The problem
Vehicle description: on certain road star motorcycles, if the bolts holding the exhaust system are allowed to loosen, the bracket holding the mufflers can break.
The risk
If this occurs, the broken bracket and the mufflers could fall loose from the motorcycle, damaging or pulling loose the rear hydraulic brake hose, causing loss of rear brake performance. The loose muffler parts could also present a traffic hazard for those around the motorcycle. Additionally, the rider could be distracted as the mufflers fall loose, leading to a crash.
The fix
Dealers will install a new muffler bracket. Owner notification began march 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact yamaha at 1-800-6-yamaha (1-800-693-6242).
Contacts
Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Yamaha dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 01V094000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.