Introduction
Destined to those who just approach riding, the all-new Gladius not only impresses through the way it looks, but with the help of a low seat and a fuel-injected, twin plug head engine which is tuned for low-to-mid range torque, also.
2009 Suzuki Gladius 650
Production costs were kept as low as possible and that implies a little bit of sacrifice on the weight chapter. For example, the trellis frame is made out of steel instead of aluminum.
Still, the name Suzuki says everything about the bike’s performance and reliability even though, at a first glance, you have many chances to confuse it with an Italian naked.
Testimony of the fact that the Gladius is one bulletproof piece of engineering sits the SV650 genes. Being brand new, this Suzi doesn’t have anything to brag about but its features and if you relate to those, you will find many years of development and refining behind.
Initially, the Japanese manufacturer would have launched the SV650 with the same purpose for which it introduces the Gladius today, but we have a hunch that there will be no need for a third model as experience now said its word.
Read about SV650’s history here.
Competition
2009 Ducati Monster 696
It is by now clear for everyone that the Gladius is out for the Ducati Monster 696. This last is backed up by its tremendous notoriety in Europe, but because the Suzuki seems to have followed the recipe literally, it has a good chance to ride along The Ducati and most likely never in front of it. Italy’s favorite naked is characterized by exceptional handling characteristics, a low seat, as well as a comfortable riding position while its 355lb (dry) are simply incomparable to the 446lb (curb) of its claimed competitor.
The engine behind it is the always efficient and great performing air-cooled L-twin cylinder with 2 valves per cylinder Desmodromic producing 80 hp. The V-Twin SV650 engine does only 70bhp so you do the math, but that seems like the second big punch in Suzuki’s ego.
With a better power to weight ratio and original, Italian looks, the Monster 696 is the undisputable king of its class while the Gladius remains a decent alternative and a good way for Suzuki to get a slice of Ducati’s cake.
2009 Kawasaki ER-6n
Ok, so we have first and second place. Aren’t we supposed to look for the occupant of the third place? No need for that as the 2009 Kawasaki ER-6N presents itself. Also powered by a 650cc, but featuring parallel cylinders, the Kawi engine develops 72 hp and gets you rid of those nasty vibrations that are so characteristic to V-twins. Styling is nicer for 2009 and even though the ER-6N doesn’t look as European as the first two bikes, at least it is original.
Exterior
2009 Suzuki Gladius 650
Leader of its class, the Monster seems to have that much influence on the Gladius that this last “borrowed” its design and plans to sell it to the same public. An ugly thing to do, but very effective as well; just ask Suzuki designers.
Even though an entry-level bike, there is nothing cheap about the way it looks. High level of refinement can be found all over the bike. The headlight is very stylish and defines the Gladius look while the gas tank, seat and rear end blend perfectly in together, making this naked look like being only now schemed on the drawing board.
The V-twin engine sits quietly between those 17” wheels, masked by also a Monster-style frame which changes colors depending on what scheme the customer chooses. This can be: Metallic Triton Blue/Glass Splash White, Candy Ruby Magenta/Pearl Mirage White, Pearl Nebular Black/Metallic Lush Green and Pearl Nebular Black.
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2009 Suzuki Gladius 650
As good as a motorcycle might look, it is still built to be ridden and that’s where all the fun starts in the case of the funky Gladius. We recently got the change to swing a leg over this entry-level middleweight Japanese naked and couldn’t be happier to share our impressions with you.
First of all, it is easy to notice that the 446 pounds are virtually lost as the bike starts moving and even slow speed maneuvering is a piece of cake. Riders who are just starting out will find it easy to ride this new model simply because its low seat (30.9 inches from the ground) allows even average-sized females to flatfoot the ground. So parking lot maneuvering isn’t a pain in the ass, which allows us to start believing that we’re dealing with a great learning bike considering that most crashes in the first year of riding happen at slow speed.
The riding position won’t require stretching exercises before even getting on the actual bike as the handlebars are pulled back towards the rider and are mounted fairly high for enhanced comfort. Also, the ergonomic seat is pretty comfy and the fairly close to one another pegs complete this easy-to-live-with riding triangle.
We’ve come to find that the Suzuki Gladius enjoys life in big cities as the bike is very easy to ride. The V-twin engine has a lot of torque to work with from the very low end of the rev range and it enables the bike to purr its way quietly but effectively up to the top of every column of automobiles that would surely have you late for work if driving a car instead of riding a motorcycle. While doing this, you’ll surely notice that the mirrors offer a very good rear view, but soon feel the need for more action.
The very same engine enjoys revving all of the 70 horsepower and transforms virtually any journey to work into a ride to remember. This thing accelerates and corners fast so no need to set your watch because the time savings will be more than significant. Suzuki made sure that the Gladius will prove a top competitor in its class and this aspect is unveiled while riding through the canyons, twists and turns as well as on back country roads. It’s almost amazing how this 650 cc bike only requires its rider to lean more into a corner and save the day rather than start braking when it’s the most dangerous time to do that.
Speaking of brakes, the Gladius may not benefit of top notch Brembo units, but its two-piston calipers acting on two 290 mm discs up front together with the single piston caliper and 240mm disc at the rear get the job done each and every time. We’ve come to find that this is also the case of the suspensions, which soak up bumps nicely and keep the thing stable under hard breaking.
Being powered by a V-twin engine, vibrations are no strangers to the Gladius, but these intervene only when pushing the bike well towards its limit. That’s also the time when the claimed 58 mpg will be out of discussion too.
All in all, this is the ride to have if willing to get the rush without paying the big bucks.
Price
Probably the main reason for which buyers will consider the 2009 Suzuki SVF 650 Gladius is the $6,899 suggested retail price. Significantly lower than Ducati’s $8,775 MSRP and the bike offering the same thing at a fairly lower level, this is an adequate starter bike, while the Monster will suit very well to experienced riders. Still, priced at $6,399 the Kawasaki ER-6N is the cheapest in this class.
Conclusion
Is it hard for you to make a decision? Well, this article is about the Suzuki Gladius so…a little support here please. Summarizing, it is enough powerful to keep the blood flowing even after riding it for some time, Suzuki reliability is a thing you should never doubt and it looks fun and modern, perfect for those who just turn to motorcycling. Wait, wasn’t this why Suzuki created it for in the first place?
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Engine and Transmission
2009 Suzuki Gladius 650 V-Twin Engine and Fuel Injection
Engine: 645 cc, 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90 V-Twin
Bore Stroke: 81.0 mm x 62.6 mm
Compression Ratio: 11.5 : 1
Fuel System: Fuel Injection
Lubrication: Wet sump
Ignition: Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
Starter: Electric
Transmission: 6-speed, constant mesh
Primary Drive Ratio: 2.088 (71/34)
Final Drive Ratio: 3.067 (46/15)
Frame Type: Steel-truss
Chassis and Dimensions
2009 Suzuki Gladius 650 Suspension
Front Suspension: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Rear Suspension: Lynk type, coil spring, oil damped, spring preload 7-step adjustable
Front Brake: 2-piston calipers, 290 mm disc, twin
Rear Brake: 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Front Tire 120/70ZR17M/C (58W), tubeless
Rear Tire: 160/60ZR17M/C (69W), tubeless
Overall Length: 2130 mm (83.9 in.)
Overall Width: 760 mm (29.9 in.)
Overall Height: 1090 mm (42.9 in.)
Seat Height: 785 mm (30.9 in.)
Ground Clearance: N/A
Wheel Base: 1445mm (56.9 in.)
Curb Weight: 202kg (446lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 L (3.8 US gal)
New Engine:
2009 Suzuki Gladius 650 V-Twin Engine and Fuel Injection
An automatic Idle Speed Control (ISC) system is integrated into each throttle body, and produces stable idle while improving cold starting and reducing emissions immediately after start up.
Each 39mm throttle body carries a 10-hole fuel injector. The extra-fine atomization injectors produce an average spray particle diameter that is smaller for improved combustion efficiency
Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) liner reduces friction and improves heat transfer, durability and ring seal
SFV650 is powered by a sporty fuel injected, DOHC 90 degree V-twin engine based on the proven SV650 powerplant famous for its long term reliability, broad power and quiet rumble.
645cc displacement with a bore and stroke of 81.0mm x 62.6mm and a compression ratio of 11.5:1
Each cylinder head features a compact combustion chamber with two 31mm intake valves set at 14 degrees from the cylinder centerline and two 25.5mm exhaust valves set at 16 degrees from the cylinder centerline.
New single valve springs reduce inertia weight and mechanical losses while maintaining accurate valve control.
Dual spark plugs cylinder heads feature iridium spark plugs reduce spark plug electrode degradation and allow the electrode to be finer producing a more intense, hotter spark and further enhancing combustion.
