chain guard weld failure

[firestrom]

went for a run out yesterday and on my return I noticed that the weld on the little tab that holds the rear of the chain guard on had failed. Bike was new in april 2010 so is out of warranty and has covered 13000, miles, just. it is a toy so I don't use it all year round for commuting. Do you think it's worth an e mail to Suzuki gb? after all a weld should last more than 3 1/2 years shouldn't it?

[Hugo Magnus]

You won't lose anything by trying.
The hinge and screen on my 4 year old lap top parted company and Mac replaced the screen FOC.

Or
MIG it.

[firestrom]

I have a mig but the swingarm is ally I can't weld that

[Hugo Magnus]

Oh, right, then it is definitely worth taking it up with Suzuki.

Please let us know how they respond.

[UK_Vstrom650]

Good luck. Looks to me like a manufacture issue. 13,000 miles in 3 years not used in winter and a weld goes. Not good.

I do like my strom, however there seems to be a lot issues with Suzuki build quality. Makes me think my next bike (hopefully a second bike) will be a Yamaha...

[greywolf]

There have been a few reports of breakage. If somebody or something hits the chain guard, it will put a lot of force on the tab.

[Juvecu]

I've broken it off twice. First time was when my chain snapped, second time when I couldn't get the chain guard off and it snapped with me bending it by accident. Got it welded back on the first time, but it wasn't a good job, the weld was porous. 2nd time I had it done properly and had the front one welded to reinforce it. Cost me a tenner the 2nd time, can't remember what it cost the first time, think £20. Just find a good local engineering shop and they can weld it in minutes. Offer to pay cash and you'll get a good price.

[firestrom]

well I've e mailed Suzuki gb so I await their reply. Juv I didn't break it off the weld has failed through normal riding.

[firestrom]

I received a reply from Suzuki gb this morning , pretty quick I'll give them that.


Thank you for your recent email regarding your Suzuki DL650.
 
We acknowledge any disappointment regarding your reported concerns with your motorcycles welds and we would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused. Unfortunately, we are unable to directly assist with your enquiry as we are unable offer technical assistance from Customer Services.  In order for us to fully diagnose these issues, we would suggest taking your motorcycle to an Authorised Suzuki Dealership who upon inspection may will be able to assist further.  Please refer to our website http://www.Suzuki-gb.co.uk for details of our Approved Dealership Network.
 
If you have any further queries please feel free to contact us on 0500 011959. We will be happy to assist you where possible.

I rang the nearest dealer and he says to bring it down so they can photograph it and send a report to Suzuki.