So it's not just my riding style, the bike definitely runs rich. Forgive me if there is a topic devoted to this, I couldn't find it after some decent searching.
I've never hit the sort of economy other bikes seem to get and the tailpipe has always been very sooty.
I changed the plugs over a few days ago and they definitely confirmed a rich condition. Both front and rear plugs look like this, note the porcelain isn't a nice white colour and plenty of carbon buildup around the edges.
Bike has a new air filter (pleated paper), no ECU codes come up and runs perfectly in every respect other than fuel economy. Bike is coming up to 100k kms as well.
Is there a common issue that can cause this? I think my next trick will be to look at the coolant temp sensor and perhaps also thermostat.

Attached Images

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A sensor malfunction can cause something like that. Sensors read air temperature and density. If the sensor "thinks" there is more air coming in than there really is, too much fuel will be injected. A fault indication won't come up unless a sensor is totally out of range. In range but off accuracy will do what you report. It's not a coolant temperature thing. It can be the TPS, APS, IATS, or IAPS for example. The TPS is the first check I'd make then the intake sensors would be next.

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Pat- 2007 DL650A was ridden to all 48 contiguous states. 2012 DL650A is just getting started.
Nicknames for posting ease on my part, Vee = all DL1000s. Wee = 2004-2011 DL650s. Glee = 2012+ DL650s

Lacking a 911 or other such device, will a dealer diagnostic reveal the faulty component? It might be worth a visit in search of the truth. Take your lantern Diogenes.

A faulty component will only trigger a fault if it is totally out of range. If within the range of possibility, only replacement and monitoring the result will determine the condition for sure.

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Pat- 2007 DL650A was ridden to all 48 contiguous states. 2012 DL650A is just getting started.
Nicknames for posting ease on my part, Vee = all DL1000s. Wee = 2004-2011 DL650s. Glee = 2012+ DL650s

So.... have you been able to track down any improper settings or defective components?

not white. should be a brownish tan color.

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fuelly link: http://www.fuelly.com/driver/jbw/dl1000

Another possibility is a weak spark. If that is found to be okay then one other thing to check is the cams timing, camchain could be out a tooth. Not enough for a valve to be struck. Another last thing from my experience with owning a bandit 600; there's a plugin diode in the loom on the left side of the frame. This was dodgy and the bandit ran sooty. I don't know if a similar diode is present on the Wee loom. Possibly it influenced a timing pick up maybe. Hope you get sorted.