My usual type of bike would high powered and naked and that was what I went out intending to buy this summer. Tried the MT10, S1000R, Tuono 1100, great bikes all but couldn’t find anything that really met all my needs. Eventually I ended up at the Suzuki dealers for a test ride on the new GSXS 1000, which was OK but didn’t quite hit the spot either. Had a chat with the dealer and he suggested trying the DL and to be honest I wasn’t all that keen as it didn’t seem like my kind of bike but I thought what the hell I’m here anyway so gave it a go. First impressions were it’s tall but I can still reach the ground, all the controls were smooth, light and in easy reach. After the first hundred yards I was thinking this is really nice, standard suspension soaked up the bumps well, it felt comfy and just easy to get on with. The more I rode the bike over the next couple of hours the more I liked it, nimble and light to chuck about on tight twisty bumpy back roads, great brakes as well. I enjoyed the test ride so much I didn’t want to hand the bike back so bought one there and then. I’ve had it six weeks now and done 1500 miles and still thinks it’s a fantastic bike that’s hugely underrated and an absolute bargain for what you get. My only dislikes are the clunky gear change between first and second and it’s a little quiet for my tastes (easily fixed). Now that the bike is run in it’s surprisingly sporty if you want to ride it that way, very stable at three figure speeds while being a very civilised while cruising/ touring. If your in the market for this type of bike I’d go and get a test ride as I don’t think you will be disappointed.