2003 Yamaha Midnight Star Transmission and drivetrain Problems

“I am writing in regard to the transmission failure that I experienced on saturday, the 25th of august, 2007 on my 2003 midnight roadstar. Fifth gear was lost while I was leading a group of motorcycles on the interstate. At the time of the failure, I heard a loud metallic click, and thought of a breakage of the circlip. This failure had the potential to result in the immediate lockup of the transmission, and resultant lockup of the rear wheel. This event could have LED to a catastrophic crash because it occurred at highway speeds with a group of motorcycles immediately behind me. …”

“Yamaha motorcycle Midnight Star recall for tansmission. The Yamaha corperation has not been any help what so ever in assisting with timely repairs, or forthcomming with any information what so ever. All that they can tell anyone is that they have know idea when parts may be available. This is inexcuseable from such a large corporation. They have told us not to ride but offer no resolve for those of us that depend on our vehical for daily use. …”

“I bought a new 2003 Yamaha road star motorcycle from hattiesburg cycles in hattiesburg mississippi on 3 january 2004. I was notified 13 january 2004 of a recall involving extensive repairs to the transmission and told not to operate the motorcycle until the repairs were completed due to the possibility a failure in which the rear wheel could lock-up causing an accident. Since being notified (6 weeks now) my motorcycle has not been repaired and the dealer or Yamaha customer service is unable to provide me with an estimated date when the repairs will be completed. …”

“On january 9, 2004, Yamaha notified me my 2003 Midnight Star was under recall and not to operate it until repaired. The defect could cause serious injury or death. I immediately notified my nearest dealer who told me they were aware of the problem, but had no parts to repair. I also contacted the out of state dealer who sold me the motorcycle and they advised the same. I have repeatedly contacted both dealers for status updates. Neither has repair kits and Yamaha will not tell them when they will arrive. The repair is going to amount to a rebuild of the engine and transmission. …”

“The consumer contacted the dealer about recall 03v309000 subject: rear wheel lock up, but was told that the parts were not available. The dealer also informed the consumer that the showroom motor cycles would be fixed before any other motor cycles. The consumer contacted the manufacturer who indicated that the part would become available in one to three months.”