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View Full Version : Suzuki Gladius (2009) road test


Bob
26th July 2009, 03:16
Now if there is a bike that gets abuse just from looking at the pictures, it has to be the Gladius, Suzuki's replacement for the SV650. But there is a lot more to a bike that looking at a picture, so when I got the chance to take one out and set the record straight (or possibly confirm the prejudice), I took it out on a wide range of roads to see what it really can do.

Click here to see the full review (http://www.bobpickett.co.uk/bkit/09gladius.htm)

This bike really surprised me - my intial thought was that it would be a box-standard commuter machine, but that just isn't the way it is set up. It will sell, I have no doubt, but I wouldn't be surprised to find the engine mapping or gearing is changed at the next review.
YellowDog
26th July 2009, 05:56
The SV is a good bike with a great record and user base.

The Gladius is a commuter SV.

It was always going to be a success.
MDR2
26th July 2009, 20:11
I really like the appearance of the Gladius... the name however...
sleeqe2000
28th July 2009, 14:44
I test rode the Gladius and loved it - very torquey little machine - couldn't afford one so did the next best thing and went and bought a second hand 2007 sv650s.
fridayflash
28th July 2009, 14:57
itll be intresting to see if they put out a faired or semi faired model
as with the sv....
Sly_guy
29th July 2009, 12:16
I test rode one a couple of weeks ago, when shopping for my upgrade (after getting a Full license..)..

Nice little machine, but, just didn't jump out and do anything for me..
Ended up buying a GSR600, as it just put a far bigger grin on my face !
sleeqe2000
29th July 2009, 13:08
Thats funny cuz I test rode the GSR600 the day before the gladius and that did nothing for me - just loved the v-twin over the inline 4 . Each to there own I guess - what thrills one person might not do the same for another.

Both great bikes though.....
carver
29th July 2009, 20:06
I read a review in the local rag on this, said it was pretty good!
PrincessBandit
29th July 2009, 20:28
I've had a few salesmen take me straight to it when I've been having a tyre kicking, I mean window shopping, session. Must say that in my opinion it is ugly and the name - well, you may as well say "I ride a Gladioli". Yes, I do know that "gladius" was a type of sword, but gladioli springs to mind just too quickly!

I really liked the SV I test rode, but the Gladius just doesn't do it for me. Maybe I judge it too unfavourably against my bandit though.....
mattian
29th July 2009, 20:47
I just got myself one...... wow, its certainly a good step up bike from a 250.
A little jerky when trying to ride slowly in 1st and 2nd but, that extra power when out on the motorways is quite addictive
Indiana_Jones
31st July 2009, 08:21
It's an interesting machine to look at, that's for sure!

I think it has character, and I'm sure it'll pull nicely with an SV650 engine in it.

Each to their own though.

-Indy
Morcs
31st July 2009, 08:45
Its a girls bike. Just like the sv650.
mattian
31st July 2009, 19:49
Its a girls bike. Just like the sv650.

well.... you ride a Honda so, we understand why you don't like girls.:lol:
Morcs
1st August 2009, 09:05
well.... you ride a Honda so, we understand why you don't like girls.:lol:

I actually dont... I own 2 yamaha's :)

I just havent amended the thing yet >>>>
mattian
1st August 2009, 16:02
I actually dont... I own 2 yamaha's :)

I just havent amended the thing yet >>>>

Oh sweet ! thanks for being a good sport.....:wari: I thought you were going to go all nasty on me for saying that.:laugh:
rie
1st August 2009, 21:36
good review. just checked the specs and it is a small bike. goodness. they look a lot more sophisticated than the ER-6n to boot. will definitely be keeping an eye out for it now.
Pixie
2nd August 2009, 11:58
I really like the appearance of the Gladius... the name however...

Why is Katana acceptable and Gladius not?

They are born swords
PrincessBandit
2nd August 2009, 13:13
Why is Katana acceptable and Gladius not?

They are born swords

Katana sounds cool though. :msn-wink:

Imagine if you've had a few, you get asked "what do you ride?", you slur back "uh, I ride Gladys".
MidnightMike
7th August 2009, 17:06
Its a girls bike. Just like the sv650.

Pah, the SV isn't that bad, the Gladius is though.

Looks like the designer went a bit over the top, and the whole bike just looks cheap.

I sat on one at Moto GB, they are piss tiny too compared to the Gen 1 and Gen 2 SV's.

People would be better off going for the new kawasaki er6n/f's if they want to buy brand new. Unless theres some 08' SV's lying about for a good price.

-Mike.
mattian
7th August 2009, 18:15
good review. just checked the specs and it is a small bike. goodness. they look a lot more sophisticated than the ER-6n to boot. will definitely be keeping an eye out for it now.

You can have a looksee at mine if you want :yes:, if you've got your full licence I'll even let you take it for a spin :scooter: