2014 Yamaha YZF-R6 recalled for wheel hardness

Yamaha Motor Co. USA is recalling the bikes because the front and rear wheels may have been manufactured with insufficient hardness.

The recall affects only about 28 units manufactured in August 2014. The insufficient hardness may result in the wheel bearings loosening and shifting, and even the wheel may lose its shape and air may leak from around the bead, resulting in a crash.

According to reports, the cooling process for the wheels during the production process at the supplier was insufficient for some of the lot. By design, the water cooling process involves dipping the wheel in a water bath. However, some of the wheels were not submerged in this case, because of insufficient water levels in the bath.

Yamaha has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front and rear wheel and tire assemblies, free of charge.