VehicleVerdict

2004 Yamaha YZF-R1 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 43 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 21.5 times the median YZF-R1 year — the 2004 model ranks #2 of 18 YZF-R1 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 44% of all reports (19 of 43), far ahead of engine at 8.

43

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other YZF-R1 years?

YZF-R1 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted102 complaints1998: 3 complaints1999: 2 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 1 complaints2002: 1 complaints2003: 4 complaints2004: 43 complaints2005: 12 complaints2006: 16 complaints2007: 102 complaints2008: 3 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 2 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 1 complaints2015: 15 complaints2020: 1 complaints
YZF-R1 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all YZF-R1 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Yamaha YZF-R1 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1944%
Engine819%
Fuel System614%
Speed Control49%
Other37%
Tires & Wheels25%
Body & Structure12%

Does the 2004 Yamaha YZF-R1 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14E012000OtherApril 1, 2014 · 2,827 units

Defect

Ohlins Racing AB (Ohlins) is recalling certain steering dampers kits manufactured with an incorrectly machined bracket. These dampers were sold for use as aftermarket equipment on Yamaha R1, R6, and FZ6, Suzuki TL1000 R and GSX1300R, Honda CB600RR, and Ducati Monster 1000, 748, 848, 916, 996, and 998 motorcycles. Also included are universal steering damper kits with part numbers SD 000 through SD 005. The affected brackets may crack.

Consequence

If there is a crack in the steering bracket, at low speeds it may cause the steering to lock, leading to personal injury or a crash.

Remedy

Ohlins will notify the distributors and provide their customers with a new bracket. The recall began in November 2013. Owners may contact Ohlins USA at 1-828-692-4525. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13E-034.

06V371000Speed ControlSeptember 28, 2006 · 39,757 units

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.

06E035000BrakesMay 2, 2006 · 1,611 units

Defect

CERTAIN CRG FRONT BRAKE LEVERS, MODEL RB-511 DESIGNED FOR USE ON 2004-2006 YAMAHA YZF-R1 MOTORCYCLES, AND 2005-2006 YAMAHA YZF-R6 MOTORCYCLES. MODEL RB-512 IS DESIGNED FOR USE ON 2003-2006 DUCATI 749 AND 999 MOTORCYCLES, AND ON 2004-2006 APRILIA MILLE R MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO A MISALIGNMENT OF THE PIVOT BORE, THE BRAKE LEVER COULD BECOME SEIZED IN THE BRAKE ENGAGED POSITION, THEREBY PREVENTING THE FRONT BRAKE FROM DISENGAGING.

Consequence

A NON-RELEASE CONDITION COULD CAUSE DRAG ON THE FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM, WHICH COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

CRG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ROCKER FOR THE FRONT LEVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONCACT CRG AT 831-763-7811.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“(1) AROUND 5,000 MILES I NOTICED MY BIKE STARTED STALLING OUT AT 4,000 RPM OR LESS. (2) ENGINE WOULD IDLE REALLY LOW AND STALL OUT. BIKE WOULD USUALLY NOT START BACK UP RIGHT AWAY. LAST YEAR IN THE FALL I WAS IN A TURN AND MY BIKE STALLED OUT AND I LOSS CONTROL AND CRASHED. I INJURED MY RIGHT HAND,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 6, 2004 · crash

“IN THE SUMMER OF 2005, WHILE RIDING MID-TURN, MY 2004 YAMAHA YZF-R1 LURCHED AND CUT-OUT CAUSING ME TO LOW SIDE MY MOTORCYCLE. I RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES AND MY MOTORCYCLE WAS WRECKED AND IS BRANDED SALVAGE ON THE TITLE. AFTER THE INCIDENT AND REPAIRING MY BIKE, APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS LATER IT DID…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 14, 2005 · crash

“MY SON WAS RIDING A 2004 YAMAHA YZ250F MOTOCROSS MOTORCYCLE ON 1/7/05 WHEN ON HIS APPROACH TO A JUMP HIS MOTOR QUIT RUNNING. THE CARBURETOR POPPED OUT OF ITS MOUNTING [INTAKE BOOT]. THE CONSEQUENCE WAS THAT AS MY SON WAS COMMITTED TO CLEARING THE JUMP. THE YAMAHA LOST POWER, AND HE CRASHED INTO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 7, 2005 · crash

“LOW SPEED, LOW RPM POWER LOSS. TOTAL ENGINE POWER LOSS (ENGINE DIES). SUSPECTED TPS FAILURE. TOOK MOTORCYCLE TO DEALER SHIP FOR REPAIR. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. TOOK A SECOND TIME TO DEALER, DID NOT REPLACE TPS, SAID IT CHECKED OUT OK. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A 3RD GENERATION TPS THAT CAN BE USED. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 4, 2009

“WAS DRIVING MY YAMAHA R1 AND WENT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN,TRIED TO STRAIGHTEN OUT AND FRONT END WOULD NOT TURN,CRASHED DOING APPROX 15 MILES AN HOUR BIKE FLIPPED ON ME AND I WAS INJURED. BOLT THAT HELD THE FRONT STABILIZER CAME OUT CAUSED THE STABILIZER TO JAM WHEN TRYING TO TURN RIGHT, UPON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 19, 2005 · crash

2004 Yamaha YZF-R1 — common questions

Is the 2004 Yamaha YZF-R1 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 43 complaints put the 2004 model at #2 of 18 YZF-R1 years. It is one of the YZF-R1 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 YZF-R1 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (19 complaints), engine (8 complaints), fuel system (6 complaints).

Does the 2004 Yamaha YZF-R1 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Yamaha YZF-R1. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Yamaha YZF-R1 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Yamaha YZF-R1 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the YZF-R1 years to avoid are 2007, 2004. The cleanest record among YZF-R1 years belongs to 2012.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.