AI DamageSuzuki DL1000: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Suzuki DL1000 across 7 model years: 23 owner complaints and 0 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 35% of all complaints
- 2 Fuel/propulsion system 35% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 30% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel system 13% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 13% of all complaints
- 6 Suspension 13% of all complaints
- 7 Structure 9% of all complaints
- 8 Vehicle speed control 9% of all complaints
- Engine: 8 complaints (35% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 8 complaints (35% of all).
- Electrical system: 7 complaints (30% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Fuel system: 3 complaints (13% of all).
- Powertrain: 3 complaints (13% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 23 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 8 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 2 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The contact stated while riding approximately 10 mph the motorcycle suddenly stalled causing the contact to lose control of the motorcycle and crash. The contact sustained an injury to his lower right leg. The failure was not diagnosed nor was the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.
Consumer writes in regards to motorcycle ecu unit which includes fueling issues that causes low rpm throttle controls/ response and stalling vibrations and noises.
The motorcycle will stall at odd intervals. It will also backfire thru the airbox. At low speed, it is difficult to control the throttle. It is especially bad when the engine hasn't warmed up fully and its cold outside. I have come very close to dropping the bike when it stalls unexpectedly.
Only happened to me while not moving, but probably wouldn't notice problem if moving, unless under low power or slipping the clutch, ie, low speed maneuvering. Sometimes cold engine, sometimes fully warmed up. Suzuki replaced ecu (with part # ending in ...j12) under warranty to correct the problem.
Vehicle now has 2,500 miles on it and has intermittently stalled upon takeoff in 1st gear at least 7 times. Each time the motorcycle engine is warm. Upon engaging 1st gear from a stop, when the clutch is released and throttle applied, the motorcycle will cough and stall.
Ever since this vehicle was purchased and then after the first oil change the motor developed a knock. The fueling is erratic at times meaning it hiccups or surges and has stalled while in motion. I brought this up to the dealer and to suzuki in november of 2015.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.