Could I Handle a 99 Suzuki TLR?!?

[ClovedBoss]

I have a possible opportunity to get a 99 TLR. But to be honest I would like to know if I can handle the bike only beacuse of the weight ive heard on them. Just some good feedback would be appreciated. But I weigh 145 and am 5'8. This has been my height and weight forever now and doesnt really change much. I consider myself pretty fit, definately not skinny and am decently strong. I have experience with 600's and can handle them w/ out even thinking about it. What do you guys think? Thanks for any reply's.

[Clint]

No problem. A bike's weight is usually only really apparent on a racetrack or in the garage. If you're strong enough to maneuver it around the driveway, you can ride it. They're not that heavy.

Welcome to M-J. Be sure to fill out your profile.

[KD57]

Once you learn the balance point on it, I see no problem. Main thing I see on heavy bikes is parking it, as some places you may go has rough surfaces, or not level, and it doesn't take much to get it stuck. The weight makes it harder to move around w/ your feet. You have to plan your park so to speak. Don't nose it downhill and expect to just roll it backwards when you leave. Also you have to watch your footing, one slip while pushing hard and it may start to go over. Once underway on power there is no problem.

[svjoe]

I handle my 03 SV1000S(417lbs) rather easily and I am 5-9 140lbs.........

[intimid8er]

Originally Posted by ClovedBoss

I have a possible opportunity to get a 99 TLR. But to be honest I would like to know if I can handle the bike only beacuse of the weight ive heard on them. Just some good feedback would be appreciated. But I weigh 145 and am 5'8. This has been my height and weight forever now and doesnt really change much. I consider myself pretty fit, definately not skinny and am decently strong. I have experience with 600's and can handle them w/ out even thinking about it. What do you guys think? Thanks for any reply's.

Welcome.

Are you a dirt bike rider?

The reason I ask is the terms you use in your post. Your concern with weight, and if you can "handle" it just reminds me of the terms we used to use around dirt bikes. Have you much street experience?

[ClovedBoss]

Originally Posted by intimid8er

Welcome.

Are you a dirt bike rider?

The reason I ask is the terms you use in your post. Your concern with weight, and if you can "handle" it just reminds me of the terms we used to use around dirt bikes. Have you much street experience?

Most of my experience years wise is with atv's actually. I used to ride dirt bikes when i was younger and probably did so for 2 years. On street bikes I would say I have close to six months experience. The main reason I was asking is because I saw some posts from people who own them who speak of there weight being so important which made me worry. But with the reply's given im not worried about it. I just wanted to see if there was something I was missing. Thanks to everyone for the quick responses and for the welcome. Hopefully soon I will be joining you guys in a lot of discussion.

[Clint]

We don't measure experience in months. Miles or hours tell us something useful.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by ClovedBoss

The main reason I was asking is because I saw some posts from people who own them who speak of there weight being so important which made me worry.

Test ride. (And test push)
See for yourself.

No two riders are exactly alike.
One man's passion is another man's poison.

[ClovedBoss]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

We don't measure experience in months. Miles or hours tell us something useful.

Hmm not exactly sure what you mean but i might have it. If you asking my personal ability and comfort level here I go. When im in my car I have a speeding problem. Its my hobby and passion and nothing will change that. Because of this stupidity on my part my insurance is to high for my tiburon and even though I wanted to always own a bike its now forced on me. First thing though please dont relate my car passion with a bikes. With my 4-Wheeler I typically stunt it for about 5 minutes out of an hour of riding which basically means I jump something or I go on 2 wheels. When I used to have a dirtbike it was different. I liked the dirtbike for the purpose of riding through trails with others but never interested me to do tricks because I have enough respect for myself not to fool around with something on 2 wheels(not to say thats wrong to anyone its just my feelings) and like i said i drove it off and on for 2 years. The thing that attracts me to a sport bike is similiar to what attracts a, lets say Harley driver, in the since that I like to enjoy a open rhode. However a sport bike is my style plain and simple. I like to look good and I believe a sport bike accomplishes that for me. When I first got on a 600 Ninja I was hisitent for about 2 seconds, when I started to ride it felt kinda natural (im sure some of you know what i mean). Since then I have driven my friends CBR probably a total of 3 months, lets say 30 hours where I simply went around town. Thats where my experience is and that is why and what im getting a bike for. LOL that was long.... I dont like typing that much.

[Clint]

You're gettin' it now. 30 hours tells me something. 3 months could be two rides of 5 minutes each, three months apart.

Be aware that self-taught and friend-taught motorcyclists often have bad, dangerous habits due to bad advice. Do some reading and consider getting some training. There are certain things in motorcycling that you either learn the hard, painful way or by taking lessons from experts.

[Tab B.]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

You're gettin' it now. 30 hours tells me something. 3 months could be two rides of 5 minutes each, three months apart.

Be aware that self-taught and friend-taught motorcyclists often have bad, dangerous habits due to bad advice. Do some reading and consider getting some training. There are certain things in motorcycling that you either learn the hard, painful way or by taking lessons from experts.

You had to know I'd be along with these.

[87gsxrnut]

That generation of TLRs have nasty FI twitching with the throttle. If you are not that experienced with using the throttle, then it will make for some jerky riding. Ignition should be able to be remapped.

The bike is a twin, so the handling is different than a 4-cylinder sportbike, but nothing too odd. The wheelbase is long compared to other sportbikes, which makes the steering a bit slower from what I remember. I rode a friends one afternoon, and it was interesting. Not really my cup of tea.

- Nut

[ClovedBoss]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

You're gettin' it now. 30 hours tells me something. 3 months could be two rides of 5 minutes each, three months apart.

Be aware that self-taught and friend-taught motorcyclists often have bad, dangerous habits due to bad advice. Do some reading and consider getting some training. There are certain things in motorcycling that you either learn the hard, painful way or by taking lessons from experts.

Yeah I hear ya on that. I am actually signed up for a course at our local community college which last a full two days because I want to know every safe way and aspect. Plus I need to because it will be used for to and from work for most of the time. As far as advice from friends I actaully didnt really get any. I kinda just really got the flow of things really fast and felt real comfortable from the start, probably from riding a dirt bike in the past. But I have read the beginners guide on here and it definately showed me some biggeners tips in different aspects. I appreciate the help guys. If the option for me to get it is available I am going to do so. That bike has always really attracted me.

[Clint]

Good luck. Be aware of what 'Nut mentioned, though. Many early EFI models had twitchy responses. You may have to spend some money to remedy that.

[littleerik13]

you'll be fine im 5'6" 160 and I can handle a Busa, which I feel is heavy, but ill have to agree with the other guys the bikes weight isnt really a big issue.