2002 Yamaha XVS650 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 46%of 13 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Yamaha XVS650, 46% of the 13 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 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.
“Like many owners of the Yamaha 650 series, I am experiencing issues with the final drive. Mine is leeking fluid that had metallic chips in it with only 30,000 miles. It is being diagnosed tomorrow, but I already know the issue and will be attempting to fix it myself. Sicne there are countless issues, why is there no recall on th is model?!?!”
NHTSA complaint #10500854, filed 2013-02, 30,000 miles“On these model the shaft on the final-drive going into the rear differential is not oiled nor has enough grease to last over 10k miles. I have had this bike serviced at every service interval and greasing the splines is not in the service. Nor can they be greased when the tire change is performed without having to remove the 4 bolts that hold the drive shaft in the cover of the differential. …”
NHTSA complaint #10992985, filed 2017-06, 12,000 miles“My complaint is the lack of notification of maintenance and lubrication of the drive shaft coupler can cause it to seize resulting in injury or death. The manufacture does not identify this part for maintenance in the owners, shop or maintenance manuals concerning our model: xvs 650 Yamaha motorcycle.”
NHTSA complaint #10053099, filed 2004-01“Vehicle type: motorcycle make: Yamaha model xvs650a year: 2002 Yamaha's lack of notification of maintenance and lubrication of the drive shaft coupler can cause it to seize resulting in injury or death.”
NHTSA complaint #10053087, filed 2004-01“While driving up a slight incline clutch would not engage and motorcycle stalled. Consumer took vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic claimed that vehicle was performing as designed.”
NHTSA complaint #10091727, filed 2004-09Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Yamaha XVS650
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Yamaha XVS650
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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