Recall 18V860 affects 11,240 2015-2016 Yamaha YZFR3 motorcycles because the shift shaft torsion spring can fracture. Repair is free at any franchised Yamaha dealer.
Yamaha is recalling 11,240 2015-2016 YZFR3 motorcycles because the shift shaft torsion spring can fracture, giving the shifter a loose feel and making gear changes difficult. Difficulty shifting can cause loss of control and increase crash risk; the Yamaha dealer repair will be free once Yamaha opens the remedy.
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What's wrong?
The shift shaft torsion spring in the 2015-2016 Yamaha YZFR3 is a small return spring inside the manual transmission shift mechanism. After you move the shift lever with your foot, the spring helps bring the shift shaft back into position so the next gear change can engage cleanly.
On affected motorcycles, the spring was not strengthened correctly during manufacturing. The shot-peening step, a surface treatment that helps metal resist cracking, did not give the spring the required strength. Over use, the spring can fracture. When that happens, the shifter loses its normal return feel and gear changes become harder to control.
Owners can notice missed shifts, noise from the shift lever area, or a loose feel at the shift lever. Those signs mean the shift mechanism is not returning as designed.
Who's affected?
Covers the same YZFR3 manual transmission component across 2 model years.
| 2016 Yamaha YZFR3 | manual transmission |
|---|---|
| 2015 Yamaha YZFR3 | manual transmission |
| Units affected | 11,240 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Difficulty shifting gears can lead to loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Missed shifts, noise near the shift lever, or a loose shift lever feel are signs to take seriously. Ride cautiously, avoid hard shifting, and schedule the recall repair. Repair will be free at any franchised Yamaha dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Yamaha YZFR3 is included in this recall.
- Check your mail for Yamaha's owner notice before scheduling service if your VIN is included.
- Contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926 with questions and reference recall number 18V860.
- Ask a franchised Yamaha dealer about the free shift shaft torsion spring replacement that fixes the loose shifter and gear-shift problem.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. If the shifter feels loose or the motorcycle has trouble changing gears, stop riding and call the dealer.
What happens at the repair
Yamaha has identified the dealer repair: a Yamaha technician installs a new shift shaft torsion spring so the shifter can return proper feel and gear changes. Because this campaign is listed as under development, do not treat the final repair as open for scheduling until Yamaha or the dealer confirms parts and instructions are ready. Once available, the repair is free, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Yamaha lists a general reimbursement plan for owners who already paid for related repairs. Keep prior repair paperwork and ask Yamaha customer service or the dealer how to submit documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 4, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 17, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 21, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| December 21, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 27, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V860?
Recall 18V860 covers 11,240 2015-2016 Yamaha YZFR3 motorcycles with a shift shaft torsion spring that can fracture. A broken spring gives the shifter a loose feel, affects gear changes, and raises crash risk through loss of control. Yamaha dealers install a new spring for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Yamaha YZFR3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 18V860. If it is, contact a franchised Yamaha dealer to schedule the shift shaft torsion spring replacement. Reference recall 18V860 or Yamaha recall number 990126 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Yamaha's remedy says dealers will install a new shift shaft torsion spring free of charge. Use a franchised Yamaha dealer for the recall work.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is difficulty shifting gears. If the shift shaft torsion spring fractures, the shifter can feel loose and gear changes can become difficult, which can cause loss of control and increase crash risk.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for a loose-feeling shifter or trouble shifting gears. Those signs match the defect Yamaha reported for recall 18V860. If you notice them, stop riding when it is safe, contact a Yamaha dealer, and ask how to get the motorcycle inspected and repaired.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V860000 |
|---|---|
| Yamaha customer service | 1-800-962-7926 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V860 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V860000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →