For a while I was a little miffed by the Deluxe's conflicting identity. Is it a tourer? Well, it can't be a full-blown long-distance machine because it lacks some of the amenities offered on luxo-barges like the Honda Gold Wing and BMW K1200LT. But then again, it's not really a cruiser because, well, it's a V-4, and not a very quick one at that. At first, I wasn't truly convinced there was any market for this machine because it didn't have any concrete identity.

Somewhere between a Hayabusa and a Honda Rebel exists a class of motorcycles that cuts one of the largest swaths among streetbike riders, they are what we like to call "reality bikes."

A reality bike, by our definition, is an elemental yet widely capable machine that is friendly to both its owner's wallet and its insurance provider, perfectly willing to pound out commuter miles during the week followed some out-of-town fun on the weekend.

The 781cc V-Four has a pair of Siamesed cylinders set 90 degrees apart, its 16 valves are actuated by a pedestrian cam chain. It's fueled by 12-hole fuel injectors and is wrapped by a pair of slim-line radiators that peek through the fairing's side vents. Finally, the engine boasts iridium-tipped spark plugs, an air-injection system and a three-way catalyst—technology that helped earn the motor a seven-year federal smog certificate—good until the 2008 model year.

With nigh-on 80ftlb of torque delivered to the rear wheel at 3700rpm, the Bandit’s new six-speed gearbox needs little provocation. It’ll cheerfully pull from 3500rpm in top gear and run on to 140+mph. That gearbox is typical Suzuki: precise, perfectly spaced ratios. And, hoorah, no sign of any fuel-injection stutters or flatspots in its performance delivery.

The big differences between the top models, as our testers discovered, are in fit, finish and features the three "Fs" of helmets. We graded these premium lids on their quality of finish and attention to detail. Ventilation systems were checked in all weather from hot and hotter, to wet and cold. Can you operate the vents with gloves on? Does the chin strap flog you half to death because there's no snap to secure the end? When your helmet starts smelling like a bear's den, can you remove the pads and wash them? The answers to these and other burning questions are included in our premium helmet comparison test, but the most important question is "How do you make sure you buy a helmet that really fits properly?"

These instructions are intended to be followed in order. The purpose of this order is to minimize the [motorcycle's] exposure to corrosive agents and prolong its life & good looks as much as possible. This guide assumes that the vehicle is being stored for more than a month and less than a year. There may be other storage procedures you should follow if you plan to store the vehicle for longer. For storage of less than a month in temperatures that don't go below freezing, you don't really need to do anything...

Now I hate to say it, but the Alaskan Highway got real crowded. I mean all the traffic gets bunched up at the construction zones, then (bikes in front) we go like gangbusters when released on the far side. I may mention that, even though the rest of Canada is very conservative on the speed limit enforcement, on this run it is more or less do what you can. However, I don’t want to be the fastest on the road. I can terrorize myself on the way to work if I want. I’m here to be here, traveling and smiling and making video tapes in my head. I may take a picture for you guys, but the full motion stereo high definition stuff is in my head.