SFV650 returns for 2013 - The Motorcyle Formally Known as the Gladius

[Rincewind]

A brief blurb on MD today indicated that Suzuki is bringing back the SFV650 for 2013.  They will sell for $7999.  This bike was formerly imported for only 1-year, 2009, as the Gladius.  Combining the dubious name with metrosexual marketing made that bike a laughing-stock, despite the fact that it is essentially a very capable, durable, and economical bike.  My wife gets 58mpg on her model.

This change helps fill in an emptiness in the Suzuki line-up from the recent years when the SV and SVF650 standards were not available.

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2012/09/hyosung-and-svf650-to-make-2013-year-of-the-650-v-twin/

Confirmed on Suzuki's website - http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/Gladius/2013/SFV650.aspx

Too bad they are only bringing them over in black.  

[ConPilot1]

If Suzuki was smart they'd offer that with some simple amenities like a decent half-fairing and windshield for some protection, hardbags and a quick easy way to mount a tailbox.

They'd open the market up for that particular motorcycle to others besides those who like a naked bike. The SV650 platform has a very good reputation, but
I wouldn't consider one because it does not have any of those options. If they made a little ST-package type of deal out of it it'd be on my list.

Bike manufacturers are way too narrow in their presentation scope of a particular model IMO.

[Carbonero]

Suzuki might have just guaranteed that Honda never sells a single NC700X.

[Cablebandit]

If Suzuki was smart they'd offer that with some simple amenities like a decent half-fairing and windshield for some protection, hardbags and a quick easy way to mount a tailbox.

They'd open the market up for that particular motorcycle to others besides those who like a naked bike. The SV650 platform has a very good reputation, but
I wouldn't consider one because it does not have any of those options. If they made a little ST-package type of deal out of it it'd be on my list.

Bike manufacturers are way too narrow in their presentation scope of a particular model IMO.

I thought that was the Vstrom.

[phoenix]

I hope they keep it alive, but I just don't think the American market will buy enough to turn a profit.

Kawasaki...have they ditched the ER-6N yet? And while we talk about Versys and 650 Ninja's, I see them show up for low dollars on craigslist as soon as someone thinks they are "beyond its capabilities".  
Yamaha...is the FZ6 still alive? Heck, I don't think the R6S did worth a crap. What about the FZ8? I never saw one of those on the road.

I think that black and grey paint job will be another nail in the coffin. Guys, put some fricken' flames on it!!

[Carbonero]

I thought that was the Vstrom.

I think he's thinking more along the lines of, say, the Deauville done by Suzuki on this platform.

[Carbonero]

I hope they keep it alive, but I just don't think the American market will buy enough to turn a profit.

Kawasaki...have they ditched the ER-6N yet? And while we talk about Versys and 650 Ninja's, I see them show up for low dollars on craigslist as soon as someone thinks they are "beyond its capabilities".  
Yamaha...is the FZ6 still alive? Heck, I don't think the R6S did worth a crap. What about the FZ8? I never saw one of those on the road.

I think that black and grey paint job will be another nail in the coffin. Guys, put some fricken' flames on it!!

The FZ6 was replaced by the lower-spec FZ6R. The FZ8, great as it is, is likely to sit around collecting dust. Sadly. The R6S was always meant to be a short-duration seller in the line-up. It was basically just an opportunity to move old stock and empty out some legacy parts bins.

[919]

Suzuki might have just guaranteed that Honda never sells a single NC700X.

The NC700X appeals to more of the "adventure style" enthusiasts I think, plus the added benefit of the available DCT to capture the "stepping up in size from a scooter" and the "I would buy a motorcycle if it had an AT" market.  

It has the beak, and the storage options, and the "adventurey" options as well for people that are into that.  

I love the SV650 for it's motor and styling, that SFV650 Gladius, IMHO, is not a good looking bike.  Based 100 percent on the photos in that article, I would buy the Hyosung over the Suzuki and I prefer naked bikes.......

[Carbonero]

The NC700X appeals to more of the "adventure style" enthusiasts I think, plus the added benefit of the available DCT to capture the "stepping up in size from a scooter" and the "I would buy a motorcycle if it had an AT" market.  

It has the beak, and the storage options, and the "adventurey" options as well for people that are into that.  

I love the SV650 for it's motor and styling, that SFV650 Gladius, IMHO, is not a good looking bike.  Based 100 percent on the photos in that article, I would buy the Hyosung over the Suzuki and I prefer naked bikes.......

