The Suzuki TL 1000R was a fully faired sportsbike built between 1998 and 2003, designed to race in world superbikes. It never really amounted to anything on the racetrack due to its weight and was dubbed the "widow maker" by some for its unstable chassis.
However it had a wicked 996cc V-twin engine that pumped out 135hp (101kW) at 9500rpm and more than 100Nm of torque at 7500rpm, and is now the basis for one Dutchman's custom masterpiece, the Nelis 1000R.
Mathijn Nelis of the Netherlands says he got the inspiration for the 1000R from Kenny Roberts' flat-tracker. He found a brand new TL-R engine, then joined forces with chassis guru Nico Bakker to create this eye-catching design, and it's all yours for just $A60,000 (40,000 Euros).
Some of the custom bike's features include curving tubes of chromium molybdenum, radial placed and CNC-milled connecting plates for the footrests, stunning handmade front bars hooked up to a custom triple clamp. The minimal fairing and bodywork is hand beaten aluminium and the result is very impressive.
With a beautifully crafted swingarm, Brembo brakes, stripped back ram air ducts and a simple yet almost brutal aesthetic, it's the kind of one-off bike that would add street cred to any garage. But sixty large is still a lot of money...