2006 Suzuki VZR1800

Routine

Owners filed 47 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
5,100 milesMedian miles at failure

43 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2006 Suzuki VZR1800 problems

26 of the 47 complaints (55%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train › Manual Transmission · transmission11
000
Power Train · transmission9
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes6
000
Power Train › Clutch Assembly · transmission5
000
Structure › Motorcycle › Kickstand/Center Stand · body and frame4
000
Suspension › Rear2
001
Wheels1
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration1
000
Unknown or Other1
000
Service Brakes, Electric · brakes1
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Seats › Motorcycle15E053000
Filed Jun 23, 2015308 vehiclesSuzuki Motor of America, Inc.

Defect. Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain Accessory Backrest Mounting Hardware kits, part numbers 990A0-75148 and 990A0-75148-BLK, manufactured March 1, 2012, to April 21, 2015. The affected hardware kits are for installing accessory backrests on 2006-2015 Suzuki VZR1800 (Boulevard M109R) motorcycles. The mounting hardware kits may include four 110mm bolts instead of two 75mm bolts and two 95mm bolts.

Risk. If the backrest is installed with bolts that are too long, the mounting bolts may contact the rear tire, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will correct the mounting hardware as needed, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-444-5077.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery07V148000
Filed Apr 4, 200712,331 vehiclesAmerican Suzuki Motor Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE FUEL HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE TWO METAL FUEL DELIVERY PIPES MOUNTED ON THE THROTTLE BODY MAY HAVE BEEN CLAMPED AT A LOCATION ON THE PIPES THAT IS NOT COMPLETELY ROUND, WHICH COULD ALLOW FUEL LEAKAGE TO OCCUR.

Risk. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, LEAKED FUEL CAN CAUSE A FIRE, PRESENTING THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL DELIVERY PIPE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 714-572-1490.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 14, 2021NC

Popping out of second gear. Very dangerous! And can not get out of the way of on coming traffic! Sent Suzuki a email less than a year of purchase, and was told it would cost upwards to 2000.00. This should be a recall! And is a known problem with this bike!!! I complained the first time I drove it home about second gear scraping and hard to shift, and was told there’s nothing wrong with it just needs to be broken in, was less than a thousand miles on the bike and it started popping out of second, I called and went by many times complaining.

Power Train
Filed Aug 7, 2020UT

I HAVE A 2006 M109R WITH THE INFAMOUS 2ND GEAR SLIPPING OUT IN TO NEUTRAL ISSUE. THE BIKE HAS 12,000 MILES BUT THE SYMPTOMS STARTED AS EARLY AS 7,000 MILES. I HAVE THE BIKE IN THE SHOP WITH A $3600 BILL FOR FIXING THE TRANSMISSION. I'VE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS OF THIS NATURE WITH ANY OTHER MOTORCYCLES I'VE EVER OWNED. I OWN A 2016 DUCATI MONSTER 1200R THAT SHIFTS PERFECTLY. SUZUKI DROPPED THE BALL WITH THESE TRANSMISSIONS AND SHOULD OWN UP TO IT.

Power Train
Filed Apr 15, 202022,500 milesAZ

THE 2006 VZR1800 SUZUKI MADE, AS WELL AS MODELS UP THOUGH 2010 HAVE SHIFTING FORKS IN THE TRANSMISSION THAT ARE TOO SOFT, THEY BEND AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SENT BACK INTO NEUTRAL. UNDER EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCE WHERE RIDERS DO NOT HAVE THE FINANCIAL MEANS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, >$3000+S&H [MYSELF INCLUDED], THE TRANSMISSION FULLY LOCKS UP, THE REAR WHEEL ALSO, AND THE MOTOR. CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OCCURS. RIDER INJURY IS HIGHLY LIKELY IN THIS EVENT. THE ABOVE MENTIONED EVENT HAPPENS WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE IS IN OPERATION WITH RIDER ENGAGED, ANYTIME. *TR

Power Train
Filed Aug 1, 201916,823 milesTX

THE BIKE HAS A ROUTINE SLIP IN 2ND GEAR ONLY ABOVE 20 MPH AT A DEAD STOP. IT'S NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR UNDER HEAVY ACCELERATION, AS THE SLIP COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR RIDER INJURY. THE SLIPPING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR IS WORSE WHEN THERE'S A PASSENGER AND/OR HEAVIER LOADS. THIS ISSUE CAUSES YOU TO EITHER SKIP 2ND GEAR OR NOT RIDE THE BIKE AT ALL. THE REPAIR IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND TIMELY, IF YOU CAN EVEN GET ANYONE TO DO THE WORK. I'VE OWNED SEVERAL SUZUKI'S AND HAVE NEVER HAD AN ISSUE, BUT THIS ONE IS VERY DISAPPOINTING. SUZUKI REFUSES TO ASSIST AT ALL, AND THERE ARE SEVERAL CASES OF THE EXACT SAME THING, ESPECIALLY WITH 2006 AND 2007 MODELS. MY BIKE ONLY HAS 15,000 MILES ON IT WITH LOTS OF CUSTOM ACCESSORIES. IT'LL ALL GO TO WASTE IF I TRADE OR SELL BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE.

