Suzuki Gladius SFV650 Review

Welcome to the Suzuki Gladius SFV650 review.  The Gladius has been around for a few years,  released in Australia in 2009 I think…  It’s one of the first models that started the modern commuter class of motorcycle – its easy to ride and a good handler.  It is also one of the better looking unfaired motorcycles regardless of engine capacity or class.

I still think that the 600-700cc motorcycles are a great balance of usable power and riding enjoyment regardless of which model you choose. You can enjoy a great road ride and power, in particular the ability to twist the throttle to the stop and have time to ease off before breaking the speed limit. In relative terms you’ll be faster than any car on the road (if you ride it properly) except for the exotics super cars – naturally.

Unfortunately the LAMS or Learner version of the Gladius will prevent the full enjoyment and due to the reportedly ECU restriction and other legalities to eventually remove it. So for learners I think it would a better choice to buy something different. The LAMS version probably pushes out 35Kw due to the extra weight of the bike. The engine is based on the SV650 so a known quantity,

The normal full power version of the Gladius will be a reasonably quick motorcycle. The engine, suspension and brake specifications are all class average for a naked motorcycle so there isn’t any reason not to buy it. In terms of style when released, the Suzuki Gladius did look different from most of the Japanese models resembling various Italian brands like Ducati for example but its curved lines marked it as something different. I don’t mind the look being more modern than the related SV650 or retro styled 70’s naked motorcycles.

In the end the Gladius is a nicely styled but average specified motorcycle but considering that Honda has just released the NC700 series in the country I think buyers would prefer the additional features of the Honda. The key problem with the Gladius is that it is quite expensive, priced at at over $10,000! The Honda NC700S is $2000 cheaper. The only factor in the Gladius’ favor is higher engine power but due to the equal torque factor, which at half the revs in the Honda it comes out pretty much equal in my opinion. I think I know which one I’d prefer…