Yamaha Recall Of 11,280 Bikes

A Yamaha recall of 11,280 of its YZF-R3 sport bikes from the 2015 and 2016 model years for power train and engine/engine cooling issues is underway. All were manufactured between Jan. 1, 2015 and April 15, 2016.

Regarding the power train, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports, “The clutch pressure plate bearing may break due to an insufficient load rating, causing the clutch to not disengage and preventing the transmission from shifting properly.” That can increase the risk of a crash.

Regarding the engine, NHTSA says, “Due to an oil pump problem, the oil pressure in these motorcycles may not be properly regulated. As a result, the oil pump drive gear may fail and cause the engine to seize from lack of oil supply.” The result is that “the rear wheel may lock up suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.”

Yamaha has notified owners of the two recalls and is  replacing clutch pressure plate bearings and oil pumps free of charge.