Wheels
Filed Jul 11, 201723,000 milesIN

BOUGHT MY METZELER ME880 280/35 18 ON MAY 11TH. ON JUNE 18TH I NOTICED CRACKING ON THE OUTSIDE OF TIRE. WITH ONLY 1400 MIKES ON IT I CONTACTED ROCKY MOUNTAIN ATV ABOUT THE ISSUE. I ENDED UP SENDING IT BACK TO GET A REPLACEMENT. I RECEIVED MY NEWER TIRE ON JULY 7TH. AND INSPECTED THE TIRE NOTICED THE TIRE HAD THE MARKINGS OF WHERE THE FIRST TIRE CRACKED AT. SO NOW SENDING IT BACK FOR A REFUND VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS TIRE. AT THIS TIME

Power Train
Filed Jan 23, 2015KY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI VZR1800K6 MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP FROM SECOND TO THIRD GEAR BEFORE IT SEIZED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 0.

Power Train
Filed Mar 20, 20146,000 milesAZ

BIKE WOULD BUCK, AS IF MAYBE BROKEN TEETH ON GEAR, POP OUT OF GEAR, AND ON OTHER OCCASIONS ACT NORMAL, TOOK BIKE IN UNDER WARRANTY TOLD ME IT WAS A CLUTCH PROBLEM, KEPT BIKE EXCESSIVE TIME SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED CLUTCH. PICKED UP THE BIKE PROBLEM STILL EXISTED, TOOK IT BACK, THEY TEST DROVE IT, DID NOT SEE A PROBLEM. SO I TOOK IT HOME AGAIN PROBLEM GOT WORSE AGAIN, DID NOT HAVE TIME TO GET IT BACK TO THEM, WHEN I FINALLY GOT TIME TO TAKE IT BACK, THEY SAID IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY BUT THEY ATTEMPTEDE ANOTHER REPAIR ANYWAY, RETURNED IT TO ME SAYING IT WAS REPAIRED. TURNED OUT STILL THE SAME PROBLEM BUT THEN STREESED IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND THE REPAIR WOULD COST APPROX. $2000 TO REPAIR. TOO MAKE A LONGER STORY SHORT I HAVE LIVED WITH IT BUT NOW IT CONSTANTLY POPS OUT OF SECOND GEAR. THE ONLY WAY TO RIDE IT IS TO BYPASS 2ND GEAR!!! *TR

Power Train
Filed May 21, 201321,000 milesNM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI VZR1800 MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AND FORCED THE CONTACT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED IN SECOND GEAR. THE CONTACT CALLED TO SPEAK WITH THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 21,000. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Sep 6, 201111,200 milesOH

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF 2006 & 2007 SUZUKI M109R MOTORCYCLES THAT HAVE DEFECTIVE BRAKING SYSTEMS ON THEM. THE REAR ROTOR IS SEPARATING FROM THE MOUNTING PLATE. IT IS VIBRATING, RATTLING AND UNSAFE TO RIDE. *TR

Suspension › Rear
Filed May 23, 20114,100 milesSD

I RECENTLY TOOK A RIDE ON MY 2006 SUZUKI M109R AND THE TRANSMISSION KEPT SLIPPING IN AND OUT OF 1ST-4TH GEARS WHILE I WAS ACCELERATING. IF I ACCELERATED VERY SLOWLY THIS WOULDN'T HAPPEN SO I RODE HOME SLOWLY. LAST FRIDAY THE 20TH OF MAY 2011 I WAS CHANGING MY OIL ON MY MOTORCYCLE AND BEFORE LOWERING THE LIFT TO CLEAN UP I NOTICED THE REAR SWING ARM WAS CRACKED IN 2 PLACES. IT IS CRACKED NEAR THE MOUNTING FLANGE FOR THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. I WAS NOT RIDING WHEN IT BROKE. IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN THE SPEED LIMIT ON I-90 GOING TO STURGIS,SOUTH DAKOTA IS 75MPH AND I BELIEVE THE RESULTS WOULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. THE SWING ARM ON A MOTORCYCLE WITH ONLY 4100 MILES ON IT SHOULD NOT BREAK. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION IS PROBABLY MESSED UP BECAUSE OF THE SWING ARM FAILURE. I PROBABLY GOIN TO SELL THIS MOTORCYCLE WHEN I GET IT REPAIRED BECAUSE IT SCARES ME TO DEATH THAT EVEN A NEW SWING ARM COULD BREAK ON ME AS WELL. WHY WOULDN'T IT THE FIRST ON DID AT ONLY 4100 MILES!!! *TR

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed May 4, 201128,000 milesGA

THIS IS A SECOND GEAR ISSUE. THE BIKE HAS ALWAYS HAD A BAD MESHING PROBLEM BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR AS DOES ALL OF THE SUZUKI M109R BIKES. MY BIKE REALLY STARTED GETTING WORSE AT TOWARDS THE END OF 2010 AND FINALLY STARTED JUMPING OUT OF SECOND GEAR AT THE END OF SEPT., 2010. IT IS A CONSISTENT ISSUE THAT HAPPENS ANYTIME A LOAD IS PUT ON THE ENGINE IN SECOND GEAR WHICH EFFECTS THE ACCELERATION OF THE BIKE. THE PROBLEM WILL CONTINUE TO GET WORSE IF THE BIKE IS CONTINUALLY RIDDEN WHICH AFFECTS MY TIME ON THE BIKE AND TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS GOING TO COST ANYWHERE BETWEEN $2500-$3000. *TR

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed May 3, 20111,600 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI VZR1800 MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT OUT OF GEAR FROM FIRST TO SECOND WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHO DIAGNOSED THAT ONE OF THE NUTS ON THE CLUTCH WAS LOOSE AND THE SHIFTER WAS DEFECTIVE WHICH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED TO REPORT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,000. UPDATED 06/07/11 *LJ UPDATED 09/01/11*JB

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed May 2, 201122,000 milesAZ

MY 2006 SUZUKI M109R, JUMPS OUT OF 2ND GEAR UNDER ACCELERATION. I HAVE TWO OF THESE BIKES AND THE SECOND BIKE EXPERIENCES THE SAME ISSUE FROM TIME TO TIME. THE FIRST BIKE I HAVE REPAIRED THE ISSUE ON MY OWN WITH AFTERMARKET PARTS AS THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR

Power Train
Filed Apr 29, 20113,500 milesMD

LEAVING A TRAFFIC LIGHT, ACCELERATING THUR FIRST GEAR GOING TO SECOND GEAR, IT WILL POP OUT OF SECOND GEAR AND GO INTO NUETREL. AND NOW I HAVE TRAFFIC RUNNING OVER MY BACK. VERY SCARY.

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Apr 29, 201110,000 milesGA

MOTORCYCLE "SLIPPED" OUT OF GEAR DURING ACCELERATION. *TR

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Apr 29, 2011KY

MY 2006 M109R HAS SHIFTING PROBLEMS, IT SHIFTS VERY HARD FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR AND SOMETIMES MISSING SECOND GEAR. IM AFRAID THAT THIS COULD CAUSE ME TO WRECK OR BE IN AN ACCIDENT. SUZUKI SAYS THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM WITH MY BIKE AND MANY MANY OTHERS SO I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR COSTLY REPAIRS THAT IS SUZUKI FAULT. *TR

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Dec 4, 201010,000 milesGA

MY TRANSMISSION KEEP SLIPPING OUT OF SECOND GEAR. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed May 23, 20105,500 milesIL

FAULTY REAR BRAKE ROTOR. LOSE RIVETS CAUSING SEVER METAL NOISES AND POSES AS A SAFETY ISSUE IF RIVET EVER BREAK UNDER EMERGENCY BRAKING. SUZUKI HAS AN UPDATES PART NO. FOR THIS ROTOR AND SHOULD REPLACE ALL SUBSTANDARD ROTOR AS SAFETY ITEM. 2006 M109R WITH 6000 MILES. *TR

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Mar 31, 200918,250 milesSC

TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. NOTICE IT WAS GETTING HARD TO PLACE INTO GEAR AND A MILE LATER THE CLUTCH WOULD NOT ENGAGE. CAN PUT IN NEUTRAL, BUT WHEN PUT IN FIRST GEAR IT WOULD JUMP WHILE HOLDING THE CLUTCH IN AND IT WOULD STALL AND NOT FUNCTION. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY THOUGHT THE CLUTCH PLATES NEEDED REPLACING AND THOUGHT THAT WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE PLATES WERE CHECKED AND IN GOOD CONDITION, AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION WHICH COULD COST A FEW THOUSAND DOLLARS. I WENT ON SEVERAL BIKE FORUMS AND THERE WERE MANY WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THE BIKE IS ONLY THREE YEARS OLD AND HAS ONLY 18,000 MILES ON IT. *TR

