Yamaha Recalls R3 For Potential Coolant Leak [UPDATE]

Earlier this week, we put the early model-years of the Yamaha YZF-R3 on your radar for owners to check with the corporation whether their VIN needs to get a new transmission torsion spring. This time, owners of pretty much all Yamaha R3 sold since the model’s introduction in 2015 should call in: there’s the risk of a coolant leak.

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Recall Watch: Owners Of Early R3s, Leave The Bike Home

This is the second recall in the same week for the model—not a dream scenario for a manufacturer. In fact, it has been found that on all model years of the YZF-R3 (2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018) as well as the 2017 and 2018 YZF-R3A (ABS), the radiator hose could crack. This could result in a coolant leak.

While Yamaha recommends, like with the potentially fragile spring, to leave the bike home until it gets seen by a mechanic, if your model is affected, a leak should be perceptible. If not, it is also possible to check the cooling fluid level to make sure it isn’t low. Yamaha suggests not using the motorcycle to avoid coolant fluid trickling on the back wheel of the bike. An engine running out of coolant can be a problem, so is getting coolant fluid on your rear wheel. You should spot a leak, avoid riding the bike and make an appointment with your dealer. Affected models will receive a new, different hose from the dealer free of charge.

According to the recall posted by the NHTSA, 16,760 units of the R3 are at risk. Owners are invited to check their VIN with Yamaha by calling their customer service at 1-800-962-7926. The NHTSA hot line can also be contacted at 1-888-327-4236 for further information. Campaign number is18V861000 and the recall will begin on December 17, 2018.

Source: NHTSA