SUZUKI’S GSX-R1000 and GSX-R1000R are being recalled over a potential fault which the firm says could cause the drive chain to break.

Shifting up from first, the gearbox could find neutral instead of second, resulting in high engine revs, according to Suzuki. If the rider then hooks second without using the clutch, excessive load could suddenly be placed on the chain by the high engine speed.

Suzuki says that the sudden force from the 202hp engine could cause the chain to stretch or even break.

The GSX-R1000R (pictured) is equipped with a quick-shifter which makes it possible to change up or down gear without using the clutch. The smoothness of the quick-shifter was one of the reasons the GSX-R1000R won Visordown’s superbike group test last year, beating the BMW S1000RR, Yamaha R1, Honda Fireblade and Kawasaki ZX-10R.

The recall affects 'just over 600' GSX-R1000s and higher-spec GSX-R1000Rs sold in the UK since their launch last year.

The problem is to be remedied by replacing the ECU free of charge. Owners will be notified by post in March, when the replacement parts are expected to become available in dealerships, according to Suzuki.

The firm said: ‘Suzuki has identified a potential fault when riders upshift from first to second gear; if the rider fails to engage second gear, a neutral position will exist and continued opening of the throttle will cause very high RPM. If the rider then shifts into second gear without disengaging the clutch under the very high RPM, an excessive load can be applied to the powertrain which can cause the chain to stretch and, in the worst case, the drive chain can come off or break.’