Suzuki SFV - any knowledge please?

1198 · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Jan 2013 Karma :

A good friend of mine is thinking of buying one of these, and I have to admit I'd never heard of them! Does anybody know if they're decent, crap, horror stories, whatever ?
Thanks!

1198 · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Jan 2013 Karma :

Aka the Gladius aparrently!

gavbriggs · Crazy Courier Joined: 11 Jun 2013 Karma :

I did my training and tests on one, a 2012 model.

They are fine for commuting I would imagine but I had a numb arse riding it all day on the training. Power felt a bit sloppy and rubbery?

Front end was a bit sloppy with the maxxis tyres on it when cornering but that could have been the slightly damp carpark we were on.

Not bad I suppose but I wasn't excited by it. It was also a bit blustery at motorway speeds to but it did have plenty of overtaking power. Obviously we weren't allowed over the 70mph limit on the Sheffield parkway so couldn't find the top speed!

The instructors said that they were the first lot of learner machines that they actually liked and didn't mind riding themselves from time to time.

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

A quick google shows people considering the Gladius WORSE handling than an SV650. That's saying something!

Unless it's a really good deal, just stick to an SV?

1198 · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Jan 2013 Karma :

Thanks so far for the replies.
I think a big selling point is the fact it's a bit low. The person considering it is of a short stature!

Quornholio · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jun 2011 Karma :

Tell the vertically challenged person to consider something like a Virago.
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1198 · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Jan 2013 Karma :

Her last two were Viragos, but thanks for the idea!
She wants something with a bit less chrome I think.
A Triumph America was being considered but I think she didn't fancy hours with a polishing cloth again.

kramdra · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Oct 2010 Karma :

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261399461536

That.

c-m · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 May 2006 Karma :

Absolutely pointless bike that should be dropped from the Suzuki range.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

I've sat but not ridden. It was lower (well easier to get feet down) than a Bandit 650 but didn't feel significantly lower than an ER6n or CBF600. Your chum will have to try it out to see.

As an owning proposition, I'd only have one if it was properly cheap, because it won't hold its value.

They were always over-priced, even with Suzuki's eternal sales, never sold in numbers (it was supposed to replace the SV650S but never managed it in the UK), and the MT-07 absolutely thrashes it now as a new buy. Unless they lop a grand off of it, I can't see how they'll ever shift another one.

If chumrade is thinking of buying newish, I'd even question the issue of spares and warranty support from Suzuki UK. I'm still predicting a "re-structure" at a minimum by the end of this year.
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Snorty · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Oct 2010 Karma :

I had one as a courtesy bike. I didn't find it particularly bad, took it on my blasting route a couple of times but didn't find any issues with handling.

That said, they'd swapped it from the barge they call a CBF1000. Which was awful.

Topped it out at around 120 I think? Would not go any faster. Wouldn't swap it for my GSXR or anything but I didn't think it was terrible.
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Al · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Karma :

willis1337 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 06 May 2009 Karma :

Tell the dealer that you'll only buy one if Suzuki send the BCF massive their necktubes. Thumbs Up

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willis1337 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 06 May 2009 Karma :

Okay, got my necktube - now buy one!
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Nexus Icon · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Aug 2010 Karma :

I've got one but, to be honest, only because it was too cheap not to buy it. For example, Kings motorcycles in Kidlington are selling one the same age as mine (to the same month) with more miles for £64 more than I paid for mine brand new 3 YEARS AGO!

It'll probably be going this year but not because it's not a nice bike to ride. I never had any problems with it or with the fit and finish and it is actually pretty nice. Someone mentioned Maxxis tyres and sloppy handling earlier, I think you should give the benefit of the doubt to the bike there as the standard fit tyres are Dunlop Qualifiers on mine and the handling feels alright for what it is, which is essentially a basic commuter bike.

There are some hideous styling issues but I've addressed most with a slip on can, tail tidy, belly pan, screen, seat cowl, renthals, mirrors, GSXR pegs and Pazzo style levers. There's plenty of stuff out there to fiddle with the aesthetics.

In short, it's fine. It's never going to excite you, unless it's your first foray into big bikes, but it's a pretty well screwed together assembly of budget parts and makes an ideal first bike.
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