The black, IMO, looks fantastic. The candy-blue and white in '09 looked... I'm gonna get smacked for this, I'm sure... completely like a "chick bike". But the black, I loved. I think it's a decent enough update to the SV.

Also, check out CF Moto's take on the midsized naked...

[motormike]

It's nice to see they brought the SV back and that it's not a freaking adventure bike.

Once this thread gets moved to the Suzuki forum, it will die.

[ConPilot1]

I think he's thinking more along the lines of, say, the Deauville done by Suzuki on this platform.

No, I was thinking more along the lines of a poor man's Ducati ST2-3-4.

Deauville, although a nice little package "for what it is" and nothing more, is a bit "SilverWingy" to me.

[sammyseaman]

If Suzuki was smart they'd offer that with some simple amenities like a decent half-fairing and windshield for some protection, hardbags and a quick easy way to mount a tailbox.

They'd open the market up for that particular motorcycle to others besides those who like a naked bike. The SV650 platform has a very good reputation, but
I wouldn't consider one because it does not have any of those options. If they made a little ST-package type of deal out of it it'd be on my list.

Bike manufacturers are way too narrow in their presentation scope of a particular model IMO.

And what, make it all gay n stuff?  

[ConPilot1]

And what, make it all gay n stuff?  

You mean like racing striped, chromed out Thruxtons with little useless mirrors on the grip ends and such?

Who would've ever known a true Irishman would ride a British bike anyway.

If I was Irish and had any pride I'd ride a BMW or something, anything but British.

[919]

The black, IMO, looks fantastic. The candy-blue and white in '09 looked... I'm gonna get smacked for this, I'm sure... completely like a "chick bike". But the black, I loved. I think it's a decent enough update to the SV.

Also, check out CF Moto's take on the midsized naked...

It's not the color of the new SV, it's the plastic body panels, tank cover, and fugly headlight and gauge assembly that try to look too futuristic and alien.  It fits in a cheesy sci-fi movie, not my garage.  The blue and white paint scheme made me throw up in my mouth when I saw one in person.  Edit: Photo posted for proof of ugly.




OTOH: The CF Moto naked is a good looking bike, fantastic price, but I am too wary of being the first guy on the block to buy a chinese motorcycle of this size and supposed performance.  In my line of work I have seen a good amount of chinese engineering and manufacturing, I will not be the guinea pig for that experiment.  

[Carbonero]

No, I was thinking more along the lines of a poor man's Ducati ST2-3-4.

Deauville, although a nice little package "for what it is" and nothing more, is a bit "SilverWingy" to me.

We're talking intent, not execution. They have the same intent. IMO.

[JReazor]

I thought that was the Vstrom.

Nah, that was the SV650f. Unfortunately it only lasted 2 years. I think.

[Carbonero]

Thank goodness these designations aren't confusing or anything.

Anyone remember when bikes had names?  

[sammyseaman]

You mean like racing striped, chromed out Thruxtons with little useless mirrors on the grip ends and such?

Who would've ever known a true Irishman would ride a British bike anyway.

If I was Irish and had any pride I'd ride a BMW or something, anything but British.

The mirrors are actually quite effective, thank you very much  

[ConPilot1]

The mirrors are actually quite effective, thank you very much  

You're welcome monkey.  

BTW I like the Irish. I think the Brits should GTFO of their country.  

[ridingfar]

Who would've ever known a true Irishman would ride a British bike anyway.

If I was Irish and had any pride I'd ride a BMW or something, anything but British.

My name is Courtney Sullivan, and I am both quite Irish and have no love for the British. That being said I recognize neither the Scottish distillers nor the British motorcycle industry were responsible for 800 years of oppression. I ride a Triumph Tiger because I like the bike, I don't slather it with Union Jack emblems and there are no Irish motorcycles to be had as alternatives - none of which I consider defaming to my ancestry.

Besides, they say you should keep your friends close, and your enemies closer...  

Oh, and I ride a Kawasaki too, even though the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor...

[ChrisZRX]

despite the fact that it is essentially a very capable, durable, and economical bike.

Yes they are.  I had one for over a year.  I would have kept it if it wasn't for my divorce.

[DogBoy]

If Suzuki was smart they'd offer that with some simple amenities like a decent half-fairing and windshield for some protection, hardbags and a quick easy way to mount a tailbox.

