2005 Suzuki VL1500: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, gasoline.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I was riding along and all of a sudden, my motorcycle lost power and the engine stopped. The engine would not turn over and the electric fuel pump would barely run. Subsequent troubleshooting revealed that the generator stator had shorted and was no longer functioning causing the battery to become depleted. Replacement of the stator, regulator/rectifier and the battery was required. I would expect these components to last longer than 18,000 miles but after doing my research on this problem for this motorcycle, I found that this is a common occurrence. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2011
“2005 suzuki vl 1500 with safety recall for the fuel pad. Consumer states that the dealership will not order the part and let him repair the problem himself. They are saying he has to have a dealer do it. He states he doesn't trust the dealers. *kb the consumer also stated the battery died.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2008
“2005 vl1500 boulevard has fallen from the kick stand. Consumer states that he was informed by a mechanic that the kick stand does not go forward enough to hold the bike on an incline. *kb the consumer stated the motorcycle has fallen three times this year, in which he suffered a minor muscle pull. *jb”Owner report · Structure · May 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“I received a recall on my 2005 suzuki c90 related to the gas tank. The recall states not to operate the motorcycle. The dealer refuses to pick the bike up and tells me to ride it to the dealership. If it is too dangerous to ride, why aren't the dealers responsible for towing the bike? *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2006
“Front brake fails to stop vehicle. Front brake lever travel is excessive and often touches the throttle grip without providing any significant deceleration. Dealer recently bled brakes at the 4000 mile service. Almost had an accident on oct 1, 2005 when the motorcycle was unable to stop in an emergency situation. Had to change lanes to aviod a rear end collision. This problem has occurred with other vs1400 suzuki intruders. *nm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2005
“2005 suzuki boulevard c90 motorcycle: gas tank leak, some spot as previous years. Top right corner. Bad weld verified by dealership service manager. Dealer ordered new gas tank. Down time for customer (me) 1 week.*jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2005
“The motorcycle (suzuki c 90 boulevard) wobbles uncontrollably on deceleration, that can cause loss of control, this started when it had only 1500 miles on it. Dealer would do nothing. It has also had electrical system problems the rectifier shorts out. Suzuki replaced the rectifier and stator. These problems are inherent in 2005 and 2006 suzuki c90 boulevard. In 2007 suzuki revamped the stator and rectifier. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2005
“Dt: 2005 suzuki vs1400. The consumer stated had problems with the gas tank, and/or the gas cap rattled. This was a distraction to the consumer while driving. He was concerned this could cause a gas leak. The dealership agreed there was a rattle and it vibrated against something, but the part was not defective. The manufacturer stated if it was not a defective part they could not do anything about it. This has been occurring since purchase of the vehicle.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2005
“Dt: a 2005 suzuki vl800. Consumer states that the rear wheel has spokes, and where the spokes tie into the metal of the wheels it is cracking. The dealership has conflicting responses, one says it is dangerous, and another says it is not a problem. The motorcycle has only 823 miles on it.*ak”Owner report · Wheels · Jun 2005
“Dt: suzuki 2005 blvd. C90t -touring motorcycle. The problem is with the kick stand. When the consumer put the kick stand down it will not lock and the bike will fall over. *jb”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, STRESS AROUND THE RIGHT FRONT FUEL TANK MOUNTING POINT CAN CAUSE HAIRLINE FATIGUE CRACKS TO FORM. THIS CAN RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK AND INSTALL IMPROVED CUSHIONS THAT MOUNT AND SUPPORT THE FUEL TANK. ANY FUEL TANKS THAT ARE FOUND TO HAVE A CRACK WILL BE REPLACED. IF A TANK IS FOUND TO HAVE A CRACK AND A REPLACEMENT TANK IS NOT AVAILABLE, FUEL TANK SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED TO THE TANK AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. WHEN THE REPLACEMENT TANK BECOMES AVAILABLE, THE OWNER WILL BE CONTACTED AND A REPLACEMENT TANK WILL BE INSTALLED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-714-572-1490.
Check your exact VL1500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Suzuki VL1500 reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2005 Suzuki VL1500. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline.
Does the 2005 Suzuki VL1500 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.