View Full Version : Gladius - The new SV650
Just had this
http://mailer.motocom.co.uk/press_release_archives/index.php?company=suzuki&tblreleaseID=999
Ignore the GSX1000 stuff look at the second photo.
JohnT
Al_Sweetman
25-09-08, 02:23 PM
Bluegh what have they done to it??!
Still, as long as my oh-so-stylish rad grill can fit onto it... :-)
That frame is very 'Monster'...
fizzwheel
25-09-08, 02:26 PM
I quite like that, the colour scheme is horrible which doesnt help.
Looks like a steel tube frame. Exhaust looks interesting, future rot box collector underneath. Bodywork ends too short at the rear for me. It's a bit Ducati Monster to me. The engine and forks look much the same apart from cosmetic work on the casings.
I'm not entirely convinced. I suspect that this is a special model, hence the name Gladius. I would think that there will be a normal SV650 and SV650S to follow with some of the design aspects but more conservative.
Captain Nemo
25-09-08, 02:31 PM
i like :)
Notice the extra pipe on the water pump?
dirtydog
25-09-08, 02:33 PM
Not sure on the looks of it, I didn't think it was possible but that makes pointies look ok!!!!
Oh and it has a stupid name
timwilky
25-09-08, 02:36 PM
yuk
It's still got a stupidly short fender. More wet plug syndrome for years to come!
Other than that, I like it. The comment from over my shoulder just now was "oooh, when are you going to buy one of those? I like it..."
custard
25-09-08, 02:40 PM
looks budget.
Gladius is Sword apparently
blue curvy jester
25-09-08, 02:41 PM
Stuipd name
the suzi gladis
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/mcn/2008/september/22-28/sep2508-Official-picture-2009-Suzuki-Gladius/?R=EPI-103118
silent11
25-09-08, 02:43 PM
WWWWWWOOOOOOOOWWWWWWW
thats all :D
SoulKiss
25-09-08, 02:43 PM
Gladius is Sword apparently
So was Katana :)
Just swapped Japanese for Italian.....(well Roman)
timwilky
25-09-08, 02:44 PM
looked at again and initial thoughts.
cheap and nasty. I see that frame failing at the slightest down, can hanger/ pillion peg hanger what ever you want to call it is excessive. Gut off that huge lump hanging off the underside of the seat.
How do you stop forks taking a stone hammering?.
No sorry folks it does not do anything for me.
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/215061/images/03Gladius.jpg
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/215061/images/02Gladius.jpg
:lol: Looks like its official - curveys are best if they are bringing it back again!
Dappa D
25-09-08, 02:49 PM
it needs a split seats...dont like the single one personally
im not keen, its worse than a pointy
(if that is possible?)
silent11
25-09-08, 02:50 PM
it needs a split seats...dont like the single one personally
yeah i agree to
it also looks like the took some ideas from the kwak ER6
Some sites have commented that this is a cut price SV built down to a price. This surprises me as the SV is pretty low budget already. It may be that the next SV is going to go up market with better components and this bike is needed to plug the gap.
They've ripped off the kwaker er6. Not bad though.
STRAMASHER
25-09-08, 02:59 PM
"Aimed at novices" , so even worse brakes/suspension and less power?
Looks wise? ............. One for the ladies I think.:rolleyes:
Those footpeg hangers are making me gag! So is the 'zorst but thats a given on any new jap.:(
I like the look of it, but as tim says, it doesn't look like the frame will hold up to much. At least there's something new after so long.
Paul the 6th
25-09-08, 03:02 PM
just read about this in mcn yesterday... maybe if the headlight didn't look like something from i-robot it'd be pretty good. I do like the colour frame :)
chakraist
25-09-08, 03:03 PM
Some sites have commented that this is a cut price SV built down to a price. This surprises me as the SV is pretty low budget already. It may be that the next SV is going to go up market with better components and this bike is needed to plug the gap.
That's entirely possible, what with there being such a huge community maybe they want to push the sv into a more upmarket range.
Paul the 6th
25-09-08, 03:03 PM
sv750? :)
I like it. The frame looks light weight and if the power is there it will be great to play with. New paint, lose the can and trim the tail bits, clip ons and you are away. Rims look nicer than the current as well.
Reckless Rat
25-09-08, 03:18 PM
Did I read it has a twin spark head?
More power or less emmissions :confused:
Colours remind me of 80's GS1000S. Wonder if there's a red/white version.
plowsie
25-09-08, 03:20 PM
I like that, it just needs one of these on it...
http://www.moto-racing.co.uk/ccp51/media/images/product_detail/Arrow%20R6%2006%20Thunder%203.jpg
SoulKiss
25-09-08, 03:32 PM
I think its pretty obvious that this is NOT an SV replacement.
They know that the SV is newbie friendly, so they have built an SV/ER hybrid that probably has a low seat to floor height and is light for newbies.
If they can get this out the door for £3k to £3.5 k then it means they can use an existing engine thats insurer friendly - more so if they de-tune it, and take on the Ninja 250 etc without needing to come up with a new engine.
Might be a VERY clever move.
Luckypants
25-09-08, 03:39 PM
Did I read it has a twin spark head?
More power or less emmissions :confused:
Current 08 SV has twin spark head for emissions I believe.
Did I read it has a twin spark head?
More power or less emmissions :confused:
Colours remind me of 80's GS1000S. Wonder if there's a red/white version.
Less emission. The US SV has had this for at least a year, along with an ABS option. The DL650 has had the twin spark in the UK since the 08 model.
MoDaddy
25-09-08, 03:48 PM
That frame is very 'Monster'...
A brilliant marketing move for Suzuki;
Let Ducati build the bike every beginner/novice would have if they could afford it,
Let Ducati spend a ton on advertizing the look,
Copy the look at half the cost (newbies won't care) while based on a proven good platform.
Capitalism on two wheels. They will likely sell all they can build.
Current UK SV650 has a twin spark head, it's a bit of a bodge if you look at it closely, but it must be good enough to clean up the emissions.
That's a current SV650 engine, with very similar suspension and brakes. A new frame and some different bodywork. I fail to see why it CAN'T be the replacement model.
The combined footrest hangers have been a Honda trait for years (check out the current Hornet).
FWIW I like the look of the frame and bodywork.
Jambo
Warthog
25-09-08, 03:49 PM
Looks terrible. Monster rip-off, detuned engine, ugly, same bad suspension. If I was a novice I'd just buy a cheap CB500 and practice til I could get a real bike.
The name is crap. Styling wise it's ok, gone back to the curvy (naked curvys look better than naked pointys anyway imo) .Like the new wheels. Forks and calipers look the same as pointy ones (caliper and mudguard mounting points look the same) can't really see how they can make it more budget though, unless they are spending some more cash on something else that'll replace the SV, wouldn't be surprised if this is all your gonna get (+ faired s or sport model also)
I don't think it looks so bad, but I wouldn't buy one (don't like nakeds for a start). If it is cheaper than the SV then they could sell a bucket-load.
But the name! makes me think of Morrissey in his hayday.
No doubt it'll soon be dubbed 'Gladys'
No doubt it'll soon be dubbed 'Gladys'
And people will ask "what do you ride mate?". Don't know if that'll be a good or a bad thing.:rolleyes:
dizzyblonde
25-09-08, 05:25 PM
bleugh. Wot the hells that. Looks like a mishmash of loads of bike. Paint job reminiscent of a white n blue elsie. Same SV forks, horrid exhaust, don't like the full seat unit
YAK.
I like the five spoke wheels, and the frame, and the middle bit round the clutch, and the peg hanger things
what bike do you ride then? ooo I ride errrrrr a Gladys:shock:..would make you very embarrassed to admit to having one
"I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced."
Its hideous, like they sent a blind man into the parts store to pull out the bits to make a new bike.
When I saw the 650 K3 in a advert for george whites I immediately knew that would be my next bike, and a year later I bought my yellow K4.
If i saw that in an advert id just keep looking.
They named it after a sword...random!
Not a major fan of the looks. Rather have the GS-R I reckon! :)
startrek.steve
25-09-08, 06:46 PM
One word... Fugly...
Steve
startrek.steve
25-09-08, 06:47 PM
No doubt it'll soon be dubbed 'Gladys'
That was my Nana's name!!
Steve
it's a nice looker it's a wise build by suzuki it'll be the more cuddly side of there budget bikes so hopefully they'll go balls out with the sv maybe even a r version.
MoDaddy
25-09-08, 07:01 PM
it's a nice looker it's a wise build by suzuki it'll be the more cuddly side of there budget bikes so hopefully they'll go balls out with the sv maybe even a r version.
There will be no SV-R.
However they are putting the touches on...
wait for it...
Gladius Maximus!
sorry...:drink:
Just noticed they've moved the oil cooler from behind the down pipe, which is good.
There will be no SV-R.
However they are putting the touches on...
wait for it...
Gladius Maximus!
sorry...:drink:
thats just bad:rolleyes::D:D
dizzyblonde
25-09-08, 07:16 PM
Gladius Maximus!
sorry...:drink:
Gluteus maximus more like:rolleyes:
sam anon
25-09-08, 09:54 PM
Looks like a steel tube frame. Exhaust looks interesting, future rot box collector underneath. Bodywork ends too short at the rear for me. It's a bit Ducati Monster to me. The engine and forks look much the same apart from cosmetic work on the casings.
I'm not entirely convinced. I suspect that this is a special model, hence the name Gladius. I would think that there will be a normal SV650 and SV650S to follow with some of the design aspects but more conservative.
Yeah I reckon it's a bit of a styling excercise. See, we've all told you the curvy is the better looking!;)
northwind
25-09-08, 10:07 PM
I kind of like it. It's a bit odd, looks more like a Raptors and Rockets photoshop brought to life than a real bike if you know what I mean. But I just look at it and see potential. It's got those HORRIBLE enormous footplates that seem to be the fashion these days, they make me be a bit sick in my mouth every time I see those. But rearsets make that go away. The blue frame is the height of nasty as well. But it's overall nice.
MoDaddy
25-09-08, 10:17 PM
The blue frame is the height of nasty as well. But it's overall nice.
Well, if a blue frame isn't your thing...
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_sfv_650_gladius.htm
here's the bike in four different flavors.
fizzwheel
25-09-08, 10:20 PM
But it's overall nice.
And its different than the SV and different than any other bike in Suzuk's range.
It looks unique, as you say Exhaust and footpegs are easly solved and thats the two worst bits of it.
It looks far better than the bandit they bolted that K5 GSXR Thou fairing onto last year does.
dizzyblonde
25-09-08, 10:24 PM
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20C/Suzuki%20SFV%20650%20Gladius%20%2009%20%204.jpg
now thats a pretty girls bike:D
it looks as stupid as its name.... fugly bitsa crap
who the hell have suzuki got designing there new low end bikes.. who ever it is please take them out and shoot them.
What if I told you that this weighs under 140Kg, would you still think it's ugly?
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20C/Suzuki%20SFV%20650%20Gladius%20%2009%20%203.jpg
johnnyuk
25-09-08, 11:42 PM
well I like it if no one else does I like this colour black 'n' gold.
What if I told you that this weighs under 140Kg, would you still think it's ugly?
yes...
but i can see them selling in there masses to commuters if the price is right.
northwind
26-09-08, 12:05 AM
Yes, but... I bet you an entire pound it weighs at the very least 20 kilos more than that dry.
Thanks christ I got a pointy before the prices of used ones rocket. That is one ugly looking motorcycle, and it has a stupid name. I expect sales figures to be as good as GSR600 ones.
