Unlike the TL-S, the TL-R was designed to compete in the World and American Superbike Championships, although it achieved only one race win before Suzuki pulled the plug on the TL racing program, in favor of returning to the lighter GSX-R750 as its Superbike entry. The TL-R took aim at Ducati's 916 both in the Superbike Championship and in consumer sales. The R shares basic engine architecture with the S but has special components including forged pistons, stronger connecting rods, and a much stiffer frame while retaining the motors 90° V-twin for perfect primary balance and had hybrid chain/gear driven cams.
In contrast to the TL-S, the TL-R was designed to compete in the World and American Superbike Championships, but it only secured one race victory before Suzuki terminated its racing program in favor of returning to the lighter GSX-R750 as its Superbike contender. The TL-R aimed directly at Ducati's 916 in both the Superbike Championship and consumer sales. The R shares a common engine architecture with the S but features unique components, including forged pistons, stronger connecting rods, and a more rigid frame, while maintaining the 90° V-twin motor for optimal primary balance and utilizing hybrid chain/gear driven cams.