AI Damage2009 Kawasaki KL650E: common problems
Owners of the 2009 Kawasaki KL650E filed 6 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 6
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 67% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 33% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 4 complaints (67% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 2 complaints (33% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 6 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 2 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
While driving approximately 15 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 09v062000 (electrical system:wiring) however, was advised by the manufacturer that the vin was not included in the recall.
The contact attempted to start the vehicle and it failed to start. The contact was eventually able to start the vehicle; however after inspecting the vehicle the contact noticed the metal bracket attached to the generator was extremely sharp and was cutting into the wiring harness.
2009 klr 650 with only 7k miles, engine cut off suddenly at highway speed. Mechanics reporting the entire engine will need to be replaced due to excessive oil usage causing damage in all parts of engine.
While traveling at night approximately 55 mph, the engine completely stalled with the loss of the electrical system. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnosis. There was recall related to the defect under nhtsa campaign id number 09v062000 (electrical system: wiring).
New 09 kawasaki klr650 bought from ridersville cycle in berkeley springs, wv. On initial ride oil drain plug came out, draining oil, leading to engine seizing while traveling at 55mph, but for the quick reactions of the rider, a serious accident would have pursued.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 13,278 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 36% most complained about).
On average one model year of the KL650E has 5 complaints (4 years in the data). This year has 6, above average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Kawasaki KL650E?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 6. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: stalls while driving (50%), won't start (17%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2009 Kawasaki KL650E?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2009 Kawasaki KL650E from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2009 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.