Review of the Suzuki SFV 650 Gladius motorcycle (Gladius 650)

Suzuki SFV 650 Gladius naked model

appeared in 2009 as a successor to the Suzuki SV650 and was built on the same engine and chassis. The main differences of the new model are the steel frame, optics, dashboard and other appearance elements. The characteristics of the rear suspension have changed slightly (travel has decreased by 4 mm), the profile of the front tire has increased, and the gearbox settings have changed.

The basis of the Suzuki Gladius 650 was a 2-cylinder V-shaped (90°) liquid-cooled engine with a volume of 645 cm³, producing 72 hp. power and 64 Nm of torque. The motor is similar to that installed on the Suzuki SV650 and Suzuki DL650 V-Strom.

Based on the Suzuki SFV 650 Gladius, a domestic Japanese version of the Suzuki SFV 400 Gladius was created, differing only in engine size.

2015 was the final year of production of the Suzuki SFV 650 Gladius, after which it disappeared from dealers and was no longer offered. As a follower, a reincarnation of the SV650 model was proposed in 2016 - Suzuki SV650 (2016+).

Model range of the Suzuki Gladius series

:

• Suzuki SFV400 Gladius
• Suzuki SFV650 Gladius

The main competitors of the Suzuki SFV650 Gladius in the class

:

• Honda NC700S (NC750S)
• Kawasaki ER-6N
• Yamaha MT-07

Brief history of the model

• 2009 - start of production and sales of the Suzuki SFV 650 Gladius model.

Model

: Suzuki Gladius 650;
Suzuki Gladius 650 ABS (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation
: SFV650K9; SFV650AK9.

• 2010 - no significant changes.

Model

: Suzuki Gladius 650;
Suzuki Gladius 650 ABS (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation
: SFV650L0; SFV650AL0.

• 2011 - no significant changes.

Model

: Suzuki Gladius 650;
Suzuki Gladius 650 ABS (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation
: SFV650L1; SFV650AL1.

• 2012 - no significant changes.

Model

: Suzuki Gladius 650;
Suzuki Gladius 650 ABS (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation
: SFV650L2; SFV650AL2.

• 2013 - no significant changes.

Model

: Suzuki Gladius 650;
Suzuki Gladius 650 ABS (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation
: SFV650L3; SFV650AL3.

• 2014 - no significant changes.

Model

: Suzuki Gladius 650;
Suzuki Gladius 650 ABS (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation
: SFV650L4; SFV650AL4.

• 2015 is the last year of production.

Model

: Suzuki Gladius 650;
Suzuki Gladius 650 ABS (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation
: SFV650L5; SFV650AL5.

and competitors

It is interesting that many owners, calling Gladius an improved SV650, include completely different models as its competitors.

• Honda with its road bikes NC700S and NC750S ;
• Yamaha with its naked MT-07 ;
• and Kawasaki offered the ER-6N, the same model as the SV650 .

Specifications

Technical characteristics of Suzuki SFV 650 Gladius:

Driving performance

In terms of driving characteristics, Gladius is a real city naked, fast and maneuverable, capable of cutting through traffic jams in a busy metropolis like clockwork.

The maximum speed declared by the manufacturer is 205 km/h . According to user reviews, the bike picks up this speed normally, with smooth acceleration, but you won’t be able to ride at it for a long time. Naked means a complete lack of wind protection, and at the same time it is impossible to push more than 160 km/h , the headwind simply interferes. Therefore, a comfortable cruiser is 120-140 km/h .

Acceleration to hundreds (dynamics)

Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 3.82 seconds . According to users, a lightweight naked bike could accelerate faster.

Fuel consumption

Consumption, according to the manufacturer’s documentation, is 4.9 liters per 100 km . Users note that 4 liters can be seen on the highway. In the city, everything depends on the traffic situation. Provided that the tank is 14 liters , the average distance on one gas station is up to 300 km .

