RoadVitals

2006 Suzuki VZR1800

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
47
Latest Aug 14, 2021
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jun 23, 2015
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 47 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Suzuki VZR1800, most frequently naming the transmission, powertrain (other) and brakes categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 3 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SEATS:MOTORCYCLE

Jun 23, 2015
308 units potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.View on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

Apr 4, 2007
12,331 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, LEAKED FUEL CAN CAUSE A FIRE, PRESENTING THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH.
The 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.
AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.Manufacturer number 2096View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE06043ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

MOTORCYCLE SIDESTAND ROLL-OFF

Opened Oct 18, 2006
Closed Feb 9, 2007

ODI OPENED THIS PE AFTER RECEIVING THREE ALLEGATIONS OF PARKED MOTORCYCLE UPSET WHEN IT ROLLED OFF THE SIDESTAND.SINCE OPENING WE HAVE:?INTERVIEWED THE THREE OWNERS FILING A COMPLAINT WITH US;?INSPECTED ONE COMPLAINT VEHICLE AT THE INCIDENT SCENE;?CONDUCTED SUBJECT VEHICLE PARKING STABILITY TESTING IN ACCORDANCE WITH SAE TEST PROCEDURE J1101 TO ASSESS ITS CONFORMANCE WITH SAE RECOMMENDED PRACTICE, J1248, ?PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR PARKING STABILITY OF MOTORCYCLES;? AND?REVIEWED SUZUKI?S RESPONSE TO OUR INFORMATION REQUEST.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CONFORM TO THE SAE J1248, SEC. 3.3 ?MINIMUM REQUIRED ROLL OFF ANGLE? OF 4 DEGREES WHEN PARKED ON THE SIDESTAND.GIVEN THE SMALL NUMBER OF KNOWN FAILURES AND THE SUBJECT VEHICLE?S CONFORMANCE WITH SAE J1248, NO DEFECT TREND IS IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND THE PE IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS AND WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED.

STRUCTURE:MOTORCYCLE:KICKSTAND/CENTER STAND

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Driver assistance
Filed Aug 14, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID
11429122
Incident
Aug 14, 2021
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 7, 2020

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 ID
11343955
Incident
Aug 7, 2020
Powertrain (other)
Filed Apr 15, 2020

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

NHTSA ID
11321260
Incident
Aug 11, 2018
Mileage
22,500 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 1, 2019

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 ID
11241099
Incident
Jul 27, 2019
Mileage
16,823 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Jul 11, 2017

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

NHTSA ID
11004678
Incident
Jun 18, 2017
Mileage
23,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 23, 2015

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 ID
10678554
Incident
Apr 14, 2006
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 20, 2014

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

NHTSA ID
10573834
Incident
Nov 15, 2007
Mileage
6,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 21, 2013

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

NHTSA ID
10513023
Incident
May 18, 2013
Mileage
21,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

45

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICE MANUAL INFORMATION - WIRING HARNESS ROUTING. SUZUKI VZR1800K7. *TT

39

SUSPENSION

OWNER'S MANUAL CORRECTION - SUSPENSION ADJUSTMENT. *TT

37

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

SERVICE MANUAL CORRECTION - CABLE ROUTING & EVAP CANISTER HOSE ROUTING. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Suzuki VZR1800 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2023100
2015010
2014010
2013010
2012110
2011110
2010010
2009110
2008101031.3
2007852043.3
2006Viewing472145.1

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.