2009 Suzuki Vl800 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Power Train (2) · Vehicle Speed Control (1)
Safety recalls (1)
Electrical System:alternator/Generator/Regulator 2011-02-23 · campaign 11V108000 · 73,426 vehicles
Defect: SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 2007 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2009, EQUIPPED WITH REGULATOR/RECTIFIER ASSEMBLIES, SUZUKI PART NUMBERS 32800-41F11, 32800-15H10, 32800-05H11, 32800-41G10, 32800-15H00, 32800-18H00, 32800-05G10, 32800-10G10, 32800-05H20, OR 32800-06G01. SOME REGULATOR/RECTIFIER ASSEMBLIES WERE PRODUCED WITH INSUFFICIENT ADHESION BETWEEN THE POWER MODULE (CIRCUIT BOARD) AND THE RECTIFIER CASE THAT CONTAINS A HEAT SINK TO DISSIPATE
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAUSES EXCESSIVE HEAT ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD AND UNCONTROLLED ELECTRIC CURRENT OUTPUT, WHICH CAN RESULT IN INSUFFICIENT CHARGING CURRENT BEING PROVIDED TO THE MOTORCYCLE BATTERY. THIS CAN CAUSE DISCHARGE OF THE BATTERY AND CAN LEAD TO ENGINE STALLING AND/OR A NO-START CONDITION. ENGINE STALLING WHILE RIDING CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: SUZUKI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND SUZUKI DISTRIBUTORS WILL REPLACE THE REGULATOR/RECTIFIER WITH AN IMPROVED PART FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 2, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-714-572-1490.
Service bulletins (1)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2008-10-08 · SB-09-24 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
suzuki motorcycle: an assembly and pre-delivery service guide will not be issued for the vl800k9, because the set up procedure remains similar to the vl800k6. to set up vl800k9, please use the vl800k6 assembly and pre-delivery service guide and the additional information outlined in this bulletin.
What owners report
2016-05-24 · Power Train · 1 mi“making a downshift from 3rd to 2nd around a corner i applied throttle then a big clunk occurred and i lost power to my rear drive. i was able to make it to the side of the road, eluding traffic to move to the right lane. upon investigation i've found out the problem to be the final drive propeller gear and the coupling were rusted and totally wo…”
2013-08-26 · Power Train · 16,240 mi · 💥 crash“coming around a corner up a hill i applied throttle to go up hill. a large clunk occurred and i lost all forward ability. not having power i barely made it to the side of the road almost getting hit. i swerved to avoid a car and went down. nothing other than minor scrapes as a result. upon determining the problem to be the final drive i removed…”
2011-06-08 · Vehicle Speed Control“2009 suzuki vl800tk9. consumer writes in regards to repair reimbursement and recall *tgw the consumer stated she returned the bike to the dealer, because the speedometer was off by 9 mph. the dealer replaced the component, but it didn't correct the problem. the consumer was informed there wasn't anything else that could be done and it was probabl…”
2011-04-10 · Unknown Or Other · 846 mi“received recall notice from american suzuki corporation. motor cycle taken to dealership, it has been there a month. i have checked every week. i am told they have gotten no response about a replacement part. can you help resolve this matter in a timely fashion? component that needs to be replaced: rectifier assemblies installed on the affected…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.