2008 Kawasaki KLR650 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,550miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Kawasaki KLR650, 4% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,550 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While traveling on main highway at 2am enroute to work I lost engine and lights. No warning. Unable to see anything let alone other motorists being able to see me. Replaced main fuse & battery...not the problem. Taking bike to dealer today. Out of warranty by approximately one month. Only 1500 miles on bike. Dealer claims electrical shortage somewhere??? Could have been seriously injured or killed.”
NHTSA complaint #10243852, filed 2008-09, 1,500 miles“Riding 2008 Kawasaki klr-650 at speed less than 60mph. After ride (2) blinkers, one front & one rear fell off. The rubber mounting stalk on each blinker broke at the base and the turn signals fell off only to be held on by the wires.”
NHTSA complaint #10244736, filed 2008-10, 550 miles“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 unsuccessful at repairing the motorcycle for two weeks. The failure mileage and current mileage was 1,600.”
NHTSA complaint #10236574, filed 2008-07, 1,600 miles“2008 Kawasaki klr 650 motorcycle. Consumer states several problems with motorcycle and has received recalls since purchasing the motorcycle, the consumer had to replace three batteries. While changing the oil for the first time, he discovered the engine was consuming eight to ten ounces of oil per thousand miles of use. The consumer contacted the manufacturer and was informed the oil consumption fell within the acceptable range as specified by Kawasaki engineers. The consumer believed the pistons were too small for the cylinder bore on his bike.”
NHTSA complaint #10329636, filed 2010-05Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 3 | 50% |
| 2008 | 5 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2008 Kawasaki KLR650
85 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Kawasaki KLR650
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology