If you are concerned about, or disagree with the response from Suzuki on the known Sub Frame Problem, an on line petition went up yesterday and will continue to run until the 4th July 2002.
The completed petition will be forwarded to Osamu Suzuki, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, the NHSTA (US) and the ACCC.
Sub Frame Petition
A media campaign is also pending. If you want to be counted, now is the time. Please visit and sign the petition and gather signatures from anyone you feel would be concerned about the failure to act by Suzuki Motor Corporation.
If you have experience with sub frame failure or replacement that you would like included in this complaint and action, please forward your details to me at ozibusa@optushome.com.au.
I have just signed the petition.
I have owned my Hayabusa for over 2 and a half years now and have no desire to replace it. I love the bike and whilst I have often changed my bike after a year or two, I don't intend to do so with this model. That alone should say something to the Suzuki Motor Corporation. I cannot be, but concerned re the Sub Frame issue as I intend on keeping the bike for many more years to come. It's the original copper and am not tempted by newer models.
Whilst I recognise that Suzuki have helped out on occasions for those that have suffered breakages and I personally have always found JP to be most helpful when called upon. I can't on good conscience rely on good rapport alone to service my needs alone, should the need arise, at the expense of others in the same position.
So I stand with the pack and call upon Suzuki Motor Corporation to do what is only but right to do, institute an immediate recall and replacement of the Sub Frame of those particular models, at their cost. It is a life and death issue and should be recognised as such without waiting for fatalities to prove that, that in fact is the case.
To Ozibusa, thank you for the work that you have put in on behalf of all of us. If I can be of any further assistance please don't hesitate to contact me.
Volvi (Club Founder)
Yep sure have. As promised in earlier on kinda heated posts on this topic, I've been working on forming a global team, Scott was already pushing the US barrow and jumped on board straight away. Gixx1300R has gotten lateral... I forgot about Labusas, he also posted to 200 mph. I'm talking with a couple of UK folks, in particular Podger who lead the way a couple of years ago and got them a reasonable (although still inconsistent) response.
I can't see why this petition shouldn't get to all bike boards. I am but one guy, but the momentum is really building. Anything anyone can do to spread the word, would be appreciated by anyone affected by this problem.
Cheers,
Mick
Hey Folks,
Sorry I disappeared on this one, but between prangs, p.c. problems and business, I've been kinda busy... Official response from Ross Pettersson of the ATSB (our Accident, Transport and Safety Bureau) appears below...In short, the ATSB will sit on their hands until we get some deaths or injuries... and I am not seeking volunteers on that one...
1 This failing in the bike was extensively written up in 2000 on the
Internet and I am sure there are dozens of reports through different owners groups and clubs. Suzuki have conducted an investigation on this and we have been in contact with them several times also the Motor Cycle News report from Oct 2000 and contact with NHTSA. We also monitor the recalls of the UK and Japan.
2 Recalls are conducted mostly as voluntary recalls by the company.
Mandatory recalls for faults that "will or may cause injury" can be forced on a company under the Trade Practices Act 1974 if there is a strong case and after consultation with the company the Minister for Treasury demands it on advice from the Minister for Transport and Regional Services. The case needs: injury or high likelihood, operated sensibly in accordance with directions, not modified, outside fair wear and tear, systemic and not a situation where the driver has ignored warning signs eg noise or vibration such as brake pads metal on metal or using it when it doesn't feel right.
3 Aus 1 UK 3 France 1 The accident issue is complicated because the cases have unknown luggage and muffler details. There have been 25 warranty claims against the frame cracking with Suzuki Australia but as far as they know no accidents in relation to a frame failure when used correctly.
4 I have seen photos of 3 frames. They undoubtable crack near the weld on the top of the frame where it attaches with two bolts to the main frame. The failure mode is not in issue. The matters of question are loading and non standard mufflers and how much the frame and seat moves after failure. This element is the matter in question as the bikes controllability in this condition until stopped is critical. The UK test was with the bolts removed completely
5 Yes we were involved with the Australian case but that case had
aftermarket mufflers. Suzuki made a corporate decision to standardise on the steel subframe (that had been an aftermarket part for a long while) as Suzuki UK requested the steel version for a better margin when used with very large rear luggage systems.
The issue isn't closed but the matter is losing momentum with the passage of time and the number of cases without injury.
Ozibusa. (Mick)
Might not seem to have achieved much, but must have
brought attention to some people about our problem.
Thought you had gone cold on the issue,but you get my vote of thanks for having carried the issue as far as you did -and we dont really know probably half of the time and work you put into it.
Hope you have repaired your Busa and are motoring again.
BIG THANKS FROM ME and i hope all other affected owners.
Ozi,
My thanks, too. Particularly for acting in a situation where many would say "I should" "We should" or "Someone should", and they never do!!!!