Reviews

Reviews of Suzuki SFV650 Gladius:

Expand Collapse

As for the fit, it is classic, straight. The legs, however, have to be strongly bent at the knees, but drivers over 165 cm tall can install the saddle higher and this problem will disappear. The seat is not pleasing with its softness and width: driving more than 100 kilometers on the Gladius is difficult. But it is not intended for long-distance drivers: even a minimal windshield is not provided in stock, and even after 120 km/h the vibrations become very noticeable. As a passenger, it is generally recommended to travel only to the nearest shopping center.

Overall, the suspension seemed to me to be harsh; on uneven surfaces, the Gladius bounced slightly, although it did not lose traction and took turns with pleasure.

In short, the Gladius is an updated SV 650. Personally, I liked it. Like its predecessor, it is easy to drive, with good low-end traction. In principle, it accelerates to 205 km/h, but a comfortable speed is no more than 160 km/h due to oncoming air pressure. The saddle is comfortable, no problems with trips of about 300 km. The difference from the chaper will be in better handling, but otherwise everything is the same. You just have to get used to the fact that the main brake is the front one.

Advantages and disadvantages

Suzuki Gladius 650 is a completely modern and stylish bike, made to appeal to Europeans.

The motorcycle turned out to be an intermediate model between two SV650s - old and new. But it also got its own characteristics:

• the engine has a little more power and delivers good traction from the very bottom;
• a wide selection of components and consumables , due to its similarity with several other models of the manufacturer;
• The landing is a rather controversial feature . At the same time, they note the rigidity of the sofa, the classic body position, and the strongly raised footrests;
• This also includes the inconvenience for the second room - there is not enough space and it is hard;
• CAT - which was never cured;
• Good handling created by a low center of gravity

As those who managed to ride say, it’s the same SV650, only updated.

Behind the wheel of a motorcycle one sees young pilots whose soul demands to fly around the city with the breeze. And for this purpose the bike is good - it looks suitable, and the engine is fun.

003_MOTO_0210–039

They tried to correct the excessive softness of the fork on the second generation SV by adjusting the fork spring preload, but to no avail.
They tried to correct the excessive softness of the fork on the second generation SV by adjusting the fork spring preload, but to no avail.

The most recent modification of Sivka appeared in 2008 and received the SF index. It differs from the “S” version in the one-piece fairing, instead of the “bikini”, otherwise they are completely identical. Also, since 2008, ABS has been optionally installed on all versions of SV.

Test drive SuzukiSFV650 Gladius

“For a stylish look, wear a silver-gray zip-up fitted jacket and silver pants. All this can be combined with a black jacket worn over a jacket and dark blue leather gloves. A metallic blue belt will be a striking accessory that will highlight your sophisticated style. Blue shoes will look good on you. And bright white sneakers will help create the necessary contrast with your clothes, and make your riding experience on the Suzuki Gladius truly unique!”

Excerpts from the official website of Suzuki Gladius.

Suzuki SFV650 Gladius

645 cm3

66.5 hp

2 cylinders

202 kg

Either the world has turned upside down, or the “balls” of the Japanese have really rolled into the “rollers” of voluptuous Italian fashionistas. After scrolling through just a few pages on the official Suzuki Gladius website, I got the strong impression that this is not a motorcycle, but a fashion accessory that sophisticated women should match the color of their new handbag, or, even better, underwear, and men should match their new ones. jeans or sneakers. I have never seen such an amount of glamor concentrated in one motorcycle.

“Everyone has motorcycles like motorcycles, but I have a HANDY!”

This saying may soon become commonplace across Europe. Even before the official presentation of the Suzuki Gladius at last year’s largest exhibitions, active discussions began on the Internet about the original appearance of the new motorcycle - Suzuki took care and gave the press a couple of photos of its “handsome” in advance. Reviews for the new product were extremely varied - from natural banter to all sorts of praise. And one of our people even named this motorcycle like a flower – “Gladiolus”! Indeed, the design of the motorcycle is too original and, perhaps, somewhat ahead of its time. But the same can be said about many other motorcycles that subsequently became popular - what seems new today will become commonplace tomorrow.