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Aug 19, 20081,500 milesUT

I HAVE 2006 SUZUKI M109R AND MY BIKE IS HAVING CLUTCH JUDDER/SHUDDER, OCCASIONAL REAR WHEEL JUMP WHEN RELEASING CLUTCH ALSO RATTLE AT IDLE IN CLUTCH/CLUTCH HUB AREA, CLUTCH SPRINGS RATTLE WHILE MOTORCYCLE IS BEING DRIVEN OR IN NEUTRAL/IDLE AND SOMETIMES HARSH VIBRATION ON ACCELERATION BETWEEN 2800-4000 RPMS. MOTORCYCLE HAS LESS THAN 2000 MILES ON THE ODO AND CLUTCH RATTLING STARTED AT AROUND 1500 MILES. SOMETIMES IT'S VERY HARD TO ENGAGE CLUTCH AND CLUTCH NEEDS TO BE PRIMED EVERY TIME I'M TRYING TO PLACE IT INTO 1ST GEAR (I.E. HAVE TO HOLD THE CLUTCH IN FOR 5 TO 10 SECONDS TO GET GOOD ENGAGEMENT) AND UNLESS IT'S PRIMED FOR A WHILE WHEN 1ST GEAR IS ENGAGED MOTORCYCLE WILL MAKE LOUD THUNK/CLUNK NOISE AND IT'LL LURCH/JUMP FORWARD. ON OCCASION 2ND GEAR WILL REFUSE TO ENGAGE I HAVE TO ENGAGE/DISENGAGE CLUTCH COUPLE TIMES IN ORDER TO GET IT INTO 2ND GEAR WHICH POSES POTENTIAL DANGER TO MYSELF AND OTHER TRAFFIC DUE TO MOTORCYCLE LOSING SPEED AT HIGH RATE. TALKED TO MY LOCAL SUZUKI DEALER AND I WAS TOLD RATTLING IN CLUTCH AREA IS NORMAL AS IS GEARS SLIPPING. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 30, 20088,400 milesMN

SUZUKI M109R REAR BRAKE ROTOR VERY LOOSE, RATTLES OVER BUMPS AND SCREECHES WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 21, 20088,700 milesTX

I RIDE A 2006 SUZUKI M109 AND THE ROTOR IS EXTREMELY LOOSE. CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THAT IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE THAT WAY. MY CLUTCH SEEMS TO BE GIVING ME PROBLEMS AS WELL. *TR

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Jul 21, 20085,100 milesIL

I HAVE NOTICED THE OPERATION OF MY CLUTCH AND GEARING ON MY SUZUKI M109R IS DETERIORATING. I HAVE RODE MOTORCYCLES FOR OVER 215 YEARS AND NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS TYPE OF MALFUNCTION. DECIDED TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT AFTER IT NEARLY CAUSED ME TO BE HIT BY A TRUCK THIS PAST WEEKEND. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jul 18, 20087,000 milesTX

REAR BRAKE ROTOR ON 2006 M109R SUZUKI MOTORCYCLE, WHAT IS SUPPOSE TO BE A SEMIFLOATING ROTOR HAS TURNED INTO A FULL FLOATING ROTOR (THE RIVETS THAT ATTACH THE OUTER RING TO THE INNER RING HAVE BECOME LOOSE, BOTH SIDE-TO-SIDE AND FRONT-TO-BACK). SUZUKI TOLD ME AT 9K MILES THIS WAS NORMAL, YET OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD THEIRS REPLACED AT NO CHARGE. I HAVE SINCE BOUGHT ANOTHER ROTOR BUT I STILL HAVE THE OLD ONE. ALSO THE BIKE IS DEVELOPING A VIOLENT SHUTTER (CLUTCH RELATED I THINK) WHEN STARTING OFF, DOESN'T DO IT EVERY TIME BUT WHEN IT DOES THE ONLY WAY TO CORRECT IT IS TO PULL IN THE CLUTCH ALL THE WAY AND START OVER. THIS COULD BE QUITE HAZARDOUS IF YOU HAVE TRAFFIC BEHIND YOU. *TR

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Jul 17, 200814,000 milesHI

SECOND GEAR CONTINUES TO FAIL IN THIS BIKE. I BROUGHT IT TO SUZUKI @ 8000 MILES AND THEY REPLACED 2ND THROUGH 5TH GEAR. AT FIRST NO WARRANTY...BUT AFTER ARGUING MY CASE THEY REPLACED THEM NOW AT 14,000 MILES 2ND GEAR IS GONE AGAIN. *TR

