I'm thinking of buying a gladius or sv650 & wanted to know if any of you have one & what your opinion about your bike is.
The general concensus here is:
SV650 = +1
Gladius = :technical:
BUT... really.... who cares what we think. Go test ride them both and buy them one best suited to you - comfort, handling, purpose, etc.
There are bikes I'd love to have, but they have small gas tanks and that doesn't suit my needs for those bikes.
Good luck with your hunt.
PS - which SV are you thinking of - the Sport or Naked? Naked is upright riding position like the GS, sport is leaning forward and requires more core strength.
3 words...Gen 5 VFR
SV650S is nice. The first gen (tube frame) is really a great bike. Even though it's carbureted it's smooth as butter. Handles a small amount better than the '03+ models.
The cool thing about the SV650S is you can put the SV650N (naked) pegs and triple clamp to make it into a more long-distance bike. But don't get me wrong, I'm about 6' tall and I rode mine for almost 200mi without stopping. It just takes some getting used to. DEFINITELY more highway friendly than the GS and actually weighs about the same.
afaik our Postwhoress here has one as well ( the sv650)
I like the SV. Dunno about the gladius; doesn't it have a heavier steel frame? The SVn was on my short list when I replaced by GS. Ended up with a DL650, but it's the same great engine.
Transmissions in early models could be snatchy.
Why are you looking to accomplish with the change? I like the SV, but not enough difference to make a different to me. :dunno_black:
Yup ... the crappier steel frame in the gheydius ...
With suzuki's stellar quality for putting pain on frames ... I'd rather not tempt fate buyinga steel framed bike when an aluminum framed equivalent bike is more easily available.
BTW the gheyduis is also dripping with tacky plastic covering up everything ...
Cool.
Srinath.
I recently picked up an 06 SV650S. I love this thing! It's a little different from the GS, but I really like it. My wife stole my GSF, so I needed a replacement.