RoadVitals

2005 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.
9
Latest Sep 25, 2017
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.
4
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.
3
6 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 9 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Yamaha Yzf-R1, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and powertrain (other) categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 2 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

  • Engine327.3%
  • Electrical218.2%
  • Powertrain (other)218.2%
  • Driver assistance19.1%
  • Body & structure19.1%
  • Fuel system19.1%
  • Tires & wheels19.1%

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

4 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 17, 2009
180 units potentially affected
The defect: YAMAHA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 2004 AND APRIL 2005. THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR CAN FAIL.
The risk: FAILURE OF THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The remedy: YAMAHA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 7, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT YAMAHA AT 1-714-761-7300.
YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, USAView 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

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

Tires & wheels
Filed Sep 25, 2017
Crash reported1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 YAMAHA YZF-R1 MOTORCYCLE EQUIPPED WITH DUNLOP SPORTMAX Q3+ TIRES, SIZE: 120/70ZR17 58W. THE TIRES WERE MANUFACTURED THE THIRTEENTH WEEK OF 2017. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND MAKING SEVERAL TURNS, THE MOTORCYCLE PROCEEDED OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THERE WERE AIR POCKETS IN THE SHOULDER REGION OF THE FRONT TIRE. THE CONTACT ROLLED OFF THE MOTORCYCLE AND SUFFERED INJURIES TO HIS FEET HEEL. THE FENCE PENETRATED THE CONTACT'S BOOT HEEL AREA. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17T011000 (TIRES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN, DOT NUMBER, AND TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11025317
Incident
Sep 9, 2017
Driver assistance
Filed Jul 23, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 YAMAHA YZFR1. THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V371000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) ON NOVEMBER 11, 2006. IN JULY OF 2008, WHEN HE APPROACHED A STOP, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE A FEE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE DIAGNOSTIC COST. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,508.

NHTSA ID
10235468
Incident
Jul 1, 2008
Mileage
7,000 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 5, 2006

2005 YAMAHA YZFR1. THE MOTORCYCLE STALLS UPON DECELERATION. IT IS DIFFICULT AND POSSIBLY DANGEROUS TO RIDE WITH THIS MALFUNCTION WHICH IS COMMON. TPS SENSOR REPLACEMENT HAS TEMPORARILY FIXED THE PROBLEM FOR SOME PEOPLE BUT DEALERS ARE RELUCTANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANY ISSUE, SO FAR YMAMAHA IS DEAF TOO. *JB

NHTSA ID
10161533
Incident
May 10, 2006
Mileage
9,437 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jul 4, 2006

THE BIKE SHUTS OFF ON IDLE AND WHENEVER I PULL THE CLUTCH. IT EVENS TURN OFF WHEN RUNNING AT LOW SPEEDS AND RPMS. *NM

NHTSA ID
10161409
Incident
Oct 15, 2005
Engine
Filed Jun 27, 2006
1 injury reported

HI MY NAME IS JACINTA, I PURCHASED A BLUE 05 R1. I HAVE DROPPED THE BIKE TWICE NOW, ONCE ON EACH SIDE! THE BIKE HAS CUT OUT ON ME IN MID TURN, SINCE I WAS HALF WAY THROUGH THE TURN AND LEANED OVER, I WAS COMMITTED. ITS LIKE SOMEONE HIT THE KILL SWITCH. I WAS FEARFUL OF THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC AS I LAID IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. AS FAR AS I KNOW, THERE ISN'T A RECALL AS OF YET BUT THERE SHOULD BE BECAUSE OF SAFETY CONCERNS. *JB

NHTSA ID
10160931
Incident
Jun 23, 2006
Mileage
5,180 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Apr 6, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE LEFT AND RIGHT AXLE BLOCKS FOR THE CHAIN STAYS ARE MADE OUT OF ALUMINUM. WHEN THE CHAIN IS TIGHTENED, THE BLOCKS WEAR OUT PREMATURELY. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.

NHTSA ID
10154733
Incident
Apr 6, 2006
Mileage
8,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 6, 2006
Crash reported2 injuries reported

2005 YAMAHA YZF R1 MOTORCYCLE STALLED WHILE RIDING CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUES AS HUNDREDS OF OTHER R1 OWNERS EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM YET YAMAHA REFUSES TO ISSUE A FIX OR RECALL. THIS NEED TO BE FIX BEFORE PEOPLE DIE. OF COURSE THE DEAD CAN'T TALK. THIS PROBLEM CAN BE SEEN ON WEB LOGS HERE: HTTP://WWW.R1-FORUM.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?S=&THREADID=98831. *JB

NHTSA ID
10154701
Incident
Mar 11, 2006
Mileage
2,800 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 6, 2006
Crash reported2 injuries reported

YAMAHA R1 MOTORCYCLE STALLED...CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND CRASHING. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AS THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHER OWNERS ON WEB LOGS WITH THIS PROBLEM. YAMAHA HAS DENY ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS. THIS WEBSITE, DEDICATED TO THIS MOTORCYCLE, WILL SHOW HOW MANY OTHERS ARE ALSO AFFECTED BY THIS POTENTIAL DEADLY PROBLEM: HTTP://WWW.R1-FORUM.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?S=&THREADID=9883. *JB

NHTSA ID
10154693
Incident
Mar 11, 2006
Mileage
2,800 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

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
2005Viewing941
2004373156.8
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.