Faults:

Very fine coolant leak from radiator/hose join at high speed. Not uncommon, apparently; simply needs re-tightening. This cured it.

Other than that, no faults or defects.

General Comments:

Extremely pleasant all-rounder with surprisingly good handling.

Power is more than adequate to the bike's purpose and design... even two-up with panniers and top box loaded.

Ergonomics I find particularly good; especially bars/pegs/backside triangle. Unlike others, I don't find the seat any worse than most. The position saves a lot of weight being dropped onto my wrists, which is a blessing.

I added a bashplate, taller screen, engine guards and headlight protector. The bike was then taken across the Nullarbor from Perth to Melbourne and shipped to Tasmania for a fortnight's touring, before riding back. It performed flawlessly.

If I have a criticism, it's just that the bike (and exhaust note) lack a little... "character" -- it just gets up and does things; no fuss, no protest. Gotta love that.

Faults:

Replaced factory seat with Gel seat... works better, not great, but better.

Replaced windscreen with Givi unit and with some tweaking, it works better than the stock shield, again, not perfect but better.

No parts failures unrelated to normal wear. Just replaced brake pads, chain and sprockets. Pads still had about 1/3 to 1/2 left, chain was shot, starting to kink up.

General Comments:

Great fuel economy. Between 55 and 60 mpg most of the time at speeds less than 65 mph. Over 65 it gets worse quickly.

Great power anywhere above 4000 rpm.

Good handling especially with Works rear shock and stiffer spring. It can keep up with faster bikes in the twisties.

This is a great motorcycle to do everything with. Reasonable in cost, reasonably cheap to own. Performs well in many kinds of usage.

General Comments:

Seat is brutal, but nothing compared to the typhoon the poorly designed fairing and useless windscreen produce. Ruins any enjoyment riding over 50 mph compared to real bikes.

Shouldn't have to rebuild half the bike to make it ride able. Take the shield off and it's a decent bike.

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

My first upright bike and I love it. Handles great and I can ride for hours at a time. Does not beat me to death.

Great torque. Zero to sixty time does not compare to my YZF600R, but the comfort is worth the trade off. Hardly no vibration.

Passenger ergonomics are good. Adjustable wind screen cuts down on buffeting; very quiet while riding at 70 mph.

Faults:

Nothing, so far.

General Comments:

Highway buffeting is a bit of a problem, but with the windshield raised it is not too bad. The bike is bigger and heavier than I expected for a 650 adventure-tourer, but this is good for highway riding.

The bike is much faster than I expected. It is quite easy to ride and very easy at speed. The seat and riding position are very comfortable.

Faults:

Starter relay blew in early August; my dealer replaced it with a relay from a floor model bike.

General Comments:

Coming from cruisers, this is easily the quickest motorcycle I have yet to own. It's not the fastest motorcycle out there, but in the right hands, the DL650 will embarrass many sport bikes in the twisties.

In stock trim I have found the DL650 to be a comfortable bike to ride. It has an upright seating position, which helps to keep the weight off of your hands and spine. Stock seats are usually the first thing many riders replace, but I have managed a couple days with over 700 miles in the saddle. The adjustable windshield works well for me, while some complain about buffeting.