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Jul 17, 20087,505 milesHI

NO EVENTS PRECEDED THE FAILURE OF THE TUBE NUT...IT JUST BACKED OFF AND THE CLUTCH WAS GONE...IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, IN SEATTLE. MY WIFE OWNS THE SAME BIKE AND HERS BACKED OFF IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC IN LAHAINA MAUI. HERS IS A 2007, MINE A 2006 SUZUKI M109R. *TR

Service Brakes, Electric
Filed Jul 17, 200815,000 milesOH

I HAVE A ROTOR FAILURE AND ALSO A CLUTCH PROBLEM ON MY BIKE.*TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 16, 20085,000 milesUT

2006 SUZUKI M109. NOTICED MY REAR BRAKE MAKING EXCESSIVE NOISE AND NOT REACTING IMMEDIATELY WHEN I STEPPED ON THE REAR BRAKE LEVER. IT WOULD FEEL LIKE IT WAS HESITATING BEFORE IT STARTED SLOWING DOWN THE VEHICLE (SCARY). I GOT NERVOUS AND TOOK THE BIKE IN TO THE DEALER. WHILE THERE, I NOTICED THAT MY REAR ROTOR WAS VERY LOOSE AND HAD APPROX 1" OF FREEPLAY. AFTER 4 OR 5 DAYS OF IT SITTING IN THEIR SHOP, THEY GOT IS REPLACED. THEY SAID THEY HAD TO DO SOME "TESTS" ON IT TO SEE IF IT WAS BAD. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE SUZUKI REP HAD BEEN THERE RECENTLY AS THEY HAD A DIFFERENT BIKE IN A FEW WEEKS EARLIER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. HE WAS APPARENTLY TELLING THEM THAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO DO THAT AND THAT IT WAS NORMAL. HMMMMMM. FUNNY WHY ARE THEY REPLACING IT UNDER WARRANTY THEN? I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT IT IS NOT NORMAL TO HAVE THAT KIND OF FREEPLAY. IT CAUSED A 1 - 2 SECOND DELAY IN BRAKING. THAT IS A LOT OF TIME WHEN YOU ARE ON THE FREEWAY WITH A CAR IN FRONT OF YOU. *TR

Power Train › Driveline
Filed Jul 7, 200817,000 milesCA

MOTORCYCLE CLUTCH INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO ENGAGE WITHOUT SHAKING, SOMETIMES TOO MUCH TO START RIDING. SAFETY ISSUE, HAS HAPPENED WHEN TURNING LEFT IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE BIKE IS UNABLE TO TAKE OFF, UNTIL I TRY ONE OR TWO MORE TIMES PULLING THE CLUTCH LEVER. I'VE LEARNED NOT TO ASSUME I CAN SAFELY PROCEED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION WHILE THERE ARE OTHER VEHICLES AROUND. THIS PROBLEM WAS ORIGINALLY FIXED (MOSTLY) BY SUZUKI SOON AFTER I BOUGHT THE BIKE IN 2006, BUT WOULD OCCASIONALLY HAPPEN STILL. NOW IT IS BAD AGAIN, AND OF COURSE, THE BIKE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. UPON INSPECTION OF THE CLUTCH COMPONENTS YESTERDAY I FOUND NO EXCESSIVE OR UNUSUAL WEAR AND NO APPARENT REASON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. I TOOK THE RECOMMENDATION OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND ADJUSTED THE CLUTCH BASKET SPRINGS FOR A TIGHTER FIT WITHIN THEIR HOLDERS (BUILT INTO THE UNIT) AND THINGS SEEM BETTER FOR NOW, I STILL WILL NOT TRUST THE MOTORCYCLE IN TRAFFIC. I THINK SUZUKI SHOULD REDESIGN AND RECALL THIS PART. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jun 30, 20085,000 milesWI

REAR BRAKE ROTOR ON 2006 SUZUKI VZR18000 (M109R) IS LOOSE AND SQUEALS. ACCORDING TO CHAT ROOMS AND WEB SITES THERE SHOULD BE NO PLAY IN THE ROTOR AT ALL. NONE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THIS WAS NOTICED AT APPROX. 5000 MILES. IT WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED WITH A ROTOR THAT HAS AN UPDATED DESIGN. *TR

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed May 18, 2008600 milesTX

THE 3RD DAY I HAD THIS BIKE IT WAS IN FOR CLUTCH CHATTER, DYING IN INTERSECTION IF NOT DISENGAGE CLUTCH FAST CAN JERK AND FALL OVER, COUNTLESS TIME IN SHOP BUT TILL A MECHANIC CAME BACK SHAKING LIKE A CHAIN SMOKER THAT HAD STOP SMOKING FOR 6HRS. NOW. THE SECOND ONE WILL BE CHANGED JUST AFTER 1,525MILES NOT SAFE, CLUTCH NOT BURNED AND PADS WERE IN GOOD SHAPE AND VERY CLEAN, I PAY 497.00 EVERY 2,000MILES ON A COMPLETE CLUTCH SYSTEM JUST TO BE SAFE. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 30, 2008100 milesAZ

