Suzuki SFV 650 Gladius

[Snorty]

Well... they swapped out the CBF1000 for a Gladius.

About to take it for a spin, see what I think. I have to say I like the grumble of the V twin more than the IL4 electric-sounding whine so far!

I imagine it feels a bit slower than the CBF... but hopefully handles better than it!

What does anyone make of these?
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Current: Yamaha FZ1 '07 | GSXR 750 SRAD

Past: CB125TDC | TZR125 | GPZ500 | CBR600F3 | ZX9-R | GSXR1000 K4

[nowhere.elysium]

I have an SV, which I enjoy riding. Personally, I think the Gladius looks like a slightly melted bathroom fitting, but that's just me. The engine is sound, albeit a little underpowered. Chassis is good, suspension's a bit weak, and the brakes aren't going to set the world alight.
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'10 SV650SF, '83 GS650GT (it lives!), Questionable DIY dash project, 3D Printer project, Lasercutter project

[Nexus Icon]

I have one, albeit on a 33bhp restriction at the moment. I've made some aesthetic changes, purely because I'm not a fan of the weird exhausts, which seem to be prevalent on every bike at the moment, and the monstrous rear end. I've also changed the bars and the seat (I found the original to be too firm).

Power wise, well at 33bhp it is what it is and I can't tell you what full power is like until August, but it breaks the ton eventually as things stand so I'm hoping it will feel alright in proper trim. The brakes feel alright to me but the suspension is a bit bouncy on the back on a ropey bit of road. Headlight is rubbish, IMO. Handling is alright and it feels surefooted on the Qualifiers fitted as standard.

Overall I've no real complaints as yet. I'm sure I'll want something 'better' after awhile but at £4100 OTR new price I was prepared to take a chance.

PS. The V2 sounds lovely with a baffle-free slip-on can.
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Greetings from Shitsville!

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

If I were in the market for a Gladius I'd save some money and buy an SV instead.
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My Flickr

[Snorty]

Just been out on it now....

The lack of power is noticeable from the 1000 or even my CBR600.

HOWEVER, there's something I just like about it... the brakes are shocking tbf, the seat feels like it's made of steel, but... it sounds pretty damn awesome, I do love V twins, and it feels quite light compared to the CBF I was just riding...
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Current: Yamaha FZ1 '07 | GSXR 750 SRAD

Past: CB125TDC | TZR125 | GPZ500 | CBR600F3 | ZX9-R | GSXR1000 K4

[Mikey3]

The SV will make you much happier, both to ride, to look at, and to be looked at

Mike
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'04 Yamaha WR450F
'99 SV650 Streetfighter Project - mid build
'Motorcycling is about what you do; not about what you own, or how much you spend on it'

[nowhere.elysium]

[Blau Zedong]

[Mikey3]