Suzuki Gladius: Bike may lure new riders, commuters

Suzuki's Gladius has the roots of its name in Latin as a type of short, fighting sword – a sword more manageable than the longer, heavier hardware common in that era. See where this is going?

Whether it's because of skyrocketing insurance extortion, draconian traffic enforcement, high fuel prices or maybe the population is finally beginning to smarten up, middleweights are making a huge comeback. And I, for one, couldn't be happier.

The $9,199 Gladius makes it the third 650 V-twin in Suzuki's product offerings. But there's very little overlap. The SV650 is pure sport while the 650 V-Strom is for hardcore touring riders or those who want to explore off the beaten path. The Gladius will appeal to those short of inseam, commuters, new riders and the growing North American female riding segment.

When I first set eyes on my press unit, two things sprang to mind. First, the Ducati Monster-inspired trellis tubular steel frame is absolutely gorgeous (especially when frame and wheels are painted "titanium"), and second, um, does it come in men's colours? This one seems to be white with pink highlights. Suzuki calls it red. Trust me, it's pink. I can live with the pearl white but for those of us not in touch with our feminine side, it also comes in metallic blue with frame painted to match.

With a 645-cc V-twin engine based on the bullet-proof SV650 and DL650 Wee Strom, the Gladius tips the scales at a user-friendly 202 kg (446 lbs.) gassed up and ready to go. The light weight combined with the generous steering radius and wide tubular handlebars, makes it easy to manoeuvre around town, in parking lots or at slow speeds.

Taller riders will find the upright riding position a little cramped (an optional 20 mm taller seat is on the way), but those of average stature will like the bar and seat placement as well as the low 785 mm (30.9-inch) seat height just fine. Even shorter riders should have no trouble putting both feet flat on the ground at stoplights.

I found the seat thin with little padding (the Gladius was hard on my gluteus) and it would've been a lot more comfortable had it not sloped forward so much. The seat cover is grippy and as you slide inexorably forward, the material catches your jeans, compromising the comfort of, ahem, certain body parts.

 

Gladius Maximus was a joy around town. The steering was light and predictable, while the low-end torque made it a very easy motorcycle to ride. A large analogue tach sits prominently front and centre, while the digital speedo sits off to the right.

There is the usual bank of warning lights, twin trip meters and a handy gear position indicator that's very visible.

EFI and digital ignition allow the engine to fire readily from cold and overall throttle response is good, although there was a bit of abruptness at low r.p.m. in the lower gears.

Suzuki fitted the Gladius with two spark plugs per cylinder (which is nothing new, my 1988 Honda Hawk has this) for improved combustion, which has the added benefit of lower emissions and more power. Clutch action is very light and the six-speed box shifts easily and precisely.

Power is available all through the rev range and I found the motor surprisingly strong, no matter what gear I was in or what r.p.m. the engine was turning.

Fuel economy is a Gladius strong point and under a variety of conditions, I averaged 4.5 L / 100km (63 m.p.g.), so owners should expect 250 to 300 km for each 14.5 litre tank full.

The sound emitting from the funky-looking twin spout muffler is quite throaty and rich, and actually changes to a more mellow tone as the motorcycle warms up.

The Gladius cruises nicely on the highway and easily keeps up with 401 speeds although with no screen or fairing, you won't be happy after an hour or so.

Suzuki says there is an accessory flyscreen on the horizon and those wishing to tour should consider it.

The Gladius isn't on the cutting edge of motorcycle technology, but it will parry the competition and thrust its way into the marketplace as another competent, do-it-all, naked middleweight.

Freelance writer Steve Bond reviews motorcycles for Wheels. stevebond8@yahoo.ca

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