Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M being recalled overseas.
Yamaha in North America and Canada, and now the UK, have announced recalls to replace the gearbox on every 2015 YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M.
Problems with the gearbox have been surfacing for a while and the recall for North America and Canada was announced a few weeks ago.
Yamaha UK has now also issued a recall for the Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M.
No announcement has been made for Australia just yet, but given the severity of the situation it’s a reasonable guess that Australia will be forced to follow on.
Reports are that second gear has failed on a small number of bikes under extreme load or with mistimed gear changes, ultimately causing the gearbox to seize. The issue is apparently due to inadequate component strength.
The repair involves removing the engine from the frame, splitting the engine cases apart and replacing the gearbox. That in itself is a major task and takes almost 16 hours to perform.
This is also the second recall affecting the higher specification R1M model. A fault with the electronically controlled Ohlins rear shock triggered a recall through the ACCC in April.
We will monitor the situation and keep you updated.