2002 Yamaha Xvs650 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Power Train (2) · Electrical System:starter Assembly (2) · Wheels (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Yamaha Xvs650 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (1)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2001-08-16 · M2001020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
information regarding service manual correction - connecting rod installation for models 1997-2002 xvs650 nlm
What owners report
2017-06-03 · Wheels · 12,000 mi“on these model the shaft on the final-drive going into the rear differential is not oiled nor has enough grease to last over 10k miles. i have had this bike serviced at every service interval and greasing the splines is not in the service. nor can they be greased when the tire change is performed without having to remove the 4 bolts that hold t…”
2014-10-06 · Power Train · 38,555 mi“the driveshaft stripped while coming to a stop. a defect in design. water rusted the driveshaft. *tr…”
2013-02-28 · Power Train · 30,000 mi“like many owners of the yamaha 650 series, i am experiencing issues with the final drive. mine is leeking fluid that had metallic chips in it with only 30,000 miles. it is being diagnosed tomorrow, but i already know the issue and will be attempting to fix it myself. sicne there are countless issues, why is there no recall on th is model?!?!…”
2007-08-04 · Seats:motorcycle“i got the recall notice from yamaha about the defect. i contacted the closest dealer for the repair as instructed by the mfg. the dealer wants me to pay a deposit before ordering the parts required to repair the defect named in the recall! i then contacted the mfg. to voice my complaint, and got left on terminal hold. *tr…”
2005-06-27 · Tires · 4,300 mi“the rear tire contained cracks in the sidewall. *jb the rear tire was cracking all around the sidewall. the dealer suggested that this was normal. the tire was dry rotted. the dealer also stated that there were large amounts of static electricity that could have caused the problem. *sc *jb…”
2004-09-09 · Power Train:clutch Assembly“while driving up a slight incline clutch would not engage and motorcycle stalled. consumer took vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic claimed that vehicle was performing as designed. *ak…”
2004-01-23 · Electrical System:starter Assembly · 16,000 mi“starter problems on my yamaha v-star 1100. *la…”
2004-01-13 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft“vehicle type: motorcycle make: yamaha model xvs650a year: 2002 yamaha's lack of notification of maintenance and lubrication of the drive shaft coupler can cause it to seize resulting in injury or death.…”
2004-01-13 · Power Train:axle Assembly“my complaint is the lack of notification of maintenance and lubrication of the drive shaft coupler can cause it to seize resulting in injury or death. the manufacture does not identify this part for maintenance in the owners, shop or maintenance manuals concerning our model: xvs 650 yamaha motorcycle.…”
2004-01-13 · Suspension:rear“my complaint is the lack of notification of maintenance and lubrication of the drive shaft coupler can cause it to seize resulting in injury or death. that is the legal basis for my complaint. the manufacturer does not identify this part for maintenance in the owners, shop or maintenance manuals concerning the following models: xvs 650 & xvs1100. …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.