Faults:

At first service, dealer found electrical harness problem. It was replaced. Dealer blamed it on Suzuki for installing the tank on the harness and pinching a wire.

Speedometer started jumping at about 400 miles. Speedo replaced at first service.

Chrome on tank cover started to peel away at 4800 miles. Dealer replaced with a new one.

Lost both bolts that hold turn signal/license plate assembly to rear fender around 1000 miles. Dealer replaced both and then lost one of them again. I blame dealer for installing improperly. Waiting two weeks now for new bolts from dealer.

General Comments:

With the problems I've had, I love the bike. Haven't ridden a bike in 20 years and this is a great bike to get started again. Carries me at 265 lbs and a passenger with no problem.

Didn't realize the valves were noisy when I bought the bike, but after first service (400 miles and a valve adjustment), noise becomes noticeable. Four dealers tell me its normal for the fuel injector M50. Haven't gotten used to the noise but love the FI over carbs any day!!

Passenger says the rear seat is not very comfortable after a long ride. No problem for the driver.

Weight is reduced by all the plastic and chrome plated items. Looks great but a closer look - feels cheap. I guess the bike would cost more if they used real metal and chrome to make the bike. Handles well, FI gives nice throttle reaction, 70 mph seems to be sweet spot on the higway, easy do-it-yourself oil changes, love the liquid cooled option over air cooled.

Faults:

I have had no problems whatsoever with the bike as originally delivered. I have had some problems with certain after market items, but this isn't Suzuki's fault, is it?

General Comments:

Overall I think this is probably the best road motorcycle on the market for the asking price. You can ride it as a naked bike, with a small shield only, or load it with a large shield and bags for touring. In any configuration it will fill the bill smoothly and confidently. I love this bike!

I did, however, change several things on the bike almost immediately after purchasing it. This was not because of any inherent factory faults, but because of personal fit and fussiness considerations. I did, after all, know that these changes might be needed to suit my tastes before I even drove the bike off the dealer's lot.

I didn't like the forward foot position, so changed to very long-tailed floorboards so that my feet could be below my thighs... the traditional English position. Shift and brake pedals were not moved and this has worked out fine.

The handlebars seemed somewhat low to me (I'm short legged and long waisted) and this was confirmed later as I would get severe pains in my left shoulder after about half an hour's riding. This pain would not subside until I was stopped and afoot for a while. Not acceptable. Raise the bars? Not an easy task on an M50 so I sought out a lower seat. I found a heated one (big bonus there!) that lowered my butt 1 1/2 inches which solved the pain problem and greatly extended the comfortable riding season.

No complaint, just a tip, J.C. Whitney sells an $8 (ea) mirror extension and anti-vibration stud that works great. It provides a greater view (it's higher, after all) of the road behind you. Highly recommended item.

Viva M50!