2005 Suzuki VL800 recalls
Reported Dec 21, 2005 · 23,839 vehicles affected · AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the ignition switch wiring harness may have been improperly routed at the time of production. If the wiring harness is not routed properly, it can rub against the clutch cable/throttle cable.
Risk: Continued rubbing may eventually lead to a short circuit which may cause the engine to stall or the lights to go out. This will increase the chance of a crash resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Dealers will re-route the ignition switch wiring harness and replace the lock set including the ignition switch along with the clutch cable/throttle cable free of charge. The recall began on january 6, 2006. Owners may contact suzuki at 714-572-1490.
2005 Suzuki VL800 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Electrical System | 5 | |
| Wheels | 2 | |
| Structure | 1 | |
| Suspension | 1 | |
| Unknown or Other | 1 | |
| Engine | 1 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Wheels › Hub — 2
- Structure › Frame and Members — 1
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
- Suspension › Rear — 1
- Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 8,560 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2005 Suzuki VL800 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Electrical System · at 11,000 miles · reported Nov 19, 2008
The contact owns a 2005 suzuki vl800. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The wiring harness melted and was replaced by the dealer at the cost of $800. One year prior to the failure, he received recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 05v566000 (Electrical system:ignition:switch) and immediately scheduled an appointment with the dealer. The contact was repeatedly informed that they did not have the parts to complete the repair. He is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The failure and current mileages were 11,000.
Unknown or Other · at 20,000 miles · reported Mar 15, 2008
I have 2 2005 suzuki c50 boulevards motorcycles. I added a light bar made by suzuki. It attaches electrically to a plug provided by suzuki inside the headlight can. When used, it overloads the ignition switch, causing heat, melting plastic inside. This is not a problem on the 2004's (Vl800 vulsia) which run off a carburetor. The 2005's are fuel injected, and require a fuel pump. I believe the ignition switch is the same on both. Those that have the light bar on the 2004's and earlier do not report this problem. Those with 2005 and up, do report this problem. Reference volusiariders.com, and…
Suspension · at 1,500 miles · reported May 21, 2007
The rear hub on the suzuki c50 was full of cracks,especially around the spoke holes. They were getting worse. If the hub disintegrated it would kill me and my wife. This was not a isolated incident,the web was full of people with the same complaint. I hope someone did not have to get killed from this defect to have them recall it. The motorcycle had only 1500 miles on it , and was still under warranty. I counted 30 severe cracks in the left side hub around the spoke holes. So now we could not ride it because the hub will come apart on us . It was a dangerous defect.
Structure · at 5,050 miles · reported Jul 27, 2006
Dt*: the contact stated that while driving 50 MPH making on a major highway the left rear passenger peg detached releasing the passenger; a 12 year old child. The passenger was secured by the contact while traveling. The vehicle was taken to the dealers who determined that the frame and brake line was rusted due to exposure to air. The dealer also expressed that the broken frame could have been part of a manufacturer recall and notified the manufacturer. The manufacturer scheduled a investigator to examine the vehicle.
Wheels · at 1,253 miles · reported Jul 27, 2006
My 2005 suzuki c50 motorcycle has developed cracks in the front and rear hubs of the wheels. The motorcycle has less than 2000 miles on it. I found the cracks after learning about them on the internet. These cracks appear to be very common with this bike. Suzuki should investigate and either replace the rims or notify the owners if this is not something to be concerned with. I would like to continue riding my bike without fear of a wheel breaking apart.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2005 Suzuki VL800 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2005 Suzuki VL800: 05V-566 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Suzuki VL800?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (5 reports), followed by wheels (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 8,560 miles.
Are Suzuki recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Suzuki dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.