Veek Electrical Connectors - Waterproofing

[Roadrocket]

The new DL1000 is a great machine,however despite the efforts of Suzuki improving the overall feel and ride of the bike, there is a hidden weakness, the dreaded electrical connectors. This is a trending topic of discussion between Veek owners.

Owners have reported all sorts of strange happenings, bike cutting out, ignition coming on by itself,lights flashing etc. Upon lifting the tank and removing the airbox sit an a collection of electrical connectors , some waterproof,some not. Now why these aren't all waterproof I don't understand as they should be! Given they are mounted just above and behind the radiator and under the air intake,they are exposed to harsh weather. Some owners have posted photos of the white connector almost totally corroded after 11000 miles of winter riding.
So I took the preventative steps to water proof mine given its only done mostly dry miles.

With the tank removed you can see the connectors the white one is not a waterproof sealed type,the grey one is.



With the airbox removed exposes them all, it's a water trap here,bad location to mount any connectors.



Thankfully the connectors here are in good condition.



I applied some grease to the connectors then cut up an old bicycle innertube, sleeved the connectors then tie wrapped the side facing the elements.





The connectors on the right are waterproof having rubber gaskets within the connectors. Hopefully this should cure corrosion and stop chafing.



Finally on the airbox I noticed a cable had been rubbing on the tank,you can see white paint on the sleeve



So little rubber was placed for protection


Fingers crossed I've improved wet riding reliability a little!

Cheers :D

[Gassoon]

Cheers Roadrocket! Nice post

The connectors look like right old water-collectors...a great idea to help stave off problems, especially for anyone witha nearly-new bike  

[ziggy]

Later models do not have this issue as there has been modifications carried out to current models. I don't know when changes were made.

 

[chalks]

Good mod Roadrocket.

I've stripped many MZ Skorpions and Baghiras that left the factory in the 90's with rubber tubing and tie wraps over the wiring connectors and never found a corroded one yet, so I recon you're onto a problem free winner.

[alan29]

Does this come under the heading of super-cautious owners or neglectful design?

[MartinW]

It's in the bad design camp. All earlier models have some corroding connectors in the radiator/tank area and it's a shame Suzuki didn't sort them out on later models.

[alan29]

It's in the bad design camp. All earlier models have some corroding connectors in the radiator/tank area and it's a shame Suzuki didn't sort them out on later models.

So there should be a warranty issue or recall? Or if I bought one, would it be reasonable to ask the dealer to sort it as a part of the PDI?

[MartinW]

PDI or in the first 12 months then maybe.

Otherwise, fat chance of them doing anything. If there was, then it would have been sorted on the two redesigns that have been done (650 in 2012 and 1000 in 2014).

[Roadrocket]

Cheers Chalks, its the simple mods that make all the difference. There's no excuse really in 2014 to not use water proof connectors and have a little thought to the positioning of the joints. Looks like all the thought has gone into everything but the wiring! I've heard rumours that many manufacturers looms are made in China .its ironic that something as simple as a bad connector is enough to ruin a trip and seriously impact reliability. I'm hoping that the mod I've done has prevented that. Thanks to everyone who has reported there problems. Otherwise I would have never of known

[Roadrocket]

Good mod Roadrocket.

I've stripped many MZ Skorpions and Baghiras that left the factory in the 90's with rubber tubing and tie wraps over the wiring connectors and never found a corroded one yet, so I recon you're onto a problem free winner.

Cheers

[Roadrocket]

Does this come under the heading of super-cautious owners or neglectful design?

In my experience its known as Preventative Maintenance or PPM. Think the electrical department at Suzuki needs a rethink! Sounds like they have Ziggy.

[hillbillyscott]

This socket has just started to give me trouble. Taking the bike to the dealers tomorrow to see what they can do under warranty.

[endintears]

Putting the detail of the particular problem aside I think you are just paying the penalty of being an "early adopter" regardless of the manufacturer or the type of equipment.