Recall 14V278 affects 103 2014 Suzuki DL650A V-Strom motorcycles with an unriveted drive chain link. Repair is free at any franchised Suzuki dealer.
Suzuki is recalling 103 2014 DL650A V-Strom motorcycles under recall 14V278 because a supplier left a drive chain link unriveted. If that link separates, the chain can come off and raise the risk of a crash; the Suzuki dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The drive chain on the 2014 Suzuki DL650A V-Strom is the metal chain that links the transmission output to the rear wheel. As the engine turns the front sprocket, the chain pulls the rear sprocket so the motorcycle moves under power. Each chain link has riveted pins that keep the link closed while the chain bends around the sprockets.
On the affected motorcycles, one drive chain link was not riveted during supplier manufacturing. That leaves the link without the finished mechanical lock it needs to stay closed under load. As the chain cycles over the sprockets, that unfinished link is the weak point; if it opens, the chain stops carrying power correctly and the motorcycle needs dealer repair.
There is no warning sign before failure. The chain can look normal during a quick walkaround, so the VIN decides whether this recall applies to a specific DL650A V-Strom.
Who's affected?
| 2014 Suzuki DL650A V-Strom | driveline |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 103 |
Not every 2014 Suzuki DL650A V-Strom motorcycle is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An unriveted drive chain link can let the chain come off while the motorcycle is being ridden, increasing crash risk. Schedule the inspection soon and avoid unnecessary trips until the chain has been checked. Repair will be free at any franchised Suzuki dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014 Suzuki DL650A V-Strom is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Suzuki dealer to ask whether recall number 14V278 is open for your VIN and to schedule the free drive-chain inspection.
- Schedule the drive-chain repair if the inspection finds an unriveted link; Suzuki dealers replace the chain and front and rear sprockets so the chain stays secured.
- Bring the recall notice if Suzuki mailed one, and keep your repair paperwork for your records.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. Avoid hard acceleration because the drive chain can come off if the link is not riveted.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Suzuki technician inspects the drive chain for a link that was not riveted. If the motorcycle was unsold, the technician replaces the non-riveted link with a drive chain joint set. If the motorcycle was already sold to a retail customer, Suzuki's plan calls for replacing the drive chain and the front and rear sprockets. Parts and labor are free under the recall once the dealer repair is available.
Timeline
| May 23, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 27, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V278?
Recall 14V278 covers 103 2014 Suzuki DL650A V-Strom motorcycles with a drive chain link that was not riveted by the supplier. If the link is not riveted, the chain can come off and increase crash risk. Suzuki dealers inspect the chain and complete the needed repair for free.
What should I do if my 2014 Suzuki DL650A V-Strom is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 14V278. If it is, contact a franchised Suzuki dealer and reference recall 14V278 or Suzuki recall number 2A39. The dealer inspects the drive chain and completes the covered repair for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and Suzuki's remedy says dealers perform the inspection and needed repair free of charge. Sold motorcycles receive a replacement drive chain plus front and rear sprockets when the non-riveted link is found.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that a non-riveted drive chain link can let the chain come off while riding. That loss of drive chain control increases crash risk. Confirm the recall with your VIN, then have a Suzuki dealer inspect and repair the motorcycle for free.
What if I bought my Suzuki DL650A V-Strom used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included, then call a franchised Suzuki dealer with recall 14V278 or Suzuki recall number 2A39.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V278000 |
|---|---|
| Suzuki customer service | 1-800-572-1490 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V278 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V278000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →