Common Driveshaft Failure 2002 Yamaha VSTAR 1100 Classic MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE

[@Butch32002]

Thanks for posting this. A friend of mine recently bought a 2001 V-Star 1100 and he will be informed.

[@lawnboy81SMS]

You’re welcome! I inherited this from my step dad, but regardless I wish I had known this was an issue with these prior so I could’ve inspected to see if the but was loose beforehand at all. I have no clue if it was loose and the shaft snapped or it was tight and the shaft snapped. Either way it’s a shame and I’m hoping this will help make others aware of the issue before they find out the Hard way like I did

[@webbysbass]

This is nice to know I just bought a 2002 V Star 1100 yesterday.

[@martintaylor4453]

I owned a Yamaha bulldog 1100 with the same engine/drive train. The shaft broke in the same place. It can be repaired by drilling the broken shaft and tapping a thread and using a bolt and lock washer with lock tire. The repair cost me £16 and lots of time, but has lasted for five years doing courier work in London….surprise surprise, Yamaha said they have never heard of this happening! Best of luck sorting it out. It is a fairly straight forward repair.

[@lawnboy81SMS]

Yamaha told me they had never heard of such an issue before and refused to do anything about the huge safety issue it has associated with it. You can see one of my newest videos I did about the repair process as I couldn’t find anyone else who did a video of the repair so showed a little bit how I did mine

[@kidclown222]

I remember when I purchased my 2002 VStar 1100 custom there was a lot of talk on websites of that happening on the Roadstars

[@Curious_Skeptic]

Law suit!!! Class action in order!

[@phil4986]

Thank you for this. I am very skeptical about shaft drives anyway. The newer bigger V Stars have a belt drive so that will be that. I've seen these replacement shaft drive units online for $800. Your warning saved me from buying anything that might suffer the issue. Thanks.

[@justinhansen7570]

I had a 2002 now i have 2006.same thing happened to me.more to repair than 2002 was worth.i bought a carbide drill and tap.drilled a hole on end of snapped shaft,tapped/threaded it and put a shcs(socket head cap screw) replacing the original nut.also put lock tight on the shcs and tightened it all up.ran fine for abt 2000 miles then someone hit me and ins totalled the bike.it wasnt that bad to drill and tap a hole in the shaft and put a shcs on it in place of the original nut.

[@charger19691]

I own a 2006 V-Star 1100 Silverado with only 4,600 miles and I’ve always noticed a humming from the driveshaft side of the bike while riding from new. If I swerve with the bike the pitch of the noise changes. Most noticeable around 40 mph. Many owners report that the V Star 1100 has a noisy drivetrain. Now I’m worried about that nut coming loose.

[@lawnboy81SMS]

Danny J. Rumbles This bike has always been very quiet while riding which is why it’s nice. It still has a nice V-twin sound, but it’s not too loud nor too quiet it doesn’t sound like a bike. The transmission and such has always been very quiet though until this happened

[@mastmec]

Had a bike lock back tire at 75, you just pull in clutch. Then change pants, lol.

[@lawnboy81SMS]

Not on this, when the shaft breaks like that in binds the u-joint and pulling the clutch will do nothing. The clutch only disengages the engine from the transmission. Anything inside the transmission or after it will still cause drive issues if something jams up in the assemblies

[@jayhogg4314]

Great. I ride 04 custom. Almost at 50k. Always twisty on the throttle. Def gonna look into this. Got any links to any forums for these bikes?

[@fredlowko6874]

Just fix mine today Wednesday 30 of June. Waiting on my new speed sensor to arrive due to the old one getting damaged. 😡. Hopefully get to ride this 4th of July.

[@ivanrivera9791]

God bless you all but I just bought a V Star 2002 1100 with 32000 miles so how do I check telling this info with the mechanic to check it out cause haven driving the bike yet cause of the winter

[@faraleakyfaucet7517]

Hi! Thanks for the video. I'm getting ready to buy a 2002 Vstar 1100 as my first "owner/operator official " bike and I want to know what I need to do or 👂 hear while checking the bike out?? Are there any obvious signs upon starting the bike that it might have shaft issues??? A response is greatly appreciated. Very nice bike. God Bless.