Meanwhile, six months have passed since the first information about the Suzuki Gladius appeared in the press and on the Internet. And those who initially reacted with hostility to the new product are already beginning to look at it with curious eyes: maybe he’s cute after all? It's a different matter with female audiences. The majority of the fair sex initially agreed that this motorcycle was “simply beautiful,” and the rest, as is usually the case, soon accepted the position of the majority. Therefore, first of all, the success of the new model is ensured among the female audience. Suzuki itself has high hopes for it: one of four colors for the Gladius, a combination of cherry and cream colors with a gold-colored frame and rims - definitely aimed at women.

Style comes first

Gladius became the heir to one of Suzuki's most successful motorcycles - the SV650, which is very popular in Europe, both among experienced motorcyclists and among beginners. But time takes its toll: against the backdrop of bright and sophisticated Italian motorcycles, this old-timer looked like an ordinary utilitarian motorcycle, which has been crying out for a facelift for a long time. But Suzuki decided to go further, creating a new motorcycle “from scratch” and only the engine was transferred to the Gladius from the SV650, and even that in a significantly modified form.

The main priority during the design was its own unique appearance of the new product. After all, to compete with the new Kawasaki ER-6, and even more so with the Ducati Monster 696, even improved technical characteristics compared to them will not be enough. A couple of horsepower would play a decisive role when choosing a sportbike, but in the sector of mass-produced mid-sized motorcycles, the main role is played not by technical characteristics, but by His Majesty style!

For risky beginners and more.

650 “cc” is quite a bit for those motorcyclists who have been driving for several years. And given the flexibility and smooth thrust of the V-twin installed on the Suzuki Gladius, no one should have any difficulties with “acclimatization” (in the case of moving from a smaller cubic capacity). In addition, compared to the SV650, the maximum power and torque of the Gladius decreased, respectively, from 72 to 66.7 hp. and from 65 to 63 Nm.

Due to such “sacrifices”, it was possible to further saturate the low and medium engine speed range, so that now it pulls perfectly almost from idle. True, these changes are primarily aimed at beginners who got behind the wheel for the first time, and may not appeal to more experienced motorcyclists who like to “twist” the engine to the cutoff. But there is also the opposite opinion: some Western motorcycle journalists who have tested the Gladius say that it would make a good motorcycle for stunt riding - it is easy to control and can easily (with a clutch) climb onto the rear wheel. However, they express doubts about whether the Gladius will be able to act as the first motorcycle.

Technical progress is obvious.

The SV650 engine has not been amenable to modernization for many years, but now it has been completely “rebuilt”: the crankshaft has been lightened to reduce inertia, the shape of the cylinder covers has been optimized and the valve opening timings have been changed to ensure better filling of the combustion chamber with the fuel mixture, a new injection system and iridium-coated spark plugs have been installed. electrode and so on. But a more significant change was the replacement of the standard gearbox with a cam gearbox, which provides easier and more precise gear shifting. The clutch and balancer shaft covers were made of two layers to reduce mechanical noise. By changing the shape of the crankshaft and balance shaft, as well as by using a new anti-friction coating on the pistons and cylinders, vibrations were reduced.

The rear suspension has a progressive characteristic, and the monoshock absorber is adjusted according to spring preload. The front telescopic fork also has the same setup, which is unusual for most motorcycles in this class, and therefore is an undeniable advantage of the Gladiolus, especially in light of its low cost.

The motorcycle is available in two versions: with and without pre-installed ABS. It is not yet known whether the version with ABS will be supplied to Ukraine and how much more expensive it will cost. But the very question of the feasibility of using this system on the Suzuki Gladius is questionable. After all, judging by the tests, the motorcycle behaves quite predictably when braking and does not show any attempts to suddenly lock the rear wheel, not to mention the front. This behavior is partly possible thanks to the installation of high-quality Dunlop Qualifiers radial sports tires on the motorcycle, which grip the road well. The braking system itself has not changed compared to the SV650: 290 mm discs and 2-piston calipers are still installed at the front, and a 240 mm disc with a single-piston caliper at the rear.

And a little bit of comfort...

For driver convenience, engineers have revised the ergonomics. The place where the tank comes into contact with the seat was made as narrow as possible, and the transition itself was very smooth to make it easier to wrap your knees around the tank. The seat itself was moved a little closer to the center of the motorcycle to improve weight distribution and handling. The handlebars are slightly higher and wider than those of the SV650, and the footpegs have been moved downwards, which should create an almost upright, relaxed riding position. For ease of maneuvering at low speeds, as well as for beginners and short motorcyclists, the standard seat was made low - only 785 mm from the ground. If someone finds it too low, the motorcycle can be equipped with an optional, higher seat.

