2001 Kawasaki KLR650
Only 19 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 19 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 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
FAILURE OF COUNTERBALANCE ADJUSTER. PART SHATTERED INTO THREE PIECES. ONE PIECE LOST IN CRANKCASE, REQUIRING FURTHER DIASSAMBLY OF ENGINE TO RECOVER
NHTSA ODI report, 20030206
BALANCER IDLER SHAFT, TENSIONER LEVER FAILURE ON A 2001 KAWASAKI KLR 650 MOTORCYCLE, RESULTING IN PIECES OF STEEL ENTERING OIL SUMP, CRANKCASE AND TRANSMISSION OF ENGINE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030101
4 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
THE IDLER SHAFT LEVER (AKA "DOOHICKEY") BROKE IN HALF AND THE PIECES OF IT WERE FLOATING AROUND IN THE CRANK CASED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120405
KAWASAKI KLR650 BALANCER TENSIONER AND CAM SPRING ON MOTORCYCLE LESS THAN ONE YEAR OLD WITH LOW MILEAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021215
2 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
1 of 19 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN HOLDING CLUTCH IT SUDDENLY ENGAGED, CAUSING UNWANTED AND UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. ALSO, CLUTCH PLATE MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010411
1 of 19 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER HAD NOTICED THE SWING ARM BOLTS HAD BEEN COMING APART FROM MOTORCYCLE FRAME, WHICH WAS ATTACHED TO SUSPENSION, AND COULD CAUSE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF MOTORCYCLE. DEALER HAD BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020319
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Kawasaki KLR650 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2001 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 2001 Kawasaki KLR650?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 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.