Yamaha 1996-2001 YZ125 and YZ250 series motocross off-road motorcycles

CPSC Recall #02-505 - November 15, 2001

Recall Summary

Recall Number02-505
Recall DateNovember 15, 2001
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 59,100

Where It Was Sold

Yamaha dealerships nationwide sold these motorcycles from January 1996 to September 2001 for between $5000 and $7000.

Product

Yamaha 1996-2001 YZ125 and YZ250 series motocross off-road motorcycles

Description

PRODUCT: Motorcycles - Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. of Cypress, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 59,100 motocross off-road motorcycles. The recalled Yamaha motorcycles are 1996-2001 YZ125 and YZ250 series motocross vehicles, with model numbers YZ125H1, YZ125J1, YZ125K1, YZ125L1, YZ125M1, YZ125N1, YZ250H1, YZ250J1, YZ250K1, YZ250L1, YZ250M1, YZ250N1 and WR250J. The recalled motorcycles are blue and white with the word "Yamaha" written on the side of the wheel fork. Yamaha dealerships nationwide sold these motorcycles from January 1996 to September 2001 for between $5000 and $7000.PROBLEM: The throttle on these motorcycles can stick, causing a rider to lose control of the vehicle and crash, resulting in injuries and death.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: Yamaha has received one report of the throttle failing and causing serious injury to the rider.WHAT TO DO: Consumers should stop using these motorcycles immediately and return them to the dealership where purchased for inspection and free repair. For more information, consumers should call their local dealership or Yamaha toll free at (800) 967-7926 between the hours of 8a.m. to 5p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.

Hazard

The throttle on these motorcycles can stick, causing a rider to lose control of the vehicle and crash, resulting in injuries and death.

Incidents & Injuries

Yamaha has received one report of the throttle failing and causing serious injury to the rider.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using these motorcycles immediately and return them to the dealership where purchased for inspection and free repair.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly, either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Repair) at no cost to you.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product, whether recalled or not, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney, parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.