It's nice to see a modern and elegant dashboard on the motorcycle, which even has a gear indicator. The rest of the set is almost standard indicators, with the exception of only the mileage indicator on the “reserve”, which will remind you in time that it’s time to stop at a gas station. This pointer is not at all superfluous, since with the same “appetite” the volume of the Suzuki Gladius gas tank is 2.5 liters less than that of the SV650, and is only 14.5 liters. By the way, the tank on Gladius is protected on both sides by decorative plastic linings, which can be easily replaced in case of damage.

"Flower" future.

Suzuki Gladius can be classified as a mass-produced mid-sized motorcycle. This is evidenced, first of all, by its price, which in Ukraine will be about $8,500, which is 1.5 thousand less than the cost of the Suzuki SV650, but still more expensive than in Europe (where Gladius costs about 5,000 euros). So we can assume that with such a bright appearance and quite affordable price, this motorcycle will not stagnate for a long time in shop windows even in Ukraine, and in Europe it should generally be dismantled hand and foot, despite the crisis.

However, precisely because of the crisis in Europe, there is a reorientation of people not only from expensive cars to small cars, but also from expensive motorcycles to cheaper ones. After all, it makes no sense to buy a liter bike to ride around the city. It is in such cases that the Suzuki Gladius is a more justified “investment”, since it can become not only a means of transportation, but also a means of self-expression for stylish and modern youth. At least, this is what Suzuki marketers are counting on. Time will tell how sales of this overly glamorous He “SV” will go in Ukraine.

Ducati Monster 696 competitors

“A goose is not a friend to a pig!”

The penultimate of the line of “monsters” (the last is considered to be the Monster 1100) is made in the best traditions of the Italian school of motorcycle building. In addition, the “696th” (unlike the “695th”) was developed from scratch, and therefore differs from its predecessor not only in appearance. The L-shaped two-cylinder desmodromic engine has significantly increased its power and in the latest version produces 80 hp and 69 Nm of torque. The birdcage frame has become much lighter, but has not lost its rigidity. The 696th is equipped with a Showa fork with a 48 mm diameter of feathers (the 695th had a Marzocchi, 43 mm), and the Sachs adjustable shock absorber remains at the rear. Ducati engineers were able to reduce the bike's dry weight to a record 161 kg, making the Monster 696 a nimble and easy-to-control motorcycle. And the last word goes to the ultra-high-performance Brembo radial brakes.

It is clear that the Gladius cannot be a direct competitor to the Ducati Monster 696. The latter is a high-end motorcycle. And therefore he is only an indirect rival and a role model. But, due to compelling (mainly financial) reasons, Gladius will still take away some market share from the Italian. After all, the cost of Monster 696 in Ukraine is 11,800 Euros ($15,900), which is almost twice as much as Gladius.

Kawasaki ER-6n "Japanese Samurai"

This motorcycle is also equipped with a flexible “twin”, but unlike its competitors – in-line. This arrangement is more balanced in terms of vibrations than that of V- and L-twins, but still does not completely free them from them. Average power figures (72 hp and 66 Nm) make the motorcycle attractive to many not very experienced motorcyclists, but the groovy nature of the engine “at the top” can be a little intimidating – the company’s racing heritage is felt here. It can also be seen in the highly efficient braking system, equipped with petal-shaped brake discs (both rear and front).

The design of the motorcycle is quite progressive and original: the rear monoshock absorber is located diagonally on the right, and the exhaust system is located under the engine, contributing to a lower center of gravity. However, the motorcycle is not that heavy - only 174 kg of dry weight.

In design, it strongly contrasts with the Suzuki Gladius, as it is made in a more aggressive style, and therefore its target audience is more likely to be young street racers, rather than fashionable boys and girls. But they are close in cost - in Ukraine you will have to pay about $9,400 for the ER-6n.

Text: Vladislav Sofonov

Photo: Suzuki