In 1909, Michio Suzuki founded the Suzuki Loom Works in a small east-coast fishing village in Japan. The company skyrocketed, building weaving looms for the giant silk industry. Michio Suzuki knew that diversification was the key to long-term sustainability and started with an innovative liquid-cooled, four-stroke, four-cylinder engine featuring an aluminum crankcase and gearbox. World War II started, and all production ended.
The company faced colossal challenges in the following years, but its innovative tendencies came through again with the development of a clip-on gas-powered engine. The 1952 Power-Free generated a single horsepower and could be used on any bicycle for effortless power. The Power-Free was the beginning of the Global Suzuki Motor Company.
In 1954, Suzuki built its first-ever production model, the Suzulight. Like many other automakers, Suzuki used engine and frame codes as its VIN. Unfortunately, the serial numbers were not uniform, and therefore, any automotive inquiries resulted in confusion. From 1955 to 1967, there was no such term as “VIN.”
In 1981, Suzuki adopted the 17-digit alphanumeric VIN code mandated by the NHTSA.
Suzuki VIN Decoder
Prospective buyers, owners, and others should use a VIN decoder tool to identify a specific motorcycle and its history. Suzuki no longer builds cars and trucks for the American market; however, it does produce motorcycles, off-road vehicles, and marine products with a VIN identification or HULL number.
Using a quality VIN decoding tool such as the GoodCar VIN Decoder, users can uncover basic information, by inputting the 17-digit code into the spaces provided. The GoodCar service decodes each character in the VIN and provides a basic profile.
Deciphering an Suzuki VIN
A 17-digit VIN can be divided into three sections, which gives the user a better understanding of a specific vehicle's features. The first set of numbers on the Suzuki VIN is the World Manufacturers Identifier section.
- 1
- F
- T
- 8
- W
- 3
- D
- T
- 8
- 5
- 5
- c
- 3
- 8
- 8
- 9
- 9
Locations of the Suzuki VIN
Suzuki follows the NHTSA mandates for two required locations of the VIN.
- The first location of the Suzuki VIN is on the inside of the vehicle, on the dashboard above the steering wheel. The VIN must be permanently stamped on a non-removable plate affixed to the frame at the windshield and visible through the glass.
- Suzuki’s VIN should be permanently attached to a plate on the door jamb or post about halfway down. The plate will contain other vital information, such as the vehicle’s tire type and pressures.
- Additional locations of the VIN include registration docs, tiles info, and insurance information.
Popular Suzuki Models
Suzuki Marine
Suzuki Marine is known for its advanced technologies, reliability, and overall performance characteristics. The company offers a complete line of quality outboards for any recreational use. Choose an easy-to-transport DF6A @ $2310 four-stroke that fits a variety of small vessels, giving it enough power for whatever comes next. A 6hp power powerhouse fit for transom’s 15” to 20” weighing less than 57 lbs. Step up to the DF350AMD @ $34,497 for the ultimate in power and performance. This V6 behemoth offers 350hp with integrated steering and the exclusive Suzuki Electric Start system. The DF350AMD offers a Multi-Point Sequential Electronic Fuel Dual Injection with a Lean Burn and Oxygen Sensor, giving the outboard excellent maneuverability in any water.
Burgman 200 Scooter
Suzuki has been building quality motorcycles since the early 50s, and the traditions continue today with a full range of bikes from the Burgman 200 Scooter at $8,799 to their 25th Anniversary Hayabusa Sportbike starting at $19.599. The Hayabusa is aerodynamically efficient with plenty of power in the 1340cc four-cylinder with Ram-Air Direct intakes (SRAM). A complete collection of advanced technologies makes the Hayabusa one of the fastest bikes on the road along with being an outstanding ride.
The Suzuki VIN
Suzuki followed the engine and chassis number patterns laid down by other manufacturers from 1955 to 1981 with five, seven, nine, and eleven-character formats that were primarily production numbers. In 1981, Suzuki followed the NHTSA VIN mandates for their imported motorcycles and automobiles.
Suzuki VIN Lookup
Using the 17-digit Suzuki VIN, users can search for detailed information about the company's motorcycles and ATVs by using the GoodCar VIN Check. A VIN lookup provides specific information such as current recalls, odometer readings, ownership timelines, and accident history. This historical information is vital for prospective buyers needing a documented timeline of all the events that have happened to a vehicle. Use a quality VIN Check service to get the best-documented data on a specific vehicle.
GoodCar Suzuki VIN Checks
Prospective buyers, owners, fleet managers, and many others use the GoodCar VIN Check service to discover a wealth of historical data, such as ownership data and title brands. Salvage and rebuilt titles tell a user that a vehicle has been in a severe accident, and the insurance company has written off the vehicle as a total loss.
GoodCar provides detailed information on a specific automobile, such as the make, model, and where the vehicle was manufactured. GoodCar also offers proprietary wholesale, retail, and trade-in values to help the user make wise decisions when trading or selling.
Recalls and technical service bulletins are extremely valuable for owners and prospective buyers. GoodCar provides up-to-date information on who initiated the recall, the reason for the recall, and what action the owner should take.
Technical Service Bulletins
NHTSA TSB No. TS 06 05212R1 issued an alert for the 2006 to 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. The issue: The Front Passenger Sensing System circuit in the passenger seat bottom cushion assembly may develop an electric disconnection due to repeated flexing. A unique coverage extension applies to vehicles that meet the following criteria: The "Airbag" warning light is on, DTC B1312 is identified as a Current DTC, or The vehicle is beyond the basic warranty limits. Action to take: Repairs are available at authorized Suzuki Service Points at no charge for parts or labor up to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date of first use.
Recalls
March 2023, NHTSA Recall #23V088 for the Suzuki Hayabusa. In certain circumstances, a passage in the front brake master cylinder body regulating fluid pressure may become blocked when the brake lever is released. The brake lever may require greater than normal travel when applying the front brake. Bring your Hayabusa to the nearest dealership, and they will replace the front brake master cylinder body with a revised part.
February 2021, The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall on the 2020 LT-A500XM0 All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). During the manufacturing process, the rear final gear assembly, which shares a common lubricant with a multi-disc oil-bath rear brake assembly, was not entirely filled with lubricant. As a result, the ability of the lubricant to cool the rear brake assembly may be diminished. During extended use of the rear brake (for example, constant operation of the rear brake for extended periods), the temperature of the rear brake may increase and cause the rear brake to provide lower-than-average stopping power, increasing the risk of a crash. Your Suzuki dealer will replace the parts and the gear and wet brake oil in the rear final gear assembly.