Hey guys.
So after 2 years, 30K KM, a shaZam! ton of fun riding all year in every weather from burning summers to rainstorms and hail, I have to say something - I've outgrown my GS. She's practical, easy to work on and cheap to run, basically all a Uni student who's low on cash needs right now, but...she just doesn't excite me anymore. I've scraped the centerstand and been to pretty much every twisty road in the county on her, and I think I'll just do her more harm than good if I'll keep pushing the revs higher and higher to get that extra lbs of torque...
With that in mind, I'll probably be able to scrape enough money to buy a Gladius in good condition this summer break. I rode the Hyosung GT650 Comet while taking my unrestricted license lessons, and I really fell in love with the sporty V-Twin. Seeing as old SV's are hard to come by in my country (as most if not all have been abused to death), the Gladius seems like a sensible choice - it's a sporty V-Twin, it's fairly new, the design's not bad and the fuel consumption is pretty much what I'd get on my 500...
I haven't' found many reviews on this one, but from what I've heard - the seat and suspension are it's weak point. So for someone looking to upgrade from a GS500, but stay on the cheap as far as maintenance goes, who loves V-Twins but still wants a sporty bike that can cruise the highway at 130-140 KPH (80-85 MPH) with overtaking power, be nimble in traffic like my 500 and handle long weekend trips...have I found the right bike? (BTW the new SV is WAY out of my budget so don't bother)
Haven't ridden one, but it's essentially an SV650 with a stylistic update.
If you like the style go for it, the SV is a proven design. So much so that after the flop of the SFV650 Gladius Suzuki retroactively "updated" it back to the SV650.
Another decent choice may be a Kawasaki Ninja 650, if you like a faired bike. I'm actually considering one, as my Monster isn't so great on the highway with it's total lack of wind protection.
Thanks for the reply.
As far as Kawasaki goes - our dealerships are really terrible, same as with Yamaha. It's the same importer, and parts are ridiculously expensive (and sadly I can't afford to wait for something to arrive from overseas as my bike's my only vehicle). Plus - I'd prefer a V-Twin over a parallel one anyday.
Are the parts for the Gladius and the new SV the same?
AFAIK, the bikes are pretty similar. Besides the aesthetic differences, the SFV has different suspension and makes a little more power. I don't think the SFV and the new SV share parts, since the frames and engines are different. As far as parts go, the SV is much more popular than the SFV so parts availability and aftermarket support is going to be better for the SV, for sure.
Get a real SV. Aluminum frame over steel of the Gheydius.
BTW after they tossed all the plasticky crap off it, its looking less Ghey, but still wont take a steel frame over an aluminum one.
And I second the versys/ER650. Atleast its a parallel twin.
Cool.
Buddha.
Quote from: Watcher on March 01, 2018, 01:13:29 AM
I'm actually considering one, as my Monster isn't so great on the highway with it's total lack of wind protection.
You going to sell the Monster?
I could picture that yellow bike in my garage.
I have a trailer. Dunno how much I want to pull it all the way from Austin to Phoenix and back... Wonder how awful a two-day motorcycling adventure ride along the southwest USA border would be...
Quote from: mr72 on March 02, 2018, 07:04:10 AM
Quote from: Watcher on March 01, 2018, 01:13:29 AM
I'm actually considering one, as my Monster isn't so great on the highway with it's total lack of wind protection.
You going to sell the Monster?
HELL no! :icon_eek:
Could use something less "Monstery" though. Still ride the Monster daily and for fun, use the Ninja or whatever else I end up with (maybe a Buell Ulysses?) for when I teach and for any trips I take.
Quote from: Watcher on March 02, 2018, 03:33:13 PM
Quote from: mr72 link=topic=72219.msg869675#msg869675 date=1519999450
You going to sell the Monster?
/quote]
HELL no! :icon_eek:
Ha. Sounds like you dig it then.
I found one basically identical to yours in San Antonio anyway, which if it ran right would be easily rideable home. If only I had extra cash I might go down and check it out, but alas I don't and there's no way I'd have time to sell the GS before that old Monster sells.
Not sure a 18 year old Ducati is really that much of an upgrade from my 26 year old Suzuki... Not so much that it'd be worth it. I think I'll hold out a while and buy myself a newish Duc with FI and ABS.