Yamaha Recalls 2009-13 YZF-R1 And 2012-13 Super Tenere For Potential Headlight Malfunction

The following report is filed with the NHTSA:

Report Receipt Date: FEB 10, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V044000
Component(s): headlight, bulb, socket
Potential Number of Units Affected: 24,000
Manufacturer: Yamaha Motor USA

SUMMARY: Yamaha Motor Corporation USA(/Yamaha) is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 YZFR1 motorcycles manufactured October 2008 through August 2013 and 2012-2013 XTZ12 (Super Tenere) motorcycles manufactured October 2011 through August 2013. In the affected motorcycles, use of the headlight may generate enough heat to cause the bulb connections to expand, resulting in arcing in the headlight bulb socket which could cause the socket to overheat, melt and cause the headlight to malfunction.

CONSEQUENCE: A headlight failure reduces the rider's ability to see clearly and the motorcycle's visibility to oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY: Yamaha will notify owners and dealers will replace the headlight socket, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in February 2014. Owners may contact Yamaha at 1-800-962-7926.

NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to the NHTSA website.