Nice to see they've done absolutely nothing with the two main things the SV is criticised for - the brakes and the forks. Well done Suzuki for not listening to your customer base and not reading magazine reviews.
northwind
26-09-08, 12:23 AM
Well, all it needs is the right weight springs and oil in the forks from the factory and half of the complaints will go away... And since it seems to be a euro-directed bike, hopefully that'll be the case. They've had 3 tries at the SV and got it wrong every time though :(
The twin spark head is a bother though... That was a total bodge when they stuck it on the SV, I'd hoped we'd see a proper redesign rather than an extension of the bodge when the next SV variant engine came along. it's got some minor changes but it's going to be the same basic lump from the looks of it. Dual spark is just daft, makes the manufacture and maintenance more expensive.
yorkie_chris
26-09-08, 12:39 AM
Nasty. Except maybe the oil cooler would be worth nicking to retrofit to a proper one, would have to look at running oil temps first though. Otherwise scrap it.
They've nicked idea of one piece tank and seat unit from an early 80's trial bike. They've nicked the heelplates from the raptor, and removed any trace of aggression. Just bleugh.
P.s The twin spark head is just to allow the mixture to be wrong enough to get it through the EU. Would work better with a set of earlier heads put on.
gettin2dizzy
26-09-08, 02:09 AM
Based on the Suzuki SV650’s (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Suzuki/Suzuki-SV650S-1999-current/?&R=EPI-441) v-twin engine, the Gladius is aimed at a more novice audience.
:lol:
BigBaddad
26-09-08, 04:53 AM
Looks like they're just following the crowd:confused:, red and white looks ok:shock:.....on the bright side this could spell the end of newbies asking all the same basic questions as soon as they sign up to this site.:rolleyes:
mister c
26-09-08, 05:37 AM
I like it. Not much into the blue colour scheme, but red looks nice. Looks like a direct go at the monster.
Hopefully there will be an SV750 with uprated brakes etc to compete with the Shivver.
I think it looks bang tidy. :D
Not sure I get the name, but fair play, numbers and letters don't exactly mean much do they?
Black looks better, and the clocks seem a quite decent redesign. With the gear indicator it could be a propular retro-fit to nakeds.
Well until I see the spec's I don't want to comment on anthing, other then I might like to steal the clocks.
http://www.gladiusstyle.com/
SoulKiss
26-09-08, 09:51 AM
http://www.gladiusstyle.com/
I think they went to the same people that did www.sonystyle.com !!!
Thats SO not the image I would want to have to go with a bike.
Must avoid www.xyzstyle.com websites from now on.
I can't see it as my flash player can't be installed, bloody locked down laptops. I'll turn the home PC at some point.
Caddy2000
26-09-08, 09:58 AM
FUGLY!!!
And three steps back. I can only hope that it is a gap filler, and that Suzuki are going to bring out a SV750 to move on from the 650....
A Very Hateful bike!!!!
"Suzuki's unique styling....blah blah"
Perfect choice of adjective - Can't belive they've still got the same stupid front nonfender - and what's with those footpeg hangers, And I'll continue to hate that style exhaust.
Other than that.... :rolleyes:
Red ones
26-09-08, 11:44 AM
I quite like.
Interesting how the oil cooler has gone again, but the water pump has gained pipework.
Shame the front fender has not been extended, and the butt ugly front brake pipe arrangement
I don't like the copy/past styling of the bike ... reminds me of a mixture between ducati 696 and Suzuki gsr600 , Suzuki designers team could do a lot beter ...
I'm intrigued on what will be the future of the SV650 , makes no sense to have 3 middleweight cheap bikes , sv , bandit , and gladius , the bandit is il4 new enginge so i believe it wont disappear!
Now for the SV , she looks a lite more expensive to build them the gladius , all aluminum frame and more work on plastics , even if the looks are little outdated.
On the other end Suzuki line up , only has 1 sport naked the gsr600 , and the very expensive b-king , so im hoping for a new sv to fill the gap between gsr600/bandit1250 and bking :D
The gladius , i bet is going to be a big success , cheap price tag , usable , and fashion looks sell a lot.
northwind
26-09-08, 12:54 PM
Not sure I get the name, but fair play, numbers and letters don't exactly mean much do they?
