Recall 18V483 affects 3,493 2018 Yamaha MT-07 and XSR700 motorcycles for loose chain guard bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Yamaha dealer.
Yamaha is recalling 3,493 2018 MT-07 and XSR700 motorcycles because the bolts that hold the drive chain guard to the swingarm can loosen. If the guard breaks, it can fall onto the road and increase crash risk; Yamaha dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The drive chain guard on the 2018 Yamaha MT-07 and XSR700 is a protective cover beside the rear drive chain. It helps keep clothing and debris away from the moving chain while the swingarm moves with the rear wheel. The guard depends on its retaining bolts staying tight against vibration.
On affected motorcycles, the bolts that fasten the chain guard to the swingarm loosen during rough-road riding because the original design does not hold the joint tightly enough. A loose bolt falls out or lets the guard move into the drive chain. If the guard contacts the chain, it breaks, and broken pieces fall onto the road. That distraction raises crash risk for the rider or nearby traffic.
You notice excessive vibration or noise from the chain guard before it fails. If you hear or feel that change, the retaining bolt is the likely problem and the motorcycle needs Yamaha dealer repair.
Who's affected?
The MT-07 and XSR700 are separate model lines, but this scope points to the same driveline component for each.
| 2018 Yamaha MT-07 | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2018 Yamaha XSR700 | driveline |
| Units affected | 3,493 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Yamaha MT-07 or XSR700 motorcycle is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A broken chain guard can fall onto the road, create a road hazard, and increase crash risk. Loose chain guard mounting bolts can cause excess vibration or noise. If you hear or feel that, ride cautiously, stop when safe, and arrange dealer service before using the motorcycle again. Repair is free at any franchised Yamaha dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Yamaha MT-07 or XSR700 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Yamaha dealer to schedule the free chain-guard mounting-bolt replacement, which keeps the drive chain guard secured to the swingarm.
- Bring the recall notice if Yamaha mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V483 when you call.
- Call Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926 with questions, and mention Yamaha recall 990120.
- Stop riding if the chain guard contacts the drive chain or looks loose, and contact a Yamaha dealer before riding again.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Yamaha technician replaces both chain guard mounting bolts that secure the drive chain guard to the swingarm. The parts and labor are free under the recall. The repair addresses bolts that can loosen and let the chain guard contact the drive chain and break. If you already paid for this repair before the owner notice, Yamaha's general reimbursement plan on file covers documented expenses. Bring repair paperwork and proof of payment to the service desk, or contact Yamaha customer service for the claim path.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 19, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 31, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| July 31, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 3, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 3, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V483?
Recall 18V483 covers 3,493 2018 Yamaha MT-07 and XSR700 motorcycles with chain guard mounting bolts that can loosen. If the chain guard contacts the drive chain and breaks, it can fall onto the road and increase crash risk. Yamaha dealers replace both mounting bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Yamaha MT-07 or XSR700 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 18V483. If it is, contact a franchised Yamaha dealer to schedule replacement of both chain guard mounting bolts. Reference recall 18V483 or Yamaha recall number 990120 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Yamaha dealers replace both chain guard mounting bolts free of charge, and Yamaha customer service is available at 1-800-962-7926 for recall scheduling questions.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a broken chain guard falling onto the road. That creates a road hazard for you and other riders or drivers, and it increases the risk of a crash. The repair path is straightforward: the Yamaha dealer replaces the chain guard mounting bolts for free.
When did Yamaha start this recall repair?
Yamaha began the recall repair on August 3, 2018. The dealer remedy is available now, so owners do not need to wait for a new notice before checking the VIN and calling a franchised Yamaha dealer for the free bolt replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V483000 |
|---|---|
| Yamaha customer service | 1-800-962-7926 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V483 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V483000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →