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TL1000s vs Super Hawk
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Posted: 07/31/05
12:24 PM
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Anyone ever read a comparo of these 2 bikes? What's the general opinion of each? A guy can buy either one used for a good price. What would ya'll advise?
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TEvo
Enthusiast
| Posts: 322
| Joined: 10/02
Posted: 07/31/05
09:34 PM
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http://www.mcnews.com.au/Testing/suzukitl1000stestmarch2000.htm
TL1000S has been out of production for quite some time now, replaced by the milder SV1000.
The VTR1000F Superhawk is still in production. I think Cycle World has had a comparison between it and the SV1000S in their annual Sportbike issue. The VTR1000F is basically unchanged since its introduction in `96(?), so... that article is still valid.
imho, if you need a all-round motorcycle, the Superhawk is better than a TL1000S. But if you want something that's got more aggressive riding position and attitude, the TL1000S would probably be more interesting. An SV1000S would split the difference between the two.
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enp83
Enthusiast
| Posts: 361
| Joined: 02/05
Posted: 08/01/05
01:56 AM
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I dunno how much milder a SV1KS is than a TLS, they are pretty close. TLS might have had a slightly shorter wheelbase (due to the SV1K having a conventional shock instead of the TLS's rotary thing-a-ma-jig) and more radical front end geometry. The ergos of a SV1K are not very friendly (long reach/low clip ons) and I think the TLS has slightly higher clip ons? I've never ridden a Superhawk but I do remember sitting on a couple in a dealership and really noticing how much more comfortable they are than my '03 SV650S (which has the EXACT same ergos as a SV1KS)...reminded me more of my YZF600R.
I believe both the TLS and Superhawk came out in '97. The Superhawk has carbs and the TLS is fuel injected. TLS will have a few more ponies (even more ponies if you get a '97). Superhawk drinks a little more fuel and has a slightly smaller tank (I believe) so when combined with the "poor" fuel economy some people really complained in the reviews. I know the Superhawk is softer sprung than a TLS. Superhawk had 41mm right way up forks I think, and a lot of people say they're pretty bad for really aggressive riding so people who want to do that kind of riding with a superhawk swap the forks out for some off a 900RR or 929/954 I can't remember.
A dealer near me one fall had a couple of year old leftover Superhawks that they were letting go for $6,199. I've seen one or two on ebay go for around $6,500 new. So keep an eye out for good deals on new superhawks in your area, might make it easier to drive the price down further on a used model.
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TEvo
Enthusiast
| Posts: 322
| Joined: 10/02
Posted: 08/01/05
05:58 AM
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I believe 2004+ SV1000S has more relaxed ergonomics than the 2003 model year. I think enough people (and magazines) complained such that Suzuki made them less GSX-R-ish. If I remember correctly, the TL1000S has lower clip-ons than any SV I've been on.
One thing I failed to mention was the earlier model year TL1000S has some pretty nasty off-idle throttle abruptness.
There are definitely some deals to be had on new or near new Superhawks, a lot of dealers seem to heavily discount this model.
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enp83
Enthusiast
| Posts: 361
| Joined: 02/05
Posted: 08/01/05
12:41 PM
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Oddly enough I think Honda increased the MSRP on superhawks this year or last. Ya I can't say for sure if the TLS has (slightly) higher clip ons than the '03+ SVS but I know the only ergo changes Suzuki made for '04+ SVs was to every so slightly change the angle of the subframe. Possibly lowering the riders seat but it would have been very very minimal change.
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Trevitt
Enthusiast
| Posts: 257
| Joined: 11/99
Posted: 08/01/05
02:33 PM
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TL1000S vs. Super Hawk vs. Aprilia Falco test
TL1000S test
AT
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TEvo
Enthusiast
| Posts: 322
| Joined: 10/02
Posted: 08/01/05
02:54 PM
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Can't ask for anything better than that. Personalized service from the editor. 
Strange how the search feature on the homepage didn't turn up links to the articles with TL1000. The only search result I got back was for this:
www.sportrider.com/bikes/2003/146_03_suzuki/index.html
I guess I shoulda tried harder... TL1000S, Superhawk both brought up links to the reviews. 
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TEvo
Enthusiast
| Posts: 322
| Joined: 10/02
Posted: 08/01/05
02:56 PM
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Quote:
Oddly enough I think Honda increased the MSRP on superhawks this year or last. Ya I can't say for sure if the TLS has (slightly) higher clip ons than the '03+ SVS but I know the only ergo changes Suzuki made for '04+ SVs was to every so slightly change the angle of the subframe. Possibly lowering the riders seat but it would have been very very minimal change.
Inflation? SV650 has gone up slightly over the years...
I must be mistaken, I coulda sworn they lowered the bars and pegs in addition to seat height on the `04+ SV1000S.
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enp83
Enthusiast
| Posts: 361
| Joined: 02/05
Posted: 08/01/05
03:06 PM
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I'm 99% certain they left the "bars" where they were on the 2nd gen SVSs. Yeah I suppose maybe inflation played some into the price increase, also the yen vs dollar...I know it was down for a while but might stabling off or gaining back now. You would just think on the Superhawk that it's such an old design, the research and tooling is paid off and if dealers are letting them go for as low as some of them are....the profit margin can't be too slim on 'em.
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Trevitt
Enthusiast
| Posts: 257
| Joined: 11/99
Posted: 08/01/05
03:09 PM
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Quote:
Strange how the search feature on the homepage didn't turn up links to the articles with TL1000. The only search result I got back was for this:
www.sportrider.com/bikes/2003/146_03_suzuki/index.html
I guess I shoulda tried harder... TL1000S, Superhawk both brought up links to the reviews.
Looks like the search engine doesn't recognize TL1000 as being the singular of TL1000S 
You can always check the road test index too.
AT
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