Buying my first Suzuki TL1000R advice.

[Ichigo101]

Im planning to get a 1998 Suzuki TL1000R
It has 14000 miles in it which I was really surprise. I can get the price down to $ 3000. This will be my 2nd time buying a motorcycle. My first bike was a Suzuki Katana 600. I went to the guy house, looked at the bike and it was love at first sight. I didn't test ride the bike or check anything. ( young 18 years old mind )
Ended up pushing the bike home and spent a month fixing it. Can you guys give me some advices on what I should do this time?

I sold my bike 7 months ago and I have been feeling like something is missing in my life the whole time. When I had my Suzuki katana was a place where I dont feel stress from life. The person selling the bike is my friend's uncle so I can get any information you guys need. Thank you very much. Hopefully I will get this bike and join you guys

[MoneyStyles]

Re: Buying my first Suzuki TL1000R advice.

it is quite the step up from the Katana.. I would check the frame for cracks, where the upper radiator bolts to the frame, make sure it is attached via the radiator mounts, not zip ties also make sure the fairing bolts are all there, if not , there is a good chance the tabs on the fairings are broken and you may need to replace them.

[racrboy]

Re: Buying my first Suzuki TL1000R advice.

I always act stupid and ask questions like, how does it wheelie, and how fast does it go. If the seller is eager to show you and answers that it sill has the original front tire because it never touched pavement, it may be the wrong purchase.

[GhostMAFIA]

Re: Buying my first Suzuki TL1000R advice.

I always act stupid and ask questions like, how does it wheelie, and how fast does it go. If the seller is eager to show you and answers that it sill has the original front tire because it never touched pavement, it may be the wrong purchase.

I've never done that... but great advise!

He may not want you to test drive it, but there is nothing wrong with having him start it and let you listen. Make HIM drive it up and down the street, around the block, etc. Listen to the gear changes, and overall sound of the bike (smooth idle, etc) When he gets back, spend some more time talking to him and looking for leaks once the engine has warmed.

If he does start it for you, make sure he starts it COLD. Meaning he didn't start it and let it get nice and warm before you showed up. Many issues can be seen/heard from how difficult it is to cold start it and you can sometimes tell what overall condition it has been maintained (or the current lack of how tuned up it is).

Keep in mind though that it is older and I'm not saying it should fire straight up... but with the fast idle lever and allowing it to come up to about 120 degrees before a nice smooth idle, it shouldn't take a team of people to get it running.

If you get to see and hear everything you want but it was warmed up before you go there... politely ask to come by later that day, or another day for a cold start up. If he has nothing to hide, he will understand, and he will know you know your stuff too.

If he acts like that is a hassle, or flat out refuses to do any of the basic stuff above... pass.

[akallday]

Re: Buying my first Suzuki TL1000R advice.

Very good stuff guys.

[stiletto]

Re: Buying my first Suzuki TL1000R advice.

take a picture and let us decide!

[racrboy]

Re: Buying my first Suzuki TL1000R advice.

take a picture and let us decide!

That would help too. Take multiple pictures. Also make sure that you look under the ram air tubes, and under the seats for cut wire harnesses and splices. That can be a future kiss of death and heart aches as well.

[shrub]

Re: Buying my first Suzuki TL1000R advice.

Thats the truth I didn't check the wire harness on mine and it has been cut all to hell...I have a lot of problems with it due to that. I have most of it straightened out now.

[racrboy]

Re: Buying my first Suzuki TL1000R advice.

If I ever bought a 2nd hand bike with a cut up harness, I would make a new harness my first purchase. It will eliminate so many headaches that will eventually happen.