[@lawnboy81SMS]

The shaft issue can only be found by removing the inspection cover and looking in through the inspection hole. The only other way to know is when you’re slowing down on the bike and let off the throttle and coast to a stop you’ll hear a much louder “whining” noise from the middle/rear of the bike. On startup listen for loose valves (clacking/ticking), engine knocks, and listen to see if it fires right up or if the engine binds up a little when trying to start. If it binds when trying to start it may be the starter clutch going bad and/or the spark plugs need to be replaced which involves removing the fuel tank. Also check for fluid leaks around all the seals/shafts, fuel lines, and make sure the carburetor bowl gaskets aren’t leaking fuel. Let it idle a while and get up to temperature to make sure the low oil pressure light doesn’t come on and take it for a good 10-20 mile test ride at low speed, highway speed, and try low throttle/normal acceleration and try heavy acceleration and just listen closely to everything. When you first shift into gear from neutral these do ha a classic “clunk” into first gear but it shouldn’t be anything excessive that jolts the whole bike, that could indicate a clutch/clutch adjustment issue or something else internally. When shifting on the road everything should be nice and smooth, these were pretty quiet and smooth cruising bikes. You should hear nothing but a smooth running and healthy engine when riding. A little tire noise may be normal as well depending on the tires and road surface.

[@MikeY-nh9rd]

@@lawnboy81SMS did yamaha cover repair for you?

[@lawnboy81SMS]

@@MikeY-nh9rd No. my bike still sits broken at this time. Yamaha refused to do anything and dealer charged me over $200 “diagnostics” to tell me what was wrong when I knew what was wrong I just needed them to identify the cause to try and get Yamaha to warranty it.

[@jootai]

@@lawnboy81SMS do thr 650's also have these issues?

[@virider7466]

Mine just broke today. I think I'm going to attempt the repair from the V-Star Knowledge Base.

[@lawnboy81SMS]

Yamaha says they won’t do jack about it blaming it on age and miles yet say they’ve never heard of it. Even though sounds like you know there’s tons online about this safety issue

[@virider7466]

@@lawnboy81SMS yes. I'm always surprised to hear a Yamaha dealer tell someone they never heard of it. I'm tearing into mine today. Wish me luck!

[@lawnboy81SMS]

VIRider Unfortunately I think I’ll have to do the same but I’m worried about drilling straight and center enough. I just got my permit and already miss riding

[@travisj2695]

@@lawnboy81SMS get a carbide drill bit and some cutting oil. Have a flashlight and a good battery drill. Drill it a few mm at a time and keep adding the cutting oil. After tapping use hex head hardened 8mm bolt and and drive in with a ratchet and socket. Don't forget to add the lock tight. 👍

[@lawnboy81SMS]

Travis J I think that’s what I’ll have to do if I get them to warranty it. They tried telling me Yamaha has never heard of such a problem and has 0 documentation which I call total BS. I’d just sell the bike but it was my step dads and has far too much sentimental value to me to ever get rid of it.

[@Big_John_C]

Damn! I'm glad I own a Shadow... 35 years of dependable enjoyment.

[@jimzastawniak1407]

You should join a few V Star groups, it's a known issue and an easy preventative job. You simply pull back the rubber cover and with a cold chisel stake the threads together. This locks up the nut from backing off. The fix now is either a motor teardown to replace the middle gearset or drill out the center of the broken shaft and tap it out for a bolt, 8 mm will do the job. Yamaha has NEVER upgraded this shaft after the 2009 models because they stopped making them in 2009. Don't expect any payment either, they will refer you to Star motorcycles, and there is no Star motorcycles. Since you are a new owner with this bike, be more concerned about the starter clutch, because turning the throttle when starting gives the possibility of snapping the spring band that holds the locking cams inside the starter clutch, this is a more common error of these bikes and Yamaha has a kit for about $600 to replace the parts. If you get this middle shaft set replaced in a shop, it will cost over $2000 easily as it's mostly labor charge. Most owners choose to part out the bike, some do the shaft being drilled and tapped for a bolt and this fix will last the life of the bike. Just looking at your bike, I see you can get more than $2000 by parting it out, example- gas tank $500, carbs $450, seats $350, tins $300, driving lights $200, floorboards $400, and so on. I have two 1100s, bought new, and know the total maintenance of the bikes, done in my own garage shop.

