Yamaha YZF-R3 To Be Recalled In India

The recall is a result of a faulty radiator hose and torsion spring

• The faulty hose may cause coolant to leak from the radiator while the hose clamp is said to widen
• The affected R3 models were manufactured between July 2015 and May 2018
• Owners of the affected motorcycles will be contacted individually and repairs for the bike will be carried out free of cost at authorised Yamaha dealerships

Yamaha Motorcycles India has issued a recall for the YZF-R3 in India due to a plausible issue with the bike’s radiator hose and torsion spring. As per the manufacturer, the defective hose may cause coolant to leak from the radiator, while the torsion spring (hose clamp) supposedly widens. Fortunately, none of the Yamaha R3 owners in India have reported such a problem. Nevertheless, the Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer has stated that every customer will be contacted individually through their dealership network to get the problem rectified, at no extra cost.

A total of 1,874 Yamaha R3’s manufactured between July 2015 to May 2018 and sold worldwide have been recalled due to this issue. This may come as a surprise for some, but this isn’t the first time the R3 has been recalled in India. The first such instance was a result of a faulty clutch and oil pump, while the second was because of the fuel tank bracket and main switch sub-assembly. And now, it’s the radiator hose and torsion spring.

On a slightly different note, the company recently showcased the 2019 YZF-R3 which gets a redesigned front fairing, a full-LCD digital instrument cluster, and new 37mm USD forks from Kayaba. Additionally, the front end features a full LED headlight setup with faux air intake and a taller windscreen for better wind deflection. Unfortunately, features like variable valve actuation (VVA) and a slipper clutch that’s even offered on the YZF-R15 V3 has been given a miss on the 2019 YZF-R3. Moreover, the version that’ll make it to India will most likely trade in USD forks for conventional telescopic ones. Bummer, ain't it? The bike is expected to be launched in India some time mid-2019. 

As for the current issues with the R3, here’s the official statement from the manufacturer:

Press Release -

India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd. – Press statement – December 4, 2018

India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd. (IYM), in accordance to the requirements of its parent company Yamaha Motor Co. (YMC) Ltd., Japan is issuing the information on behalf of the latter which has determined that a defect related to “Radiator hose” & “Spring Torsion” may exist in few Yamaha YZF-R3 motorcycles within certain production numbers range.

Although no such problems have been reported anywhere in India, however, as a responsible manufacturer, Yamaha has initiated a factory modification campaign where the affected motorcycles must get these parts replaced with the modified ones.  

This voluntary recall is being undertaken to address an issue related to the leaking of coolant from the radiator and widening of torsion spring. The total vehicles recalled are 1874 units sold in domestic and export market, manufactured between July 2015 to May 2018. The affected motorcycles will be repaired free of cost at Yamaha authorized dealers and the owners will be contacted individually.

Yamaha is working closely with the dealer partners to ensure the repair experience is as convenient and efficient as possible.