While driving in third gear between 25-40 MPH it makes a loud clunking noise and the motorcycle speed is affected by the movement in the transmission. I have researched and found earlier year 2006, 2007 bikes with the same motor/trans combinations have had the same issues. Yamaha lists an updated third gear in their parts list. Normal driving, third gear started to make noise while riding down county road 5 in isanti minnesota traveling at 30 MPH. Yamaha has already designed an alternate part for this defective one. Here is yamaha's replacement part listed on their dealer website - gear, 3rd pinion 99999-03864-00 (replaces 1d7-17131-01-00). There could be accidental death or injury if the transmission were to fail due to a defective third gear.
The worst 2008 Yamaha Road Star problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission1
Problems by type
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- Transmission1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Yamaha Road Star 1
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 2008 Yamaha Road Star owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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Questions about the 2008 Yamaha Road Star
Is the 2008 Yamaha Road Star reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2008 Yamaha Road Star, fewer than a typical Road Star model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Yamaha Road Star?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 2008 Yamaha Road Star have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Yamaha Road Star have bad transmission?
The Yamaha Road Star model years with the most transmission complaints are 2003 (100 complaints), 2002 (82 complaints) and 2001 (47 complaints).
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