Mad Dog,
I have to agree with Tony17112acst on this one.
Also IMHO…
Long answer (short answer below):
If the 650 really did have gears to shift into, then overdrive would be just the additional gear at the top end to allow lower rpm for higher mph. Since it's an ECVT there are really no "gears." They, the so-called "gears", are all virtual or simulated and only exist as a fixing of the pulley ratios that would relate to these simulated "gears." Thus, overdrive is just another virtual "gear" and is not a real “gear” but rather just a higher pulley ratio that allows a lower rpm for a higher mph. It exists as a virtual “gear” only in manual mode. The bike’s computer is programmed to create simulated “gears” for the manual mode and provides the option for those who want to “shift” when riding this motorcycle.
With an ECVT in automatic mode there is only the continuous adjustment of the pulley ratios to maintain the most efficient and operation and peak output, torque, power of the engine to the rear wheel for any given mph and/or request for acceleration. Overdrive is just an extension or adjustment of the higher end of the range of pulley ratios allowed. In the 2005 or later models there was a change in the computer code that controls what ratios go with what engine and bike speeds and this is what allows the “overdrive” range of ratios.
On the other hand, the Power mode is just the opposite. Pressing that button tells the computer to adjust the pulley ratios down to raise the rpm for a lower mph. And this is applied at all engine and bike speeds, not just the high end. The result, as we all have experienced, is a boost of torque or power to rear wheels at the expense of efficient operation. This also is not a “gear” but a change in the computer code that controls what ratios go with what engine and bike speeds.
Short answer:
OD IS working in all modes, but the OD light only works in manual mode.
IMHO.
Now, if we can only get them to make the speedo work right!