Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 129 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 28.7 times the median KLR650 year — the 2008 model ranks #1 of 18 KLR650 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: lighting issues account for 66% of all reports (85 of 129), far ahead of engine at 14.
129
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting | 85 | 66% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 14 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 10 | 8% | new |
| Suspension | 9 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 5 | 4% | new |
| Other | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
Consequence
IF THIS OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
KAWASAKI WILL REPURCHASE THESE MOTORCYCLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 1, 2007. ALL DEALERS/OWNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I RIDE MY BIKE EVERY DAY TO WORK. IT IS GARAGED AND WHEN OUTSIDE IT IS ALWAYS COVERED. I HAVE NEVER TAKEN THE BIKE OFF ROAD OR DIRT TRAIL RIDING. THE BIKE HAS NEVER FALLEN, BEEN DROPPED OR KNOCKED OVER. WHEN I PULLED THE COVER OFF ON 9/20/2008 AT 1957HRS TO HEAD HOME I FOUND THAT THE LEFT FRONT…”
“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. I HAD TO INSTALL A SPACER TO FIX AND PREVENT THE OTHER SIDE FROM COMING…”
“I HAVE A 2008 KAWASAKI KLR650, BOTH REAR BLINKER RUBBER MOUNTS BROKE AND THE BLINKERS WERE JUST HANGING BY THE WIRES WHEN I GOT HOME. I AM ASSUMING THAT THE RUBBER USED BECOMES BRITTLE AND BREAKS FROM VIBRATION. THE BIKE ONLY HAS 800 MILES ON IT AND IS A LITTLE OVER A YEAR OLD. THIS IS A FACTORY…”
“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. KAWASAKI SO FAR IS REPLACEING THE PARTS UNDER WARENTY, HOW EVER THEY HAVENT UPGRADED THE THE PART TO PREVENT FAILER, YET. I HOPE THIS…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KAWASAKI KLR650. HE WAS DRIVING 55MPH ON HIS MOTORCYCLE AND IT SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WIRES WERE RUBBING UNDERNEATH THE GAS TANK. WHEN THE WIRES RUBBED TOGETHER THEY BLEW A FUSE AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF. THE MECHANIC HAS BEEN…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 129 complaints put the 2008 model at #1 of 18 KLR650 years. It is one of the KLR650 years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (85 complaints), engine (14 complaints), body & structure (10 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Kawasaki KLR650. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the KLR650 years to avoid are 2008. The cleanest record among KLR650 years belongs to 2017.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.