2023 Kawasaki Klr650 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Steering (14) · Suspension (1) · Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Kawasaki Klr650 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 (2)
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.
Structure 2024-01-25 · MC24-01 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
service information about a shipping bracket attaching the motorcycle to the crate can cause damage to the motorcycle fuel tank if removed.
Equipment:electrical 2022-10-11 · MC22-06 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some 2023 kawasaki motorcycle models require âservice activationâ in kvcs before delivery to the customer.
What owners report
2024-08-15 · 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 …”
2024-06-24 · 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 experien…”
2024-04-16 · 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…”
2024-04-09 · Steering“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 regardi…”
2023-12-18 · 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. i’ve been riding for over 50 years having owned most motorcycle brands and i have never seen anything like this. a…”
2023-11-20 · Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar · 99 mi“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 repa…”
2023-09-30 · 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 …”
2023-09-25 · Suspension · 10 mi“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 fail…”
2023-09-01 · Steering“the steering nut is torqued to tight and it makes the handle bars stick and not rotate smoothly…”
2023-09-01 · Steering“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…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.