SV650FS Gladius

[cat0020]

Just traded my 2003 Bandit 1200S to a 2009 Gladius.. much more fun to ride.

I put over 100 miles on it in the first 24 hours of ownership, 25 mi. in the rain yesterday afternoon. Even with brand new tires, I feel much more confident on this machine.



Any Gladius owners/riders care to share their experience?

[RayOSV]

Cool bike. Suzuki is getting a lot of use from their 650cc v-twin.

[Transient]

Out of curiosity - what do you like about it over the old Bandit?

[cat0020]

SFV650 feels like it weighs about 150 lb. less.. easier to maneuver in tight traffic.. lane splitting at <25 mph.

I never came close to dropping the Bandit, but trying to walk the Bandit back it into my garage every night was certain more difficult than the SFV650.

I prefer a smaller bike over large anyway, I weight less than 150 lb. myself. the torque of the Bandit was very addictive.. but the weight made me hesitant of leaning it over.

The Gladius is very easy to ride, I have more confidence dragging my knees when leaned over. I specially enjoy the engine braking on a V-twin, something that's just not the same on an inline-4.

[Mr. Sparky]

The Bandit's weight shows at low speed for sure. On highway it's not so bad, just not as nimble.

[cat0020]

Been trying a few things on my Gladius.. 11 days into ownership.. 600 mi. service done in driveway. Took off the tailpipe, saved 8 lb. Added tailbag and tank bag.

[gatorSMASH]

whats the top speed on that thing?

[g34343greg]

the bike looks good, but get an exhaust. running it straight out of the cat is gay

[cat0020]

Originally Posted by gatorSMASH

whats the top speed on that thing?

Engine is not fuly broken in yet, I'm not testing the top speed.

Besides, top speed is way beyong legal speed limit (I like to keep my license and low insurance rate) and whatever the rider is willing to risk and his ability could achieve..

I much rather testing the traction limit of the tires.

Originally Posted by g34343greg

the bike looks good, but get an exhaust. running it straight out of the cat is gay

I much rather save the weight of having extra exhaust pipe.. please explain why is it gay to run exhaust out of cat?
I'm not gay, so I don't understand; you must be since you know about it.

[dsmgixxer]

wow thats a nice looking bike

[cat0020]

Took off the ugly chrome mirrors and mounted some cheapo plastic ones..

[Marina1]

Originally Posted by cat0020

Engine is not fuly broken in yet, I'm not testing the top speed.

Besides, top speed is way beyong legal speed limit (I like to keep my license and low insurance rate) and whatever the rider is willing to risk and his ability could achieve..

I much rather testing the traction limit of the tires.

Love the look of the Gladius, especially in black.
I am starting to look at a few different bikes, trying to decide what my next one will be and the Gladius is on my list...How do you find it on the highway? Do you feel it needs a windscreen? Is there a lot of vibration?
Just wondering...thanks (and congrats on the new bike!)

[cat0020]

The seat on the Gladius could really use more padding, even for me at 150 lb., after 45 minutes of riding, my butt needs to be relieved.. maybe it's the upright riding position that put more pressure on the butt, maybe after I convert the handlebar the seat may not be such a pain. The sheepskin seatpad helps, but still desire for more.

The stock tires on the Gladius is somewhat amazing, either that or it's been a while since I've ridden new/higher performance tires. No chicken strip on the rear tire, I'm ripping it up quite nicely.

Suspension could also use some work, but until I wear out the stock units, I think I will leave them for a while.

Highway performance is pretty good, the lack of fairing allow "clean" airflow around the rider's chest and helmet, by winter time I think I will put a huge windshield (over helmet and hands) on it to block the cold wind. Using a smaller flyscreen may clean up the airflow even more, but some bigger screen to chest height may just screw up the airflow and cause more buffering.

V-twin has different frequency of vibration than in-line 4 engines, the Gladius doesn't have the high frequency vibe from my previous Bandit 600/1200, which get my hands numb after long distance riding. I find the Gladius' vibration does not tire me out as much as the Bandits did.

[Marina1]

Thanks for the info, cat...I really appreciate it.
I'm glad you are enjoying the bike in the twisties (no chicken strip)...
Be careful and keep having fun!

[brickerenator]

Pretty

I cruised through the dealer the other day

best looking bike there