NHTSA Complaint #11608635 — 2023 KAWASAKI KLR650

STEERING issue reported to NHTSA

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Complaint Details

ODI Number	11608635
Vehicle	2023 KAWASAKI KLR650
Component	STEERING
Date of Incident	August 14, 2024
Date Filed	August 15, 2024
Mileage	N/A miles
Crash	No
Fire	No
Injuries	0
Deaths	0
Vehicle Towed	No
State	NC

Consumer Description

This is a new Kawasaki KLR 650 motorcycle with 220 miles now on it and there is a steering issue at low speeds from 5 to 15 mph. It feels like the steering is catching and you have to fight the handlebars to get the motorcycle to turn. This is dangerous when starting off or at low speeds in traffic. After checking for recalls there are none but as I researched this problem I have found that most or all 2023 models are having this same problem if the VIN# starts with the letters ML. This means assembled in Thailand. Apparently the factory used incorrect torque settings when tightening the steering stem bolt or preload on steering stem bearing. I will be taking to dealer to have this dangerous issue checked.

Related Complaints for the 2023 KAWASAKI KLR650

Other STEERING Complaints

#11596224 — June 24, 2024 — When making a slow speed turn that requires a little extra handlebar input the bike seems to act like the steering he...

#11583209 — April 16, 2024 — I bought the motorcycle new from the dealer. At low speeds (12mph - 30 moh), the steering "catches" or "falls off" su...

#11582029 — April 9, 2024 — Steering bearing overtorqued by factory, dealer warranty loostened and readjusted, initial tendency, failure to retur...

#11560601 — December 18, 2023 — When the front brake is applied, especially in a hard braking situation the entire Steering mechanism turns to the ri...

#11547527 — September 30, 2023 — Low speed steering acts as though the steering head bearings are grabbing then releasing making it impossible to exec...

Recent Complaints for the 2023 KAWASAKI KLR650

#11582029 — ENGINE — April 9, 2024 — Steering bearing overtorqued by factory, dealer warranty loostened and readjusted, initial tendency, failure to retur...

#11582029 — POWER TRAIN — April 9, 2024 — Steering bearing overtorqued by factory, dealer warranty loostened and readjusted, initial tendency, failure to retur...

#11556049 — STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR — November 20, 2023 — The contact owns a 2023 Kawasaki KLR650. The contact stated while driving approximately 20-25 MPH and attempting to m...

#11546458 — STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR — September 25, 2023 — The contact owns a 2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Motorcycle. The contact stated that while riding at an undisclosed speed, he ...

#11546458 — SUSPENSION — September 25, 2023 — The contact owns a 2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Motorcycle. The contact stated that while riding at an undisclosed speed, he ...