106 of the
173 complaints filed about the Suzuki VZR1800
are about the transmission —
61% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2007.
106
Complaints
61%
Share of all complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
I got on the highway going to [XXX] on [XXX]. When I merged into traffic I almost got hit from behind because the Suzuki M109R slipped out of second gear. Fortunately the driver of the dump truck behind me noticed that I was not speeding up and he slammed on the brakes saving my life. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11744225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I recently purchased a 2008 M109 and had no issues for the first 24 hours. However the next day at a stoplight experienced my first engine shudder from stopped to 1st gear that resulted in tire spin on rear tire and then stall. I have read this is a known issue with the clutch hub but Suzuki will not address. Also related is a high grinding 200-300 RPM before shifting up. I am left with a motorcycle that is an actual hazard in the form that it is produced and would like help resolving this issue. I do not mind paying for parts but Suzuki and their dealers refuse to help.
NHTSA complaint #11431148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEN YOU SHIFT INTO 2ND GEAR AND ACCELERATE HARD IT FEELS LIKE IT SKIPS AND SHUTTER HARD INTERMITTENTLY. IT DOESNT DO IT EVERYTIME. SCARY FEELING. I USUALLY SHIFT INTO 1ST INTO 3RD WITHOUT ACCELERATING IN SECOND IF POSSIBLE. I CANT BELIEVE SUZUKI BEING A PROMINENT BIKE COMPANY HAS NOT CORRECTED THIS PROBLEM. I WISH I HAD READ UP MORE ON THE THOUSANDS OF THREADS ABOUT THIS SAME TYPE PROBLEM WITH THIS BIKE BEFORE I PURCHASE
NHTSA complaint #11352083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11343955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11321260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MAJOR LOSS OF POWER TO THE GROUND. MAINLY IN SECOND GEAR IF I OPEN THE THROTTLE TO ANYTHING ABOVE SAY 20% TWIST OF THE WRIST THE RPMS GO UP BUT BIKE WONT GAIN SPEED WHILE ALREADY DRIVING. CLUTCH DOES NOT SHOW SIGNS OF BURNING UP AND ALL SEEMS NORMAL THERE. IVE ADJUSTED IT PER SUZUKI'S MANUAL AND FOLLOWED THEIR UPDATED METHOD VIA SERVICE BULLETIN THE NEXT TIME I MADE ADJUSTMENT. IN ALL GEARS I GET THIS SLIPPING SENSATION TOO WHERE THE MOTORCYCLE FEEL LIKE ITS DRAGGING OR NOT PICKING UP SPEED ALONG WITH THE RPMS WHENEVER I TRY TO USE SOME OF THE BIKES STRONG POWER WHILE ALREADY DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS POTENTIALLY CAN PUT ME INTO A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHERE I CANNOT PICKUP SPEED TO AVOID ANOTHER VEHICLE NEED BE AND PLUS IT JUST PLAIN OLD TAKES THE CONFIDENCE AND FUN OUT OF RIDING THIS MACHINE I SPENT A LOT OF HARD EARNED MONEY ON. SHIFTING INTO SECOND GEAR IS ROUGH AND DIFFICULT AT TIMES. I ALWAYS SHIFT IN LOW RPM (4K RPM) AND EASE ON THROTTLE FOR ALL GEARS TO NOT ABUSE IT. THE GEAR INDICATOR I HAD INSTALLED NO LONGER SENSES WHAT GEAR I AM IN MORE TIMES THAN NOT. I SUSPECT THE SHIFT FORK FOR SECOND GEAR ALONG WITH THE GEAR ITSELF TO BE BADLY ENGINEERED AFTER GATHER INFO ABOUT THIS ISSUE ON THE M109ERS.COM FORUM. THINKING THE SECONDARY DRIVE MIGHT BE WORN OUT WHEN I DON'T ABUSE THIS BIKE. THIS BIKE HAS ALSO HAD A TERRIBLE "STUTTER" IN FIRST GEAR WHEN DRIVING FROM A STAND STILL THAT I NOTICED GOES AWAY WHEN YOU PARK THE BIKE WITH THE HANDLE BARS TURNED TO THE RIGHT TO STAND UP THE BIKE MORE UPRIGHT (MORE OIL GETS TO THE CLUTCH STACK) 24000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, THIS IS THE THIRD BIKE I HAVE EVER PURCHASED OUT OF THE 5 IN MY LIFETIME. WILL BE FILING A COMPLAINT AGAIN ONCE I HAVE MORE INFO AND DOCUMENTATION.
