Suzuki Gladius

[squeezer]

What's the difference between a Gladius and a SV650?  Aren't they basically the same, with the Gladius just trying to copy the monster a bit?  Some motor? Basically same chassis?

Curious.

- Dan

This is all second hand knowledge since I've owned neither (and, really, shouldn't even be playing in this thread), but here's what the SV guys tell me:

Same block, some engine tweaks on the Gladius that are supposed to give it a bit more low and midrange (like different cams, single instead of double valve springs on Gladius, some tweak to cylinders).

Different frames. SV is aluminum, Gladius is steel. Different ergos -- Gladius has a more upright seating position. Seat is lower on the Gladius.

The Gladius supposedly has a lower curb weight, but people who have ridden both say it feels heavier.

Better suspension on the SV, which is where the performance difference supposedly really comes from.

ABS available on the SV, not the Gladius.

Most common point of agreement:  Gladius is a stupid name.

[Scratch33]

Most common point of agreement:  Gladius is a stupid name.

It was originally called Gladys.

[ChrisZRX]

I owned a Gladius for a year.  Same beloved, torquey SV 650 engine at 70 HP, so it's not a slouch. Unfortunately, Suzuki sort of marketed it as a ghey bike, and Gladius is a really dumb name.  

However, it's a very fun and capable bike, but DO get a Corbin seat.

I rode it from PA to NC and back.  Other than the horrible seat the bike performed admirably.

A good alternative, I think, is the Kawasaki Versys.    

[Giaka]

Damn today I find out I am ghey!!! Whats next?  

I kinda liked the Gladius until I read this thread.  

[caddydaddy]

Damn today I find out I am ghey!!! Whats next?  

I kinda liked the Gladius until I read this thread.  

Sorry bud, but it is definitely a chick bike!  

[falcofred]

What's the difference between a Gladius and a SV650?  Aren't they basically the same, with the Gladius just trying to copy the monster a bit?  Some motor? Basically same chassis?

Curious.

- Dan

Ok Dan, I'll make it simple, Suzuki gave the SV650 a sex change and named it Gladius. In Japanese Gladius translates to "I'm gay" unless your buying it for your Mom or Wife, I'd stay away.
That is not just my opinion, but the opinion of Motorcyclist Magazine writer Ari Henning.

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/122_0908_kawasaki_er_6n_vs_suzuki_gladius/index.html

Off The Record
Ari Henning
Age: 24 Height: 5'10" Weight: 175 lbs. Inseam: 33 in.
The Gladius is embarrassing. Have you looked at its website, www.gladiusstyle.com? As an SV650 owner, I'm distraught to see the direction Suzuki went with the Gladius, and the fact that it replaces the SV650N in the 2009 lineup ...well, that just pisses me off! If I had to choose one of these two bikes, I'd go with the ER-6n hands-down. It's a great do-it-all motorcycle, and that mean streetfighter look gives it some valuable street cred.

But. If I was given $7000 with which to purchase a beginner's bike, I'd go straight to Craigslist and pick up one of the myriad two- and three-year-old SV650N's being unloaded for $3500. I'd put the rest toward a GSX-R front-end conversion, an upgraded shock and an exhaust, and end up with the kickass bike Suzuki should have built instead of this homo-erotic metro-cycle.

Even a female tester rider stated the bike is a sewing machine
Off The Record
Kristi Martel
Age: 27 Height: 5'10" Weight: 140 lbs. Inseam: 33.5 in.
The Gladius is more sewing machine than machine gun, with an engine that barely out-hums a Prius.

[Papa Lazarou]

The main difference is the frame and the engine tuning. And the Gladius doesn't look as good.

I've had an SV650s as a second bike and the motor is amazing and it went round corners. Felt like a proper bike-not bad for a middle weight sports. But, it did my back in and had to go. The N version is the better buy.

[ChrisZRX]

To be fair, If I put myself on the Gladius, and was able to clone me and put the clone-me on the Bandit 1250S, given tight twisties such as Deals Gap, me on the Gladius would 'pank clone-me on the Bandit.

It's just a shame that 'zuki had to market it the way they did.

And since when is 70 HP a beginners bike???  Jeezus, my first bike was a 17 HP dual sport.

[Lon]

Better suspension on the SV, which is where the performance difference supposedly really comes from.

I suspect different rake/trail and wheelbase - Gladius's wheelbase and trail are slightly longer, so it will likely turn-in slightly slower.  Other than that, the suspension on both is almost exactly the same - ultra-basic.  The front end damper-rod forks' internals (springs, damper rods, etc) and adjusters are swappable between the two bikes, and the rear-end is a basic preload-only shock absorber with the same specs.