Yamaha Recalls R1 and Super Tenere for Overheating Headlights

Yamaha has started a recall campaign on 2009-2013 YZF-R1 sportbikes and 2012-2013 Super Ténéré models because of a risk of headlight failure due to overheating. The recall campaign affects 19,045 units of the R1 and 4,683 units of the Super Ténéré in the U.S.

According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heat generated by the headlight bulb socket may cause the terminal ends to expand, resulting in arcing between the terminal connector and bulb contact.

The defect may cause the socket to overheat and melt, causing the headlight to malfunction. The problem was first identified by Yamaha Motor Company in Japan, with the U.S. subsidiary being alerted to the problem on Jan. 31.

Yamaha dealers will inspect recalled units and replace the headlight socket with a new rewired part.

[Source: NHTSA]

By Dennis Chung