NHTSA complaint #11310508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT'S WIFE OWNS A 2007 SUZUKI VZR1800K7 MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE GEAR INTERMITTENTLY SHIFTED FROM FIRST INTO SECOND GEAR, AND THEN DOWNSHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT WARNING. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO SYSCO HOUSTON (10710 GREENS CROSSING BLVD, HOUSTON, TX 77038, (713) 672-8080) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GEAR WAS STUCK AND NEEDED TO BE LOOSENED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11278052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11241099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUZUKI VZR1800. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SECOND GEAR SLIPPED INTO THE NEUTRAL POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ALL OHIO MOTORSPORTS (23361 AURORA RD, CLEVELAND, OH 44146, (440) 786- 2230) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SECOND GEAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 22,000.
NHTSA complaint #11113156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUZUKI VZR1800. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH AND SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR, THE GEAR INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED OUT OF SECOND GEAR INTO NEUTRAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.
NHTSA complaint #10908695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUZUKI VZR1800K7 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE SHIFTING INTO SECOND GEAR AND WHEN ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #10887704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
JUST LIKE OTHER DRIVERS, 2ND GEAR WOULD DROP TO NEUTRAL AND WHEN SUZUKI REPAIR THE WARRANTED BIKE, THEY TOOK ALMOST 6 MONTHS TO FIX IT AND IT HAPPEN 3 MORE TIME WITHIN THE NEXT 4 YEARS AND LESS THAN 20,00 MILES...ALONG WITH THE CLUTCH GOING OUT 3 TIMES AND A BROKEN SWINGARM THE BIKE HAS BEEN GROUNDED LONGER THAN IT'S BEEN ON THE ROAD...
NHTSA complaint #10682245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEN RIDING MY MOTORCYCLE IT JUMPS OUT OF 2ND GEAR AT 2000-3000 RPM,S. I CONTACTED THE SUZUKI CORPORATION. I ASKED IF THEY HAD A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM AND THEY STATED NO. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE MY BIKE TO THE DEALER AND LET THEM DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. MY BIKE IS A 2008 WITH LESS THAN 10,000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS UNFAIR BECAUSE IT'S A PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF THE M109 I ALMOST WAS REAR ENDED ON SEVERAL OCCASION.
NHTSA complaint #10681415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10678554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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!!!
NHTSA complaint #10573834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10513023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN LIGHT TURNED GREEN I WENT TO FIRST GEAR THEN SECOND. WHILE TRYING TO GO TO THIRD IT SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AND A CAR HIT ME FROM BEHIND.
NHTSA complaint #10488949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WAS ON MY 2007 SUZUKI M109R AND SITTING AT A LIGHT I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AFTER LIGHT TURNED GREEN. AS I MADE THE TURN I WENT TO SHIFT INTO SECOND GEAR AND IT WENT INTO SECOND GEAR THEN SLIPPED BACK INTO NEUTRAL CAUSING ME TO LOSE MY CONCENTRATION AND ALMOST HITTING CAR NEXT TO ME. I AM A MEMBER OF THE M109RIDER MESSAGE BOARD AND HAVE FOUND THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MOTORCYCLE HTTP://WWW.M109RIDERS.COM/FORUMS/SEARCH.PHP?SEARCHID=865572 THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO IT HAPPENS WHEN A RIDER IS STARTING TO ACCELERATE (POSSIBLY LIKE ME IN A TURN OR MERGING INTO TRAFFIC) AND IS LIKELY TO EVENTUALLY CAUSE EITHER A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES OR POSSIBLY DEATH.
NHTSA complaint #10461040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2007 SUZUKI M109R TRANSMISSION FAILURE. SECOND GEAR POPS OUT WHEN THE THROTTLE IS ABOUT 4000+ RPM AND SLAMS BACK INTO GEAR. THE RESULT IS A BENT SHIFT FORK AND ROUNDED OFF GEAR ENGAGEMENT TANGS (DOGS). REMOVED THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION ON MY OWN, AND REPLACED SUSPECTED PROBLEM PARTS IN THE TRANSMISSION SUCH AS: SHIFT FORKS (TO UPDATED PART NUMBERS), SHIFT FORK SHAFTS (TO SOLID 14MM 4140 STEEL RODS), UNERCUT OR BACKCUT THE GEARS BY 5 DEGREES (TO ALLOW POSITIVE ENGAGEMENT OF THE DOGS WITHOUT SLIPPING APART). THE BACKCUTTING ALONE COULD BE THE SOLE FIX FOR SUZUKI, IF THEY PRODUCED THESE PARTS LIKE THIS (5 DEGREE CUT) FROM THE FACTORY, AND SOLID SHIFT SHAFTS PREVENT WARPAGE TO OCCUR AND THE SHIFT FORKS TO POSITIVELY ENGAGE THE DOGS. ALTHOUGH THE BIKE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND RESEARCH SHOWS THAT SUZUKI IS VERY RELUCTANT TO EVEN ADMIT THIS IS A PROBLEM, IT IS DANGEROUS AND COSTLY FOR THE OWNERS..
NHTSA complaint #10452148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.