[Junpower]

Hello R3 forum members,
I decided to start a blog on my R3 and here I am!
Got the Raven on July 18th 2015, went to the Capitol Yamaha dealer looking for a dual-sport and left with a R3!
I put about 120 miles on the bike now.
Just got insurance today from my cousin at Farmers insurance.
Full coverage, $250 deductible for $660 a year! Not so bad considering I never had/got my M1 license. I will get my M1 then get a discount later.
Well riding off to the dealer to pick up my registration and plates!

Photos in the dealer before I brought the bike home and it's own personal garage.
>

 

[FangShui]

Hello R3 forum members,
I decided to start a blog on my R3 and here I am!
Got the Raven on July 18th 2015, went to the Capitol Yamaha dealer looking for a dual-sport and left with a R3!
I put about 120 miles on the bike now.
Just got insurance today from my cousin at Farmers insurance.
Full coverage, $250 deductible for $660 a year! Not so bad considering I never had/got my M1 license. I will get my M1 then get a discount later.
Well riding off to the dealer to pick up my registration and plates!

Photos in the dealer before I brought the bike home and it's own personal garage.
>

Pick up an extra set of wheels for it, throw some Conti TKC70's or TKC80's knobbies on it and go for it!

 

[Junpower]

Pick up an extra set of wheels for it, throw some Conti TKC70's or TKC80's knobbies on it and go for it!

I been throwing around the idea of some longer travel forks and rear suspension and/or swing arm in the future but will keep it a street machine for now.
So the day after I bought the bike I noticed coolant leaking onto the panel above the shifter right under the overflow bottle.
Maybe they over filled it? I went back 2 days later last Monday and had them check it out before I cleaned it off. They washed it for me and when I got home it was the same. Washed it off a second time and on the way to the dealer the same problem. I checked the level after riding (engine warm) and it is now at the level indicator mark in middle of the bottle. I will go back in again tomorrow and have them check it out. I asked and they said nobody has had this problem so maybe it's just my R3? Maybe when they filled, it was topped off to much? We'll see how this turns out before I add any modifications to the bike. Anybody else have this happen? I hope it was just overfilled but it's also making a mess and stains on the parts which I do not like.

 

[Junpower]

Just got back from a 100 mile ride after visiting the dealer. So it turns out the overflow lid wasn't snapped on properly snapped it back on and it stopped leaking. I did get a great discount on some Yamaha parts that I ordered through the dealer on the "shopyamaha.com" site.

Red/Black Jacket
R3 Frame Slider kit
R3 Radiator screen
R3 Grips
Rear seat cowl
SS braided "Yamaha" lines Front/Back
Performance Filter
Free Logo Tee

Should all be in next week. I was tempted to buy the R3 branded Yoshi slip on but after asking them if having a full racing exhaust with no cats was okay. green light!

 

[Stirz]

Welcome.
The overflow hose from the remote reservoir is routed back and into the top of an open frame tube. Not sure why it would be leaking where yours is - make sure cap and in/out hoses are sealing properly.

 

[Junpower]

Welcome.
The overflow hose from the remote reservoir is routed back and into the top of an open frame tube. Not sure why it would be leaking where yours is - make sure cap and in/out hoses are sealing properly.

Hey Stirz,

Well, It was my idea that all bikes are shipped to the dealers dry then filled with coolant and oil. The mechanic said they were filled in japan then test ridden..? Well obvious the Yamaha technician doesn't know squat about the R3 because it says "Made in Indonesia" Well anyways after they snapped the lid shut it stopped but I was riding around for about 140 miles that way, I made sure I the coolant leak stains were documented by the dealer just in case. I did take it back 2 days after I bought it and they just washed it off. when I went in the 3rd time the mechanic told me to wait 20 minutes when he could have just taken a look right away rather then making me wait. The 3rd time, yesterday, I went in to get this issue resolved they told me they are busy and 2 weeks out.They asked me to leave my cycle there which I said no to. I told them if I keep riding this bike and I end up slipping or dropping the bike it will be their fault for letting me ride away from the dealer with a coolant leak. I told them it isn't hard to take off the plastic cover and take a look ASAP. I think they got the point. At the same time I got the sales man who sold me the cycle to agree and command those grease monkeys to get to work. >
The same mechanic that didn't take a quick look at my bike and made me wait actually got some choice words from me yesterday. He has definitely caused this dealer to loose my business so after I receive all my discounted accessories I will tell the sales guy that I am taking my business elsewhere for parts and service if needed
(unless I keep getting a discount). I have a hard time trusting a shop that has a rude and arrogant mechanic even if he doesn't touch my bike.

