MYRModel Year Report

2008 Kawasaki KLR650

○ Not enough data
2008 Kawasaki KLR650
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:24:04.552Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kawasaki KLR650 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2008 highlighted. 1993: 2 complaints 1993 1995: 1 complaints 1997: 1 complaints 1998: 6 complaints 1998 1999: 7 complaints 2000: 8 complaints 2001: 19 complaints 2001 2002: 11 complaints 2003: 6 complaints 2005: 1 complaints 2005 2006: 1 complaints 2008: 116 complaints 2008 2009: 6 complaints 2009 2017: 1 complaints 2022: 1 complaints 2023: 16 complaints 2023 2024: 1 complaints 2024
2008: 116 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19932
19951
19971
19986
19997
20008
200119
200211
20036
20051
20061
2008116
20096
20171
20221
202316
20241

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 68%

68% of complaints: exterior lighting — 79 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

TURNED IN COMPLAINT ON A FEW DAYS AGO. RECEIVED THIS TRACKING NUMBER 11063172. WHAT'S MY NEXT STEP? THE COMPLAINT WAS TURN SIGNALS FALLING OFF.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180120

TURN SIGNALS FELL OFF. HANGING ON BY ELECTRIC WIRING

NHTSA ODI report, 20180116

EXTERIOR TURN SIGNALS DRYROT,THEREFORE TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS FALLING OFF AND HANGING ON BY WIRE. ONE IN FRONT AND ONE IN BACK. THE ONE IN BACK FELL ON TO MUFFLER MELTING PLASTIC.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180107

STRUCTURE 7%

7% of complaints: structure — 8 distinct reports on file.

SUSPENSION 5%

5% of complaints: suspension — 6 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

REAR PRE-LOAD ADJUSTER ON 2008 KAWASAKI KLR650 SPINS FREELY. CANNOT ADJUST SUSPENSION TO RIDERS WEIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20070920

SHOCK PRELOAD ADJUSTER ON MY 2008 KAWASAKI KLR 650 BROKE. EVERY 08 KLR I KNOW OF, THIS PART HAS FAILED. AT THIS TIME THE REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE FAILING JUST AS FAST.

NHTSA ODI report, 20070913

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 5%

5% of complaints: exterior lighting — 6 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 5%

5% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

COVER SIDE HOLE THAT LOWER STARTER GEAR PIN RIDES IN IS MILLED TOO DEEP AND CAN RESULT IN SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE. WHILE INSTALLING A BALANCER TENSION SPRING UPGRADE (ANOTHER ISSUE WITH THESE MOTORCYCLES) I FOUND I HAD THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20100604

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20070601 — structure

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.

Remedy: KAWASAKI WILL REPURCHASE THESE MOTORCYCLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 1, 2007. ALL DEALERS/OWNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.

Campaign 07V244000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2008 Kawasaki KLR650 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (79 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 07V244000 (structure) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2008 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 2008 Kawasaki KLR650?

The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 68% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Kawasaki KLR650 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.