Suzuki Gladius vs FZ6R vs Ninja650 vs GSX650F?

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I rode my FZ6R for 20,000 kms in the time I owned it an I couldn't be happier. Extremely smooth power band, it is VERY easy to handle and yet still fast. The way the bike handles also inspired a ton of confidence in me. Since getting my ZX6R I have tried my friend's new ninja 650 and it seems very awkward and unbalanced to me. The seats are lower and more plush, so it's much better for passengers than the FZ6R, but the handle bars are still high and I found it very wobbly and VERY vibratey. Overall I think the 650 would be more comfortable for long rides (10+ hours) but I'd take the FZ6R for it's great handling feel, smoother engine, seating position and less annoying vibrations.
 
beverage said:
Brampton Powersports is currently listing the FZ8 for $6,999. I'd pick it over anything on your list. Cheaper than the Gladius and GSX650, and equal in price to the FZ6R, but with more motor and better suspension. I don't know why the FZ8 is so heavily discounted but it's looking like a bargain.
http://www.bramptonpowersports.com/...MAHA-FZ8-0f135d4f40463812017d5d274829c42f.htm
http://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2013-yamaha-fz8-review-unexpected-magic/
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This seems like an amazing deal on this bike! I had an FZ1 a few years ago and it was a great bike for all around use. The FZ6 and FZ8 seem to have much more modern frames and suspensions, so I presume they would be more enjoyable to ride. If you wanted more wind protection, I believe there are lots of accessories and aftermarket stuff to add on.
 
OP, get the FZ8 @ Brampton Powersports for $6999. That's if they have any left. Awesome deal!


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V-Tom said:
The Gladius reminds me more of the look of an MV Agusta Brutale:
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That's not by accident. The SV series of bikes were Suzuki's copy of Italian twins. The Sv650 and 1000 were aiming for the SS Ducatis.

As Monster and Aprilia sales took off, they morphed the look to match that genre.
 
Is there anything wrong with the gladius vs sv650? Older sv asks for more on kijiji than nearly new gladius. I get they look like a ghey monster but price and performance and insurance cost -wise it seems to fit the next phase of my life (no I'm not turning gay). Considered buying CB500 or something too but Honda doesn't want to make it in the color I want and v-twin is nice right?
 
eljay said:
Is there anything wrong with the gladius vs sv650? Older sv asks for more on kijiji than nearly new gladius. I get they look like a ghey monster but price and performance and insurance cost -wise it seems to fit the next phase of my life (no I'm not turning gay). Considered buying CB500 or something too but Honda doesn't want to make it in the color I want and v-twin is nice right?
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I used to have an SV... I'm pretty sure the only thing wrong with the Gladius vs the SV is it's as quoted "gheyness"

A CB500 will suck balls compared to that bike... Good luck.
 
I bought 2011 Suzuk GSX650F brand new last year as a non-current model. Got it at a fabulous discounted price, zero problems so far. As mentioned by others, it is a heavy bike and thus is stable on high-way/cross winds. I find it nicely balanced, ample power whenever I turn the throttle, smooth ride. Ready-Honda has a sale going on, I am sure they will offer further discount for anyone interested: http://wwwa.autotrader.ca/a/Suzuki/...=motorcycles_atvs&showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=1_15_7
 
eljay said:
Is there anything wrong with the gladius vs sv650? Older sv asks for more on kijiji than nearly new gladius. I get they look like a ghey monster but price and performance and insurance cost -wise it seems to fit the next phase of my life (no I'm not turning gay). Considered buying CB500 or something too but Honda doesn't want to make it in the color I want and v-twin is nice right?
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This is quite an old thread.

You can buy a nice used Gladius SFV650 with ABS and it is a fast, comfortable bike that is reliable and has one of the best V-twin engines on the market the the best EFI I've ever felt. This is the best bike for throttle roll off and on and the engine has been evolved for over a decade for even torque delivery.
They made a huge mistake with the candy pastel colors on early models, but most sold were actually black. They are really easy to work on, and have a real tach and gear indicator, and last forever.
The frame is stiff, the suspension and brakes are very good, and ABS is not an option on the other older choices. They sound great with a slipon, and this formula has been used on more track bikes than any other model.
The bars are easy to swap out for a variety of other positions. You can get a good one for about 4 grand or less and you won't out grow it. Insurance is sport-tourer.

I agree with this review:

[video=youtube;GAaWockRLD0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAaWockRLD0[/video]
 
Personally, I am a big fan of the GSXF 650. I am a little biased as I ride a Bandit 600. The GSXF/Bandit motor is BULLETPROOF and still performs well. The FI vs my old carb model is much nicer. I have Givi E41 panniers and a Givi V45 top box, Givi windscreen and 1" bar risers on mine and I have toured out to the east coast and back in perfect comfort with lots of room for gear for me and the Mrs. The GSXF will accommodate the newer V35 panniers. They aren't as big and don't are only side opening, but they are much more streamlined than my E41's and suite the bike much better. The seat on the GSXF is fine, and the full fairing adds that little extra wind protection vs a half faired model like my Bandit or an FZ6. The other nice features are a 19L fuel tank and the bike gets easily over 300km per tank if you're not wailing on it and a centre stand which makes chain lubing a breeze. Both very good things to have on a sport tourer.
 
Gladius. It's one bike that's definitely caught my attention. For the price I think it's worth it. If I could have a second toy right now I'd ride it. Feels comfortable and looks great imo.

img_9386.jpg
 
Roomie said:
Gladius. It's one bike that's definitely caught my attention. For the price I think it's worth it. If I could have a second toy right now I'd ride it. Feels comfortable and looks great imo.

img_9386.jpg
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Really? And you knock me for desiring 3 speed Nexus? Just kidding of course, a murdered out Gladius would be a good bike.
 
How about an SV650S as mentioned above.
This is the one I had a few years ago. Great engine, great handling, very reliable,. really recommend hitting a dealer and taking one for a test ride.

IMG_4239.jpg
 
Well I like the SV and that was what I was looking but like I said, finding the Gladius to be cheaper on kijiji so just wondered if there is any performance drawbacks besides just being fuglier. I prefer a naked bike because fairings piss me off. My goal along with lowering my insurance bills and gas mileage is to reduce the amount of plastic on my bike as well.

Thanks for the picture of the pretty lady...


alangolding25 said:
How about an SV650S as mentioned above.
This is the one I had a few years ago. Great engine, great handling, very reliable,. really recommend hitting a dealer and taking one for a test ride.
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eljay said:
Well I like the SV and that was what I was looking but like I said, finding the Gladius to be cheaper on kijiji so just wondered if there is any performance drawbacks besides just being fuglier. I prefer a naked bike because fairings piss me off. My goal along with lowering my insurance bills and gas mileage is to reduce the amount of plastic on my bike as well.
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The SFV650 and SV650 are essentially the same bike, just different control locations and fairing. I could never get comfortable on my SV650S at my height, but the SFV is very different position. Some people put bikini fairing on the SFV for highway, while the SV has a fairing, it's not a long distance riding bike due to the position.
I've ridden the ER6N and FZ07, still prefer the Suzuki engine, especially the throttle control and smoothness. Brakes and the fit and finish is better than the FZ07. Fz handles well, has a smoother engine than the ER6N, but it's pretty cheaply finished with a minimal LCD cluster.
These are all quick bikes, wheelie machines and can get you over 200 easily.
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