RoadVitals

2004 Yamaha Yzf-R1

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
37
Latest Jan 7, 2016
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Apr 1, 2014
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6
6 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 37 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Yamaha Yzf-R1, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and fuel system categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 4 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical1947.5%
  • Engine820.0%
  • Fuel system615.0%
  • Driver assistance410.0%
  • Tires & wheels25.0%
  • Body & structure12.5%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT; STEERING

Apr 1, 2014
2,827 units potentially affected
The defect: Ohlins Racing AB (Ohlins) is recalling certain steering dampers kits manufactured with an incorrectly machined bracket. These dampers were sold for use as aftermarket equipment on Yamaha R1, R6, and FZ6, Suzuki TL1000 R and GSX1300R, Honda CB600RR, and Ducati Monster 1000, 748, 848, 916, 996, and 998 motorcycles. Also included are universal steering damper kits with part numbers SD 000 through SD 005. The affected brackets may crack.
The risk: If there is a crack in the steering bracket, at low speeds it may cause the steering to lock, leading to personal injury or a crash.
The remedy: Ohlins will notify the distributors and provide their customers with a new bracket. The recall began in November 2013. Owners may contact Ohlins USA at 1-828-692-4525. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13E-034.
Ohlins Racing ABView on NHTSA.gov

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Sep 28, 2006
39,757 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, AN IMPROPERLY DESIGNED THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR COULD CAUSE AN INTERMITTENTLY UNSTABLE IDLE WHEN THE ENGINE IS AT IDLING SPEED WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE IS STOPPED OR DURING LOW-SPEED OPERATIONS. THE ENGINE COULD STALL AS A RESULT.
The risk: IF THE ENGINE STALLS AFTER THE OPERATOR DISENGAGES THE CLUTCH IN A LOW GEAR WHILE RIDING, THE REAR TIRE MIGHT SLIP MOMENTARILY IF THE OPERATOR ABRUPTLY RE-ENGAGES THE CLUTCH. THIS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITH INJURY OR DEATH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT YAMAHA AT 1-888-88-YAMAHA.
YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, USAManufacturer number M2006-016RView on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

May 2, 2006
1,611 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN CRG FRONT BRAKE LEVERS, MODEL RB-511 DESIGNED FOR USE ON 2004-2006 YAMAHA YZF-R1 MOTORCYCLES, AND 2005-2006 YAMAHA YZF-R6 MOTORCYCLES. MODEL RB-512 IS DESIGNED FOR USE ON 2003-2006 DUCATI 749 AND 999 MOTORCYCLES, AND ON 2004-2006 APRILIA MILLE R MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO A MISALIGNMENT OF THE PIVOT BORE, THE BRAKE LEVER COULD BECOME SEIZED IN THE BRAKE ENGAGED POSITION, THEREBY PREVENTING THE FRONT BRAKE FROM DISENGAGING.
The risk: A NON-RELEASE CONDITION COULD CAUSE DRAG ON THE FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM, WHICH COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: CRG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ROCKER FOR THE FRONT LEVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONCACT CRG AT 831-763-7811.
CONSTRUCTORS RACING GROUP, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE06020ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

MOTORCYCLE STALLING

Opened May 23, 2006
Closed Oct 5, 2006

OPERATORS REPORT THE MOTORCYCLE STALLS WHEN ROLLING OFF THE THROTTLE (E.G., TIP-OUT STALL WHILE APPROACHING A STOP) ALLEGEDLY DUE TO A FAULTY THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS).TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, YAMAHA IS RECALLING THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO INSTALL AN IMPROVED TPS.

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEMLed to recall 06V371000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed Jan 7, 2016

OCTOBER 2013 ROTOR EXPLODED AFTER 12000 MILES WHILE RIDING CAUSING BIKE TO LOOSE ALL POWER AND SHUTDOWN ONCE BATTERY WAS FULLY DRAINED. THINKING MAYBE THIS WAS JUST A ONE OFF ISSUE, I REPLACED THE ROTOR. AFTER APPROXIMATELY ANOTHER 12000 MILES IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN, THIS TIME IT DESTROYED THE STATOR ALSO CAUSING ~$800 WORTH OF DAMAGE. WHEN TAKEN TO THE SHOP THEY HAD 3 OTHER R1'S WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AND WHEN ORDERING THE NEW PARTS THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY YAMAHA. THE SHOP CALLED YAMAHA AND THEY SAID THE PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY A NEW MODEL BUT THEY WONT RECALL THE OLD FAULTY ONES.