[@informationstationjw]

Jim good info. You have a way to contact you?

[@jootai]

Do the 650's also have this issue?

[@lawnboy81SMS]

Bike will never be parted out. Too much sentimental value. My step dad has owned it since it was brand new with 0 miles on it when he bought it. I fixed it on my own by doing what others did, drilled a hole and put a bolt in with locktite and a lock washer. So far it’s been holding up great for about 1500 miles now

[@lawnboy81SMS]

@@jootai Yep I believe so unfortunately

[@jootai]

@@lawnboy81SMS so it's just luck? It doesn't help getting a later model or a earlier one? Would be cool if I could find a video instead of fixing it, preventing it! Thx for your reply

[@jeffwalker1322]

When did Yamaha come out with the upgraded part ? Yamaha will not pay for the repair. I have already read too many people going through this. I own a 2007.

[@lawnboy81SMS]

Sounds like 2009 I think it was is when they started to produce the upgraded shaft

[@jaybilawchuk2225]

So there is nothing we can do basically for preventative maintenance other than take the whole thing out? I’m not quite sure what we can watch for, unless I’m missing something.

[@lawnboy81SMS]

Check that it’s tight. If it is, remove it and add loctite or drill a small hole through the shaft and stake the nut with a pin. Or replace it with a flanged locknut that looks like the existing one.

[@jaybilawchuk2225]

@@lawnboy81SMS ok, so to check it you mean to go thru the speed sensor hole with a camera? I get what you’re saying tho, but to dismantle all that, even if it’s still tight as it was from factory is a huge job, but I guess it’s a safety thing as well as a cost issue. My 02 gold classic same as yours only has 9000 miles, but I have never ever heard any kind of symptom you mentioned. I guess I could check it in the off season.

[@lawnboy81SMS]

@@jaybilawchuk2225 Mine had no warning sign. They brake or come loose at any mileage. You can find info all over the internet about it

[@youngcashmoney4665]

This just happened to me at 17k miles. Didn’t lock up on Highway but I’ll be trying to fix it myself. Wml

[@youngcashmoney4665]

My model is an 06

[@mmaxon888]

I ride my '02 1100 a little hard sometimes, haven't messed with this shaft issue, just turned 27,000 miles. Looking to purchase a new bike, anyway, so maybe it'll last till then. Or I'll get thrown in the ditch somewhere...

[@Paul-ib7cw]

I have a 2006 1100 custom and mine just happened my bolt came loose in my transission

[@MasonBeast2000]

Bought my vstar with 40k, 1k miles in mine snapped. I want to fix it myself with a new shaft but having to split the case is a huge job so idk. How was your luck with the dealer?

[@lawnboy81SMS]

Horrible, they were no help. Said they pulled the rear wheel off and charged me for the labor but pretty darn sure they didn’t actually remove the wheel as all the bolts look completely untouched still

[@MasonBeast2000]

@@lawnboy81SMS they pulled the rear wheel off, then what? They told you there's no broken shaft and you're crazy?

[@lawnboy81SMS]

@@MasonBeast2000 Claimed they inspected the shaft and “couldn’t determine cause of break” but if they looked that close then I want to know why did they leave the broken nut in the u-joint if they had it apart? I think they charged for work they didn’t do but I can’t prove it is the hard part

[@MasonBeast2000]

@@lawnboy81SMS I don't understand. What do they lose if they help a guy out and warranty an obviously faulty part? Besides having to do a somewhat big job, the tech still gets paid, and the supervisor still gets paid, and I'm sure his boss too. Im considering taking it out and splitting the case and fixing it. Still not sure yet though.

