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

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