Suzuki SFV 650 Gladius, any thoughts or experience?

Drangueos · 3 Apr 2015 at 14:19

Hi, I found this bike when I looking for a Bandit...
Retails at £5k, 2010 to 2012 around £3k, but I found a really good deal on a brand new one for £4k... so I'm really considering to get one.
I'm looking for the all black model.

What do you guys think about it?
Anyone have one or had any experience with one?

Cheers.

Kaeo · 3 Apr 2015 at 14:58

Could be a decent first big bike. Take a ride on one and check it suits your size and build for comfort.

ElliorR · 3 Apr 2015 at 15:02

It's meant to be a good bike for newish riders and seems to get decent reviews. There's one vlogger I know of who's got one and he's had his for a few years and likes it.

https://www.youtube.com/user/GingeRbiker82/videos

wazza300 · 3 Apr 2015 at 15:33

any nearly new/used ones around? you'll save a lot over new

acemastr · 3 Apr 2015 at 15:37

Girl's bike isn't it?

Plenty of other bikes similar that look less ghastly

Clum · 3 Apr 2015 at 16:06

Just did my DAS on a Gladius. Although it feels amazing to me, I don't really have much to compare it to! Opinions of the instructors and sales guys were that its a good bike, but a lot of others in the price range will be a lot better and provide room for you to grow into.

Drangueos · 3 Apr 2015 at 18:18

I just did a test ride and I can tell that I loved it, perfect for my size, as I'm only 5'7, good torque from the V twin.
It is not my first bike, but the last time I had a big bike was around 12 years ago and on the last 3 years I'm ridding a 50cc scooter

Result of the test ride:
Just put a deposit in one, going to collect it next week, 200 miles away from here, got a really good deal as it is 2015 model, pre registered to the dealer (was registered 3 days ago) but it has only 7 miles on it.

Stovepipes · 3 Apr 2015 at 22:56

I really like the look of it and as a new rider I love the fact it has a gear indicator on it but I've heard it's better suited to shorter riders which put me of it a bit.
That being said if I found a brand new one for £4k I'd buy it instantly, absolute bargain at that price, I don't suppose they have any left?

Drangueos · 4 Apr 2015 at 01:07

Well, last time I spoke to them all blacks were sold (one is mine) and they had 3 greys with red frame available.

Stovepipes · 4 Apr 2015 at 06:25

Drangueos said:
Well, last time I spoke to them all blacks were sold (one is mine) and they had 3 greys with red frame available.

Not a problem for me, prefer the more colourful ones anyway, who is this dealership then?

Yaayuh! · 4 Apr 2015 at 08:28

I still think the Gladius is an insult to the SV. No idea why they did it.
Also, whilst I'm moaning, bring back the SV1000!

Drangueos · 4 Apr 2015 at 08:44

Stovepipes said:
Not a problem for me, prefer the more colourful ones anyway, who is this dealership then?

http://www.mmcbikes.co.uk/
I spoke to Liam, if you call them, tell that Leo that bought one yesterday told you about it.
If you see on the photo, it is the one parked behind.

P.S.: I just spoke to them and they have 3 grey with red frame left.

Drangueos · 4 Apr 2015 at 08:51

Rossi~ said:
I still think the Gladius is an insult to the SV. No idea why they did it.
Also, whilst I'm moaning, bring back the SV1000!

I think they tried to do a Japanese version of the Ducati Monster

Dogbreath · 4 Apr 2015 at 10:14

Rossi~ said:
I still think the Gladius is an insult to the SV. No idea why they did it.
Also, whilst I'm moaning, bring back the SV1000!

I don't like at the styling of the Gladius, but clearly some do and it's supposed to be a pretty decent bike. The SV650 is a great bike, but is looking pretty dated now, it's not really changed in the last 12 years.

What would have been awesome is a bike to replace the TL1000R, the SV1000 was just too bland to fill it's shoes. Basically I want V-Twin GSX-R with similar power delivery to the TL engine (the SV1000 engine is too tame).

.one. · 4 Apr 2015 at 18:44

Dogbreath said:
I don't like at the styling of the Gladius, but clearly some do and it's supposed to be a pretty decent bike. The SV650 is a great bike, but is looking pretty dated now, it's not really changed in the last 12 years.

What would have been awesome is a bike to replace the TL1000R, the SV1000 was just too bland to fill it's shoes. Basically I want V-Twin GSX-R with similar power delivery to the TL engine (the SV1000 engine is too tame).

I had a TL1000s was nice aggressive bike the r was a little smoother ride but loved my s developed a crack in the frame which is common on the s, she would catch you out now and again but that was part of the fun.

I know some one with a mint tl1000r sits in his garage but will not part with it.

The sv1000 does nothing for me.

wazza300 · 5 Apr 2015 at 17:41

looks a nice machine imo op

needs a screen though,they could have thrown one of those in

Kaeo · 6 Apr 2015 at 21:59

100% get a screen for it, anything over about 60 mph and you'll start to feel it on your neck after a few longer rides.

Drangueos · 6 Apr 2015 at 22:41

I will have a look on some screens, I will do a 220 miles trip back London because the bike is close to Liverpool

Wucked · 7 Apr 2015 at 12:27

Rossi~ said:
I still think the Gladius is an insult to the SV. No idea why they did it.
Also, whilst I'm moaning, bring back the SV1000!

^^ Agreed

ElliorR · 7 Apr 2015 at 12:37

I never thought I'd see bike snobs in this subforum.

Each to their own and everything. I really do not like the look of Ducati's, I think they are ugly bikes and I'd rather not ride than have one, but that doesn't mean others don't think they are the sexiest looking bikes and that's great as if we all liked the same things it'd be a drab world.