Summary
The Yamaha FJR1300 has 11 recalls spanning the 2003–2021 model years, with the most serious being a transmission second gear that can crack and break on 2016–2020 models, locking the rear wheel and causing sudden loss of control.
The same second gear failure also affects 2016 models specifically under an earlier recall campaign, and a subsequent software fix introduced for that 2016 repair created a separate issue: the engine speed became artificially limited in first gear, causing unexpected sluggishness when the throttle is applied. A prior repair attempt for the gear defect did not fully resolve the problem, which is why the 2016 model year appears in multiple related recalls.
On 2013–2021 models, the front brake switch can corrode internally and either keep the brake light on permanently or cut out cruise control unexpectedly, both of which can mislead other riders or surprise the operator. The 2013 model year has an additional brake switch recall where the same type of failure can prevent the brake light from illuminating at all. Going back to 2011, the front brake switch activating mechanism can bind and also fail to light the brake lamp when the front lever is applied, leaving following traffic with no warning.
For 2006–2009 models, a ground connector in the wire harness can overheat and deform, disrupting the ground connection and causing the engine to stall without warning while riding. The 2006 model year has two separate electrical concerns: the same wire harness grounding fault, and an ignition switch wire connection that can overheat from electrical resistance until the solder melts and the wire detaches from the switch, disabling the electrical system entirely.
The oldest recall covers 2003 models equipped with the accessory saddlebag kit, where the bags can cover the factory rear reflectors and some were delivered without the required replacement reflectors installed on the saddlebag lids.
