Two Recalls Hit the Yamaha YZF-R3

The Yamaha YZF-R3 is seeing two recalls this week, one for its gear shifter assembly, and another for its cooling system.

The gear shifter recall affects 11,240 bikes from the 2015-2016 model years, whereas the radiator recall affects 16,760 bikes, from the 2015-2018 model years.

First up, the gear shifter assembly recall on the Yamaha YZF-R3 concerns the return spring for the gear shifter.

According to Yamaha’s recall documents, the shift shaft torsion spring may fracture, because it was improperly shot-peened during manufacturing to strengthen the metal.

If the spring breaks, it could give the shifter a loose feel, and it could become difficult to shift gears.

To remedy the issue, Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will install a new shift shaft torsion spring, free of charge.

This recall is expected to begin December 17, 2018. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha’s number for this recall is 990126.

The second recall concerns the upper radiator hose on the Yamaha YZF-R3, which may crack and leak fluid because the rubber wasn’t properly vulcanized by the manufacturer.

To fix the situation, Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will install a new upper radiator hose, free of charge.

This recall is expected to begin December 17, 2018. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha’s number for this recall is 990125.

As always, the NHTSA is also available at 1-888-327-4236 and safercar.gov.