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How could any manufacturer appeal to such diverse riding ability levels, hitting a long list of important performance and package features—all within such a low price point? Well, hold onto your helmets folks, Suzuki has pulled off quite a feat. Placing huge importance on feedback from previous generation Liter-Strom owners, their engineers poured themselves into the task of updating the bike from the ground up.

Our test bikes were pre-production versions from the EU. This meant that they weren’t necessarily the same as what will be offered from U.S. dealers, but close enough for a reasonable taste test. They were also the standard DL1000, not Adventure models. But, what better way to test this essentially new machine than over the picturesque twisties of SoCal’s Highways 76 and 79.

Along with Jim “Capt’n” Kirkland, Suzuki’s Director of Motorcycle Service, there were two of us testing pre-release versions of the DL, me at 5’6”, and ADVMoto Senior Editor, Paul H. Smith, at 6’4”. After throwing a leg over the saddle with my 31-inch inseam, it was immediately apparent that the new design’s lower and narrower seat nose and tank addresses the height-challenged rider (the release version has three seat height options available).

But after rolling on the throttle, it was the bike’s responsiveness and balance that bespoke of its radically upgraded liquid-cooled, 90-degree V-twin engine, along with the not-so-subtle improvements to its feel and handling as a result of the redesigned frame and suspension. There’s nothing like the word “butter” to describe the throttle and clutch.

In addition to greasing up the throttle, there’s the new Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) that works as a slipper clutch on downshifts; it also makes the clutch lever easier to pull, lessening left hand fatigue; something I especially appreciated in stop-and-go traffic on our last leg back to the barn. And, now with two iridium spark plugs per cylinder, we see that translate into higher power, more linear throttle response, easier engine start-up, a more stable idle, and a bump in MPG.