I HAVE A SUZUKI M109 MOTORCYCLE ALSO KNOWN AS VZR1800. FOR MOST OF THE TIME I HAVE OWNED IT THE REAR BRAKE HAS SCREECHED VERY LOUD WHEN APPLIED. I HAVE READ THAT SOME OF THESE REAR ROTORS HAVE HAD SOME MOVEMENT. MINE HAS NO LATERAL MOVEMENT BUT DOES HAVE SOME MOVEMENT IN A ROTATIONAL DIRECTION FRONTWARDS AND BACKWARDS. I HAVE READ THAT MANY HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH A NEWER MODEL WHICH ALSO STOPPED THE SCREECHING SOUND. AS FAR AS I KNOW THERE IS NO RECALL YET BUT THERE SHOULD BE IN MY OPINION. I WILL BE CONTACTING SUZUKI SOON FOR SOME INFORMATION ON WHETHER THEY WILL REPLACE THIS DEFECTIVE PART OR NOT. I TRY NOT TO USE THE REAR BRAKE BECAUSE IT IS SO ANNOYING AND NOW A LITTLE SPOOKY. *TR

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Mar 16, 20081,000 milesTX

I OWN A SUZUKI M109R THE FIRST 1,000MILES EVERYTHING SEAM GOOD BUT ALL OF A SUDDEN, ABOUT 1 TO 2 TIMES A DAY I WOULD GET A CLUTCH CHATTER AND WOULD MAKE THE MOTORCYCLE COME TO A HALT AND STOP THE ENGINE AND THE BIKE WOULD COME TO A SCREECHING HOLT ON THE STREET.. HAVE TAKEN IT IN 3TIMES FOR THIS AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE MOTORCYCLE WAS OK AND CANT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.. NOW AFTER 10,000MILES AND THIS CLUTCH CHATTER IS WORST THAN EVER, NOW THE BIKE WILL DO A CHATTER AT EVER OTHER LIGHT NOW, STOPPING DEAD COLD IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION. AT THIS POINT AT ALL INTERSECTIONS I WAS HAVING TO RIDE ON THE SIDEWALK JUST SO I WILL NOT BE RUN OVER WHEN THE THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN.. NOW I TOOK THE BIKE IN BECAUSE OF SAFETY AND LOW AND BEHOLD THE MECHANIC CAME BACK WITH EYES BIG AND ROUND, THIS SCARED HIM BAD. THE MANUFACTURER (SUZUKI)SAID IT IS THE CLUTCH, SO DEALER TOOK IT APART AND SAID THAT THE CLUTCH IS NOT BURNED AND THE ACTUAL PADS WERE NOT ABUSED. ALL LOOKS GOOD IT LOOKS SO GOOD THAT THE DEALER IS PUTTING BACK THE OLD CLUTCH AND JUST SEE IF IT MIGHT WORK RIGHT WITH A DIFFERENT OIL THAN THE SUZUKI BRAND. BUT THE ONLY BAD THING ABOUT THE WHOLE THING IS THE CLUTCH IS NOT BURNED AND THE ACTUALLY CLUTCH PLATES LOOK THE SAME AS THE NEW ONES THAT ARE GOING TO BE INSTALLED THIS TUESDAY IF THE OLD ONE WITH DIFFERENT OIL IN THE CRANK CASE DON?T STOP THE CHATTER. BEFORE I LEFT FRIDAY I WAS TOLD THE SUZUKI WILL NOT WARRANTY THE CLUTCH EVEN THOUGH THE CLUTCH WAS NOT ABUSED AND/OR BURNED.. THIS

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Feb 19, 20082,100 milesFL

THE SUZUKI M109R (VZR1800) HAS A CLUTCH OR TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. INTERMITTENT SLIPPING OR JUMPING IN AND OUT OF 1ST GEAR. MANY, MANY TIMES THIS MOTORCYCLE WILL SLIP OR JUMP OUT OF GEAR WHEN ENGAGING THE CLUTCH AND PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP. MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER RIDERS OF THIS BIKE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. SUZUKI AND THEIR DEALERS DISAVOW ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE VISIT THE M109R RIDERS FORUM AND QUERRY CLUTCH OR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *TR

