Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 23 complaints on file for the 2005 Yamaha FJR1300 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
23
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 9 | 39% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 17% | new |
| Engine | 2 | 9% | — flat |
| Brakes | 2 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Other | 2 | 9% | new |
| Speed Control | 2 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 9% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
YAMAHA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 2004 AND APRIL 2005. THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR CAN FAIL.
Consequence
FAILURE OF THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
YAMAHA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 7, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT YAMAHA AT 1-714-761-7300.
Defect
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, AN IMPROPERLY DESIGNED THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR COULD CAUSE AN INTERMITTENTLY UNSTABLE IDLE WHEN THE ENGINE IS AT IDLING SPEED WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE IS STOPPED OR DURING LOW-SPEED OPERATIONS. THE ENGINE COULD STALL AS A RESULT.
Consequence
IF THE ENGINE STALLS AFTER THE OPERATOR DISENGAGES THE CLUTCH IN A LOW GEAR WHILE RIDING, THE REAR TIRE MIGHT SLIP MOMENTARILY IF THE OPERATOR ABRUPTLY RE-ENGAGES THE CLUTCH. THIS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITH INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT YAMAHA AT 1-888-88-YAMAHA.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“AFTER RIDING 600 MILES AFTER THE CRASH ,I STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND THE BIKE DID NOT START . THE SECOND TIME I WAS AT THE BIKE DEALER AND WAS LEAVING LET OUT THE CLUTCH THE BIKE STALLED AND DID NOT START THE NEW IGNITION HAD 600 MILES ON IT. *TR”
“About a month ago I purchased a 2005 Yamaha fjr1300. After purchasing I was out riding when the bike suddenly stalled. Upon reengaging the clutch, the back tire kicked out very hard and caused me to wreck the bike. I sent the bike to Guntersville Power Sports to have the bike fixed. Upon…”
“I HAVE A MOTORCYCLE AND A GREAT MANY TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALS DO NOT ACTIVATE WHEN I AM AT AN INTERSECTION. SENSORS UNDER THE STREET TRIGGER MANY TRAFFIC LIGHTS. THESE SENSORS ARE OFTEN NOT ADJUSTED TO DETECT MOTORCYCLES. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. I AM FORCED TO RUN THROUGH RED LIGHTS ALL THE…”
“About a month ago I purchased a 2005 Yamaha fjr1300. After purchasing I was out riding when the bike suddenly stalled. Upon reengaging the clutch, the back tire kicked out very hard and caused me to wreck the bike. I sent the bike to Guntersville Power Sports to have the bike fixed. Upon…”
“IGNITION SWITCH IS INTERMITTENT. SOMETIMES AFTER TURNING SWITCH TO OFF POSITION THEN BACK TO THE ON POSITION, MOTORCYCLE WILL NOT START AND GAGE HAVE NO POWER. SOMETIME I MAY HAVE TO TURN KEY ON AND OFF FIFTY OR MORE TIMES AND SOMETIMES THAT DOESN'T WORK. MOTORCYCLE HAS LESS THAN 17,000 MILES ON IT…”
The record is thin — 23 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (9 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints), engine (2 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Yamaha FJR1300. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the FJR1300 years to avoid are 2007. The cleanest record among FJR1300 years belongs to 2021.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.