2009 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.
3 of 6 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KAWASAKI KLR650. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE MOTORCYCLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141219
THIS COMPLAINT DOES NOT REPRESENT AN INCIDENT WITH MY PERSONAL VEHICLE. THE KAWASAKI KLR650 SERIES, ALL MODELS SPANNING ALL MFG YEARS, SUFFER FROM A WEAK CHAIN TENSIONER ASSEMBLY FOR THE COUNTERBALANCE SHAFTS. THIS IS AN INTERNAL ENGINE COMPONENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140826
3 of 6 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KAWASAKI KLR650 MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140728
1 of 6 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 6 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Kawasaki KLR650 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2009 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 2009 Kawasaki KLR650?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 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.