VehicleVerdict

2007 Yamaha YZF-R1 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 102 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 51.0 times the median YZF-R1 year — the 2007 model ranks #1 of 18 YZF-R1 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: speed control issues account for 50% of all reports (51 of 102), far ahead of engine at 14.

102

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2007 compare to other YZF-R1 years?

YZF-R1 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 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, 2007 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all YZF-R1 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2007 Yamaha YZF-R1 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control5150%
Engine1414%
Electrical System1212%
Fuel System88%
Transmission77%
Body & Structure66%
Other44%

Does the 2007 Yamaha YZF-R1 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“1. I WAS CRUISING IN 2ND GEAR AT 5500 RPMS, I GAVE IT GAS BUT THE BIKE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING, I STARTED TO LET OFF THE GAS AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A SUDDEN BURST OF POWER, CAUSING THE REAR END OF THE BIKE TO KICK OUT SIDE WAYS AND THROWING ME OFF THE BIKE, FLIPPING AND TUMBLING. 2.THE MOTORCYCLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 4, 2007 · crash

“I RECENTLY PURCHASED THE 2007 R-1 MOTORCYCLE AND HAVE BEEN HAVING CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE THROTTLE LAG. 2ND GEAR AT 5500 MPH THE MOTORCYCLE HAD NO POWER. I FOUND THIS TO BE VERY DANGEROUS WHEN PASSING VEHICLES AND ACCELERATING THROUGH TURNS. I FELT THAT YAMAHA WAS NOT DOING THEIR PART TO FIX…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 1, 2007

“2007 YAMAHA YZF R1. WHILE IN SECOND GEAR AND AT 5500 RPMS THE MOTORCYCLE DOES NOT PERFORM AS EXPECTED WHEN THROTTLE IS APPLIED. THE MOTORCYCLE HAS A LAG IN ACCELERATION THAT UPSETS OR CAUSES AN UNSAFE SHIFT IN UNPREDICTABLE WEIGHT WHILE IN A TURN. THIS IS OF GRAVE CONCERN FOR MY SAFETY AS THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 11, 2007

“THE MOTORCYCLE AT APPRX 5500 RPMS (45-50MPH) IN SECOND GEAR HAS AN EXTREME LAG ISSUE. YOU CAN TURN THE THROTTLE BUT THE BIKE WILL NOT RESPOND. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE DUE TO TAKING AWAY CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO MANEUVER THROUGH TRAFFIC OR MATCHING SPEEDS OF TRAFFIC. THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 25, 2007

“THIS MOTORCYCLE CONSISTENTLY REFUSES TO ACCELERATE WHEN IN SECOND GEAR AT APPROXIMATELY 550RPM OR 49 MPH. THERE IS A SUBSTANTIAL DELAY IN RESPONSE AND A VERY SLOW INCREASE IN SPEED UNTIL NEARLY 70 MPH IS REACHED WHEN IT STARTS TO ACCELERATE AS NORMAL. THERE ARE NO FAULT CODES OR ANY OTHER ABNORMAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 19, 2006

2007 Yamaha YZF-R1 — common questions

Is the 2007 Yamaha YZF-R1 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 102 complaints put the 2007 model at #1 of 18 YZF-R1 years. It is one of the YZF-R1 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2007 YZF-R1 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (51 complaints), engine (14 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints).

Does the 2007 Yamaha YZF-R1 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2007 Yamaha YZF-R1. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.