2011 YAMAHA FJR1300 Electrical System Problems

The motorcycle headlights, ignition, and other electrical items work intermittently. Lights will go off with no warning while operating the bike. Ignition switch also fails with no warning. The issues appear to mirror a safety recall issued for this same bike, years 2006-2009 FJR1300 Factory Modification Campaign - Ground Wire Junction. The bulletin was issued on 7/8/2011 M2011-003R. It was classified as an issue that required immediate attention to ensure consumer safety. Loss of headlights during night operation and or the bike could shutoff while in operation. I've contacted Yamaha corporate and they will not cover this issue because my bike is a 2011 and it was not considered part of M2011-003R. I believe the recall may need to be expanded to cover additional year bikes that experience the same safety issues that were part of the original recall.

A GROUNDING BLOCK IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OVERHEATED AND FAILED. THE LOSS OF GROUND CAUSED SEVERAL ELECTRICAL ANAMOLIES, THE MOST SERIOUS BEING THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. FORTUNATELY, THIS FAILURE HAPPENED DURING THE DAY AT THE BEGINNING OF MY RIDE; IT WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUS IF THE HEADLIGHTS HAD FAILED AT NIGHT. YAMAHA HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR EARLIER MODEL YEARS FOR A SIMILAR ISSUE, BUT MY FAILURE WAS A DIFFERENT GROUNDING BLOCK, IN THE NOSE FAIRING, NOT UNDER THE TANK. I CONNECTED THE WIRES FROM THE GROUNDING BLOCK TOGETHER AND EVERYTHING WORKS NORMALLY AGAIN.