Recall 12V231 affects 4,969 2009-2011 Suzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycles for loose side stand switch bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Suzuki dealer.
Suzuki is recalling 4,969 2009-2011 GSX-R1000 motorcycles under recall 12V231 because loose bolts can cause the side stand interlock switch to fail. If the switch fails, it terminates the ignition circuit and stops the engine, increasing crash risk; the Suzuki dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The side stand interlock switch on 2009-2011 Suzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycles is a small safety switch tied to the kickstand. Its job is to tell the motorcycle whether the side stand is up or down, so the engine controls know when the bike is in a safe state to ride.
On affected GSX-R1000 motorcycles, loose bolts let the switch move out of its proper position. Once the switch is no longer held firmly against the side stand mechanism, it does not read the stand position correctly. That failure removes the normal check that keeps the motorcycle from being operated with the side stand in the wrong position.
There is no warning sign before failure. The rider is not told by a special noise, feel, or dashboard message that the switch bolts have loosened or that the interlock switch has stopped reading correctly.
Who's affected?
Spans 3 model years for the GSX-R1000, all tied to the same equipment component.
| 2011 Suzuki GSX-R1000 | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2010 Suzuki GSX-R1000 | Equipment |
| 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 | Equipment |
| Units affected | 4,969 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A failed side stand interlock switch can shut off the ignition circuit on a GSX-R1000. If that happens, the engine stops running and the rider faces an increased risk of a crash. Treat any sudden engine shutdown as a reason to get off the road and arrange service. Repair will be free at any franchised Suzuki dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2011 Suzuki GSX-R1000 is included in this recall.
- Check for Suzuki's owner notice, which explains the free dealer repair for recall number 12V231.
- Contact a franchised Suzuki dealer to ask whether the side-stand interlock switch bolt replacement is open for your motorcycle.
- Schedule the side-stand interlock switch bolt replacement that keeps the switch from cutting the ignition circuit.
- Avoid riding the motorcycle until a Suzuki dealer confirms the repair path, because the engine can stop running if the switch fails.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Suzuki technician will replace the side stand interlock switch bolts. That switch is part of the system that prevents the motorcycle from running or being ridden when the side stand is down. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under recall 12V231. Ask the service desk to confirm the VIN before repair work begins.
Timeline
| May 21, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 7, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V231?
Recall 12V231 covers 4,969 2009-2011 Suzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycles with loose side stand interlock switch bolts. If the switch fails, the ignition circuit stops and the engine shuts off, increasing crash risk. Suzuki dealers replace the side stand interlock switch bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2009-2011 Suzuki GSX-R1000 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 12V231. If it is, contact a franchised Suzuki dealer to schedule replacement of the side stand interlock switch bolts. Reference recall number 12V231 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Suzuki dealers replace the affected side stand interlock switch bolts free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an engine shutdown while riding. Loose side stand interlock switch bolts can let the switch fail, which terminates the ignition circuit on the GSX-R1000 and stops the engine, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free dealer repair.
What if I bought my Suzuki GSX-R1000 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor safety recalls regardless of ownership history. If a notice never reached you, check your VIN to confirm whether this specific GSX-R1000 is included, then call a Suzuki dealer with recall number 12V231.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V231000 |
|---|---|
| Suzuki customer service | 1-714-996-7040 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V231 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V231000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →