VehicleVerdict

2005 Yamaha YZF-R1 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 2005 Yamaha YZF-R1 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

12

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other YZF-R1 years?

YZF-R1 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 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, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all YZF-R1 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Yamaha YZF-R1 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine325%
Electrical System217%
Transmission217%
Other18%
Speed Control18%
Body & Structure18%
Tires & Wheels18%
Fuel System18%

Does the 2005 Yamaha YZF-R1 have recalls?

4 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.

09V360000Speed ControlSeptember 17, 2009 · 180 units

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.

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.

“YAMAHA R1 MOTORCYCLE STALLED...CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND CRASHING. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AS THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHER OWNERS ON WEB LOGS WITH THIS PROBLEM. YAMAHA HAS DENY ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS. THIS WEBSITE, DEDICATED TO THIS MOTORCYCLE, WILL SHOW HOW MANY OTHERS ARE ALSO AFFECTED BY THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 11, 2006 · crash

“2005 YAMAHA YZFR1. THE MOTORCYCLE STALLS UPON DECELERATION. IT IS DIFFICULT AND POSSIBLY DANGEROUS TO RIDE WITH THIS MALFUNCTION WHICH IS COMMON. TPS SENSOR REPLACEMENT HAS TEMPORARILY FIXED THE PROBLEM FOR SOME PEOPLE BUT DEALERS ARE RELUCTANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANY ISSUE, SO FAR YMAMAHA IS DEAF TOO.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 10, 2006

“2005 YAMAHA YZF R1 MOTORCYCLE STALLED WHILE RIDING CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUES AS HUNDREDS OF OTHER R1 OWNERS EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM YET YAMAHA REFUSES TO ISSUE A FIX OR RECALL. THIS NEED TO BE FIX BEFORE PEOPLE DIE. OF COURSE THE DEAD CAN'T TALK. THIS PROBLEM CAN BE SEEN ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 11, 2006 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 YAMAHA YZFR1. THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V371000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) ON NOVEMBER 11, 2006. IN JULY OF 2008, WHEN HE APPROACHED A STOP, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE A FEE TO DIAGNOSE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · July 1, 2008

“HI MY NAME IS JACINTA, I PURCHASED A BLUE 05 R1. I HAVE DROPPED THE BIKE TWICE NOW, ONCE ON EACH SIDE! THE BIKE HAS CUT OUT ON ME IN MID TURN, SINCE I WAS HALF WAY THROUGH THE TURN AND LEANED OVER, I WAS COMMITTED. ITS LIKE SOMEONE HIT THE KILL SWITCH. I WAS FEARFUL OF THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC AS I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 23, 2006

2005 Yamaha YZF-R1 — common questions

Is the 2005 Yamaha YZF-R1 reliable?

The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2005 YZF-R1 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (3 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), transmission (2 complaints).

Does the 2005 Yamaha YZF-R1 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 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 2005 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.