2004 Yamaha Yzf-R1
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Yamaha › Yzf-R1 › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Yamaha Yzf-R1. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2004 Yamaha Yzf-R1. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A non-release condition could cause drag on the front brake system, which could possibly result in a vehicle crash.
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.
Owner complaints
37 complaints6 involved a crash6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
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…
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 ~$800 worth of damage. when taken to the shop they had 3 other R1'S with the exact same issue and when ordering the new parts they have been replaced by yamaha. the shop called yamaha and they said the parts have been replaced by a new model but they wont recall the old faulty ones.
- Electrical system · Engine
Was returning from a vacation trip and bike started sounding funny. Then on highway lights and gauges started going on the interstate bike stalled lalmost locking up bike in curve while riding on wet road. Several tractor trailers were behind me and nearly almost killed me from the sudden change of…
Was returning from a vacation trip and bike started sounding funny. Then on highway lights and gauges started going on the interstate bike stalled lalmost locking up bike in curve while riding on wet road. Several tractor trailers were behind me and nearly almost killed me from the sudden change of speed due to bike killing power. Managed to get to side of interstate. Killed my battery to no return 80+$. 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!!!!!!!
- Electrical system
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
- Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems · Vehicle speed control
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
- Structure › Motorcycle › Kickstand/center stand
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.
- Electrical system
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…
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
- Vehicle speed control
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…
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
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
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
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
The motorcycle stalled when coming to a stop,motorcycle also would not start back up until turning key off then back on. the problem IS intermitent and has happened over 50 times,the bike sometimes surges. *nm
- Electrical system
My 2004 yamaha R1 tps sensors went bad. 1.) at about 10K miles, it has been reported on: (the following IS a link) http://www.r1-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=091bbe4cde9a70b4fd9aa3194bdeeede&threadid=98831&highlight=engine+dies this known problem has been reported to yamaha many times. It…
My 2004 yamaha R1 tps sensors went bad. 1.) at about 10K miles, it has been reported on: (the following IS a link) http://www.r1-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=091bbe4cde9a70b4fd9aa3194bdeeede&threadid=98831&highlight=engine+dies this known problem has been reported to yamaha many times. It IS crystal clear they refuse to do a recall. My bike cut out numerous times on the freeway. Before knowing about the link mentioned above, I went to a authorized mechanic in where they could not find the problem, as a bad tps sensor IS intermittent. I did not find the website until later. 2.) at 10K miles my tps stopped working, and the bike failed to operate correctly. It would lunge forward, stop all together, and die in traffic. 3.) after the dealer failed to recognize the problem, I went on the above mentioned forum to find out a lot of other people where having the same exact problem. I ordered my own replacement sensor (from yamaha in seattle) that IS marked "200" ( a revision that yamaha did since all early 2004 models have this problem) vs the tps "100" part number. after this the bike worked perfect. I was so disgusted by yamaha, I sold my bike. I have receipts to prove I bought the new sensors, and witnesses that saw me install them and run the bike afterward with no problem. *jb
- Vehicle speed control
I have a 2004 yamaha R1 that would idle down to 500 rpm and then shut off while bike was in motion. this happened many times until the bike would not run for a mile before shutting off. The only way to shut the bike back on was to turn the key completely off and then turn the bike back on. I took…
I have a 2004 yamaha R1 that would idle down to 500 rpm and then shut off while bike was in motion. this happened many times until the bike would not run for a mile before shutting off. The only way to shut the bike back on was to turn the key completely off and then turn the bike back on. I took the bike to heyser cycle in laurel, md. They replaced the tps sensors with no resolve. Then finally replaced the entire set of throttle bodies which seemed to cure the problem.. This was replaced in march of 2005. I had approx. 11,000 miles on the odometer. The problem has recently come back with approximately 22,000 miles on the odometer. It IS back in the shop waiting for another set of throttle bodies under warranty. *nm
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling
Motorcycle 2004 yamaha R1 the motorcycle engine cuts out and starts to surge, at idle the rpms drop by half and usually dies totally. this happens anywhere I stop and let off the gas. I have almost wrecked numerous times because of this. It started about 1 year ago at about 3000 miles on the odometer. *jb
- Electrical system
2004 yamaha R1 will occasionally surge erratically while riding and very often stall, usually during low to no throttle conditions. This IS something that started to manifest itself when I bought the bike with 1,000 miles and has progressively gotten worse and I am now at 2,500 miles. This IS a…
2004 yamaha R1 will occasionally surge erratically while riding and very often stall, usually during low to no throttle conditions. This IS something that started to manifest itself when I bought the bike with 1,000 miles and has progressively gotten worse and I am now at 2,500 miles. This IS a dangerous condition in that the stalling will often take place while approaching a traffic light, stop sign, or cornering during slowdown. Vehicles from behind do not realize the bike has stalled, and sometimes want to keep on going into the back of you. Its a nuisance and danger not only to the rider of the motorcycle, but to the other vehicles occupants as well. From the progressive state of this problem that I have seen thus far, I fear what lies in the ahead miles. Please investigate the problem asap before it causes a death, serious injury, or other property damage. I myself have been lucky and avoided a few close calls due to this issue. *nm
- Electrical system › Ignition · Engine and engine cooling
Motorcycle surges heavily going down the road, stalls at every stop sign, it will stall out in traffic, the motorcycle also will stall out when going around turns which IS also very dangerous. Nothing has been done to correct the issue because the dealer doesn't know what's wrong with it.*jb
- Electrical system
On february of 2004 I purchased a brand new 2004 yamaha yzf-r1 from an authorized yamaha dealer in covina, ca. recently, I was riding the above-mentioned motorcycle on a rural highway when suddenly and without warning stalled. the bike lost all power and the rear tire locked up sending the bike…
On february of 2004 I purchased a brand new 2004 yamaha yzf-r1 from an authorized yamaha dealer in covina, ca. recently, I was riding the above-mentioned motorcycle on a rural highway when suddenly and without warning stalled. the bike lost all power and the rear tire locked up sending the bike into a rear wheel skid, I was able to pull the clutch in and recover control of the bike. I pulled along side of the road and tried to regain my composure as I had almost crashed. I decided to checked the bike over, I looked for obvious lose wires or connections and found none. I checked the gas level and I had over half a tank of fuel remaining. I tried calling my local dealership but there was no cell phone signal in that particular area. having no other recourse, I reluctantly decided to ride the motorcycle home. on the way home the motorcycle stalled two more times in less than a 15-mile distance. thankfully I was able to adjust my riding to compensate for the stalling. a few days later I loaded the motorcycle in the back of my pick-up truck and took it to a local yamaha dealership. I described the problem to the lead mechanic whom seemed perplexed by my description of the problem. I told the mechanic that I was a member of an online forum, www.r1-forum.com, and that I had read of other yamaha R1 owners with similar problems. he agreed to take a look at the problem. the mechanic gave the bike a cursory look and determined that there was nothing wrong that he could determine. I explained to the mechanic that other members of the forum had crashed because of similar problems and that I was concerned. I pleaded with him to call yamaha motor corp. To see if anyone else had similar problems or if they had issued a safety warning or anything similar. I have not heard anything back from the dealer and I have tried to contact them several times about this issue.
- Electrical system
I was riding around for about an hour, came to a stop light to wait for the light to change. Stop light changed so I proceed across intersection. I was almost all the way across intersection with the clutch lever fully released by this time and throttle partially open when all of a sudden the bike…
I was riding around for about an hour, came to a stop light to wait for the light to change. Stop light changed so I proceed across intersection. I was almost all the way across intersection with the clutch lever fully released by this time and throttle partially open when all of a sudden the bike stalled, I slid forward on the seat and my "lower" region slams the gas tank due to engine braking. I immediately pulled in the clutch lever to coast. I went from 7-10 mph to about 2 mph in a split second. I was afraid of being rear ended by the vehicle behind me so I looked in my rearview mirror to see the grill of an early model mercedes dive from hard braking. Luckily the mercedes driver was a good judge of distance as I never hit the brakes hence no brake lights. I didn't turn my head to look as I was still trying to maintain my balance crawling along at about 2 mph and trying to push the starter button to restart the bike. My bike wouldn't start. I then came to a complete stop because of no more forward momentum. I tried to start it a second time and thankfully it started. This situation has happened to me twice now. On three more occasions, my bike would stall when disengaging the clutch and shutting the throttle to prepare for a stop. I searched the r1-forum to see how many others were inflicted with this problem and found that many of the forum members had similar if not the same problems as I did. I am currently not riding my R1 until I can get it to the dealer. I talked to my dealers service writer and he knew all about the problem! I only searched for this problem with the R1'S because my friend has crashed twice because her bike cut out on her in mid turn, once making left turn and once making right turn. She IS lucky, she only suffered bruises. How can yamaha know about this problem with revisions of a faulty throttle position sensor and not do a recall!? unacceptable!! *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Intermittent engine shutdown. Yamaha 2004 R1 motorcycle. *Nm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
The 2004 yamaha R1 starts shaking and backfiring. When the clutch IS pulled in the engine dies. On multiple occasions while riding the engine has stopped resulting in many near crashes. The only way to fix the problem IS to turn the key on and off again. This bike IS unsafe. There are numerous complaints about this from many people and yamaha IS doing nothing. *nm
- Electrical system
I had my 2004 yamaha R1 repeatedly lose power while operating in the sub-7000 rpm range. the motorcycle would backfire, sputter, and then lose power. the failure first appeared with approximately 7000 miles on the odometer. the failure was corrected by removing the throttle position sensors and…