Conventional pressed in iron liners are replaced with Suzuki’s own race proven nickel-phosphorus-silicon-carbide coating (SCEM), which reduces friction and improves heat transfer, durability and ring seal.
Increased low-to-mid range torque output as well as a broad and smooth power delivery are produced through changes in Cam profiles, valve lift, a 10% increase in crankshaft inertia, newly staggered intake and exhaust tract lengths and an increase in exhaust system volume. All this without affecting top end power.
Clutch release mechanism is changed from ball-screw type to cam type system and the transmission gear engagement dogs are strengthened to help improve shifting of the six speed transmission. .
To reduce mechanical noise, a scissor type primary gear is split length wise with the two halves spring loaded, and the clutch and countershaft sprocket covers are now double layered for additional sound reduction.
New more efficient radiator is lighter and narrower, while the new liquid to liquid oil cooler reduces weight.
Fuel pump is lighter and more compact and located within the 15 liter fuel tank.
An oval throttle pulley helps smooth low rpm/mid-range power delivery
SDTV fuel injection system uses two butterfly valves with the primary valve controlled by the rider and the secondary throttle valve controlled by the engine management system to maintain proper intake air velocity needed for maximum combustion efficiency and improved throttle response
The newly patented Suzuki Idle-speed Automatic Control (SIAC) system is integrated into each throttle body, using internal passageways to eliminate external hoses and control valves. A notch machined into the secondary butterfly valve shaft precisely matches the volume of air flowing through the idle circuit with actual throttle position, producing stable idle while improving cold starting and reducing emissions immediately after start up.
The engine is so efficient in burning fuel that it doesn’t need a secondary system to inject fresh air into the exhaust ports to ignite unburned hydrocarbons.
The SFV650 has a catalyst built into an exhaust chamber mounted underneath the engine and connected to a stylish upswept muffler.
New Chassis:
2009 Suzuki Gladius 650 Suspension
Compact trellis steel frame featuring 25 degree of rake and 104 mm of trail for stable and sporty handling with a beautiful look
Front fender and radiator covers are color matched with the fuel tank covers and side covers, and contrast with the color of the fuel tank and frame color for a beautiful overall look.
Chassis and bodywork are designed to be as slim as possible where the fuel tank meets the seat, the outside forward edges of the seat are rounded and features a low 796mm seat height. All to make the new SFV650 easier for entry level riders to comfortably put both feet on the ground when stopping and for maximum rider confidence.
The carefully shaped seat has ample padding and the rear edges are bolstered to support the rider’s hips well.
Tubular handlebar shape and footpeg positions are designed to work with the seat position to add to rider comfort.
Single rear shock is connected to the rectangular-section steel swingarm through a progressive linkage which allows the suspension to react smoothly to bumps and improve overall ride comfort.
Rear shock spring is preload adjustable over a seven step range and rear wheel travel is 130 mm
Front forks feature 41mm stanchions with spring preload adjustability over a 15mm range and front wheel travel is 125 mm
Organically shaped multi reflector headlight incorporates high and low beams as well as a position light and flanked by chrome lens turn indicators.
Compact combination tail and brake light is packaged neatly underneath the rear seat framed by stylish seat rails and also flanked by clear lens turn indicators
Instrument cluster is positioned above the headlight and provides an analog tachometer, LCD digital speedometer, LCD dual trip-meters and odometer. An LCD digital clock, and LCD digital gear position indicator are also featured. Indicator lights include a two way remaining fuel warning lamp, backed up by an LCD digital reserve trip meter.
Stylish 17 inch cast aluminum alloy wheels feature a new five spoke design with a 17 x 3.50 inch front wheel and a 17 x 5.00 inch rear wheel
Dunlop qualifiers sport radials are fitted with a 120/70ZR17 front and a 160/60ZR17 rear tire.
Dual floating front brake discs measure 290mm in diameter and work with dual piston calipers.
Single 240mm rear disc brake disc works with a single piston caliper
New European inspired styling treatment features sleek flowing lines and an unmatched elegant new look.
Engine covers are updated to match the stylish new look of the SFV650 with edgy design elements
Richly curved bodywork matches nicely with the organic flow of the footpeg mounting brackets.
Front fender and radiator covers are color matched with the fuel tank covers and side covers and contrast with the color of the fuel tank and the color of the frame.
Edgy lines of the frame cover on each side match the seat rail and engine cover detailing and compliment the shape of the chrome muffler cover.
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