Known problems
We're still verifying common problems for this bike. Riders who've owned one can help: ask about this bike.
What to check on a KLR650
- Ask whether the doohickey (balancer tensioner) has been upgraded. Ask for proof.
- Check the oil level in the sight glass with the bike held upright.
- Look behind the crash bars and under the skid plate for engine case damage.
- Check the subframe and rack mounts for cracks if it has carried heavy luggage.
- On carbureted models, a hard cold start or rough idle may mean the carburetor needs cleaning.
- Check the spokes on both wheels for loose or bent spokes and the rims for dents.
Do these on top of the standard walkaround. The free kit has the full list.
Safety recalls
Recalls are fixed free by a dealer, but only if someone took the bike in. Ask the seller for proof, or have a dealer check the VIN. You can also check a VIN yourself at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2008 kickstand/center stand #07V244000
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE SPRING RETAINING PIN ON THE FRAME MAY NOT HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY WELDED IN PLACE AND COULD FALL OUT, ALLOWING THE SIDESTAND TO DROP INTO THE "PARKING" POSITION.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Fix: KAWASAKI WILL REPURCHASE THESE MOTORCYCLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 1, 2007. ALL DEALERS/OWNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.
2008 to 2009 wiring #09V062000
KAWASAKI IS RECALLING 16,167 MY 2008-2009 KLR 650 (KL650E8F/L, KL650E9F/L) MOTORCYCLES. WIRES IN THE WIRING HARNESS MIGHT BE DAMAGED DUE TO RUBBING CONTACT WITH A PORTION OF THE MOTORCYCLE FRAME.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE ENGINE CREATING A RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KAWASAKI AT 866-802-9381.
2008 to 2009 manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe #09V059000
KAWASAKI IS RECALLING 16,167 MY 2008-2009 KLR 650 (KL650E8F/L, KL650E9F/L) MOTORCYCLES. THE MUFFLER ASSEMBLY IS SECURED TO THE FRAME OF THE MOTORCYCLE BY TWO BOLTS. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT HEAT EXPANSION CYCLES OF THE MUFFLER, COMBINED WITH VIBRATION FROM VEHICLE OPERATION MAY CAUSE LOOSENING OF THE MUFFLER MOUNTING BOLTS.
Risk: IF THE BOLTS LOOSEN COMPLETELY, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE MUFFLER TO SEPARATE FROM THE MOTORCYCLE, CREATING A RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE PAINT FROM THE MUFFLER MOUNT TABS AND REPLACE THE MOUNT BOLTS, NUT, AND WASHER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KAWASAKI AT 866-802-9381.
2008 manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe #07V486000
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING OF THE MUFFLER MOUNTING BOLTS COULD ALLOW THE BOLTS TO LOOSEN.
Risk: IF THE BOLTS LOOSEN COMPLETELY, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE MUFFLER TO SEPARATE FROM THE MOTORCYCLE AND CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN TWO MUFFLER MOUNTING BOLTS TO THE PROPER TORQUE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 22, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KAWASAKI AT 1-866-802-9381.
NHTSA data fetched 2026-11-03.
Is it a good first bike?
Easy to ride and forgiving, but tall and top-heavy with a full tank. Shorter new riders should sit on one first.
Generations
First generation
1987 to 2007
Carbureted. Narrow fairing, small headlight. Most parts are cheap and widely available.
Second generation
2008 to 2018
Carbureted. Larger fairing and dual headlights, revised suspension and brakes.
Third generation
2022 to present
Fuel injected, with ABS available. Heavier, with a revised engine and frame.