Yamaha Recalls 1996-2001 Motocross Motorcycles Due to Throttle Sticking Hazard
Yamaha is recalling 1996-2001 YZ125 and YZ250 motocross motorcycles because the throttle can stick, causing loss of control and crashes.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 5/5 (Critical).
Highest-severity recall. The hazard can cause serious injury or death. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.
Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that the hazard can result in 'injuries and death' and notes one report of serious injury, meeting the criteria for a Critical severity score.
Plain-English summary
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. is recalling approximately 59,100 1996-2001 YZ125 and YZ250 series motocross off-road motorcycles. The recall involves specific model numbers including YZ125H1 through YZ125N1, YZ250H1 through YZ250N1, and WR250J. These motorcycles are blue and white with "Yamaha" written on the side of the wheel fork.
The recall is being issued because the throttle on these motorcycles can stick. This defect can cause a rider to lose control of the vehicle, leading to crashes that result in injuries and death. Yamaha has received one report of the throttle failing and causing serious injury to the rider.
These motorcycles were sold at Yamaha dealerships nationwide from January 1996 to September 2001 for between $5,000 and $7,000. Consumers should stop using these motorcycles immediately and return them to the dealership where purchased for inspection and free repair. For more information, consumers can call their local dealership or Yamaha toll-free at (800) 967-7926 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.
The recalled product
- Product
- Yamaha 1996-2001 YZ125 and YZ250 series motocross off-road motorcycles
- Category
- Vehicle — Motorcycles
- Affected units
- 59,100
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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