It's a bit clever... Gladius, being a short european sword... Ie, short bike for beginners/womans, and targeted at the european market (looks at the moment like it's not getting a US launch apparently). I don't think it's a good name but it's clever. People probably said "Hayabusa? What the ****" back when it launched, that was a similiarly clever name and now it's an icon.
fastdruid
26-09-08, 02:52 PM
Well I was in my suzuki dealer today and the cheeky fscker said to my wife "I've got the perfect bike for you" and showed us a picture of it. Er hello, she's a trackday addict with an NC35, why would she want to downgrade to a cheap commuter? Far more interested in a GSXR750...
Anyway apart from that he was saying that with the current world economy Suzuki are concentrating on the cheaper bikes, so chances of a SV650R/SV750R are slim to none.
On the plus side it looks like it has a oil/water cooler rather than the oil/air cooler of the pointy, that may well fit onto the curvy which would be nice.
Druid
MiniMatt
26-09-08, 04:28 PM
There is something about the name....
Whilst Northy makes a very good point in that everyone went "eh??" to "Hayabusa".... "Gladius" - am I the only one who thinks it sounds like a name for a vibrator, or a range of condoms? Or is my mind really that twisted?
shonadoll
26-09-08, 04:31 PM
I don't like it. Hate the long seat, the colour, and the exhaust. Don't like the name either.
i think we've settled that the names bad anybody got any better ones surely theres still time to change it.
dizzyblonde
26-09-08, 04:33 PM
There is something about the name....
Whilst Northy makes a very good point in that everyone went "eh??" to "Hayabusa".... "Gladius" - am I the only one who thinks it sounds like a name for a vibrator, or a range of condoms? Or is my mind really that twisted?
:shock: *sniggers*
Biker Biggles
26-09-08, 04:59 PM
Not bad.I just hope it can be made to handle well.If its light and nippy it would make a great town bike.
MoDaddy
26-09-08, 08:09 PM
i think we've settled that the names bad anybody got any better ones surely theres still time to change it.
Well, it is essentially a Japanese Monster...:-k
so, let's see, there's
Godzilla - no the bike is too wimpy for that...:smt106
Gamera - a huge flaming turtle that spins out and slams into buildings; Not so good. :thumbdown:
Mothra - gigantic twin larvae that spew toxic silk vomit from their their jaws; accompanied by identical twin human females that sing to the monster to get it to stop spewing at the innocents...etc. etc.
:pukel: Hmmmm.
Let's see; who's left...
Rodan - Hey! I think we may have a winner! :thumbsup:
Air Speed: Mach 1.5 Special Weapons: Fires radioactive breath beam as Fire Rodan
Creates destructive shock waves when flying
Strong wings can create hurricanes when on ground
Sharp beak for pecking
Film Appearances: Rodan, The Flying Monster (1956) Ghidrah, The Three-Headed Monster (1964) Godzilla Vs. Monster Zero (1965) Destroy All Monsters (1968) Terror Of Mechagodzilla (1975) (Stock Footage) Godzilla Vs. MechaGodzilla (1994) Origin:
A pteranodon mutated by nuclear radiation
the suzuki splinter cause it gets under your skin and wont go away come to think of it that sounds terrible.
Dave20046
26-09-08, 08:44 PM
looks a bit ducatified
dizzyblonde
26-09-08, 08:47 PM
looks a bit ducatified
http://www.virginmedia.com/images/monster695-400x300.jpg
ooo perhaps this one
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20C/Suzuki%20SFV%20650%20Gladius%20%2009%20%203.jpg
Airwolf
26-09-08, 10:51 PM
as long as they put a curvy fairing on it and do it blue, i may be convinced.
ha, haven't we all got/had an sv and changed/ upgraded parts.
thats whats getting a budget bike is about.
but sorry the name we can not do much about, just remove it off the panel and put an sv sticker on it.
but if an sv750 comes on the scene thats a differant story, let live in hope
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Mvhjidbvdzc/SNvA6_G9viI/AAAAAAAAILM/GwHT7V1uq3k/s1600/gl5.jpg
I think the problem with this bike vs SV is that while the SV isn't such a hot bike off the shelf it still is a great platform for customizing. 50% of bikers are very much into turning their bike into something of a 'special' and that is what makes the SV such a success IMO. Suzuki would be wise to tap into that if they want to continue the SV legacy, maybe by introducing their own upgrade kits for suspension, wheels, carbon parts etc.
