2001 Yamaha Road Star Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe transmission problems: recall-linked repairs held up by missing parts, and rear wheel lock-ups or transmission failures that some owners experienced. Many other complaints express worry about lock-ups described on internet forums rather than a failure the owner had. Smaller groups describe transmission noise or knocking, and carburetor fuel leaks when the engine is hot.

1. 1
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Recall repair held up by missing parts

   • 15 complaints (26%)
   • median 5,515 mi at 3.5 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2003–2009

   Owners who received recall notice 03V309000 for transmission components describe waiting for repair because the dealer did not have the parts. The waits described range from a few weeks to several months, and some complaints mention waiting lists or appointments set weeks ahead. The recall notice reportedly advised against riding while the repair was pending. Where mileage is given, these recall complaints range from about 500 to about 17,000 miles, and many do not list mileage.

   Recall 03V309000

   What to check: Ask the seller or dealer whether recall 03V309000 has been completed, and ask for the repair record. Check the VIN against the recall lookup before buying, since some complaints say the VIN fell outside the recall range.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Yamaha issued a recall of my motor vehicle ( a 2001 Road Star) for transmission problems. I received a recall notice dated january 9, 2004 instructing me not to use the motor vehicle. Yamaha will not supply my dealer with the parts to fix the problem. I have written Yamaha on march 7, 2004 and march 16, 2004. It is april 3, 2004 and I have not received a satisfactory response. My dealer informs me that he thinks he may get parts to fix my vehicle in two months.”

   NHTSA complaint #10064474, filed 2004-04

   “Consumer received NHTSA recall 03v 309 000 concerning transmission failure in january, 2004. Later, consumer contacted the dealer, who stated parts needed to repair the motorcycle were not available, and will not be available until mid april, at the earliest. The motorcycle was finally repaired three months after the recall was initiated. The motorcycle was picked up april 3, 2004.”

   NHTSA complaint #10065025, filed 2004-06, 13,000 miles
2. 2
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Rear wheel lock-up or transmission failure while riding

   • 17 complaints (30%)
   • median 8,200 mi at 3.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
   • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2002–2009

   Owners describe the rear wheel locking or the transmission failing while riding, at speeds reported between about 20 and 50 mph. Descriptions include skids, a coast to a stop without tipping over, and a motorcycle that would not move and had to be transported home. Many other complaints express worry about lock-ups described on internet forums rather than a failure the owner experienced. Where mileage is given, these failures were reported between about 10,500 and 17,000 miles, and forum reports cited in other complaints mention failures between 9,000 and 10,000 miles.

   Recall 03V309000Recall 06V397000

   What to check: Ask for proof that the transmission recall work (03V309000 and 06V397000) was completed, and check the recall status by VIN before buying. Test the shifting on a test ride and ask about any lock-up or transmission failure history.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Transmission failure on my 2001 Yamaha Road Star. There is a recall on the this make and model but my VIN falls outside of the recall VIN range. My transmission has failed and I am seeking help in getting it recalled also.”

   NHTSA complaint #10039285, filed 2003-09, 17,000 miles

   “Manual transmission and rear wheel locked while driving at 35 MPH. When this occurred consumer was able to maintain control of the motorcycle ,and coasted it to a complete stop without the motorcycle tipping over. This occurred due to the defect described in the rear wheel lock recall 03v309000. But this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.”

   NHTSA complaint #10094938, filed 2004-10
3. 3
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Transmission noise, knocking or sluggish shifting

   • 8 complaints (14%)
   • typically at 2.8 yrs old
   • filed 2003

   Owners describe loud or intermittent knocking from the transmission, noise during shifts, and a transmission that is slow to go into gear. Dealer work reported includes replacing the drive assembly and oil pump gear, after which the noise was gone according to that complaint. In a complaint about sluggish shifting, the clutch was replaced but the problem remained. Mileage is not given in these complaints, so no mileage pattern can be drawn from the sample.

   What to check: Ask whether the transmission noise or knocking was diagnosed and what repairs were made, and whether any recall work on the transmission was done. Listen for knocking or noise during shifts on a test ride before buying.

   An excerpt from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I'm filing this over concern about my 2001 Yamaha roadstar, which has had some loud intermittent knocking sounds coming from the transmission. I noticed that there have been several catastrophic transmission failures occurring in these roadstars as posted on the roadstar rider's forum and other sites. As much as I work to maintain my bike and ride safely, I'd hate to think that my transmission may someday lock-up, as it has on other's bikes. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10025848, filed 2003-07
4. 4
   Fuel system

   Carburetor fuel leaks or flooding

   • 5 complaints (9%)
   • median 9,200 mi at 3.9 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2001–2009

   Owners describe a raw-fuel smell or gasoline spraying from the carburetor, most often when the engine is hot or shortly after it is shut off and left to sit. According to complaints, the dealer acknowledged a carburetor problem with no remedy yet, or that poor fuel quality was given as the reason for no warranty coverage. Some complaints also describe stalling near highway speed with the carburetor loading up with fuel. Where mileage is given, these complaints range from about 2,360 to 17,000 miles, and mileage is not given in others.

   What to check: Ask whether the carburetor has been inspected or repaired for leaks, and request records of any fuel smell or flooding repairs. Check the area under and around the carburetor for fuel residue after the engine has been shut off hot.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Fuel (gasoline) is sprayed from rear port of carburetor. As much as 2 oz may be emitted and sprayed on hot exhaust pipes and engine. The fuel immediately vaporizes. This only seems to occur when the motorcycle is hot, then shut off and allowed to sit for approximately 15 minutes. It does not spray liquid gas if immediately started or if allowed to cool. However, there is still a frequent smell of gas. First reported in august 2008. Problem is frequent.”

   NHTSA complaint #10265245, filed 2009-04, 17,000 miles

   “When riding motorcycle and when it gets heated or hot,fuel would flow out of carburetor onto pipes and driver's legs. Can happen after motorcycle has been parked. Have been to dealership twice for problem. Has not been resolved. Had contacted manufacturer.”

   NHTSA complaint #8004453, filed 2002-02

Buying note. Before buying, ask for proof that the transmission recall work was completed and check the VIN against the recall lookup, since some complaints say the recall did not cover the vehicle. Have the transmission and carburetor inspected during a pre-purchase check, focusing on shifting, noise and fuel smell.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 45 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.