Power Train
Filed Feb 10, 200811,000 milesTX

1.) ENTERING THE HIGHWAY AND MOVING INTO TRAFFIC. 2.) TRANSMISSION FAILURE. 3.) 2ND AND 3RD GEAR AND ALL THREE SHIFTER FORKS ARE BEING REPLACED. NO COVERAGE FROM SUZUKI OR 3RD PARTY EXTENDED WARRANTY (WESTERN STATES). BIKE WAS PURCHASED IN JULY OF 2006, 11K MI. AT TIME OF FAILURE. FEEL THAT THE DEALERSHIP DID WHAT THEY COULD TO GET IT COVERED. *TR

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Nov 9, 2007100 milesAZ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI VZR1800. IF THE ACCELERATOR WAS APPLIED BEFORE THE CLUTCH WAS RELEASED, THE CONTACT WOULD HEAR A BANGING SOUND. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. AS OF NOVEMBER 9, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,900. UPDATED 12/12/2007 *BF UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

Suspension › Rear1 injured
Filed Aug 28, 200718,800 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI VZR1800. WHILE RIDING AT 70 MPH, THE REAR TIRE LOCKED UP WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 800 MILES BEFORE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A FRACTURED CLAVICLE AS WELL AS ROAD RASHES ON BOTH ARMS AND HIS LEFT HIP. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, POWERTRAIN, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, FUEL TYPE, AND TRANSMISSION TYPE WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 18,800.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery
Filed May 15, 2007489 milesIA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI VZR1800K6 M109R. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE THAT WAS REMEDIED BEFORE IT WAS PURCHASED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE HOME AND THEN BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER STATING THAT IT WAS EXPERIENCING A FUEL LEAK, WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE FAILURE OR ACQUIRE THE PARTS, IT WOULD COST $300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE JUST PAID THEM $12,000 FOR THE VEHICLE THREE DAYS AGO. WHEN HE ARRIVED HOME, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE IN THE MAIL FROM SUZUKI INFORMING HIM OF THE RECALL. HE CALLED SUZUKI AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WENT BACK AND FORTH WITH THE DEALER ON WHO WOULD REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 489. THE CONSUMER STATED WENT TO PURCHASE A M109R AT FULL THROTTLE MOTORSPORTS, THE CONSUMER ASKED ABOUT THE BIKE THAT WAS LOOKED AT A WEEK PRIOR, THE DEALER STATED IT WAS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SHOWROOM STATING THE BIKE HAD BEEN RECALLED. THE CONSUMER AND DEALER STARTED TO DISCUSS PRICING. THE CONSUMER ASKED THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THE RECALL BEING PERFORMED ON THE BIKE BECAUSE THE CONSUMER NEEDED TO TRAVEL 45 MILES HOME THE DEALER STATED YES ALL RECALLS WERE PERFORMED ON BIKE SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONSUMER AND DEALER PUT AN AFTERMARKET EXHAUST ON THE BIKE AND WERE ADDING IT TO THE DEAL. THE CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE LICENSE TO PURCHASE VEHICLE, THE DEALER LET THE CONSUMER TAKE THE BIKE WITHOUT ANY DRIVER'S LICENSE INFORMATION. THE

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail
Filed Mar 23, 20072,000 milesNY

AFTER LETTING MOTORCYCLE SIT FOR 3 MONTHS STARTED UP AND HAD EXTENSIVE GAS LEAK COMING DOWN RIGHT SIDE OF ENGINE BEHIND FORWARD CYLINDER. SMELLED GAS FUMES LAST FALL AND NOTIFIED DEALER. DEALER STATED THAT SUZUKI HAS NO REPORTS OF GAS LEAKS NOR FUMES. REMOVED GAS TANK AND AIR BOX TO FIND FLEXIBLE RUBBER HOSE ON INJECTORS LOOSE AND GAS COMING OUT OF RUBBER HOSE TO METAL PIPE CONNECTION ON RIGHT SIDE ONLY.*AK

Fuel System, Other
Filed Mar 17, 20072,190 milesOH

BIKE INTERNITTANTLY LEAKS GAS FROM UNDER THE LEFT SIDE OF THE GAS TANK AND BREATHER BOX. THE DEALERSHIP FINALLY PICKED THE BIKE UP FOR REPAIR AFTER THREE WEEKS OF PHONED IN REQUESTS. CURRENTLY THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD THE BIKE IN THEIR SHOP FOR ALMOST TWO WEEKS AND CAN'T FIND THE ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS ADMITTED SEVERAL TIMES THAT THE MANUFACTURER KNOW ABOUT THE ISSUE BUT THE DEALER WILL NOT REPLACE/REPAIR THE BIKE UNTIL THEY ACTUALLY SEE THE SUBMITTED ISSUE. I CANNOT ACCEPT THE BIKE BACK INTO MY POSSESSION UNTIL IT IS REPAIRED DUE TO THE PROBABILITY OF FUEL LEAKAGE AND FIRE. NOT TO MENTION MY WARRANTY IS UP IN THREE WEEKS.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 2, 2007650 milesFL

