To All My Motocross, Enduro, and Hare-Scrambling Brothers,
I come to you this day to hopefully put to an end the justification for the position I have taken regarding Yamaha Motor Corporation.
I am not here to bash or criticize any dirtbike owner/rider for their positive or negative commentary, nor for their brand or model loyalties. Nor am I here to put anyone out because they have 1 day in saddle or 30 years. I am simply here to bring together all, regardless of their ( lack of ) issues to stand up for the owners of the 2000 model year Yamaha YZ426F who have been plagued with serious mechanical issues, along with WR and smaller YZ models.
I began my dirtbike trek on August 11, 2000 with the purchase of my 2000 YZ426F. Now I may be young, and "wet behind the ears" when it comes to dirtbikes, but Im not so, when it comes to dealing with issues such as these.
I purchased my bike to enjoy this pasttime. I did it to enjoy the land, and to make new friends. I want to be an asset to this sport, not detract from it, nor send it backwards 500 million years. I am the kind of person who cannot sit idly by and see a fellow brother in trouble. I will always come to their aid if their cause is true and responsible. I may not have experienced all the issues that have come up plaguing my model bike, but I have a vested interest in defending, and joining the call to rally in an effort to bring a successful, and satisfactory resolution to the issues affecting my fellow riders.
It is my understanding that Yamaha has come quite a long way since the 1980's in the production of some of the finest dirtbike's around. I am also aware that they are a major player in the overall success of the motocross/enduro/hare-scrambling sport industry. I applaud them for their continued efforts, but that doesn't relieve them of their responsibilities.
Now I understand that issues are going to develop with any mechanical device. I've said it before and I'll repeat it here once again:
" It is irresponsible for me to believe that any mechanical device is not going to break down from time to time. Man made it, so its gonna break. Repairs will be necessary. "
But I will go on record as saying that:
" When issues come up with mechanical devices, that are clearly not the fault of the operator, whether by abuse, or improper usage, but that a common denominator presents itself as the culpret of failure's, the manufacturer's need to accept RESPONSIBILITY and ACCOUNTABILITY for such repairs, regardless of warranty periods, or age of the product,or COST, and demonstrate the position of standing behind their products 100%. "
- Randy Decesare, September 24, 2000 -
An occassional clutch failure, or gearbox failure, or hub breaking is expected. So are loose spokes, a busted chain link, etc. Ours is a physical sport. But how we, as members of a sport can accept the continued failure of specific parts and say its nothing is unacceptable to me.
Why is it that the clutch basket is always the culpret in clutch failures?
Why is it always the 4th gear that is failing not only in the 426's gearbox, but apparently the 250's as well?
Why is it always the rear hub throwing the sprocket bolts?
C'mon guys, let us a little common sense here. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that there is definitely a problem here. Even the "seasoned old-timers" who are saying they never had a problem with their YZ426F 2000 model are recommending upgrading to a Hinson clutch basket, that the stock chain is junk, and that the sprockets need replacement, then backed up by Blue Loc-Tite.
Why is it a rookie with only 1 month under his belt can see this, and 30 year riders are just sweeping it under the carpet?
Why do we have to spend $1000 or more in upgrading parts right out the gate? C'mon now...
We as dirtbike riders accept a certain level of RESPONSIBILITY and ACCOUNTABILITY as soon as we purchase a bike. WE go through pain staking maintenance to make sure OUR bikes are in top running condition and safe. We properly torque, oil, and fuel. Hopefully, WE are properly geared ( protected ) to go and ride.
EVERY RIDE IS LOADED WITH THE POTENTIAL OF POSSIBLE PHYSICAL INJURY OR EVEN, MAY THE LORD FORBID, DEATH. This is a risk WE accept in exchange for the rush, for the enjoyment, for the smiles, and the stories of the "Big One" that got away around the campfire.
But no manufacturer has the right to place our lives in jeopardy when a clear and present danger exists in a product they have manufactured.
FOR ALL YOU LAWYERS OUT THERE:
I am NOT saying that Yamaha, or any dirtbike manufacturer is knowingly producing a product that is defective.
I am NOT saying that Yamaha, or any dirtbike manufacturer is knowingly and willingly placing our lives in jeopardy.
I AM saying that Yamaha, or any other dirtbike manufacturer needs to be held RESPONSIBLE and ACCOUNTABLE when the occurrances of product failure exceed acceptable levels, or present a GREAT INCREASE IN DANGER TO LIFE, AND PROPERTY.