 

[Junpower]

It's 2am and I am shopping for some parts still.
Here is my shopping list for the evening.
Seems that Yoshimura is going to get some dollars from me. The colors match my bike well.

R-77 Full race exhaust system (Carbon Can) $606.79
Works Edition Clutch Inspection Plug $19.64
Works Edition Oil Filler Plug $20.46
Works Edition Stand Stoppers $27.84
Fender Eliminator Kit $107.86

Grand Total = $782.59

2:22 AM, heading to the bank to make a quick deposit

I decided to leave the Yoshimura Fender Eliminator out so total was $674.73
I might get it later but thought boots will be nice for now since I already put 2 holes on the insides of my old sneakers. :laugh:

 

[Junpower]

Got bored today so I did some vinyl wrap to the plastic insert between the front and rear seat with flat black I had left over from a clients car.
I also had another piece just right for the front windscreen, no problem with the slightly smaller sight picture and I barely tuck my head under the shield for now. I can easily take it off if it becomes a problem.

 

[FangShui]

Got bored today so I did some vinyl wrap to the plastic insert between the front and rear seat with flat black I had left over from a clients car.
I also had another piece just right for the front windscreen, no problem with the slightly smaller sight picture and I barely tuck my head under the shield for now. I can easily take it off if it becomes a problem.

Looks great and proves that boredom can be very productive.

 

[Junpower]

More BLACK vinyl on the rear set foot guards.

 

[Junpower]

Just made my first Youtube video with the phone cam in the parking lot behind my home.

Filled my second tank of fuel and also ordered a Vagabond rear eliminator directly from their site. =) $75 shipped.

https://youtu.be/jslLSyOeYEE

 

[Junpower]

Got only 230 miles and the coolant is leaking again.
They ordered me another tank cap. If it leaks one more time I am not sure what to do. This is the 3rd time in under a month I am going in for this, getting pretty tired of seeing the dealer. This time I am asking for some free stuff!

 

[Matthew Crowe]

Got only 230 miles and the coolant is leaking again.
They ordered me another tank cap. If it leaks one more time I am not sure what to do. This is the 3rd time in under a month I am going in for this, getting pretty tired of seeing the dealer. This time I am asking for some free stuff!

How hard are you running that thing? Mine only does that when I'm on the track running for a constant 20 min. full out!

 

[Junpower]

Not hard at all, it is about 100 F degrees in the day but I am moving 90% of the time and always cool down for 5 minutes before parking it at home, most of the time I ride at night since there are less cars and it's cooler. The first time the dealer said that the coolant bottle cap was not on tight, they popped it on and it helped but again it started leaking, not as bad but I called the dealer immediately to make sure they know and have been very cooperative in handling this problem. The new cap should be here on Tuesday when I will be picking up a bunch of aftermarket Yamaha accessories from my last visit for this problem but who knows if I'll even get a chance to put them on.
I did get 3 of the 5 items I ordered last week, R-77 full exhaust and oil cap should be in on Tuesday but I won't be able to install anything till this issue is addressed and I have fully broken the bike in. Still deciding on a ECU.
Maybe I can talk them into more parts.

