Suzuki GSX R1000
SERIOUS DEFECTS IN SUZUKI GSX R1000 MOTORCYCLE FRAME CAUSE DEATHS, INJURIES IN CATASTROPHIC CRASHES
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If you own or ride a Suzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycle, you may be taking your life in your hands.
On January 9, 2009, American Suzuki Motor Corporation advised the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of a serious safety defect in the 2005 and 2006 GSX-R1000 sport bikes: the frames are susceptible to cracking and breakage behind and below the steering neck. Suzuki has acknowledged receiving complaints about cracks and breakage "in certain extreme situations where unusually high stress is placed on the frame".
A frame fracture can destabilize and compromise the handling characteristics of the bike resulting in serious injury or death to the most experienced riders. In fact, the frame defect has caused front steering assemblies to completely separate from the body of the bike during operation.
Where does Suzuki assign blame? Instead of taking responsibility for manufacturing and selling a defective and deadly sport bike, Suzuki instead blames riders and purchasers of their product. The company attributes the frame cracking and breakage to riders who engage in “reckless” stunts and driving activities.
Nonetheless, the company has initiated a recall campaign beginning January 21, 2009, to retrofit affected bikes with a brace to minimize the potential for frame cracking or breakage or to replace broken frames.
The recall covers more than 26,000 model year 2005-2006 GSX-R1000 motorcycles:
| GSX-R10005 | VIN numbers JS1GT76A*52100019 through JS1GT76A*52110197 |
| GSX-R10006 | VIN numbers JS1GT76A*62100003 through JS1GT76A*62117296 |
Under the recall rules, Suzuki dealerships must follow guidelines approved by NHTSA for inspecting and remedying this highly dangerous flaw. First, they are to inspect the frames for cracks – cracks that are not necessarily visible to the naked eye. Then:
- If no cracks are found, a frame reinforcement brace must be attached to the frame using bolts and epoxy adhesive.
- If there are existing cracks or breakage, the frame must be replaced with a new frame that has the reinforcement brace already installed.
If you own or ride one of these Suzuki models, you should have gotten a notification letter from Suzuki explaining the possible defects and asking you to return your motorcycle to a Suzuki dealership. Suzuki also asked its dealerships to telephone customers and inform them of the recall campaign.
Even if you didn’t receive a recall notice, you need to take immediate action in order to protect yourself and your family.
You should trailer your GSX-R1000 motorcycle to a Suzuki retailer as soon as possible. Suzuki’s Service Bulletin authorizes dealerships to inspect the relevant area of the frame, and to retrofit a brace or replace the frame as warranted. (If your frame is not damaged, the dealer is required to install a reinforcement brace.)
If you noticed a crack or breakage before this safety recall campaign was initiated and paid for repair or replacement of the frame, you may be eligible for reimbursement from Suzuki. Shamefully, however, Suzuki may exclude reimbursement for the cost of repairs to correct damage resulting from crashes, accidents, or other similar incidents caused by the defect.
If a family member has died or you or a family member has been seriously injured while operating a Suzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycle, the attorneys at Searcy Denney can help you seek justice.
Our attorneys at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley have more than 30 years experience handling catastrophic motor vehicle accidents of all kinds, including motorcycle crashes. We have demonstrated time and time again that we are not afraid to stand toe-to-toe with big corporations and hold them accountable for selling defective products to the public.
If you would like to learn more about how we can help you determine your rights to pursue justice, please fill out our Contact Form
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