Why is it that manufacturer's can hold their hands out and collect our money towards a purchase, but when an issue develops, whether in or out of warranty, that is clearly not an issue of operator abuse, or improper use, they go through all hoops and circles, to deny and frustrate us, then and only when they see we don't give in, reluctantly do the "right thing" anyway?
This does not mean that Yamaha or any other bike manufacturer does not in its entirety honor warranties.
Im starting ask myself: Is the MONEY coming first, and OUR safety second?
One rider in this forum claimed he was keeping track of all the clutch, gearbox, hub, chain, fork, etc. breakdowns, and has reported them to be quite infrequent to the total number of produced YZ426F's for the year 2000.
My friend, how foolish to think that every incident is reported here on THUMPERTALK, or DIRTRIDER.NET, or any other motocross internet site. Most people don't even have a computer, let alone know how to properly exercise an internet search engine. I became very frustrated when searching for dirtbike sites, because all I would come up with was a few, then get bombarded by porno sites, and "hits" that included only partial words of DIRTBIKE, MOTOCROSS, ENDURO, HARE-SCRAMBLE, BLACK-WATER, etc.
No manufacturer is going to publicize their problem issues with a particular product. That would hamper their sales. Why do you think they have 5-10 mechanical engineers, and 400 corporate lawyers?
Other readers have dicussed manufacturing issues...Only so many of these parts, and so many of these, are produced, so that explains the back orders...Let me shed some light.
Each model year goes through R&D, then TOOLING. This is when the factory, upon approval from engineers and lawyers, have the molds or castings produced, and the plants start production of that model year. The company has to make a decision as to how many "spares" of parts it is going to make, and hold for repairs, warranties, etc.
Tooling is one of the most expensive parts of the manufacturing process. It requires setting up machinery, test runs, quality control, and finally, the production run.
It is quite apparent that Yamaha has an issue on its hands with the certain questionable parts because they ran out of their overstock. If this wasn't true, why did DaveyJ have to wait 2 months+ for his gearbox parts, which were backordered, or others have to wait weeks for gas tanks, or clutch parts for the same length of time?
Why is it that with DaveyJ, and possible others, had to wait for 2+ months for parts, and be down for that time, losing quality riding time, and possible consequences to racing positions, with no apparent regard by Yammie to their position.
If we asked Yammie to trail ride the bike for 2+ months, then pay for it, you know they'd screem: NO WAY!
...quite different when the shoe's on the other foot...
I speak with architects, engineers, machining manufacturer's, and production companies for a living...They all say the same thing:
Backorders are caused by having to reset the machines with the appropriate tooling to manufacture the required replacement parts. This requires either waiting for the equipment to finish the present tooling, or disrupting the current to go back to the old.
This costs time and money!
Brand Loyalty:
Apparently, quite a few of the Thumpers here believe brand loyalty is a one way street. Sorry, guys, brand loyalty is a two way street.
THE MANUFACTURER has the responsiblity to produce a quality product, inform their patrons of issues regarding that product, stand behind its warranties, and if issues develop outside of the warranty or normal acceptable breakage, they need to be RESPONSIBILE AND ACCOUNTABLE for repairs/replacements regardless of costs.
THIS POSITION BUILDS A SOLID REPUTATION IN ANY INDUSTRY.
THE PATRON, not only has the RESPONSIBILITY and ACCOUNTABILITY to use the product according to the manufacturer's suggestions, but is also RESPONSIBILE and ACCOUNTABLE for keeping the manufacturer bound by the committment they made as per the above statements.
Riding and Maintenance is the fun part of our pasttime. But with everything, there is the not so popular police and pickup jobs. Every time one of us has an issue, a precident is set with the manufacture. We all should sound off in a resounding voice, whether plagued with the issues or not when something like the clutch or gearbox, or hub issue strikes out upon us.
By raising our voices, and holding the manufacturers responsibile, we ensure the highest level of standards, from manufacturing to the actual riding in our industry. WE are chargable with policing our sport. NOT THE MANUFACTURER'S, NOT THE POLITICIANS, NOT THE LAWYERS....WE THE RIDERS ARE!
Remember too...those of us who speak out, take the stand, and resolve things, are covering the butt's of those who put us down, and fight us tooth and nail. They may argue against us now, but I know darn well they're happy when they become plagued with the same issue, and the groundwork has been laid, fought, and won. They reap the reward.
Guys,
Look, Yammie makes a good product. They've come a long way. But there's too much going on here. They, in this owner's opinion have some questions to answer, and not with the normal political, card-reading, limited-liability stuff.
WE are responsible for Yamaha, and any other manufacture of a dirtbike to remain in business. WITHOUT OUR $$$, NO MORE BIKES...
I may not of experienced a broken gearbox, or thrown sprocket yet, but I have experienced a fight with Yamaha on jetting, which, after an argument, they did agree to cover. I've also experienced constant overheating ( even when running ), a cherry-red exhaust pipe, a breather hose, which will suck up anything it gets it hands on, and now a clutch which sounds like a .50 calibre machine gun!
As far as one readers Jetting objection goes, the dealership whether direct, or agent, should have checked my bike over thoroughly, and apparently they didn't. They claim that the bike didn't need rejetting, but ever since I brought it in for that service, it has never overheated, and the pipe rarely gets cherry red anymore.
How is it that Mark from 2 Dad's Racing in California, out of the goodness of his heart, could help me diagnos 4000 mile away my problem, without seeing the bike, yet my local Yammie dealer, or Yamaha Corporate in California, the same 4000 miles away couldn't? ( Raised eyebrow )
Take note of Marks actions. He didn't know me, and I didn't know him. Nor did I purchase anything from him at the time he helped me. HE STOOD UP FOR ME. HE UNITED BEHIND A FELLOW BIKER, REGARDLESS OF THE COST. BECAUSE OF THAT, I PURCHASED HIS KICKSTAND SITE UNSEEN! I RECOMMEND HIM COMPLETELY FOR HE IS AN HONEST, CARING MAN, WHO WILL DO NO WRONG TO YOU! GOD BLESS YOU MARK!
..SORRY...
THE DEALER OR AGENTS ACTION DIRECTLY REPRESENT BY LICENSE, YAMAHA. YAMAHA IS JUST AS RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT ISSUE AS THE DEALERSHIP. If it wasn't, please explain why we still have recourse against the manufacturer through various methods after working through the dealership fails.
The existance of car dealerships prove my point.
As far as the breather hose incident goes. Yes, I do blame Yamaha for that one, and I praise God Almighty for no damage done!
NO WHERE DOES IT STATE THAT THAT HOSE SUCKS AIR IN, OR NOT TO START THE BIKE IN LESS THAN PERFECT SITUATIONS. PLEASE INTRODUCE ME TO ONE MOTOCROSS RACER WHO HASN'T RUN IN THE MUD WHERE HIS BIKE'S BOTTOM SCRAPES OR IS SUBMERGED IN THE MUD AND WATER, AND STALLS FOR SLIPPING OR GETTING STUCK, AND I'LL RETRACT THIS POST HASTE WITH THE BIGGEST APOLOGY GOING!
Yamaha cannot assume that everyone is buying the bike for MX/RACING purposes, and in my humble opinion, they have the RESPONSIBILITY and ACCOUNTABILITY to tell its owners about the potential pitfall of that hose!
Again, Im not bashing Yamaha. I love my Yammie, even with all the issues surrounding her. I ride her with pride!
My New York license plate even reads:
YZ KICKS
I wouldn't do that if I didn't love my bike. But I want to ride in confidence, not mechanical fear!
In closing, I just want to say, I stand behind every dirtbike owner, regardless of age in the sport, bike brand, or model, or loyalty, who is experiencing difficulties beyond normal acceptance.
Im asking all to stand with the owners of plagued Yamaha's to join us in sounding off with one voice, to bring Yamaha to bear for these issues, and protect the integrity of the sport, both in the manufacturing and riding elements.
United we stand, and divided we fall!
DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR PROBLEM IS...YOUR PROBLEM IS MY PROBLEM TOO!
May God Bless one and All!
Thanks,
Randy
YZ426 Kicks
I GIVE THANKS AND PRAISE TO GOD IN HEAVEN FOR THE COMMON SENSE AND UNDERSTANDING HE HAS GIVEN ME!
- DO UNTO OTHERS, AS YOU WOULD WANT DONE UNTO YOU -
Jesus Christ
[This message has been edited by YZ426 Kicks (edited 09-24-2000).]








