stress fractures fact?

[dunning78]

I really love a 2000 model TLR1000S and considering purchasing it. The only thing holding me back is that I've heard a few nasty rumours about a problem with this model, being that the frame develops cracks and fractures. What I want to know is whether it is common to develop these cracks, are they caused by serious abuse (wheelies) or do they appear just as bad luck. The bike I've been looking at has very low km's and seems to be in top condition. I'm just wondering how much notice I should be taking about these frame fracture reports I've heard about and whether I should consider it a problem

[MotoTiller]

Survey says that Yes the TLS does suffer from cracks, The TLR on the other hand does not.

Bright side is though if you have an S Suzuki will fix it for you

[MotoTiller]

Oh yeah I almost forgot

[rzarobbie]

welcome

my TLS is a 97.. no cracked frame.. i would not call it the biggest problem... mainly because Suzuki will take care of it for you.

And a free fix is always worth it

[Jokertlr]

So I guess you could look at it as a plus. By a S and possibly get a brand new frame.

[TLSBill]

There's a yahoo group all about the cracked frame syndrome...

None on my TLS (2001) thank goodness.. Just keep an eye on it and don't abuse it.. well, not too much!

[Stabber]

Welcome I think you have to be the original owner to get your frame replaced if its cracked. Look for cracks around where the rear rotary shock mounts to the frame they are know to crack because the bolt werent torqued right. The front of the frame is prone to crack on the bottom of the casting around where the radiator mounts but you have to look really good there to see it. The front is caused by crashing or crashing the front end down doing wheelies

[Davcruz]

Also, and I am not 100% sure about this, but I think the cracked frames were only on the '97-98 models. Also, they are few and far between. Don't let that stop your purchase, it's a great bike.

[Steve TLS]

Originally posted by Stabber
Welcome I think you have to be the original owner to get your frame replaced if its cracked. Look for cracks around where the rear rotary shock mounts to the frame they are know to crack because the bolt werent torqued right. The front of the frame is prone to crack on the bottom of the casting around where the radiator mounts but you have to look really good there to see it. The front is caused by crashing or crashing the front end down doing wheelies

Nope they'll change anytime.

Here's the crackedframe group http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/crackedframe/

If you do a search I put up some photo's of the cracks in the mount and near the headstem just the other day.

Check the spreadsheet, but I tink you'll find it is no where as common for te 99+ models.

[rzarobbie]

You don't have to be the original owner.. ask COYO

[Sewman]

Welcome! I've got a 98 TLS and I found a crack where the rear rotary damper mounts to the frame. I've owned this beast from 5,000km's onward and saw it through another 15,000kms of riding. The crack developed somewhere in my last 5,000kms of riding which included 5 small accidental wheelies.

I don't ride it all that hard so I'm guessing it doesn't take much. Boy was it a relief to hear that I would get a new frame from Suzuki. That'll be the first thing next season after I get back from my contract job in Ottawa.

[reddrider]

Had my 98 serviced by suzi dealer bout a year ago(changed mechanics since), and he said my frame was not cracked and that he had changed the mounting bolts( i think he said something about a different size??) and re-torqued them. Apparently this is supposed to stop them cracking. Still hasn`t cracked, anyone heard of this?

Oh and by the way.......

[westoz TLS]

My 97 TLS is still 'uncracked' after 33000 k's so I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. I've just fitted a rear damper conversion kit and was wondering what Suzuki's attitude to that might be if my frame does eventually crack. Do you think they'd blame the conversion and try to worm their way out of supplying a new frame ??

Cheers, Steve.

[JOETLR]

Welcome
Another Guy from the ACT......cool

[coyo]

I am the second owner of my TLS and they replaced my frame in about three weeks without so much as a question about anything.