2006 Suzuki VZR1800: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 47 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (59% of complaints); the 2008 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2021
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 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”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Wheels · Jun 2017
“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”Owner report · Power Train · May 2013
“There are a number of 2006 & 2007 suzuki m109r motorcycles that have defective braking systems on them. The rear rotor is separating from the mounting plate. It is vibrating, rattling and unsafe to ride. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2011
“This is a second gear issue. The bike has always had a bad meshing problem between first and second gear as does all of the suzuki m109r bikes. My bike really started getting worse at towards the end of 2010 and finally started jumping out of second gear at the end of sept., 2010. It is a consistent issue that happens anytime a load is put on the engine in second gear which effects the acceleration of the bike. The problem will continue to get worse if the bike is continually ridden which affects my time on the bike and to fix the problem is going to cost anywhere between $2500-$3000. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2010
“My 2006 m109r has shifting problems, it shifts very hard from first to second gear and sometimes missing second gear. Im afraid that this could cause me to wreck or be in an accident. Suzuki says there is not a problem with my bike and many many others so I would have to pay for costly repairs that is suzuki fault. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2010
“Faulty rear brake rotor. Lose rivets causing sever metal noises and poses as a safety issue if rivet ever break under emergency braking. Suzuki has an updates part no. For this rotor and should replace all substandard rotor as safety item. 2006 m109r with 6000 miles. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2010
“Leaving a traffic light, accelerating thur first gear going to second gear, it will pop out of second gear and go into nuetrel. And now I have traffic running over my back. Very scary.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2009
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact VZR1800 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 2006 Suzuki VZR1800 reliable?
NHTSA has 47 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 Suzuki VZR1800. The most complained-about area is power train (59% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2006 Suzuki VZR1800 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 7,505 miles or less.
Does the 2006 Suzuki VZR1800 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seats:motorcycle. 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.