Gladius - The new SV650

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.



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]

Monster doesn't look minimalist to me. Look at all the details and blingy bits that do nothing.

..such as?

[yorkie_chris]

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]

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]

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

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

Function should be before form.

Nope - in some things maybe, but art is important too.

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by northwind

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.

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

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.