1998 Kawasaki KLR650
Only 6 complaints 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 6 complaints 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 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 6 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
ON MY 1998 KAWASAKI KLR650 MOTORCYCLE, VIN [XXX], THE IDLER SHAFT LEVER (KAWASAKI PART NO: 13168-1436) BROKE, LEAVING NO TENSION ON THE BALANCER CHAIN INSIDE THE ENGINE. THIS IS AN ALL-TOO-COMMON PROBLEM ON THESE BIKES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030628
1 of 6 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
A BROKEN IDLER SHAFT LEVER (DOOHICKEY) CAUSED MOTOR CYCLE TO SIEZE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030102
1 of 6 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
1 of 6 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
I HEARD ABOUT A FLAW OF THE ENGINE BALANCER SYSTEM OF THE KAWASAKI KLR650, I ASSUMED THAT MY ENGINE WAS OKAY, AS IT SEEMED TO BE RUNNING FINE, BUT THEN GAVE IN TO MY CURIOSITY, OPENED THE ENGINE CASES AND INSPECTED THE BALANCER MECHANISMS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030507
1 of 6 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Kawasaki KLR650 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1998 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 1998 Kawasaki KLR650?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 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.