TL*- THE CONTACT SMELLED GAS FUMES ON THE 2006 SUZUKI VZR1800 MOTORCYCLE. IT DID NOT MATTER HOW LONG HE DROVE THE VEHICLE HE STILL SMELLED THE FUMES. THE CONTACT SMELLED FUMES EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN UNUSED FOR 3 OR 4 DAYS. THE DEALERSHIP PERFORMED A BRAKE SERVICE ON THE VEHICLE AT 500 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT NOTICE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED FOR THIS PROBLEM. THERE WERE NOT ANY PARTICULAR ROAD CONDITIONS OR A PARTICULAR TIME OF THE DAY WHEN HE SMELLED THE FUMES. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAD 650 MILES. *AK THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TAKEN THE MOTORCYCLE TO BE REPAIRED BY THE DEALER BUT HAS NOT TESTED TO SEE IF PROBLEM IS RESOLVED. UPDATE 4/23/07 *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Feb 20, 20074,500 milesTX

FUEL LEAK WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE SITS FOR A WEEK OR TWO. COMING FROM UNDER THE TANK AND LEAKING DOWN THE FRONT CYLINDER. *JB

Structure › Motorcycle › Kickstand/Center Stand
Filed Nov 3, 20062,200 milesAZ

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE KICKSTAND DID NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE WHILE PARKED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC.

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Aug 13, 20061,691 milesFL

ADJUSTED CLUTCH SEVERAL TIMES PER OWNERS MANUAL. SEEMS THE CABLE IS STRETCHING OR NUT HOLDING CLUTCH BASKET IS LOOSENING UP. CLUTCH SLIPPING WHEN THROTTLING UP IN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. CALLING SUZUKI. *JB

Structure › Motorcycle › Kickstand/Center Stand
Filed Jun 1, 2006150 milesAL

MY NEW 2006 SUZUKI M109R WITH LESS THAN 200 MILES ON IT JUST ABOUT FELL OVER ON ME WHILE IT WAS ON THE KICKSTAND. THE PERSON I WAS TALKING TO SAID "LOOK OUT" AND I TURNED AND SAW THE MOTORCYCLE BEGINNING TO LEAN OVER BECAUSE THE KICKSTAND DID NOT STAY ENGAGED. *NM

Structure › Motorcycle › Kickstand/Center Stand
Filed May 30, 2006549 milesNC

MY 2006 SUZUKI BOULEVARD M109R MOTORCYCLE FELL OFF OF ITS KICKSTAND WHILE IDLING IN NEUTRAL ON MY LEVEL DRIVEWAY. THE KICKSTAND WAS FULLY EXTENDED WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. I GOT OFF OF THE MOTORCYCLE AFTER BACKING IT OUT OF THE GARAGE IN ORDER TO CLOSE THE GARAGE DOOR. I WAS APPROXIMATELY FIVE (5) FEET FROM THE BIKE, CLOSING THE GARAGE DOOR (MANUALLY OPERATED). I HAD THE DOOR HALF WAY DOWN WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE MOTOR JUST SUDDENLY QUIT. I TURNED TO FIND THE BIKE LAYING ON ITS SIDE. THE KICKSTAND DOES NOT HAVE A LOCK WITH WHICH TO RESIST THE STAND FROM COLLAPSING UNDER MINIMAL REARWARD PRESSURE TO THE STAND (FORWARD MOVEMENT OF THE BIKE). THE BIKE WEIGHS APPROXIMATELY 700 LBS DRY, SO THIS IS A REAL AREA OF CONCERN FOR PEOPLE VERY NEAR THE BIKE (SHADE-TREE MECHANICS AND SMALL CHILDREN IMMEDIATELY COME TO MIND). -THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *NM

Structure › Motorcycle › Kickstand/Center Stand
Filed May 17, 2006600 milesMS

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER THE MOTORCYCLE'S KICKSTAND WAS PUT INTO THE DOWN POSITION IT FELL OVER, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE GAS TANK, CLUTCH HANDLE, AND THE TURN SIGNALS. IT HAPPENED AFTER THE CONTACT LEFT THE MOTORCYCLE PARKED IN A PAVED PARKING LOT FOR JUST A FEW MOMENTS. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. UPDATED ON 05/30/06. AK

All 47 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20231000Routine
20150100Routine
20140100Routine
20130100Routine
20121100Routine
20111100Routine
20100100Routine
20091100Routine
200810100Routine
200785200Routine
2006 — this page47200Routine

Compare every VZR1800 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 23, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.