You want an uncomfortable ride? Try a Boulevard, 2006 (S50).

So far I have minimal complaints about the bike as a whole and in general. It's ergonomically designed with the "average" rider in mind, and it performs like a pretty well tuned 650. I do notice the slight vibration at 48K rpms or so, which is probably a balance issue inherent to all or most of these motors, and unfortunately amplified by accessories on some machines to an uncomfortable degree.

If I were Suzuki, I would consider investigating that buzz/vibration issue if anything.

Why isn't there a front axle removal tool in the tool kit?
I mean, these are "dual-sport" bikes, and some of us have to repair flats when we're not exactly in civilization. Some of us even repair flats when we are in civilization...but, no way to get the front wheel off unless I go buy a tool.

i have found nothing wrong that is not the same with every other bike i've owned. seats always suck is a given. long key don't bother me as i keep it on a small binner and hook it to my helmet d ring when i'm off the bike and the helmet goes with me. graphite works. my bags are never on the bike unless loaded. if my tent is up, my bags are in it. i personally don't like the way the chain adjuster works...for the one time i've needed to adj, but this too will pass. this bike is a near perfect as any i've owned!

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2012 wee ADVENTURE, 2012 GOLDWING WITH TRAILER (TRADED FOR WEE STROM), 07 BANDIT 1250 (TRADED FOR 2012 GOLDWING), BANDIT 1200, NINJA 500, Z1000, ZX9R, MARAUDER 800, 650 SAVAGE, 750 KATANA, NINJA 900, '78 YAMAHA 750 SPECIAL, YAMAHA RD400

Tubeless tyres ?. Tyre repairs are usually done with stringy plugs or similar with no need to remove the tyre. Unless you carry a tube and some means of removing the tubeless valve stem removing the front wheel gains you nothing.

Do so much damage that a plug won't work and you probably need a truck, not a front axle tool.

As a hint though, buy a bolt and a couple of nuts the right size and make your own removal tool if you need one.

Pete

I always carry a tube, and a large, stiff patch, so I could make it out of the trails back to civilization even if I cut a big chunk out of the tire. I guess I'm probably a bit overprepared, but, my past of riding out in the desert does that to a person.

I FINALLY found a 12 mm hex at a NAPA auto parts store, of all places...

Sears has 12mm hex tools too. I cut mine up to make the remains useful with a ratchet and 12mm socket. I always carry a socket set.

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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

I started at Sears...just bad luck, I guess! I first went to a Suzuki Motorcycle dealership, who said they'd order one for me, but, I wanted to work on the front forks that night, not wait a week and pay a bunch more than I figured a bit at some other store would cost (which the dealer confirmed...he suggested I go buy the piece somewhere for less than 1/2 the price he'd charge...I thanked him for his honesty). So, I went to Auto Zone, Ace Hardware, Lowe's, Home Depot, O'Reilly's, Pep Boys, and one specialty store that had one...but, I would have to buy an entire kit to get it. Finally, I was really surprised the NAPA guy took one out of a kit and sold it to me, while he ordered a single 12mm replacement piece that he was going to put back in his kit when it came in. Great customer service! And, I got to work on my forks that day after all!

Unless you can pop and reseat the bead in the field a tube is still no use to you. Wait until the tire is near worn and try to remove the damned thing yourself. Pick a warm day and It'll be at it's most flexible.

If do you get a flat it'll be a new tyre and a cold day [in hell] and much harder than in your garage. I used to replace tubes when I rode dirt bikes - it's not so easy on these things.

I'm saying you shouldn't do this, just warning you that there are 'issues' that make anything but a plug pretty difficult. My guess would be that at least a set of quality ratchet straps will also be needed.

Pete

Captain Obvious would like to bring up the 10% speedo difference. The math is second nature now, but it'd still be nice to have an accurate readout. The $95 service manual... well...

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