I had my 2004 yamaha R1 repeatedly lose power while operating in the sub-7000 rpm range. the motorcycle would backfire, sputter, and then lose power. the failure first appeared with approximately 7000 miles on the odometer. the failure was corrected by removing the throttle position sensors and cleaning them with contact cleaner. the cleaning was done approximately 2500 miles ago and the failure has not reappeared. *Jb
- Electrical system
At low throttle position, my bike will break up and cut out, when I come to a stop it will stall, or when I am moving like on the highway it will stall. If I turn the key off then on it will reset and go for a little bit till it starts doing it again. *jb
- Electrical system
What happened was, I was traveling on I-84W at about 60-70 mph at 6TH gear when my motorcycle shut off without warning. a 18-wheeler truck was directly behind me when this happened and almost ran me over since I suddenly slowed. there was one event preceding this where my bike was warming up and…
What happened was, I was traveling on I-84W at about 60-70 mph at 6TH gear when my motorcycle shut off without warning. a 18-wheeler truck was directly behind me when this happened and almost ran me over since I suddenly slowed. there was one event preceding this where my bike was warming up and stalled. I thought I ran out of gas, but after some research I found the problem to be very common to yamaha R1'S. here IS a 60+ page thread of all the people that are having problems: http://www.r1-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=98831&perpage=20&pagenumber=1. yamaha refuses to issue a tps recall even though it has caused multiple crashes and almost killed people, including myself. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling
In the summer of 2005, while riding mid-turn, my 2004 yamaha yzf-r1 lurched and cut-out causing me to low side my motorcycle. I received minor injuries and my motorcycle was wrecked and IS branded salvage on the title. After the incident and repairing my bike, approximately two weeks later it did…
In the summer of 2005, while riding mid-turn, my 2004 yamaha yzf-r1 lurched and cut-out causing me to low side my motorcycle. I received minor injuries and my motorcycle was wrecked and IS branded salvage on the title. After the incident and repairing my bike, approximately two weeks later it did the same thing in traffic. The bike will run very rough, the rpm's will drop, and then the bike will cut-out. Looking on the internet, I have found that I am not the only one with this problem, but one of many. This problem starts to occur around the 5000 mile mark on the bike. Their are many answers to the problem, but not true solutions. I only wish that the problem had not arisen mid-turn costing me so dearly. This IS definitely a safety issue as I am not the only one who has crashed and who knows what lives have been taken due this malfunction. One solution recommended IS the replacement of the tps valves. I have yet to do this since I am currently in iraq, but will as soon as I return to the states. There IS a website devoted to this bike and a very extensive blog on this issue alone. The link IS (http://www.r1-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=a1d00ca84e6ab575c634e815b9ac2688&threadid=98831&perpage=20&pagenumber=66) and has over 66 pages of information and complaints due this problem. *jb
- Electrical system
My 2004 yamaha R1 cuts out/stops running under normal riding conditions with no warning, or apparent failure. I get no failure codes, or warning lights prior to this happening. it has happened twice and IS extremely dangerous when riding in traffic, or on turn. yamaha IS aware of faulty tps…
My 2004 yamaha R1 cuts out/stops running under normal riding conditions with no warning, or apparent failure. I get no failure codes, or warning lights prior to this happening. it has happened twice and IS extremely dangerous when riding in traffic, or on turn. yamaha IS aware of faulty tps sensors, but refuses to issue a recall and/or a safety bulletin to correct the problem. many owners of this bike have issued the same complaint with no action to date. *jb
- Vehicle speed control
I was going to watch the game in pasadena last night doing about 75 mph on the fastlane of the 134 fwy. All of a sudden I lose all power,(it was like someone hit my cut off switch on my right handle bar) lucky for me I was able to make it all the way to the right shoulder, scary. I turned the key…
I was going to watch the game in pasadena last night doing about 75 mph on the fastlane of the 134 fwy. All of a sudden I lose all power,(it was like someone hit my cut off switch on my right handle bar) lucky for me I was able to make it all the way to the right shoulder, scary. I turned the key off, then on and restarted, no problem. im hearing from a lot of people that it IS the tps sensors: http://www.r1-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=98831&perpage=20&pagenumber=1 http://www.ronayers.com/fiche/501_2451/intake_2/intake_2.cfm?man=ya&groupid=32040&parent=31910. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling · Unknown or other
This fall my 2004 yzf r1(yamaha motorcycle) cut our twice at 60 mph. I was lucky in the fact that I was just going straight on the highway. If I had been going on a tight curve the out come would have been different. When the engine cuts out it's like slamming on the rear brake or "engine braking"…
This fall my 2004 yzf r1(yamaha motorcycle) cut our twice at 60 mph. I was lucky in the fact that I was just going straight on the highway. If I had been going on a tight curve the out come would have been different. When the engine cuts out it's like slamming on the rear brake or "engine braking", and on a corner this would make you wipe out. Talked to the yamaha dealership in town but they had never heard of this problem but I know of other people that have had this problem. This IS dangerous and needs to be addressed. I bought the bike new in march 2004 and now has 7900 miles on it. *Jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Motorcycle stalling
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10030233Yamaha 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.
- 10020286Unstable engine idling.
- 10015687Service manual additions - fuel hose connector information.
- 10010324Service/assembly manual corrections - drive chain free play specification changes.
Every Yamaha Yzf-R1 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.