[@danialcrookston4931]

@lawnboy81SMS Sorry this happened to you. It just happened to me. I’d really like to do this work myself. Do you have the part number for the upgraded replacement?

[@naenre21]

Dang...this is scary. I'm looking at a 2006 today and this has me concerned.

[@yoyohooyo]

I was going to buy a 2004 v-star 650 tomorrow but after learning of this expensive danger I changed my mind. NADA has the value at $2000 but that is too much to pay for something that might kill me. Yamaha disgust me and I'll not buy anything Yamaha sells

[@jootai]

@@yoyohooyo pretty radical buddy

[@enacku]

any updates on this case?

[@lawnboy81SMS]

Yamaha refuses to do anything about it. I was able to pull the rubber boot back and remove the nut from the unjoint so I can move it without it binding up now, but will do the “fix” this winter and remove the swing arm and try to drill and tap the shaft. If I do it I’ll see if I can make a video about it

[@MikeY-nh9rd]

@@lawnboy81SMS I did the wiki fix but now will always be thinking of it failing while riding instead of enjoying my ride. Not happy that yamaha is not standing behind this safety 911 issue... im very easy rider but still very concerned. The problem is the cost is sooooo high it leaves us owners to try to fix due to a financial hardship to fix yamaha failure :'-(

[@dantae666]

FUC!!!K. Thanks for the warning

[@miamimotogroup4825]

Question my first gear pops out to neutral and makes a weird noise. The clutch levers all work and the other gears works. The 1st gear is the only one that gives me an issue

[@lawnboy81SMS]

I wouldn’t know on that one. There either may be an adjustment, or for some reason the great is not “locking” into place. I’m unfamiliar with the internals on these transmissions so I wouldn’t be able to tell you if there’s anything internally that could cause that

[@dangalli1]

Any update on this?

[@lawnboy81SMS]

Well I’m just shy of 70,000 miles on the bike as of now and so far the repair I made has held up. I made a video on how I fixed it using the “wiki fix” as people call it by drilling a hole and installing a bolt instead

[@Herrick1955]

Haben to me rode 70 mile of mountain roads have 72,000 miles on the bike. you will not have any warning before it breaks. you will have a load whine on deceleration in 5th and 4 the gears . I baby it home on fwy. for 38 miles with snapped shaft because I did not know what it was. will do the fix tomorrow. cost about 20 bucks and my labor . the fix is stronger than stock for the shaft.

[@youngcashmoney4665]

How’s that repair going? I’ve got an 06 myself and this just happened to me

[@gutorz]

I have the same problem. My bike is 2005 and she has 13000 miles. Impossible Yamaha says never saw it.

[@MikeY-nh9rd]

Happen to me too. Did the wiki fix

[@danialcrookston4931]

@Mike Y - what is the “Wiki Fix” and where do I find it?

[@youngcashmoney4665]

Can you please share the fb group. This could help gain traction for a recall or c.a.l.s.

[@luvhangover]

i have a 2000 1100 classic that cut off on me while driving down the road ...made a horrid sound ,cut off and never turned back on ,only power and a low sounding click nothing else....someone please help .

[@phillipweir7242]

Mine just broke seen your video, I'm going to call yamaha customer service. 9/5/2021 did yamaha ever get back with you?

[@lawnboy81SMS]

Yamaha refused to do anything about it whatsoever.

[@phillipweir7242]

@@lawnboy81SMS so did you get it fixed if so how much did it cost and where did you take it.

[@phillipweir7242]

Also do you have part number for upgraded part.

[@lawnboy81SMS]

@@phillipweir7242 Haven’t fixed yet. I’m just going to drill and tap the shaft and put a bolt in like everyone else has done for now. Dealer cost to replace shaft is $6,000

[@phillipweir7242]

@@lawnboy81SMS thank you. I will come up with a way to fix mine as well.

