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You see it in the magazines whenever the TLR comes up. You see it whenever a newcomer asks about a TLR.
So what then?
The truth of the matter is, the TLR is a uniquely fun bike to ride. Its weight is noticable...even when compared to it's cousin the TLS, but the weight is neither obstructive nor much of a hinderence to the bikes overall performance on the street. Yes, there are FAR better track machines out there, but here's where ego comes into play.
I am sure that everyone wanted the latest greatest Sportbike at one time or another. The magazine reviews sway our minds to one bike or another based on how well it did against the latest competition. The TRUTH of the matter is, any given bikes prowess on a track has very little to do with how that bike does in everyday driving conditions. Statistics are fun to read, but top speed numbers and 1/4 mile times again should NOT be the focus of your attention. Let's be real about this. It doesn't matter if a magazine posted a 10.7 sec. 1/4 mile time on a certain bike because that has alot to do with RIDER talent, and unless you are as accomplished a rider, that 10.7 time shouldn't mean a thing. There are alot more factors to consider when looking at these numbers: AT what elevation was the test run? How heavy was the rider? What type of fuel was used? The list goes on and on.
Don't get me wrong, I am not telling you to disregard the statistics. Roll-on times can tell you a LOT about the fun-factor of a bike. All I'm saying is that magazine reviews don't tell the whole story when it comes to bikes.
My old '91 Kawasaki ZX7RR was a HEAVY bike. It posted some SAD 1/4 mile times in the magazines (due to the tall 1st gear) and paled in comparison to the specs of the other 750's of it's year, including the standard ZX7R. But riding the bike was a totally different story. My friends standard ZX7 felt like crap compared to my RR, and would eat that ZX7 for lunch in the twistys.
My point? The TLR may be heavy, and not the sharpest handling bike out there, but the Tiller is a FUN bike. In the hands of a competent rider the TLR can easily run with GSXR1K's and R1's. The bike will always have a cult following because it is so unique.
Weight can be shaved, and handling improved. It's personality that can't be fixed or bought, and the TLR has a lot of that.
So what then?
The truth of the matter is, the TLR is a uniquely fun bike to ride. Its weight is noticable...even when compared to it's cousin the TLS, but the weight is neither obstructive nor much of a hinderence to the bikes overall performance on the street. Yes, there are FAR better track machines out there, but here's where ego comes into play.
I am sure that everyone wanted the latest greatest Sportbike at one time or another. The magazine reviews sway our minds to one bike or another based on how well it did against the latest competition. The TRUTH of the matter is, any given bikes prowess on a track has very little to do with how that bike does in everyday driving conditions. Statistics are fun to read, but top speed numbers and 1/4 mile times again should NOT be the focus of your attention. Let's be real about this. It doesn't matter if a magazine posted a 10.7 sec. 1/4 mile time on a certain bike because that has alot to do with RIDER talent, and unless you are as accomplished a rider, that 10.7 time shouldn't mean a thing. There are alot more factors to consider when looking at these numbers: AT what elevation was the test run? How heavy was the rider? What type of fuel was used? The list goes on and on.
Don't get me wrong, I am not telling you to disregard the statistics. Roll-on times can tell you a LOT about the fun-factor of a bike. All I'm saying is that magazine reviews don't tell the whole story when it comes to bikes.
My old '91 Kawasaki ZX7RR was a HEAVY bike. It posted some SAD 1/4 mile times in the magazines (due to the tall 1st gear) and paled in comparison to the specs of the other 750's of it's year, including the standard ZX7R. But riding the bike was a totally different story. My friends standard ZX7 felt like crap compared to my RR, and would eat that ZX7 for lunch in the twistys.
My point? The TLR may be heavy, and not the sharpest handling bike out there, but the Tiller is a FUN bike. In the hands of a competent rider the TLR can easily run with GSXR1K's and R1's. The bike will always have a cult following because it is so unique.
Weight can be shaved, and handling improved. It's personality that can't be fixed or bought, and the TLR has a lot of that.
Blue/White
All those folks asking about weather they should get a tiller or an r1 need to read this post. You put my thoughts and feelings into words.
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