Almost 200 units of the Yamaha YZF-R3 motorcycle from the 2019 model year are being recalled by Yamaha Motor Corp. USA because of issues manufacturing their front brake lever, which may break because of metal porosity.
In affected units, there is the potential for the front brake lever to have been manufactured with porosities in the material, which could allow the lever to break while applying a strong gripping force.
This means that a broken lever could cause sudden loss of front braking ability and a crash with injury or death.
According to the recall documents, on April 22nd Yamaha Motor Corp USA was informed by Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing that a defect on the front brake lever exists, which was found pursuant to quality control review, and a testing and review of foreign models that use a substantially similar parts design.
As such, affected units must be replaced with a new lever manufacturing batch. Of note, affected lots are stamped “K3 9A 16” and “K4 9A 16” in the metal for identification.
Yamaha will notify affected YZF-R3 owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front brake lever as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 16, 2019.
Concerned Yamaha YZF-R3 owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha’s number for this recall is 990128. As always, the NHTSA is also available at 1-888-327-4236 and safercar.gov
Source: NHTSA
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