Kawasaki KLR650 steering problems
14 complaint narratives mention steering terms.
Key facts
204 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
3,460 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1993 to 2024 model years. Data snapshot: . 164 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Steering behavior evidence
14 of 204 complaints match this topic (6.9%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.
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 11537226 · 2023-08-08 (August 8, 2023)
Unknown Multiple people reported to have issue with stiff steering during low speed including my motorcycle because of defective steering head bearings. Critical safety issues. No recall have been done .
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11537226 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11541445 · 2023-08-29 (August 29, 2023)
Driving at low speeds the steering has a pull to it. Kawasaki has acknowledged the stem is overtorqued from factory but has yet to issue a recall and I still haven't heard back about them fixing it. This is a serious problem as I've almost been brought into a curb on several occasion even spraining my ankle trying to save it one time. This needs to be a recalled from forums the it is clear this is a consitant problem with the 2023 klr 650 s
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11541445 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11541534 · 2023-08-29 (August 29, 2023)
The steering nut for the handlebars of the motorcycle seem to have been overtightened. This causes a noticeable catch in the steering at low speeds, especially when making a turn from a stop. This causes unsafe handling characteristics in the motorcycle as it makes the operator oversteer in slow speed situations. Kawasaki has claimed that they do not know about this problem, although there have been many reports from consumers and service centers. While I personally have not taken the vehicle to a service center yet (I am scheduled to do …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11541534 at NHTSA ↗