PHILADELPHIA — It was announced Monday that a preliminary approval of settlement has been achieved in a case involving an alleged design defect in certain Suzuki motorcycles.

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida — Miami granted the preliminary approval of settlement in the case, which was a breach of warranty class action suit brought against American Suzuki Motor Corp. and Suzuki Motor Corp. for damages allegedly caused from a design defect with the 2005 and 2006 Suzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycles.

The class included over 26,000 members, who were represented by Ruben Honik, Esq., of Philadelphia law firm Golumb & Honik, P.C.

The plaintiffs argued that screw hole drilled into a non-weld location on the motorcycle's frame created innate structural instability. This, they claimed, created the potential for the frame to crack or break while being operated.

Officials noted Suzuki conducted a voluntary safety recall to fortify the frame strength and safety after the suit was filed.

Apparently, Suzuki denied wrongdoing or liability, according to plaintiffs. However, the two sides came to an agreement to settle the matter.

"Owners of this model motorcycle now have additional meaningful remedies available to them as a result of this settlement agreement," Honik stated.