 

[Matthew Crowe]

Not hard at all, it is about 100 F degrees in the day but I am moving 90% of the time and always cool down for 5 minutes before parking it at home, most of the time I ride at night since there are less cars and it's cooler. The first time the dealer said that the coolant bottle cap was not on tight, they popped it on and it helped but again it started leaking, not as bad but I called the dealer immediately to make sure they know and have been very cooperative in handling this problem. The new cap should be here on Tuesday when I will be picking up a bunch of aftermarket Yamaha accessories from my last visit for this problem but who knows if I'll even get a chance to put them on.
I did get 3 of the 5 items I ordered last week, R-77 full exhaust and oil cap should be in on Tuesday but I won't be able to install anything till this issue is addressed and I have fully broken the bike in. Still deciding on a ECU.
Maybe I can talk them into more parts.

Look at http://www.r3-forums.com/forum/761-spears-racing/21961-welcome-spears-racing.html. Mr. Greg Spears has everything you need and also may have some insight on your cap problem. It never hurts to ask!

 

[Junpower]

Look at http://www.r3-forums.com/forum/761-spears-racing/21961-welcome-spears-racing.html. Mr. Greg Spears has everything you need and also may have some insight on your cap problem. It never hurts to ask!

I already have my eye on the 415 chain kit and few other goodies from Spears The coolant problem is a warranty/dealer issue and I have had thoughts of returning or exchanging it , that's if I can and the problem persists. Hopefully it's just a cap and this will be my last visit for it.

 

[LAMchops]

I have the same issue with coolant leak, just found it so haven't tried anything yet. Bike has been ridden gently by a new rider, only other issue has been a horrible burning smell for the first 100km which I assume is normal (exhaust coating?). Coolant appears to be slightly over-filled (with bike level it's a few mm over the "full" marker).

Let me know if you find a solution! I'm assuming that reinstalling the cap is a simple do-it-yourself job and that a replacement part wasn't required? I won't be able to take mine to the dealer until next week

 

[Junpower]

I have the same issue with coolant leak, just found it so haven't tried anything yet. Bike has been ridden gently by a new rider, only other issue has been a horrible burning smell for the first 100km which I assume is normal (exhaust coating?). Coolant appears to be slightly over-filled (with bike level it's a few mm over the "full" marker).

Let me know if you find a solution! I'm assuming that reinstalling the cap is a simple do-it-yourself job and that a replacement part wasn't required? I won't be able to take mine to the dealer until next week

Hey LAMchops,
The first time I went in at 90 miles was 2 days after I bought the bike. They washed it off and sent me on my way then I had the same leak soon after on my 7 mile trip home . At 181 miles, 5 days after I bought the bike they removed the fairings then found that the lid was not shut/sealed completely/properly. They told me it came this way so someone there couldn't have done it. Ok, well 2 days later the same problem. I told the dealer and he said they ordered a brand new cap and that it may be defective. If the problem persists after this I may be calling someone who knows a little about the lemon law.

Update 11am-1pm riding August 2 2015:
Went for another 50 mile break-in ride and the leak went away, not one dribble today. guess I will ride another 50 miles tomorrow and see what happens before i head into the dealer for the new cap. Still very happy, my full exhaust and other parts should be here this week.

 

[Junpower]

R3 won my heart but I have been having a few issues.I got home with 358 miles on it now. I heard weird sounds coming from the rear and noticed the chain free play is like 3" now on the bottom and the chain guard around the sprocket is lopsided. Also leaks coolant constantly since 7 miles. They haven't gotten the new cap in yet. So it is fun to ride these last weeks but the issues are annoying me. I may push for an exchange, meeting the owner of the dealership this week. Maybe the fishtail I had yesterday was from coolant dripping right in front of the rear wheel. NOT SAFE!
Keep you guys updated but here are photos of the mess it's been constantly making. I've wiped these stains off after every single ride! Pretty annoying and I am not cleaning it anymore Now that the lower part of the chain sags like 3-4 inches and makes noises I don't feel safe riding it and may make them pay for a tow. I even got my full R-77 Carbon Can exhaust today and I won't be able to install it since the bike is not 100% I guess this one is a lemon guys! lol

 

[LAMchops]

My visible leak looks identical - haven't managed to check more thoroughly - quite a mess down there on your bike! Coolant can't be good for the chain...

Sorry for not replying, forgot my password and have been busy. Will hopefully pull the covers off and update on findings this weekend.