They'd open the market up for that particular motorcycle to others besides those who like a naked bike. The SV650 platform has a very good reputation, but
I wouldn't consider one because it does not have any of those options. If they made a little ST-package type of deal out of it it'd be on my list.

Bike manufacturers are way too narrow in their presentation scope of a particular model IMO.

Always nice to see someone who wants a slower, heavier version of a good platform.  

[Biking Sailor]

"Oh, and I ride a Kawasaki too, even though the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor..."

Dang, I just realized the Japanese, Germans and Italians were WWII Axis Powers, well the Italians were sort of...  So all the bikes I own were made in countries on the wrong side in WWII!  

Glad I don't hold grudges.

[Rincewind]

My wife has owned her Gladius for almost one year.  She is VERY happy with the bike, and I'm very happy that it is easy to replace brake levers.  People seem to get very caught up with images/connotations/appearances.  

Sport-Touring options?  You can do that in the aftermarket very easily.

Ugly and makes your stomach curl?  You must be quite a wuss.  

The blue/white is a chick bike?  Maybe if you are insecure in your manhood.

Stealing sales from the NC700X?  I dunno.  I tested one of those and I'd prefer it over the SFV650.  

ER6N ditched?  Yes, it was ditched in recent years from the US line-up, though it was redesigned for other markets.

Bar end mirrors?  They are da bomb.

The characteristics of a True Irishman?  Where do you people come up with this stuff?

SV650F did not have a rear rack, side racks or other such stuff.  It was just a full fairing model.

[atadaskew]

$7999?  What a rip off
You can get a new Royal Enfield for that.

[Carbonero]

The blue/white is a chick bike?  Maybe if you are insecure in your manhood.

I knew I'd catch flack for that. I don't mean to say anything negative; to me the blue/white looks like a color scheme a female would choose more often than a guy would. The two blue/white ones I know of are... owned by women.

It's not any sort of an insult to the bike or the people.  

Stealing sales from the NC700X?  I dunno.  I tested one of those and I'd prefer it over the SFV650.  

That's encouraging.

My meaning there was that the SVxxxx platform has been around a long time, is well loved and well known. The NC is a newcomer, and hasn't yet built a legacy. Between the two, for equal money, I'd say the average consumer (you and I are not that!) would go for what's familiar and well known.

[Cablebandit]

$7999?  What a rip off
You can get a new Royal Enfield for that.

And it's handmade........and it shows.  

[919]

Ugly and makes your stomach curl?  You must be quite a wuss.  

Yes, yes, and no.  If you love it, and you want to spend your money on it, fine.  Me?  I would puncture spray paint cans and throw them at the bike until it stopped being so ugly........

[Mr.G21]

Not my cup of tea ie the "look" per se'.   Good bike and price point for many though.  I am more stoked they brought the DRZ400SM back for the 13' line up....that is a bad little bike for the price point.  The SV650 was an awesome bike.  My Ninja 650R is too and it was between those 2 bikes when I bought it.  To me, the new 3.0 version 12'+ 650R is the bomb and will steal market share from this offering from Suzuki.  Alas mine is an 07'  .....but I scored it like noted for dirt cheap, low miles and immaculate.

One thing:

So I am clear....this is a Korean built Suzuki (not China built) right?  Not to be confused with a China engine in a BMW. is what I am asking.  Of which I would rather have the Korean engine and build vs China if I had my choice.  Can anyone confirm?

[atadaskew]

And it's handmade........and it shows.  

What's wrong with making a bike using a hammer, an old file, and a rusty adjustable wrench?

[highside]

Conventional forks? Really?

For a $2000 increase in MSRP, you would think that Suzuki would upgrade the single major shortcoming of the previous generation SV. All this amounts to is an uglied up SV650 for a lot more money. At least the strom offered some worthwhile changes to the platform.

[ConPilot1]

I knew I'd catch flack for that. I don't mean to say anything negative; to me the blue/white looks like a color scheme a female would choose more often than a guy would. The two blue/white ones I know of are... owned by women.

It's not any sort of an insult to the bike or the people.  

Sucks when you have to apologize for everything/just being yourself, doughnut? You're right. Winter's going to be a bitch this year.

I'm going for a freaking smoke.  

[Cablebandit]

Yes, yes, and no.  If you love it, and you want to spend your money on it, fine.  Me?  I would puncture spray paint cans and throw them at the bike until it stopped being so ugly........