NHTSA ID
10818716
Incident
Dec 14, 2015
Mileage
24,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 17, 2015

WAS RETURNING FROM A VACATION TRIP AND BIKE STARTED SOUNDING FUNNY. THEN ON HIGHWAY LIGHTS AND GAUGES STARTED GOING ON THE INTERSTATE BIKE STALLED LALMOST LOCKING UP BIKE IN CURVE WHILE RIDING ON WET ROAD. SEVERAL TRACTOR TRAILERS WERE BEHIND ME AND NEARLY ALMOST KILLED ME FROM THE SUDDEN CHANGE OF SPEED DUE TO BIKE KILLING POWER. MANAGED TO GET TO SIDE OF INTERSTATE. KILLED MY BATTERY TO NO RETURN 80+$. OPEN SEARCHING WEB AFTER GETTING HOPE LOOKED AT THE STATOR AND FLYWHEEL(ROTAR) MAGNETS ARE EVERYWHERE!!!!!!! THIS ALMOST KILLED ME!!! NOT TO MENTION IT DESTROYED MY STATOR AND IT HARD TELLING WHERE ELSE THE MAGNETS WENT. YAMAHA HAS REVISED THIS PART AND KNOWS THE ISSUE BUT NO RECALL!!!!!! THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED!!!!!!!

NHTSA ID
10734846
Incident
Apr 12, 2015
Mileage
18,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 25, 2015

ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPS WITHOUT ANY KIND OF WARNING ,BATTERY DIED ,AT THE SHOP I CHARGE THE BATTERY ,TEST BATTERY WAS GOOD ,VERIFIED CHARGING SYSTEM AT THE MOMENT NOT CHARGE ,REMOVED GENERETAR TO VERIFIED STATOR AND FOUND DESTROYED ROTOR ASSY'S AND PLASTIC AND MAGNETS IN THE OIL STRAINER. *TR

NHTSA ID
10678774
Incident
Jan 17, 2014
Mileage
64,000 mi
Driver assistanceTires & wheels
Filed Mar 22, 2009

LOW SPEED, LOW RPM POWER LOSS. TOTAL ENGINE POWER LOSS (ENGINE DIES). SUSPECTED TPS FAILURE. TOOK MOTORCYCLE TO DEALER SHIP FOR REPAIR. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. TOOK A SECOND TIME TO DEALER, DID NOT REPLACE TPS, SAID IT CHECKED OUT OK. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A 3RD GENERATION TPS THAT CAN BE USED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10262704
Incident
Jan 4, 2009
Mileage
10,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Dec 11, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE KICKSTAND ON THE VEHICLE WAS TOO SHORT. THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE BENT THE KICKSTAND AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FALL DAMAGING THE VEHICLE. THE SALES/ SERVICE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NOT THE MANUFACTURER.

NHTSA ID
10175766
Incident
Dec 8, 2006
Mileage
4,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 27, 2006

I HAVE AN 2004 YAMAHA R1, AND WHEN I HIT 6K MILES THE BIKE STARTED TO CUT OUT,AND TURN OFF. I TOOK THE BIKE TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADDED COOLANT. THE BIKE RAN FINE WOULD ONLY ACT UP HERE AND THEIR. I NOW HAVE 13500 MILES AND THE BIKE CUTS OUT AND TURNS OFF ALL THE TIME, THE ACTIONS OF THIS PROBLEM HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO CRASH MANY TIMES. I TOOK THE BIKE TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THEY KNOW NOTHING OF THE PROBLEM, AND SAID IT WAS BAD GAS. I HAVE TRIED OVER 5 DIFFERENT GAS STATIONS AND STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *NM

NHTSA ID
10163587
Incident
Jul 24, 2006
Mileage
6,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Jul 25, 2006

