2023 Kawasaki KLR650: complaints, problems and recalls
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.
Examples from the source records
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 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 ↗
Owner report 11541677 · 2023-08-30 (August 30, 2023)
Steering very unstable at slow speeds and seems to catch and make turning dangerous and difficult. This is a known problem with this model and Kawasaki has admitted that the steering nut was overtorqued and the bearings were installed improperly but dealers say there’s nothing wrong.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11541677 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11542036 · 2023-09-01 (September 1, 2023)
The steering gets heavy in slow traffic. A lot of the same complaints from our group on Facebook but Kawasaki won't recall the issue. A lot of people reported that the headtube was over-tightened by the manufacturer. Some dealerships fix them but some charge people. I have a 2023 KAWASAKI KLR650 at 450 miles. I noticed the issue after my first ride on the bike. It is dangerous that it keeps the steering straight. Too heavy when making a turn.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11542036 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11542079 · 2023-09-01 (September 1, 2023)
The steering nut is torqued to tight and it makes the handle bars stick and not rotate smoothly
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11542079 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.