Photo: Catalin Garmacea
Yamaha's first generation of new R1 machines is rumored to be recalled presently for a "Factory Modification Campaign." Both the regular YZF-R1 and the track-focused YZF-R1M motorcycles appear to have been manufactured with a transmission that may not withstand hardcore usage over prolonged periods of time.
The problem is said to lie with the second gear wheel and pinions that may break under extreme strain. Likewise, improper shifting might also cause the same problem for those parts.
However, it looks like the third and fourth gears may also be affected by the same problems that plague the second gear, and may deform or break. Apparently, the strength of the components used in making the R1 transmission is not on par with what the engine can deliver.
According to A&R, Yamaha is expected to make the recall campaign public this week and clarify which VINs are affected. And because the problem that may befall the R1 and R1M bikes is a very serious one, it looks like the sales of new motorcycles will also be stopped until the transmissions of all the possibly affected motorcycles are repaired.
At this point, it is not clear whether Yamaha will rebuild the transmissions or replace the entire engine with new, compliant ones, as other manufacturers have occasionally done in the past.
Unfortunately, it looks like the first-generation all-new bikes are still not left without such issues. It's not the first, nor the last all-new motorcycle that will experience troubles after the first year. We'll be back with news when new details surface.
However, it looks like the third and fourth gears may also be affected by the same problems that plague the second gear, and may deform or break. Apparently, the strength of the components used in making the R1 transmission is not on par with what the engine can deliver.
A seized transmission is one of the last things a rider wants when behind the bars
In case any of the 2nd, 3rd or 4th gear components is bent or breaks, the whole transmission of the R1/ R1M may seize, dramatically increasing the risk of a crash. While coming off a motorcycle isn't the nicest of things even when the speed is low, try to imagine what crashing when accelerating hard in the second or third gear on a track would be like.According to A&R, Yamaha is expected to make the recall campaign public this week and clarify which VINs are affected. And because the problem that may befall the R1 and R1M bikes is a very serious one, it looks like the sales of new motorcycles will also be stopped until the transmissions of all the possibly affected motorcycles are repaired.
At this point, it is not clear whether Yamaha will rebuild the transmissions or replace the entire engine with new, compliant ones, as other manufacturers have occasionally done in the past.
Unfortunately, it looks like the first-generation all-new bikes are still not left without such issues. It's not the first, nor the last all-new motorcycle that will experience troubles after the first year. We'll be back with news when new details surface.
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