Suzuki VZR1800 shudder problems

Filed Feb 16, 2022 · Acceleration, Engine · CT

In late 2020 while in a turn on the interstate while in 2nd gear the motorcycle jolted like it slipped on ice. The second time it happened is when I attempted to accelerate to 3rd gear the bike shuddered like it was not getting gas. Not being able to provide gas caused the vehicles behind me to swerve into the other lane. After 8 months of the bike sitting at another Suzuki dealer because they said they had to rip out the engine I towed the bike to a dealer over 700 miles away. That dealer said it was the clutch plates. They replaced the entire clutch system at my cost and the problem remained immediately upon picking up the bike. The same dealer now says it’s the gears and they have to replace them which means approximately another month at the dealer. The bike had not been inspected by any other agency. There were no warning lights of any kind. The RPMs never changed when the issue occurred. I called USA Suzuki and they said they’ll call me back. They never did. I will now have to get an attorney because Suzuki has a failed mechanical part they claimed they fixed years prior but the same thing is happening with the new models.

Filed Aug 31, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · CA

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.

Filed Jan 23, 2016 · 9,000 miles · KY

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.

Filed Apr 30, 2011 · Transmission · 6,000 miles · MO

I am the owner of a beautiful 2007 m109r suzuki motorcycle. The motorcycle's transmission has been a constant source of issues from the date I purchased the vehicle. I experience clutch "shudder" where the entire clutch basket skips and forces the motorcycle to shake violently until you re-engage the clutch. The shift from 1st to 2nd gear never goes smoothly, several times the motorcycle has shifted out of second upon acceleration, nearly causing a collision with a SUV while I was trying to merge into traffic just last week. The "tube nut" on the clutch hub came loose from the factory assembly on this motorcycle, causing the clutch to lock up and fully engage the motor. I am a former msf instructor, I've owned several motorcycles in the past 10 years with many many miles in the saddle. This a dangerous and unacceptable condition for any motorcyclist. Furthermore, these issues are not being caused by abuse of the motorcycle, this is exactly what suzuki claims is responsible for the issue, not the weak engineering behind the transmission.

Filed Jul 8, 2010 · Transmission · 5,000 miles · TX

The vehicle is a motorcycle called a suzuki vzr 1800 or m109r. The failure involves releasing the clutch to engage the vehicle. When releasing the clutch there is a "shudder" or a "jerking" by the clutch that causes massive vibration to the whole vehicle. This mainly results in (1) loss grip of the handle bars (2) loss of balance (3) and the engine stopping in the middle of the intersection. I have asked my retailer and suzuki dealer to look into the problem and the response it "it is normal" and suzuki has done nothing about it. However, this is a widespread problem as evidenced by the many owners who are members of m109riders.com and other owner sites. I have heard but I do not know for sure, that suzuki, since 2006, has attempted to alleviate the problem by increasing the size of holes in the clutch plates. However, my motorcycle is a 2008 and still has the issue. This has not caused a collision yet but results in many dangerous situations. A recall should be issued on this situation before one of the many owners of this model gets killed or seriously injured.

Filed Sep 9, 2009 · Transmission · AZ

I own a 2008 suzuki vzr1800n or m109r motorcycle. For the last several months including today the bike has developed a violent shudder or chatter while disengage the clutch in first and second gear. It happens mostly right after warm up and continues up until you run it through the gears a couple of times. I have spoken to three different suzuki dealers and they have brushed off the problem by saying its a trait of the motorcycle. I have not had an accident yet but it is unnerving to ride the motorcycle. On the m109riders forum you are hearing more and more complaints and a least one crash as a result of this issue. Apparently suzuki is aware of this defect.(speculated to be lack of proper oiling to the clutch basket) which is causing the shudder/chatter. Essentially the clutch plates are too dry to perform properly. Suzuki has replaced some riders clutches under warranty but still has yet to remedy this problem. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Filed Jan 3, 2009 · Transmission · 10,000 miles · TN

I have a vzr 1800 2007 model suzuki and have had clutch problems starting at 10000mi had a mechanic check it and says it had oil trouble causing trouble such as shudder and grabbing I called a dealer about this problem and they said they have never heard it and was no recalls but I have heard of several complaints about this on m109riders forum (I mean lots).

Filed Dec 23, 2008 · Transmission · 2,117 miles · TX

Clutch shudders violently when engaging first gear causing loss of forward motion and endangering rider safety. This is a recurring problem.

Filed Aug 19, 2008 · Transmission · 1,500 miles · UT

I have 2006 suzuki m109r and my bike is having clutch judder/shudder, occasional rear wheel jump when releasing clutch also rattle at idle in clutch/clutch hub area, clutch springs rattle while motorcycle is being driven or in neutral/idle and sometimes harsh vibration on acceleration between 2800-4000 rpms. Motorcycle has less than 2000 miles on the odo and clutch rattling started at around 1500 miles. Sometimes it's very hard to engage clutch and clutch needs to be primed every time I'm trying to place it into 1st gear (I.e. Have to hold the clutch in for 5 to 10 seconds to get good engagement) and unless it's primed for a while when 1st gear is engaged motorcycle will make loud thunk/clunk noise and it'll lurch/jump forward. On occasion 2nd gear will refuse to engage I have to engage/disengage clutch couple times in order to get it into 2nd gear which poses potential danger to myself and other traffic due to motorcycle losing speed at high rate. Talked to my local suzuki dealer and I was told rattling in clutch area is normal as is gears slipping.

Filed Jul 23, 2008 · Transmission · 4,200 miles · MD

Clutch shudder.