Yamaha Motor Corporation is recalling certain 2001, 2002 and 2003 Road Star, Road Star Limited Edition, Midnight Star and Road Star Silverado motorcycles due to a defect in the transmission.  This defect may lead to abnormal wear in the transmission which could cause the circlip to break.

If the circlip breaks, it would cause the transmission to lock up which would also cause the rear wheel to lock up.  This could lead to a severe crash with death or serious injury.

Yamaha is advising all owners of the affected motorcycles to have the repairs made immediately.  The motorcycles should not be driven until the modifications to the transmission are made.  This recall has been extended to a worldwide recall and affects motorcycles in the United States and Australia.

For additional information, visit www.yamaha-motor.com or www.nhtsa.gov.