I WAS TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 395 FROM THE WOODBRIDGE, VA. AREA DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC TIME IN THE MORNING ON MY WAY TO WORK. ABOUT A MILE AWAY FROM THE EXIT THAT I NORMALLY TAKE FOR WORK MY R1 STARTED TO JERK OR IT SEEMED AS IT WAS NOT GETTING ENOUGH GAS, BUT AS I DOWNSHIFTED THE BIKE DROPPED IT'S RPM REALLY RAPIDLY AND THE BIKE SHUT COMPLETELY OFF, AT THIS TIME I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 60 MPH. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED THE CLUTCH AND TRIED TO HIT THE IGNITION STARTER SWITCH WHICH SEEMED TO DO NOTHING. SO I THEN TURNED THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION AND THEN BACK ON, HIT THE STARTER SWITCH AND THE BIKE STARTED. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS DURING HIGH SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY. I DID NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BIKE AT THIS POINT. I THOUGHT THAT MAYBE IT WAS OVERHEATING BECAUSE IT WAS PRETTY HOT AND HUMID THAT MORNING. BUT IT DID THE SAME THING AS I GOT CLOSER TO MY WORK. ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK IT DID THE SAME THING SO AT THIS POINT I KNEW SOMETHING WAS REALLY WRONG. I JUST WANTED TO MAKE IT HOME SAFELY, BUT I HAD TO WORRY ABOUT MY BIKE CUTTING OFF AND SLOWING DOWN AND SOMEONE RUNNING INTO THE BACK OF ME BECAUSE THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO BEING THAT MY R1 WOULD JUST SHUT OFF SUDDENLY IF I DID NOT KEEP ON THE THROTTLE. DURING ALL OF THIS THE BIKE WOULD RIDE REALLY ROUGH AND SOUND LIKE A REMOTE CONTROL CAR, IN OTHER WORDS IT DIDN'T SOUND GOOD AT ALL. LUCKILY I MADE IT HOME SAFELY AND HAVE NOT RIDDEN THE BIKE SINCE THEN. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND HAVE READ SOME OF THE STORIES AND EVERYTHING I READ SOUNDS JUST LIKE MY PROBLEM SO IT MUST BE THE SAME AS WHAT WAS LISTED HERE ON THIS SITE. THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. *NM UPDATED 03/26/07*JB

NHTSA ID
10163374
Incident
Jun 19, 2006
Fuel system
Filed Jul 19, 2006

MY 2004 R1 CUTS OUT WHILE DRIVING AND DIES WHEN YOU PULL THE CLUTCH. I AM A TECH AT A AUTO DEALER AND IT FEELS LIKE THE THROTTLE POSITION LOSES SIGNAL. IF THE PROBLEMS PERSISTS AND THE BIKE DIES WITH THE CLUTCH OUT, THE REAR WHEEL WILL LOCK! THE DEALERS WILL NOT WARRANTY THIS PART. THIS IS NOT A WEAR AND TEAR ITEM AND IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN. *NM

NHTSA ID
10162839
Incident
Jan 6, 2006
Mileage
9,500 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TB-M2009-008

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

YAMAHA MOTORCYCLE: HARD TO START WHEN COLD, ERRATIC, OR WON'T IDLE. A POSSIBLE CAUSE IS INSUFFICIENT VALVE CLEARANCE. EFFECTS ALL YZF-R6V/W/X MODELS AND YZF-R1/R6 MODELS. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE

2006011

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

UNSTABLE ENGINE IDLING. *TT

2005007

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

SERVICE MANUAL ADDITIONS - FUEL HOSE CONNECTOR INFORMATION. *TT

2004011

POWER TRAIN

SERVICE/ASSEMBLY MANUAL CORRECTIONS - DRIVE CHAIN FREE PLAY SPECIFICATION CHANGES. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Yamaha Yzf-R1 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2021000
2020100
2019000
2018000
2017000
2016000
2015111032.7
2013110
2012010
2011210
2010010
2009210
2008310
2007901037.3
2006102045.0
2005941
2004Viewing373156.8
2003220
2002120
2001120
2000020
1999220
1998320

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.