Suzuki Press Kit : Page 2
Visceral Appeal Meets Modern Performance Technology
But torque is also a visceral concept, used by motorcycle enthusiasts to describe engine power. It can be felt and enjoyed in terms of response and acceleration, delivered at relatively low rpm and unleashed on real pavement.
For some, the best definition of torque comes from a big V-Twin with a loping gait, instant throttle response, and a willingness to leap forward regardless of gear selection or engine speed.
The wide powerband, rush of acceleration and enhanced traction produced by a booming V-Twin can be so seductive that some enthusiasts are willing to sacrifice comfort, fore go long-term reliability and serviceability, and give up the parts and warranty support of a comprehensive dealer network.
But wat if it didn't have to be that way? What if all the visceral appeal of a traditional large-displacement V-Twin engine could be combined with the latest performance technology? With less weight. Better handling. Rider comfort. Long-term reliability. Easier servicablility. Extensive dealer support. And a reasonable price.
To a V-Twin lover it sounds like a dream.
In reality, it's the 1997 Suzuki TL1000S.
A New Look At V-Twin Technology
Understanding the appeal of a V-Twin engine is one thing. Getting the engineering right it quite another. A narrow angle V-Twin engine might be easier to fit into a short-wheelbase chassis - but would require the complication of counter-balancer shafts or rubber mounts to control vibration. A 90-degree V-Twin has perfect primary balance, but is more difficult to fit into a compact chassis.Conventional design rotates a 90-degree V-Twin engine forward until it looks like an L, one cylinder pointing up, one pointing straght forward. That approach makes room behind the engine for traditional single-shock rear suspension, but can require shortening the swingarm or lengthening the wheelbase to keep the front wheel clear of the forward cylinder and head.
Fitting a 90-degree engine into a chassis with the dimensions and geometry required for nimble, confident handling demanded a new look at V-Twin technology.