Says the guy riding essentially the bigger Honda version.  

[Carbonero]

The 919 is a sweet, and sweet looking, ride.

[Cablebandit]

What's wrong with making a bike using a hammer, an old file, and a rusty adjustable wrench?

Absolutely nothing.  Asking 7999 for said product is the issue.

[sammyseaman]

Says the guy riding essentially the bigger Honda version.  

Took the words outa my mouth  

[JReazor]

SV650F did not have a rear rack, side racks or other such stuff.  It was just a full fairing model.

Full fairing, comfortable, upright-ish riding position, 4.5 gal tank, ABS was standard and there are a ton luggage options from the aftermarket. That's a pretty solid lightweight touring mount.

[Carbonero]

Full fairing, comfortable, upright-ish riding position, 4.5 gal tank, ABS was standard and there are a ton luggage options from the aftermarket. That's a pretty solid lightweight touring mount.

Yeah, it was a nicely assembled package. It's not just a wrapped SV-S

[atadaskew]

Absolutely nothing.  Asking 7999 for said product is the issue.

In India it only costs $1999.

which is what that POS should cost here....

[919]

Says the guy riding essentially the bigger Honda version.  

Took the words outa my mouth  

I knew I was going to catch flack for the similarity between what I ride and the Gladius, but I think there are quite a few differences and those are the parts I don't like.   FTR, I have ridden the SV650 and the SV650S and I LOVE that motor!





Feel free to flame away on my bike, I promise not to get butt-hurt.  

Edit to fix photo

[Cablebandit]

Hopefully your bike does have the same broken link as the picture.  



 

[919]

Hopefully your bike does have the same broken link as the picture.  



 

Works for me?  

[Cablebandit]

It's probably stuck in your browser cache.

[ConPilot1]

It's probably stuck in your browser cache.

Like little black and white Hitler Kittys?

[919]

It's probably stuck in your browser cache.

fixed

Like little black and white Hitler Kittys?

 

[gritsngravy]

I always thought the Gladius was a much better looking compared to  the 1st & 2nd Gen SV650's.     Nice to see the 400cc motard back as well.    

[Giaka]

If Suzuki was smart they'd offer that with some simple amenities like a decent half-fairing and windshield for some protection, hardbags and a quick easy way to mount a tailbox.

They'd open the market up for that particular motorcycle to others besides those who like a naked bike. The SV650 platform has a very good reputation, but
I wouldn't consider one because it does not have any of those options.

Before the Gladious anything that would fit on a SVS would fit the naked. The naked was only an SVS with lower rearsets, no fairing and handlebars instead of clip ons. Everything else it identical so mounting bags was no problem at all.

[Carbonero]

Though there were significant differences between the generations.

[Tpoppa]

I have an 09 Gladius.  It has a fatanstic chassis and motor.  Brakes are 'OK' for aggressive street riding, but would need to be upgraded if you had any thoughts of putting it on a track.  Suspension is the weak point, but...

For under $250 you can transform these from beginnerish into a highly capable corner carver.

--'07 GSXR 600 or 750 shock is a direct bolt on.  Cheap on ebay and makes a night/day difference in handling.
--Racetech Emulators or Ricor Intiminators in the forks, and both ends are now worthy of dragging knees.


In Italy (Where I believe the Gladius was designed), there is a Gladius Cup spec race series

[JReazor]

My brother had one for a short period of time. It really is a fine motorcycle. I'm not crazy about the styling but that's the only real negative. I do wish they offered it with ABS. That seems to be a step backwards since the SV650, SV650S and SV650F were all available with it.

[expatbrit]

Thank goodness these designations aren't confusing or anything.

Anyone remember when bikes had names? 

How about Gladius

[Carbonero]

How about Gladius

If you pronounce it glay-dius, then yes.

If you pronounce it glad-ius, then...

[Hell's Bella]

If you pronounce it glay-dius, then yes.

If you pronounce it glad-ius, then...

Shit.

[Carbonero]

That shouldn't have made me laugh.  

[919]

If you pronounce it glay-dius, then yes.

If you pronounce it glad-ius, then...

I've never been pimp slapped before, that wasn't pleasant.  

Is that really how it's pronounced?

[Carbonero]

It's named for a Roman sword.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladius

I suppose, technically, it's "glad-ius", but... that just sounds so...



Since it's Latin, and a completely dead language that no one *really* knows how to pronounce, you're on your own.  

[ConPilot1]

It's named for a Roman sword.

The short, double edged, heavy bladed one commonly used to dispatch unruly Christians.

[919]

first three results for google search of "gladius pronunciation"

http://visual.merriam-webster.com/pronunciation.php?id=society/weapons/weapons-in-age-romans/01989&title=gladius

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/gladius

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/gladius#Latin

two for glad-ius

one for glay-dius

I am a nerd.

[Aero]

The short, double edged, heavy bladed one commonly used to dispatch unruly Christians.

And just about anyone else they decided needed killing. The word 'gladiator' is derived from it because it was the standard sword for arena use.

[Rincewind]

And just about anyone else they decided needed killing. The word 'gladiator' is derived from it because it was the standard sword for arena use.

This is why my wife nicknames her bike Spartacus.  

[expatbrit]

The short, double edged, heavy bladed one commonly used to dispatch unruly Christians chaps the Romans didn't like.

FTFY

[jfurf]

Always nice to see someone who wants a slower, heavier version of a good platform.  

Also nerdier. Don't forget that.  

[Carbonero]

This is why my wife nicknames her bike Spartacus.  

 

[02Tac]

I think he's thinking more along the lines of, say, the Deauville done by Suzuki on this platform.

Probably.  Myself, I would love to see a bike like an FJR or ST done in a 650 or 750 format.

[Carbonero]

Probably.  Myself, I would love to see a bike like an FJR or ST done in a 650 or 750 format.

Isn't that the Deauville...?  

Or... ask and ye shall receive:

http://www.cfmoto-us.com/onroad/





And don't discount the Aprilia Mana GT,

[02Tac]

Exactly, only make her shaft drive.    I do not need big HP or 160+ mph ability.  Even a 650 V-twin, shafty in full ST wrappings with luggage will have enough pep and be able to get away from Mr. Cager in easy fashion.

Isn't that the Deauville...?  

Or... ask and ye shall receive:

http://www.cfmoto-us.com/onroad/





And don't discount the Aprilia Mana GT,

[Carbonero]

I have to say, for $6000 that CF Moto dressed st bike is really kinda calling to me.

[ConPilot1]

And I wouldn't be one bit surprised if it had a motor from one of the Big 4 innit.

A young dude I know bought a 200 or 250cc 4 Chinese-made enduro in KTM orange plastics.

I bitched him out for being stupid. Went out and looked at the bike when he got it and it had a damn Suzuki engine.  

Backtracked on some chiding promptly. Not sure about the rest of the bike, only time will tell.

[02Tac]

And I wouldn't be one bit surprised if it had a motor from one of the Big 4 innit.

I would be very surprised if ti is not a kawi engine.

[Tpoppa]

It seems that the CF has a copy of the Kawi 650 twin.

[Nodaclu]

Suzuki might have just guaranteed that Honda never sells a single NC700X.

Nah, I can pretty much guarantee that they will sell one in approximately April 2013.  

[02Tac]

My local Honda dealer has sold the one they got the day after they got it.

[Carbonero]

My local Honda dealer has sold the one they got the day after they got it.

That's excellent news. I think that bike's potential is HUGE.

[919]

That's excellent news. I think that bike's potential is HUGE.

+1, I'd like to see it do well.  I'd like to see some more practical bikes sell more in the U.S.  That's when we'll start to see some more variety.

[Doug Just Doug]

Saw this in recent UK mag, Bike or Ride, forget which, but I think it looks much better in this scheme:

[Carbonero]

Oh my.  

[919]

Slash of color in the right spots and it looks 100 times better.  

[Carbonero]

Slash of color in the right spots and it looks 100 times better.  

I feel like someone should come along and say either "Like your mom" or "that's what she said."

It just screams for that kind of retort.  

[ConPilot1]

Trying to come up with something smartassed, not happening.

[919]

I feel like someone should come along and say either "Like your mom" or "that's what she said."

It just screams for that kind of retort.  

What if my mother was an albino?  She isn't, but if she was, man oh man would I be offended.

Good day sir!

[Carbonero]

What if my mother was an albino?  She isn't, but if she was, man oh man would I be offended.

Good day sir!

I don't know... I think it would be EXTRA funny then. Like... like fate!

[919]

I don't know... I think it would be EXTRA funny then. Like... like fate!

I said good day!

[Carbonero]

Yes, yes... right so. It is a good day indeed. Here in the world of color. Good, good day.