2008 Kawasaki KLR650 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 8%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,504miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the suspension of the 2008 Kawasaki KLR650, 8% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,504 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.
“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 is the correct action to initiate a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10202918, filed 2007-09, 1,200 miles“While adjusting the preload adjuster on my rear shock on my 2008 KLR650 the preload adjust broke. All it does now is spin and won't adjust the shock at all. I only have 1500 miles on this bike.”
NHTSA complaint #10221640, filed 2008-03, 1,508 miles“I tried to adjust the spring preload to a stiffer setting on my rear shock and the adjuster mechanism failed and the shock remains on the softest setting, unable to be adjusted. I wanted for the first time to take a passenger for a ride and now the stiffer setting required is not obtainable. Riding the motorcycle with a passenger could be a hazard at the current softest setting. I have yet to do anything about the situation, but it seems to be a very common fault with this new motorcycle, and I was hoping for a recall on the shock before I had the chance to experience the potential problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10221989, filed 2008-03, 1,589 miles“I have a broken pre-load adjuster on rear shock of 2008 Kawasaki klr 650 motorcycle. The owners manual directions were followed exactly. This is not an isolated case as there are many similar occurrences on the identical motorcycle. A recall must be issued.”
NHTSA complaint #10240231, filed 2008-08, 4,800 miles“Preload adjuster on the rear shock of a 2008 Kawasaki KLR650 failed. Preload on rear shock was not adjustable and stuck in the first position of five. Entire shock was warranted and replaced with a functioning shock by Kawasaki.”
NHTSA complaint #10204411, filed 2007-09Suspension: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Kawasaki KLR650
85 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsElectrical system
5 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 31, 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