Ooh, I wonder why it's still on Kawasaki's website, I didn't even think to look at the model year, I just assumed their website would be more up to date considering they usually start putting new models on the website the year before. Do they have any plans for another larger naked bike to replace it, or are they just giving up on the whole class?

Quote from: tt_four on August 17, 2009, 07:07:12 PM
Ooh, I wonder why it's still on Kawasaki's website, I didn't even think to look at the model year, I just assumed their website would be more up to date considering they usually start putting new models on the website the year before. Do they have any plans for another larger naked bike to replace it, or are they just giving up on the whole class?

The SV650 is still on the Suzuki website, even though it was replaced by the Gladius. They usually keep models that can be somewhat commonly found on dealers lots.

Alright. I had heard about the Gladius replacing the SV650, but thought people were crazy because it was also on the website. That explains why they can get away with selling it for more than the SV650, even though the actual bike is less than the sv650. It's sad to see that bike go too.

If I remember right, Suzuki is keeping the SV650S model, but have discontinued the SV650N (ie. naked or non-faired) model and replacing it with the Gladius.
Tony

That's the same that I heard from a Canadian Dealer.

SFV650 is the new SV650N.  Worst-looking POS I ever saw... and the marketing campaign!    

I'll keep my eyes open for a used SV650N, or blow it all on an Aprilia Shiver.

Haha, are you referring to www.gladiusstyle.com or is there even more that I haven't seen yet?? That website is the worst thing I've ever seen. I don't need Suzuki's opinion on which fur lined gloves and scarf would go best with my motorcycle.

Aside from that, I do really like the styling of the bike a lot. It reminds of a mini MV Agusta Brutale. Everyone else said Ducati because of the frame, but it definitely looks more like the MV, it's Italian styling either way, but I don't know. Taking a step back in performance is an odd concept, although if the Monster 600 is their competition, they could've stuck a sack of potatos where the engine should be and no one would've noticed a difference(OUCH!). The naked 600 class is considered more for commuters and beginners than it is for performance, so i guess they can get away with it anyway.

Last comment for this threadjack of mine...

We don't even get the all black SFV650 (I refuse to call it Gladius) in Canada!!   
If it ever wanted a chance it should have launched in an all black kit. 
At least then a guy might look at it for more than 0.25 seconds. 

It has interested my wife though, in Blue/White. 

Quote from: CliffHanger on August 18, 2009, 09:59:40 AM
Last comment for this threadjack of mine...

We don't even get the all black SFV650 (I refuse to call it Gladius) in Canada!!   
If it ever wanted a chance it should have launched in an all black kit. 
At least then a guy might look at it for more than 0.25 seconds. 

It has interested my wife though, in Blue/White. 

You got the naked Kawasaki Z750, among other things.

Someone on the SV650 forum did a Photo SHop of a 1st gen SV65-S fairing mounted on the Gladius and I thought it looked great.

lulz, I just bought a 2004 sv650s. I kept my gs500 as well though.

imo, the sv650s is better in almost every aspect (the suspension still sucks though)
but i still get more compliments on the gs500 than the sv650s even when they are parked right next to each other... funny how a '92 can win over a '04

Quote from: speedsix on August 19, 2009, 09:23:56 AM
Someone on the SV650 forum did a Photo SHop of a 1st gen SV65-S fairing mounted on the Gladius and I thought it looked great.

I'd like to see the picture if you can find it!