New Suzuki

[Scab]

Gladius

 

[sonicspeed]

Ignition: Electronic ignition (Transistorized)

sounds like a 1970's radio

 

[johnny80s]

The black looks good but the white and blue color is yucko.

 

[Scab]

They have a new retro-looking starter bike too. TU250 But, alas, no new sport-touring bandit re-do.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

They have a new retro-looking starter bike too. TU250

Fuel injection on a 250 -- that certainly should get good MPGs....? Carb'd 250s often get around 70 mpg -- if it can be used in light-duty?, it may get even better with F.I.?

Prolly?, no 'choke' either...?

 

[Geezer]

That Gladius looks like a hooligan version of the SV650. I like it, but I don't know if there is really enough room between the SV and SVS for a whole different bike.

 

[thompsonian]

Vedddyyyy Intrestink!

 

[NoCage]

Well Scab, what does your FZ6 think about your perusing the Suzuki **** sites? You thinking about a change?

 

[MotorToad]

I don't understand the Gladius. It's too similar to the basic SV to me. It looks like it has the same bouncy-bounce damping rod forks, which is the only thing wrong with the SV.

 

[Scab]

Well Scab, what does your FZ6 think about your perusing the Suzuki **** sites? You thinking about a change?

No change coming here. Just surfin' bike ****, thought I'd check on the rumors of a new Suzi ST. This new thing looks like something built to compete against the Versys.

 

[Wicked Webby]

Ya,

The Black looks way better!

WW

 

[pacurverider]

Got an '06 that works for me, but the seat, pipe, headlamp and gauges on this are enough to make me sit up and take notice! Only in black, though!

 

[daviddowns2000]

That Gladius looks like a hooligan version of the SV650. I like it, but I don't know if there is really enough room between the SV and SVS for a whole different bike.

It has been rumored that the only SV650 model to be sold in the US for 2009 will be the SF (full fairings). I have not spoken with a Suzuki dealer about this, but it is interesting that the Suzuki website, at least to date, does not list any other 2009 SV650 models, only the 2008 naked and S models.

I agree with Motor Toad, I don't see the point of the Gladius. However, the SV needed an update (suspension, brakes, hp) and the Gladius has more trendy styling (but doesn't look like much of an improvement on the SV where it counts and even weighs a few pounds more). I guess they wanted to continue the entry level naked, price-point concept that made the SV a success, built around the terrific SV engine, market it like an iPod on wheels, and leave the upgrades to the aftermarket as they have always done with the SV. Will be interesting to see how it rides compared to the SV. Most specs are comparable although they have increased trail by about 4mm on the Gladius, possibly for more stability for beginners?

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

I also find it interesting that Suzuki are "naming" the bike (Gladius); as opposed to, the more popular in America?, alpha-numeric: SV650. Of course, V-Strom was a name that seemed to work? Some bikes have had both: CBR 1100XX and 'Super Blackbird'.

How about FJR 1300 -- what name...?

I guess? (hope) that, ultimately, the name won't sell the bike -- but its intrinsic qualities will... :huh:

 

[daviddowns2000]

I also find it interesting that Suzuki are "naming" the bike (Gladius); as opposed to, the more popular in America?, alpha-numeric: SV650. Of course, V-Strom was a name that seemed to work? Some bikes have had both: CBR 1100XX and 'Super Blackbird'.How about FJR 1300 -- what name...?

I guess? (hope) that, ultimately, the name won't sell the bike -- but its intrinsic qualities will... :huh:

The Gladius is also the SFV650.

 

[Duezzer]

Cool in Black

Comp for the EX650 and the Duc 696

Still like the Duc most

 

[johnny80s]

They have a new retro-looking starter bike too. TU250 But, alas, no new sport-touring bandit re-do.

Its very cute. The retro thing is cool too. Not trading my FJR in on one though.

 

[MotorToad]

It has been rumored that the only SV650 model to be sold in the US for 2009 will be the SF (full fairings). I have not spoken with a Suzuki dealer about this, but it is interesting that the Suzuki website, at least to date, does not list any other 2009 SV650 models, only the 2008 naked and S models.

Now it makes sense. According to this article there's no '09 SV. (I like how they've gone from SV to SVF to SFV in two years...)

I agree with Motor Toad, I don't see the point of the Gladius. However, the SV needed an update (suspension, brakes, hp) and the Gladius has more trendy styling (but doesn't look like much of an improvement on the SV where it counts and even weighs a few pounds more). I guess they wanted to continue the entry level naked, price-point concept that made the SV a success, built around the terrific SV engine, market it like an iPod on wheels, and leave the upgrades to the aftermarket as they have always done with the SV. Will be interesting to see how it rides compared to the SV. Most specs are comparable although they have increased trail by about 4mm on the Gladius, possibly for more stability for beginners?

And I agree with you; the SV needed a couple of simple upgrades (IMO just suspension) and they changed everything else but what needed it.
I hope the geometry change makes it more newb-friendly, I never thought the SV was a good beginner because it doesn't turn at all when the throttle is shut, leaving newbs to run wide unless they are the few that have the sack to get on the gas when need be. I think it was a good first track bike, but never a good first bike.

 

[bmwhd]

Gladius - Almost as gay as Spartacus.