Yamaha expected to recall its YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M over faulty gearbox

According to the latest rumours in the international media, Yamaha will be recalling some of its 2015 R1 and R1M motorcycles as a ‘precautionary measure’.

If the rumours are to be trusted, one of the pioneers from the world of motorcycles worldwide – Yamaha – is going to announce a recall sometime very soon for some 2015 YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M motorcycles.

As of now, there has been no such report of any complaints in any of these two models, but Yamaha might be doing so as a precautionary measure. The part in the middle of this recall is the gearbox of both these models which may not be able to withstand the ‘extreme’ usage in due course of time. It is still unknown how many markets will get affected due to this recall, or if it is limited to the American or European market or both.

The breakdown can also result due to improper shifting of the gears, which is something these motorcycles are expected to entertain with ease. The only reason for this can be the fact that the strength of certain components is not good enough to cope with the power the engine can deliver.

Usually, when such things happen, the gearbox seizes completely which can, in all likelihood, throw the biker off the motorcycle. If the speeds are more than usual, ‘being catapulted’ is the right phrase to be used. So imagine a situation where a rider is riding at speeds over 150km/h, and such a thing occurs.

This situation reconfirms the faith of many motorcyclists who swear not to buy any motorcycle from the first lot of an all-new machine. As it has happened a million times in the past, the learnings and the feedbacks the manufacturers get from the first time buyers are used the improve the product over and over again.

It’s still unclear how Yamaha plans to deal with the issue; either by changing the gearbox completely or certain parts of it. But expect it to happen sometime soon.