[@iesheasmith4667]

I've done the fix for this already

[@travisj2695]

It was cheaper metal they used for the shaft. Mine broke. There is a quick fix for this.

[@travisj2695]

Also my final drive shaft broke at the same time.

[@lawnboy81SMS]

Yes, there’s a quick fix I’ve heard of but it os not the right fix. The right fix is to replace it with their updated replacement shaft. I’m still fighting with Yamaha trying to get them to replace it but as you can imagine they have zero want to do so and are finding any excuse to blame it on age/mileage/operator error even though THREE Yamaha certified mechanics could not find the cause of the breakage to be due to operator/Owner error. One mechanic was even their top level gold certified. They want $3,700 to replace it.

[@travisj2695]

@@lawnboy81SMS good luck man. I work in commercial real estate and I'm pretty damn good on the phone and I couldn't convince these assholes to warranty this part that is defective. If they pay for your repairs awesome. If not I posted a link how to repair yourself. I fixed mine almost a year ago and still solid.

[@fredlowko6874]

Hi there Travis J Where can I find the link ?

[@travisj2695]

@@fredlowko6874 scroll up. I posted it.

[@yoyohooyo]

In my educated opinion Yamaha motorcycles are not reliable and they do not stand behind their motorcycles and I seriously doubt the did anything for you. My new V-Star 1300 misfired and jerked badly at low speed. I called Yamaha importers customer service and said at low speed like going through a parking lot my bike starts jerking. Customer service told me to not ride through parking lots. Many of these bikes had the misfiring problem. It took me 6 months to fix it. The new O2 sensor that fixed the problem cost $30 at the auto parts store. I don't know of Yamaha fixing any of the misfiring v-star bikes. Prior to this I had confidence in Yamaha, Now I have none. They have an army of lawyers. You don't. I was told Yamaha broke off from Star and they no longer make/sell cruisers.

[@lawnboy81SMS]

I can only complain so much. My step dad has owned this bike since brand new with 0 miles on it and it’s never had an actual issue the last 65,000 miles. I ended up doing the repair of drilling a hole and installing a bolt. But I was highly disappointed by how little Yamaha cared about it and pretended they’ve never heard of this happening to even one other bike before. This was the first time the bike has ever had an issue. I keep it because of sentimental value, and this exact one truly is a nice bike. It has good sound to it, rides nice, and isn’t too powerful since it’s just meant for cruising around. I’ve been debating buying a 650 for my girlfriend as she wants to learn to ride and the 1100 is just too heavy/wide for someone her size (like not even 120lbs and 5’6” tall so she needs a lighter/narrower bike that’s easier to handle). Only because it’s from a friend of mine and it’s nice purple-ish color that she really loves

[@yoyohooyo]

@@lawnboy81SMS The honda rebel 500 may be what she needs.

[@BackFortyTV]

@@lawnboy81SMS how hard was the fix? I’m thinking about just tearing my 02 down and doing it as preventative measures. Got an 02 with 25k miles on it.

[@lawnboy81SMS]

@@BackFortyTV See my video on the entire repair. It wasn’t a great video but I tried to document what I could since I couldn’t find any videos showing the repair

[@vstar7196]

Only on your bike. You must have bought a lemon.

[@lawnboy81SMS]

Hope you’re trolling. There’s literally tons and tons of people online who have had the same EXACT problem with a broken shaft or the retaining nut that came loose. Not a lemon, my step dad has owned it since brand new with 0 miles on it. He put every one of those 64,000 miles on it himself. He’s over 60 years old so it’s always been just a casual riding bike never ridden hard or like a sport bike, no burnouts or hard full throttle pulls, never towed any of those little trailers I’ve seen other bikes tow, etc. Absolutely no reasons for these shafts to break other than poor manufacturing/design and it should be a safety recall although by now Many have probably gone to the junk yard or been parted out

[@wdhewson]

Yamahas are a weak motorcycle and have been for years.

[@Herrick1955]

You are so wrong, dude. Have you ever own a V-star?