Model year record
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 recalls & problems
The 2023 Kawasaki KLR650 has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 16 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is steering (16 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2023 Kawasaki KLR650.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar | 16 | — |
| Suspension | 1 | — |
| Engine | 1 | — |
| Power train | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Steering
This is a new Kawasaki KLR 650 motorcycle with 220 miles now on it and there is a steering issue at low speeds from 5 to 15 mph. It feels like the steering is catching and you have to fight the handlebars to get the motorcycle to turn. This is dangerous when starting off or at low speeds in traffic. After checking for recalls there are none but as I researched this problem I have found that most or all 2023 models are having this same problem if the VIN# starts with the letters ML. This means assembled in Thailand. Apparently the factory used incorrect torque settings when tightening the steering stem bolt or preload on steering stem bearing. I will be taking to dealer to have this…
- Steering
When making a slow speed turn that requires a little extra handlebar input the bike seems to act like the steering head is stuck, gets briefly stuck in a "notch" and then releases making it very hard to be smooth in a slow speed trun which can be very dangerous depending on traffic/road way situation. Have read of several other new owners experiencing the same thing. This has been happening since the bike had a 100 or so miles on it.
- Steering
I bought the motorcycle new from the dealer. At low speeds (12mph - 30 moh), the steering "catches" or "falls off" suddenly. Sometimes if feels like there are notches in the steering. I took it to the dealer to fix and they loosened the steering head nut above the head bearings. It seemed OK for about 50 miles and then came back even worse. Now the steering is so bad it is barley rideable.
- Engine
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 (925) 687-7742. 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 stand down,, released the clutch bike still in gear, bike lunged forward, off of sidestand, bike headed for ground with rider, lucky first two times I…
- Steering
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. Iâve 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.
- Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
The contact owns a 2023 Kawasaki KLR650. The contact stated while driving approximately 20-25 MPH and attempting to make a left or right turn, the motorcycle seemed to make a sharp turn. The contact stated that the front-end seemed to be uneven with the rear-end of the motorcycle. The motorcycle had not been taken to the dealer to diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99.
- Steering
Low speed steering acts as though the steering head bearings are grabbing then releasing making it impossible to execute a smooth turn. Sometimes when this happens it results in an abrupt turn-in almost causing a low-side situation. I will be taking this KLR-650 Adventure back to the dealership within the next week for them to try and correct the situation.
- Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
The contact owns a 2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Motorcycle. The contact stated that while riding at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the handlebar was wobbly and unstable. No warning lights were illuminated. The motorcycle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 10.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.