2008 Suzuki VZR1800: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 10 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
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 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2021
“There is a violent shudder when taking off in first gear which is very dangerous on a motorcycle when pulling out into traffic. Talking to other owners and mechanic...it seems to be a problem with the clutch and springs and apparently a problem with several of these bikes.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2015
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2015
Show 4 more owner reports
“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. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2014
“2nd gear jumping out and causing slowing down in traffic when supposed to be accelerating. Many times.has been "fixed" twice under warranty but still happens. Its a saftey issue and I doubt I will buy another suzuki and I owned one for 14 years prior to this one *tt”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2011
“While merging into traffic shifted to 2nd gear and just as I was changing lanes into flow of traffic my motorcycle pops itself into neutral losing all forward motion. I had to swerve back onto shoulder to avoid being struck from behind, this has happened a few times since and scares the hell out of me. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2011
“I have a suzuki blvd m109r I am having problems with my second gear jumping out of gear suddenly. I am riding along and the bike will start to slow down while I am twisting the throttle for the bike to accelerate. Suzuki claims that there are no problems with the transmission on these bike but I have seen the damage that can be done to the tranny when this happens. This has happened to me many times within the past year or so, its just a matter of time before complete failure of the transmission!!!! *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2010
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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 2008 Suzuki VZR1800 reliable?
NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2008 Suzuki VZR1800. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2008 Suzuki VZR1800 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has 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.