Whilst changing a lazy battery, I noticed the left had side of the sub frame on my '99 has a crack acrross the weld. F#@?!! Although I have been aware this can be a problem, I was under the impression that it usually happened with luggage and/or single exhaust systems. Well, my bike is stock, except for double bubble sccreen.
Rang my closest dealer, $1050 for new sub frame!!!!! Is this my only option. I would imagine second hand sub frames to be as rare as hen's teeth. Can it be welded (TIG?), or should I just shoot myself (and the bike).
HELP! :"> Regards,
ColinT
I can see no reason that it could not be rewelded and braced at a much lower cost than 1K thats what I would do
Hawkwind
If you contact Suzuki head office, I am inclined to be believe they will help you out, but on the 'quiet'. Even if out of warranty, it has been a known problem and from what I have heard they will still talk to you and probably help you but dont want it all publicised. if they give you a hard time, you have the perogative of creating much stink and complaints to the relevant authorities.
Colin T.
What is the status of your bike,( other than with a broken frame ) e.g.
What ks has it travelled , what type of work has it been used for , what type of roads has it been on etc.
I have still got a 99 although I am planing to update when the 04 s arrive.( Love the red and black and hate the thought of parting so have hung on to it)
For all the petitions that were instigated here and overseas not much satisfaction has been achieved.
Good luck, hope Suzuki comes to the party.
Was the price you quoted, for supply and fit or just supply ?:">
Colin T.
I've got a 99 (copper/silver) and had the same problem. I went through all the wreckers in the "Just Bikes" and got an 02 steel sub frame for 450 from a wrecker in sydney - might be worth a go. My advice is try this and get the steel one (easy to fit yourself) and forget the alloy one and dont blow any more $ on it.
Baz
Thanks for your contributions fellas.
My brother is an engine reconditioner and owns his own TIG. He is confident of being able to weld and strengthen the sub frame. So I am still contemplating that. Thanks for your opinion Hawkwind.
Volvi, I might just try your suggestion first. It is at least worth a go.
Innagunna, good to hear from another Red & Black rider. My bike has 21,000 km on the clock. I bought it mid last year with 13,000 km on the clock, so I can't say what sort of life it had before then, but it was in good condition when I got it. I live in central Qld where the roads are long and straight, and can be a bit bumpy, but not dirt tracks or anything too rough.
Baz, I hear ya. I have a voice in my head saying the same thing, but my wallet is saying try to fix and brace it first.
Will keep you all posted. Regards,
ColinT
Quote:Well, my bike is stock, except for double bubble sccreen.
Yeah, that would probably just about do it
Checked yours lately Richard?Or just ignore it and hope it goes away?
I check it fairly regularly, but I have just been prompted by something or other to do another check tonight ...
imagunna, why don't you get the '04 bus and swap the fairings over, then sell the '99 with new colour scheme?
I was thinking of getting a piece of fairing of each colour scheme and having a multi-coloured mobile collage.
Imagunna, that was $1050, part only.
Rang Suzuki Australia today. Pretty much got the piss off story. I suggested design fault or they wouldn't have changed subsequent models. Got the 'responding to customer needs as a tourer'. He told me that almost all breakages are from overloading or modification so that twisting of the sub frame can occur (4-1 exhaust). He suggested that as I have not owned it since new I don't know how it was treated. I asked if I got a stat dec from previous owner, stating no luggage or single system, would that change things. He said they would investigate it, if I got one. So I'm about to call the previous owner (thank you service book). I have also spoken to the dealer who sold the bike originally.
All is not lost (yet)! Regards,
ColinT
Col,
Keep threatening them with consumer affairs and r.t.a engineer reports - It has all been done before and seems to have the right result in the end.
Way back in 02 Ozibusa was involved in a petition that also included U.S.A. Busa Org. and applied pressure on suzuki japan. We seem to lose these people along the way and do;nt know if he is still about.
Also a Gixx 1300r made some frame braces ( see back about page 1 - I tried to contact him also but was unsuccessful.
All the best
ozibusa is now ozisomethingotherthanbusa...
When I was A UK prisoner,The cost of a new steel subframe was something like 175 quid. That would be $430ish. Why is it costing over a thousand. It's a rip off.
Forget SuzukiHeadoffice. They're f*** heads. Save your energy for the wife.
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