BBC "Watchdog" /TV prog. on Subframe

[Podger]

The ongoing saga in the UK with both the Subframe and Cam Chain tensioner,and the lack of action from Suzuki on the former,made us make an approach to the BBC Television, and more particularly "Watchdog" a consumer affairs programme that goes out nationally here in the UK ,at prime time 1900hrs every Thursday.The approach was made a week ago ,they called back ,were very interested,did some investigation themselves after being given some leads.
They then confirmed their ongoing interest a few days ago ,they have filmed a number of aggreived owners over the weekend,and are also filming in South of England today.

"Watchdog" has a viewing public of 10 million,and they generally take 3 subjects per programme, so an exposure of 10 mins can be expected.They have a good sound grasp of the subframe issue and have spoken to many people.Suzuki have been asked a number of questions but it remains to be seen if they will put forward a "spokesperson".

The programme will be transmitted live here this week on Thursday 2 November.Could I suggest if any of you have friends or relations in the UK ,you contact them to record it for you.(accepting that it is live TV and the subject could be rescheduled.....but we doubt it)

[Fox]

I can see a recall coming :)

Do they have a website...?
Email Edited by: Fox  at: 11/1/00 10:34:43 am

[Gary and Joanne]

Yes, it's www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog

[Podger]

Well a balanced programme,with all the right questions,
1.Why advertise the 'Busa as "Sports Touring Bike of the year" when now you can't carry luggage.
2.No "aftermarket exhaust" to be fitted.
3.If you have ever had either of above fitted the damage could already been done,but in the UK (everywhere?) they want the subframes checked out at a dealer.NOT IN THE TV PROGRAMME but a word of caution here though,if you have a '99 bike the problem of stress will appear at the weld,but on a'00 it will appear at the casting ,and WILL NOT be visable if distressed,it will just break without warning a bit like a dry biscuit.......
4.Suzuki admitted 11 cases in the UK,and that is 9 more than they have admitted since July .

Well we'll see what develops the STEEL subframe Part number is 41200-24F00-XXX, and it should be noted that the casting that breaks on the alloy subframe is TOTALLY different in shape and constitution ,I wonder why???????????

[Fox]

Thanks for the info Podger - especially the part number ... very interesting stuff!
Email

[00 so Blue]

www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/re...zuki.shtml
Watchdog 02.11.00

The trendy Suzuki Hayabusa, launched in November 1998, is the fastest production motorbike. It's one of a new generation of racing bikes, designed for the road, now popular with City executives.

However, twenty months after it arrived on our roads, it has been recalled twice and Watchdog reports there maybe a further problem.

Suzuki says the Hayabusa "performs, handles and eats motorways" and has been voted Sports Tourer of the Year 1999 by Motor Cycle News.

Four months after it was first sold, the Hayabusa was recalled for an engine fault. Last month, it was recalled for a second time. This finally fixed the engine problem, but Hayabusa riders are now reporting a possible problem when luggage panniers or new exhausts are fitted to the bike, as the sub-frame could break.

Nick Smith, a Suzuki Hayabusa owner, told Watchdog he had been driving his motorbike in the outside lane of the M1 in normal conditions when "the back end of the bike disappeared from view". Nick found himself virtually sitting on the rear wheel. The bike started to weave over the road, Nick pulled into the hard shoulder, only to find that what looked like a puncture, was actually major structural damage. He has since found out the back end of the bike, which supports the rider and passenger, had broken.

Nick sent Suzuki pictures of his damaged motorbike. Suzuki responded saying he had fitted inappropriate accessories.

Suzuki says the Hayabusa should never be ridden with panniers or after market exhausts.

Mike Fellows was driving his Hayabusa on an open road at about 40 mph when the bike suddenly veered very dramatically to the left. Mike lost control of the Superbike and ended up in hospital for three weeks, resulting in three months off work. He had not used luggage panniers, but had after market exhausts fitted. Pictures of the bike soon after the accident clearly show a broken frame. However, Suzuki insist it must have been as a result of the crash.

Neil Hadfield contacted Watchdog after he noticed his sub-frame had broken on his Hayabusa. He had not added any accessories to his bike. Suzuki are presently testing Neil's sub-frame.

Suzuki currently acknowledge eleven confirmed cases of cracking sub-frames in the UK, though the company says this does not merit a recall.

Suzuki also says anyone who has had luggage panniers, or an after market exhaust fitted, should contact their local dealer as soon as possible.

[demeester]

Not that enlightening for us, but it may at least alert owners who do not network with other owner owners to be aware of the problem.

[Podger]

It may not be enlightening to you, but note that "Suzuki recognise there is a problem" when they have through July,August ,September and October only admited to three failures ,and it's is another milestone reached. To advise you get the bike to a dealer if you have aftermarket exhausts whilst spurious is also enlightening to those with open minds,because now they have advised it on National (UK)TV ,but what about those that didn't watch the programme ?,and have an incident?,Suzuki have ackowledged the problem and in law are now partly culpable in the event they don't inform everyone ,if they believe there is a problem......They also have to get over the now thorny issue of bikes being manaufactured in Japan for 2001 delivery that have STEEL subframes .....why if the alloy was OK.
Podger

[Heidi1]

A mate taped the program for me and has it in the mail. When it arrives, if anyone wants it it can do the rounds.

HEIDI xxx

[Volvi]

Podger, a very valid point with regards to sub frame in steel from 2001 models.

I think that if major injury or death can occur due to the sub frame failure, Suzuki should address this issue immediatly, and not wait for being sued by an injured rider. Luggage or pipes are hardly an excuse for passing the buck.

Though I take no pleasure in having my bike dismantled for a sub frame replacement, I'd rather that then endangering myself or a pillion. Time for Suzuki to bite the bullet and do a recall.