Yamaha Recalls Motorcycles due to Handlebar Problem
Yamaha Motor Corporation is recalling more than 22,000 motorcycles, fearing a problem with their handlebars.
Yamaha sent a safety recall report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on March 31, 2017, saying 22,433 motorcycles have potentially faulty handlebars.
Affected motorcycles include the 2015-2017 Yamaha FJ09, 2015-2017 Yamaha FZ09 and the 2015-2017 Yamaha XSR900. According to the safety report, the motorcycles involved possibly left the factory with lower handlebar holders painted improperly during manufacturing. Additionally, the handlebar holder’s stud bolt threads may not have the proper thread-locking agent applied.
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Yamaha says if a “strong external impact is applied to the handlebar,” the paint can sustain damage and eventually wear away. Worn away paint creates clearance allowing engine vibration to loosen the stud bolt. If the stud loosens or falls off, the handlebar holder may come loose from the handle crown and cause the rider to lose control and possibly crash.
The company said they learned of the problem on March 24, 2017. Yamaha instituted a new manufacturing process that doesn’t paint the lower contact surface and uses a new thread lock agent.
Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lower handlebar holder, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in April 2017. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha’s number for this recall is 990114. Concerned Yamaha consumers may also visit the NHTSA’s website, and enter their VIN to see if their vehicle is included in any recalls.
Lemon laws vary from state to state as to whether they cover motorcycles, but the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act covers motorcycles regardless of state.
The manufacturer of your vehicle is legally required to fix any recalled problems for free. If the dealership refuses to fix the part or tries to charge you for the repair, contact the manufacturer immediately. The Highway Safety Act of 1970, which created the NHTSA, requires motorcycle manufacturers to pay for the recall and replacement of a defective part.
If the manufacturer fails to repair, replace, repurchase, or provide the loss value of your recalled vehicle, they are violating the warranty and a lawyer may be able to help you. Lemon law attorneys help their clients by dealing directly with the manufacturer on the clients’ behalf, working to promptly resolve the issue and get their clients back on the road. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, attorneys can seek their fees directly from the manufacturer, meaning a client can obtain legal counsel without having to pay attorneys’ fees directly out of pocket.