Recall 17V465 affects 1,837 2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 motorcycles for a loose tail/brake light socket. Repair is free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer.
Kawasaki is recalling 1,837 2017 Versys 650 motorcycles because a loose tail/brake light socket can let the bulb fall out. Without a working tail or brake light, there is an increased risk of a crash, and the Kawasaki dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The tail and brake light socket on the 2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 holds the bulb in the rear lamp assembly. It keeps the bulb seated so the tail light stays on with the lighting system and the brake light brightens when you squeeze the brake.
On affected motorcycles, the socket is loose enough that vibration and normal road movement can let the bulb move out of position. Once the bulb falls out of the socket, the rear lamp stops doing its job. A rider still has the brake controls, but traffic behind the motorcycle loses that light signal.
There is no warning sign before failure. The bulb can come loose without a change in how the motorcycle rides, brakes, or feels from the seat.
Who's affected?
The lighting issue is listed under separate brake-light and tail-light components for the same motorcycle.
| 2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 | Brake lights |
|---|---|
| 2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 | Tail lights |
| Units affected | 1,837 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific motorcycle.
What's the safety risk?
A failed tail/brake light makes the motorcycle harder for other drivers to see when you slow or stop, increasing crash risk. There is no warning sign before the light stops working, so check the rear light before riding and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Kawasaki dealer to confirm whether the free tail/brake light socket replacement is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 17V465 when you call so the dealer can find the correct Kawasaki campaign.
- Bring the recall notice if Kawasaki mailed one, or ask the dealer to verify the recall from your VIN.
- Inspect the tail/brake light before riding and avoid riding after dark until the socket replacement keeps the bulb secured.
What happens at the repair
Kawasaki's listed remedy is for a Kawasaki technician to replace the tail/brake light socket so the bulb stays seated and the rear lamp can work as intended. The repair is free once the dealer remedy is available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. The service visit should focus on the tail/brake light socket, not a broader lighting system overhaul unless the technician finds related damage during the recall repair.
Timeline
| July 11, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 31, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V465?
Recall 17V465 covers 1,837 2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 motorcycles with a loose tail/brake light socket. The bulb can fall out, leaving the motorcycle without a working tail or brake light and increasing crash risk. Kawasaki dealers replace the socket for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 17V465. If it is, contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule the tail/brake light socket replacement. Reference recall number 17V465 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Kawasaki's remedy says dealers replace the tail/brake light socket free of charge. The recall repair began on July 31, 2017.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility to drivers behind you. If the tail/brake light bulb falls out of the loose socket, the motorcycle loses that rear lighting signal, which increases crash risk under NHTSA campaign 17V465. Have the socket replaced by a Kawasaki dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V465000 |
|---|---|
| Kawasaki customer service | 1-866-802-9381 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V465 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V465000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →