mister c
22-05-15, 06:29 AM
I bought my Gladius last Saturday & thought I would give my impressions of it after the 1st week of ownership.
https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11265630_10206710796908010_6590485569742845937_n.j pg?oh=4ba5152be2d8b4d5d011b06b9dd9d661&oe=55FA4F7A
I'm running the bike in properly. I know that a lot of people think that you don't have to these days, but I'm old & want to do things by the book. The dealer said not to go over 5250 rpm for the 1st 500 miles, this equates to just over 70mph, so not too bad.
The engine seems to be a lot smoother than my old Curvy & seems willing to pull harder, even 2 up.
Rear views are very good & the mirrors don't seem to vibrate at all. & riding position isn't too bad with the high bars.
Suspension is a little on the stiff side, but married up to the standard Dunlop Qualifiers, it is a hoon to ride. It's brought back the smile on my face that had been lost riding my Triumph barge. I am hunting bends & roundabouts out everywhere I go, it handles really well. I can't wait to hit 1000 miles just to go & have a "proper" play.
I am a little worried about the black exhaust & collector/CAT, I can't see the finish lasting through a British winter, so am going to invest in some FS365.
Fuel economy seems awesome after my Triumph. My 1st tankful returned around 72 mpg, so it's going to save me a fortune over the next few years.
Minus points? Not too many to be honest. Comfort is a big minus, the seat is rock hard & you can't ride for more than about 60 miles without getting a numb bum. It also pushes you slightly forward & you find yourself constantly trying to find a different position to sit. My other half doesn't like the pillion seat at all, again, it's too hard & she says that the pegs are too high (she's only 5' 2", so anybody taller might find it even worse). I also worry about the finish. I know that Suzukis have never been the best, so time will tell.
So, do I like it? Yes, it puts a smile on my face every time I ride it, even for short stints, so it's done it's job. I will be looking at the seat in the near future & I have just ordered a new exhaust so will give it it's bark back & also keep the standard can looking new.
Why Suzuki haven't sold more of these bikes I'll never know, they are such a laugh to ride. I suppose that the "Girl's bike" tag doesn't help, but, & I'm going to sound big headed here, I reckon I'll beat a lot of sportsbikes around the twisties on this once it's run in......... Bring on the girls bike I say :):):):)
https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11265630_10206710796908010_6590485569742845937_n.j pg?oh=4ba5152be2d8b4d5d011b06b9dd9d661&oe=55FA4F7A
I'm running the bike in properly. I know that a lot of people think that you don't have to these days, but I'm old & want to do things by the book. The dealer said not to go over 5250 rpm for the 1st 500 miles, this equates to just over 70mph, so not too bad.
The engine seems to be a lot smoother than my old Curvy & seems willing to pull harder, even 2 up.
Rear views are very good & the mirrors don't seem to vibrate at all. & riding position isn't too bad with the high bars.
Suspension is a little on the stiff side, but married up to the standard Dunlop Qualifiers, it is a hoon to ride. It's brought back the smile on my face that had been lost riding my Triumph barge. I am hunting bends & roundabouts out everywhere I go, it handles really well. I can't wait to hit 1000 miles just to go & have a "proper" play.
I am a little worried about the black exhaust & collector/CAT, I can't see the finish lasting through a British winter, so am going to invest in some FS365.
Fuel economy seems awesome after my Triumph. My 1st tankful returned around 72 mpg, so it's going to save me a fortune over the next few years.
Minus points? Not too many to be honest. Comfort is a big minus, the seat is rock hard & you can't ride for more than about 60 miles without getting a numb bum. It also pushes you slightly forward & you find yourself constantly trying to find a different position to sit. My other half doesn't like the pillion seat at all, again, it's too hard & she says that the pegs are too high (she's only 5' 2", so anybody taller might find it even worse). I also worry about the finish. I know that Suzukis have never been the best, so time will tell.
So, do I like it? Yes, it puts a smile on my face every time I ride it, even for short stints, so it's done it's job. I will be looking at the seat in the near future & I have just ordered a new exhaust so will give it it's bark back & also keep the standard can looking new.
Why Suzuki haven't sold more of these bikes I'll never know, they are such a laugh to ride. I suppose that the "Girl's bike" tag doesn't help, but, & I'm going to sound big headed here, I reckon I'll beat a lot of sportsbikes around the twisties on this once it's run in......... Bring on the girls bike I say :):):):)