The TL picked up a bad reputation when it first came out. This was due to not being fitted with a steering dampner. Lets look at the stats:
55in wheelbase
high aft CG (due to the 90 degree twin design)
app. 450 lb weight
100+ bhp
aggressive steering geometry
All of these coupled together with no steering dampner made the bike a handful. Later years, mine was a 2001, were fitted with factory dampners to correct the headshake problems. Even then, it was not a novice machine as it had a pronounced tendency to spend most of the time in the first three gears on the rear wheel alone.
But neither is the Zx-12 or GSXR1000 a novice machine.
The rear remote shock on the TLS was about the only gripe I had as far as design faults go. It was a fun, maximum bang for the buck, bike. I will say this without offense, my 2001 TLS with RS3 Yosh race cans and FI remap would absolutely suck the side covers off my 2005 B12S with pipe and jet kit. Both bikes make max hp at about 8500 rpm, the grunt on the TL below 6000 rpm would make a B12 owner blush.
Resale value is low due to the bad reputation they incurred and the large number of trashed bikes on the market. Finding a clean used example will be a challenge as most were stunted for their ability to wheelie.
Ride On, Ed.
2005 GSF1200SZ
1983 GS750ED