The problem with the Gladius' design is that the tank and rear are not distinctively separate from each other but joined, making extreme customizing more difficult while also deviating from the classic motorcycle shape we all secretly love. We're a conservative bunch us lot loving conservative shapes. Don't tell me looking at the picture the first thing that comes to your mind is not of changing that exhaust can to something more 'normal'?
Having said all that I like the new frame design ala 'Monster' and think it to be lighter than the SV's. Also, the under-engine exhaust with side can is a great starter point for us SV'ers to customize it to fit to our bikes. That will make for a clean rear end for our bikes wouldn't it? So roll on the bikes to production and we'll keep an eye on ebay for any Gladius' owners changing to full Yoshi systems and selling off the stock.
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/092608top.jpg
Suzuki must have had a hard look at this when they designed the Gladius. However as I stressed before the secret to a bike's success is the minimalist shape. Notice how Ducati managed this with the nice separate tank, simple rear sub-frame fitting to the gorgeous front trellis and clean exhaust. Why is it so hard to keep things simple. That's the secret to good designs.
yorkie_chris
27-09-08, 11:38 AM
Monster doesn't look minimalist to me. Look at all the details and blingy bits that do nothing.
yorkie_chris
27-09-08, 01:17 PM
Look at exhaust, be a right pain to remove, and why? Just so they can show off the single sided arm. Function should be before form.
Well you might have a point there, the exhaust seems to be difficult to remove. However overall the bike does look purposeful and elegant. You were very picky there Yorkie, exhausts are always a pain.
northwind
27-09-08, 01:53 PM
Nothing minimalist about a single sided swingarm either though, or that headlight. And the posh wheels are actually heavier than the old 5 and 3-spokes. I can sort of see YC's point, think he's going a wee bit far but the new Monster is a lot more tarty than the old ones, which were much more on the simplicity mindset. And nicer too IMO.
yorkie_chris
27-09-08, 01:56 PM
No they're not. SV one is easy enough.
Mudguard too short, fair enough jap bikes are guilty of this too but still. Plastic piece on bottom of rad, pointless. etc etc
Function should be before form.
Nope - in some things maybe, but art is important too.
yorkie_chris
27-09-08, 01:58 PM
Nothing minimalist about a single sided swingarm either though, or that headlight. And the posh wheels are actually heavier than the old 5 and 3-spokes. I can sort of see YC's point, think he's going a wee bit far but the new Monster is a lot more tarty than the old ones, which were much more on the simplicity mindset. And nicer too IMO.
Same thing happening with the speed triple. Original T309 looked purposeful, mean and pared down. New 1050 just looks gay, loads of flash stuff on it, though at least they've increased power to match.
Naked bikes should be aggressive and purposeful.
Same thing happening with the speed triple. Original T309 looked purposeful, mean and pared down. New 1050 just looks gay, loads of flash stuff on it, though at least they've increased power to match. Naked bikes should be aggressive and purposeful.
I must admit you're right. I put up a bad example maybe with the new Monster and Northy is also right in saying that the older Monsters looked more purposeful and minimalist. That's why they're a classic shape which brings me to what I was trying to explain in the first place, in that the more the bike is purposeful and minimalist, the longer it takes to age. The SV has some of this charm as well, especially the naked one which has less plastics, which are the parts that make a bike look it's age quickest.
Are you getting my drift?
Oh, I totally agree with Northy again that the single sided swingarm may make sense in an 8 hour race but not for the road, it's heavier than a normal swingarm too.
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