2009 Suzuki SFV650 Gladius

SUZUKI SFV650 GLADIUS HIGHLIGHTS

Price : $6,499

Body style : Sports Naked Bike

Model year : 2009

Warranty : 12 months

Manufacture country : Japan

Displacement(cc) : 645

Engine type : 90 V-Twin, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 2-cylinder

VEHICLE REVIEW

2009 Suzuki SFV650 Gladius

Every manufacturer is looking to offer the ideal entry-level and second-purchase bike, to attract new riders and keep them in the sport, preferably on one of their machines.Suzuki’s entry into this market, a rider-friendly middleweight that can be almost all things to all riders, is the SFV650 Gladius, a completely new bike built around the all-purpose 650cc V-Twin, albeit duly updated and improved to best handle its new chores.

Little sexy styling, heavy weight punch with V-twin engine provides the power you crave

Given its mission, the Gladius offers ergonomics that fit younger as well as more experienced riders, with special attention to shorter newbies, with a low seat set at only 785mm. I had riders from 1.60 to 1.80m ride the bike, and all returned a favourable verdict regarding seat comfort, pedal and lever placement, as well as general feel of the machine. At 115kg and 1.80m, I found myself at the upper limit of real comfort, as taller riders will find themselves too close to the bar and sitting on a forward sloping part of the seat, which pushes you forward as well as placing some annoying loads on your lower back.Looks are all-important to younger riders and the Gladius scores there too, with a squat appearance without looking burly or menacing, flowing lines that combine with soft, two-tone paint jobs – white, with blue or pink trim. The fashionable and cheap to build trellis frame shows just enough tube to evoke Italian bikes, with plastic covers that look OK from afar to hide the nasty fortified points where all tube meet at the back of the engine. The humped camel-back fuel tank combines with the low, almost slotted seat to further evoke Italian machines, whereas I would have preferred a slightly higher, less forward sloping seat. The easy-to-read instrument cluster features a gear indicator along with an analog tach, a digital speedometer and the usual idiot lights, but no fuel gauge. With no protection from the wind or the elements, the rider takes in the face and chest above 80 kph, and I would source a small windscreen to create my personal bubble of rain-free calm for touring, but not too big so that air can still circulate and keep me cool.

The Gladius inherited one of the great engines in the bike world, used on several Suzuki models for the last decade and always an excellent performer. The internals have been updated to reflect the gentle intentions of the Gladius, namely provide a fatter and flatter torque curve across the everyday rev range, an instantaneous throttle response, no vibrations, and enough power for two-up touring with some baggage. And it works, with improved fuel vaporisation from the injector showers, reshaped cams and smaller intake ports, and a clutch and gearbox as light to operate as those of a 250.The modifications add up to one extra pound-foot of torque and a drop of three hp when compared to the SV650 donor bike, a result at odds with the improved response and adequate power still on tap on the Gladius when you need it. In fact, it is the spread of torque over the every day rpm range that makes the motor more user friendly and delivers that enjoyable snap, while the 5% drop in power is really too small to notice anywhere but on a track. When pushing it, the engine climbs nicely up to the 10,500 rpm red line, with another 1,000 rpm available before the engine cuts out, to save a shift between corners – if you are so inclined.

A ride that makes you smile!

The proof of the pudding comes when you start to ride the bike, when Suzuki’s intent and how well the bike works stand out. Only the least experienced will need a (short) familiarisation period on the Gladius, while virtually everyone feels instantly at home. The engine does not vibrate at any rpm, it simply hums and breathes easily as you ride along, with some intake noise showing up as I got over 120 kph and it started to work a little harder. In city or slower riding, you simply gas it a bit and it jumps forward in a measured rather than violent sort of way. The non adjustable suspension is the one weaker point of this bike, as designers leaned on the mushy rather than firm side in front, and only provided for adjustable preload in the rear, working with soft compression and stiffer rebound damping. This combination provides a silky ride on smooth surfaces, with notable deterioration on bumpy surfaces. Similarly, the brakes are mellow, with adequate stopping power.

STANDARD FEATURES (The New Suzuki SFV650 Gladius)

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 power plant 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 center line and two 25.5mm exhaust valves set at 16 degrees from the cylinder center line.

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 counter shaft 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 up swept muffler.
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 riders 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.

OVERVIEW SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE

Engine type : V2 twin

Stroke:4

Displacement : 645.00 ccm (39.36 cubic inches)

Compression : 11.5:1

Bore x stroke : 81.0 x 62.6 mm (3.2 x 2.5 inches)

Fuel system : Injection

Fuel control : DOHC

Ignition : Electronic ignition (Transistorized)

Starter : Electric

Lubrication system : Wet sump

Cooling system : Liquid

TRANSMISSION

Gearbox : 6-speed

Transmission type final drive : Chain

SUSPENSION SYSTEM

Front suspension : Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped

Rear suspension : Lynk type, coil spring, oil damped, spring preload 7-step adjustable

BRAKES

Front brakes : Double disc

Front brakes diameter : 290 mm (11.4 inches)

Rear brakes : Single disc

Rear brakes diameter : 240 mm (9.4 inches)

TYRES

Front tyre dimensions : 120/70-ZR17

Rear tyre dimensions : 160/60-ZR17

FUEL CAPACITY

Fuel capacity(l) : 14.50

Fuel capacity(gal) : 3.83

COLOURS

Black

Blue/White

DIMENSIONS

Weight incl. oil, gas, etc : 202.0 kg (445.3 pounds)

Seat height : 785 mm (30.9 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.

Overall height : 1,080 mm (42.5 inches)

Overall length : 2,130 mm (83.9 inches)

Overall width : 760 mm (29.9 inches)

Wheelbase : 1,445 mm (56.9 inches)