2023 Kawasaki KLR650 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
16 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
55 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2023 model year. Data snapshot: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 14 of 16 complaints (87.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 14 | 87.5% |
| Braking behavior | 2 | 12.5% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 6.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Steering | 14 |
| Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar | 2 |
| Engine | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 |
Steering: 14; Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar: 2; Engine: 1; Power Train: 1; Suspension: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 14 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 4 |
2023: 12; 2024: 4
Pattern summary
Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 14 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11535256 · 2023-07-29 (July 29, 2023)
Motorcycle with ML serial numbers have been overtorqued steering bearing nuts from factory, multiple problems showing up. Steering on mine locked up in a turn, but was able to force it to straighten out. Kawasaki is aware they overtorqued (via multiple sources) but has not released a tech bulletin, or service recall on a dangerous situation. Slow speeds steering will have a tight bind at the 12" position, and will have a hard time turning left or right out of the tight spot. Occasionally, turning back into the 12 position will cause a bind/catc…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11535256 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11536799 · 2023-08-06 (August 6, 2023)
The vehicle has a dangerous steering issue. While in a slower speed turn, the vehicle's steering becomes restricted, and then unexpectedly free's up, which almost causes a crash. Some are referring to this a the "steering notch issue". There are multiple references to this issue in online forums. The Kawasaki dealer says that they have not been informed of any steering issues. This bike will kill me unless this issue is resolved. I will be taking it back to the dealer for service.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11536799 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11560601 · 2023-12-18 (December 18, 2023)
When the front brake is applied, especially in a hard braking situation the entire Steering mechanism turns to the right. This unavailable steering turn to the right that cannot be overcome by the rider can result in a loss of control. I’ve been riding for over 50 years having owned most motorcycle brands and I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. As a former motorcycle mechanic this problem cannot be corrected because all front steering components are fixe bolted connections with no adjustments.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11560601 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11582029 · 2024-04-09 (April 9, 2024)
Steering bearing overtorqued by factory, dealer warranty loostened and readjusted, initial tendency, failure to return to neutral, rough bearing feeling, caused many near misses with vehicles ahead, problem unresolved, I can feel it, dealer can not. Contra Costa Powersports, 1150 Concord Ave Ste 100, Concord, CA 94520 [phone removed]. Issue regarding drive train, false neutral. Potentially hazardous conditions occurred three times. Pulled over to adjust GPS, engine running, shifted to neutral, neutral light illuminated on dash, put the side st…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11582029 at NHTSA ↗