This is probably pointing out what most of you already know but I thought I'd share my success with bleeding the front brakes on my 08 DL650 (non ABS).
The brakes have always been soft, by that I mean the lever travels much further than I am comfortable with. I have bled them numerous times, manually and with a Mitivac, the results have always been the same. I should point out that the brakes work, they stop the bike, if I didn't have access to other bikes with far superior brakes then I may even have got used to the V-Strom shit brakes.
I fitted braided lines, If I'm honest I was expecting a significant lasting difference but never got that. After doing some research I followed this simple tip.
1. Bleed both Calipers in whatever way you are comfortable with
2. Ensure the Master Cylinder is only half full
3. Remove each Caliper and force the Pistons all the way home (this forces any air back up)
4. Cable tie the lever overnight.
5. Release lever, top up Master Cylinder and admire your new found firmness
My brakes are now significantly improved
This is what I used to push the pistons back.