The Yamaha YZF-R1M->ke1937 has become an unwitting victim of suspension company Ohlins’ recent recall of its TTX36 aftermarket rear shock absorbers. As such, the bike, which uses the problematic rear shocks, has officially been recalled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, following similar recalls of the superbike issued in Canada and Australia.

The recall is part of a larger issue tied into what’s been reported as defective products from Ohlins. According to the suspension company, a problem with the piston-shaft nut in some shocks has been identified and could result in the loss of damping and worse, the break down of the shock absorber itself.

Should the nut on the damper rod for these shock absorbers may loose, affected bikes could find themselves with shock absorbers that could fall apart, leading to dangerous predicaments for riders.

Similar recalls for the YZF-R1M were already announced in other parts of the world so it’s not surprising that the NHTSA is following suit with its own recall of the superbike.

Yamaha->ke301 has yet to issue an announcement on specific details of the recall, but it did say that over 350 units are affected and that the recall is expected to begin sometime in May 2015. Yamaha dealerships have also been advised to inspect all of its YZF-R1M models to determine whether the shocks in place are part of the defective group. A six-digit lot number is stamped near the top of the shock so dealerships can look at the number to determine if they belong in the same faulty lot as the others. If that were to be the case, dealers will replace the defective shocks with brand new versions that will function properly.

R1M owners who may want to know more about the issue at hand can call Yamaha's customer service at 1-800-962-7926.

Continue reading to read more about the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall announcement for the Yamaha YZF-R1M.

Why it matters

It’s a tough blow for owners of the Yamaha YZF-R1M, some of whom probably just took delivery of their bikes only to be forced to send them back to determine if they’re unlucky enough to own an affected model.

But then again, if there’s a problem with a bike like the R1M, it needs to be addressed as quickly as possible, especially when you have a bike that’s meant to be ridden fast in a race track. Ignore this recall and ride your bike on a track and you could end up getting yourselves seriously hurt if the rear shocks completely fall apart.

It’s not Yamaha’s fault that it was given defective parts by Ohlins, but when it comes to things like this, it’s way better to be safe now than sorry later. Besides, it’s not like the YZF-R1m is the only model affected by the recall.

Other bikes from other brands are tied into this, too. That includes Aprilia (RSV4), BMW (S1000RR, HP4, S1000R, R1200GS), Ducati (899 Panigale, 1199 Panigale, 1198, Multistrada 1200), Honda (CBR600RR, CBR1000RR), Kawasaki (Ninja ZX-10R, Ninja ZX-6R), Suzuki (Hayabusa, GSX-R600, GSX R750, GSX-R1000), and Triumph (Daytona 675, Daytona 675R).

Ohlins will have a lot of explaining to do once this whole mess is cleaned up, that much I’m certain of.