Suzuki SFV650 Gladius

WHAT WE LIKE

NOT SO MUCH

Naked bikes seem to be becoming increasingly popular these days. This could be due to their more comfortable, upright riding position; it could be the way they inherently seem to awaken the hooligan instinct – or it could just be because we all know naked riders make better lovers… Whatever the reason, Suzuki’s SFV650 Gladius stands the manufacturer in good stead to capture a sizeable share of the middleweight market.

Suzuki’s Gladius first hit our shores in 2009 as a replacement for the ageing SV650, powered by an updated version of the tried-and-tested 645cc, liquid-cooled, 90-degree V-twin that called the middleweight SV home for a decade. This donk has proven to be bulletproof over the years, earning itself an enviable reputation for supreme reliability.

EURO STYLE
Just a quick glance reveals that Suzuki has put a lot of effort into the SFV650’s design and styling. It has a stylish European look to it, with its blue truss frame and matching rims. That’s not just my opinion, either – it’s a general consensus of the positive comment the bike seemed to attract wherever it went.

Another universal opinion – this time not so complimentary – concerned its model name. “Where’s ‘Gladius’ come from?” was the usual question, and while in ancient times it was commonly known as a short, double-edged sword, in Australia in 2011 it’s lost that credibility, sounding more like the name of a distant Great Aunt.

Thumb the starter and even on freezing, mid-winter Melbourne mornings, the SFV readily whirrs into life, its auto idle speed control seeing it immediately settle into a steady burble, while playing its part to reduce emissions.

Like the majority of today’s motorcycles, the SFV can only manage a somewhat strangled exhaust note, but V-twin still gives a definite hint of what could be when given its head. Anyone who’s sampled this engine fitted with an aftermarket pipe will readily attest to the lusty note of which it’s capable.

WILLING HEART
The engine is extremely smooth, transmitting next to no vibration to the rider, and it has a very linear power delivery, developing its best seat-of-the-pants drive between 7000-10,000rpm. It’s not "rip your arms off" power and it’s not in any way intimidating, but perhaps because of that you’ll soon find yourself getting far faster than you may have anticipated.

This engine is also flexible enough to pull from as low as 4000rpm, allowing you to be a bit lazier with your left foot. In my opinion the only aspect that could potentially benefit from any further refinement relates to the initial opening of the throttle – rolling on from a closed throttle can be a tad snatchy, meaning a fair degree of concentration is required when powering away from corner apexes. I found this a bit daunting in the wet in particular, but remedied the situation by using a bit of clutch.

Up front the twin 290mm discs with twin-piston Tokico calipers offer a good level of feel but they’re a little lacking in power – you need to give them a decent squeeze to pull up hard. But I’ve got no such complaints about the rear stopper.

The SFV’s steering is light and it changes direction with little effort, holding a nice line through any corner with a decent surface. As can be expected of a sub $10,500 machine the suspension does have its limits – and when the pace really picks up or the surface deteriorates, it doesn’t feel as planted as some of the bigger nakeds.

The six-speed gearbox action is light and silky smooth, as we’ve come to expect from Suzuki. After more than 500km in the saddle, I couldn’t fault it.

SENSIBLE ERGONOMICS
Speaking of the saddle, the SFV’s seat provides ample padding but it’s canted forward in such a manner that it forces you against the tank. Blokes will understand that this can become a bit uncomfortable, especially when wearing leathers. That point aside, the SFV’s ergos are well thought out. The handlebar/seat/footpeg triangle puts you in a neutral stance that affords both control and comfort over long distances. The 785mm seat height, coupled with perch’s relatively narrow forward section, mean the ground should be an easy distance away for most.

The mirrors allow a clear view to the rear without the need to do a dance. Pillion comfort is as good as can be expected on a naked, with any passenger provided with a sensible seat height and good grab handles. The latter, together with the ’peg hangers, provide ample tie-down points for luggage.

The Suzuki SFV650 Gladius is an easy-to-ride, no-fuss bike with plenty of style and a heap of ability. At just $10,490 rideaway, it offers fantastic value for money.

SPECS: SUZUKI SFV650 GLADIUS

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Wheelbase: 1445mm
Wet weight: Not given
Seat height: 785mm (optional 805mm)
Fuel capacity: 14.5 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $10,490
Colours: Silver/black or blue/white
Test bike supplied by: Suzuki Australia
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited km