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

[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