The problem is the oil pump has a chain that stretches over time and gets stuck causing the motor and back tire to seize. ON or about 12/31/2012 I was riding my 2001 Yamaha r1 down the 10 freeway by the 10/57 incherchange. The oil pump chain had about 20k miles on it and stretched getting stuck on the gear teeth and causing the motor and rear tire on the Yamaha r1 to seize. Luckily I heard a voice in my head to pull over to the right lane and be prepared. So I locked up the rear tire and motor and then slid on my tires to the shoulder with out being struck by the vehicles behind me luckily. (there was a huge semi behind me at the time) I looked up this design and I found that all Japanese and some Europe bikes have this design flaw in their motor. The Ducati has a gear to gear oil pump so its better and safer than the Japanese sport bikes. I also did some research on the Porsche Panamera and that has a similar design chain driven oil pump but it has a tensioner on it to prevent stretching and lock up
The worst 2001 Yamaha YZFR1 problems
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Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Yamaha YZFR1 1
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What 2001 Yamaha YZFR1 owners say
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Questions about the 2001 Yamaha YZFR1
Is the 2001 Yamaha YZFR1 reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2001 Yamaha YZFR1, fewer than a typical YZFR1 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Yamaha YZFR1?
Engine and cooling, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 2001 Yamaha YZFR1 have?
No recalls on record.
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