1997 Kawasaki KLR650
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 6 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 2000 | 8 |
| 2001 | 19 |
| 2002 | 11 |
| 2003 | 6 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2008 | 116 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2024 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 1 total report mentions: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
I JUST WISHED TO REPORT SOMETHING I FOUND OUT BY CHANCE, UPON INSPECTING THE INSIDE OF MY ENGINE, AND WHICH COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY CAUSE MY ENGINE TO STOP FUNCTIONING/SEIZE AT SPEED, WHICH IN TURN WOULD HAVE LED ME TO CRASH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121205
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Kawasaki KLR650 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1997 Kawasaki KLR650 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Kawasaki KLR650?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Kawasaki KLR650 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.