to ride on the road, very digital throttle, but it givs most RC's a run for their money on track...

 

Hey Becky, did you get the VTR back running? If I recall you had a CCT failure - right? Anyway, I think that the more bikes on the road of any kind, are good for all of us. Keeps the cagers aware. The only riders that bug me are those that wear sneakers. Harley riders are ok too, I am one of them sometimes. Your VStrom looks nice, post some photos here once in a while. JB

 

what do you mean by minor mods? Those are impressive numbers for a liter-twin, even getting that out of an RC takes some doing....

 

Sorry the VTR didn't work out. You did the right thing. If it's not fun to own and ride, sell it. The TL1000S should be very entertaining.

 

TL1000S = sweet, TL1000R = possibly one of the Top 10 ugliest bikes ever sold (IMO)

 

I considered the TL before buying the SH. I was warned that early ones had a problem with the frame cracking. Can't confirm that, but some were recalled in the US for a fuel problem.

Here's an article on the replacement for the rotary shock:

http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_...00s/index.html

 

Thanks for your replies yea one brought is early model has had frame and fueling sorted has paperwork for it, I repaired the ccts on the bike but there's some thing just not right with the bike that's why I got rid because I need to know a bike is running right to ride it.

I love the tl had one before was awesome piece of kit I am looking at getting another vtr as I really enjoyed riding it but will look very carefully at what i'm buying this time as one I had hadn't been looked after at and was a bit of a dog and to get it looking how I want would be a waste of money.

So when I am looking for another vtr I shall post my finds on here and see what you all suggest I love this forum people are great and really helpful

) becky x