FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SAFETY RECALL OF SUZUKI GSX-R1000 MOTORCYCLES
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What is the reason behind this recall?
Common sense tells us that cracks or breakage in the frame of a motorcycle could weaken the frame and lead to accidents that cause death or serious injury. This is the reason for the Suzuki recall. After receiving numerous complaints about potentially lethal cracks or breakage in the frames of some models of Suzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advised Suzuki that it should conduct what they call a “safety improvement campaign.”
What was Suzuki’s response to the NHTSA notification?
Admitting that it, too, had received reports of cracking or breaking, Suzuki voluntarily agreed to recall and repair the models in question. However, instead of blaming these defects for the danger of death or serious injury, Suzuki blamed motorcycle riders and alleged “reckless and illegal driving activity.”
Where are these cracks, and why are they dangerous?
Cracks or breakage in two areas appear related to catastrophic motorcycle crashes:
- In the motorcycle frame where, when subjected to high stress, collisions involve the front wheel/fork assembly; and
- In the frame behind and below the steering neck, where crashes can occur after a hard landing.
Which Suzuki models are covered in this recall?
There are two models included in this recall, of which more than 26,000 have been sold by Suzuki:
| GSX-R10005 | VIN numbers JS1GT76A*52100019 through JS1GT76A*52110197 |
| GSX-R10006 | VIN numbers JS1GT76A*62100003 through JS1GT76A*62117296 |
If I own one of these models, what should I do?
First, check over your motorcycle frame to make sure you do not see any cracks or breakage that would mean you must stop riding your Suzuki immediately. Unfortunately, many of these cracks are not visible to the naked eye. So you must take your vehicle to an authorized Suzuki dealership where, under the recall provisions, it will be inspected and repaired.
What will the Suzuki dealership do?
Suzuki dealers are required to conduct a thorough inspection of your motorcycle to identify any cracks or breakage. Even if none are found, they must attach a reinforcement brace to the frame, using bolts and epoxy adhesive. Suzuki estimates that this service takes about three hours, but you will have to leave your motorcycle at the dealership overnight in order to let the epoxy adhesive dry. If cracks or breakage are found, the Suzuki dealership must replace the defective frame with a new frame that already has the reinforcement brace installed.
How will the reinforcement brace affect my motorcycle?
According to Suzuki, the reinforcement brace is made of lightweight aluminum, is very slender, and fits underneath the top spar of the frame, behind and below the steering neck. Suzuki claims that the appearance, handling, and performance of your motorcycle will be just the same as before the brace was installed. The company states that it will provide a five-year warranty covering the frame and brace, effective as of the date of the brace installation.
What will repairing or replacing the frame cost me?
If your Suzuki motorcycle model is included in the safety recall, the inspection and appropriate repair or replacement of the frame will be done at no cost to you. However, Suzuki has set forth some exclusions to this free service. For example, you may be eligible for only partial reimbursement if you discovered cracks or breakage yourself and paid for repair or replacement earlier. Suzuki also states that the cost of repairs attributable to crashes or other accidents will not reimbursed. So when you take your motorcycle in for inspection and repair, it is in your best interest to clarify with the Suzuki dealership exactly what your out-of-pocket costs could be.