Suzuki Gladius (SFV650) Review

I hope you guys enjoy this review! Expect new videos to be dropping every Tuesday and Thursday!
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More vidzzz on the way!!

[@kf8575]

Did training towards my test (in UK) on one of these, and can say its not actually the bad a bike like some people have said before now. Has nice amount of torque starting pulling from low down in the rev range, and a very smooth power delivery. Comfortable ride compared to others, only gripe is the width of the tank and the amount the seat slopes forwards towards the tank. If your not careful youll find yourself getting your family jewels squashed against the tank. Has a nice throaty exhaust tone too lol

[@jordanfields7611]

Doing my mod 2 omw it hurt my jewels I had to stand up at red lights

[@trevormillard1339]

I’m 6’5. Is there any mods to the seat possibly to stop me sliding down into the tank?

[@rkskidz]

Look into the comfort seat. You may be able to find it on ebay. Other than that, the only other recommendation I would give is to get some “Tank Grips” they are rubber and stick to the sides of the tank where your legs go. It will help you hold your lower body in place with the insides of your legs to keep you from sliding down.

[@ispilledmyfuckingmilk5881]

I have a Gladius as well, in black though. I know what you mean when you say a lot of critics don't like how the bike looks but ever since i owned it, I always got compliments on it. I never would've thought i'd own a bike with a more European sorta look to it, & frankly i wouldn't of if it wasn't for the deal i got on it. It's such a fantastic bike though. They run so smooth with great handling. I'm up to about 31,000 miles on mine & it still pulls like it did the day i got it. My only complaint really is the plastics on the gas tank & that's it. It looks fine but you can't put a magnetic luggage bag on the bike cause of it.

[@rkskidz]

x I've had a lot of compliments as well and a lot of people (including other riders) who've never heard of it. Plus I was in the market for a gsx-s 750 and saw this and how much of a discount it had. I ended up getting it for 7k out the door and I couldn't pass it up. Also when it comes to wheelies, I'm 6'2" and overweight lol so that will play a big factor. But I can get it up in 1st gear and I've been able to pop it in 2nd to keep it going. Still trying to improve though

[@lifeisgood070]

Did you have to change the chain in that time? What tires are your favorite? Mine's at 15k. I had to stop riding for 3 years cause of a tough job, but same bike.

[@ispilledmyfuckingmilk5881]

lifeisgood070 I had a new chain & sprockets put on last season. I really waited way too long to do that too. The bike was bucking as it ran cause the chain was so warped. I think the new sprockets & chain were made by Sunstar. I could be wrong on that. As far as the tire goes, right now it's a Dunlop Q3 on the rear, not sure of the front. They seem to do the trick. I generally have those put on cause they're decent & inexpensive. Although if i were to pick a favorite i'd probably go with Pirelli. They aren't particularly cheap tires though.

[@lifeisgood070]

Thank you for the chain info. The Dunlop for me doesn't heat up too well in 45F-55F conditions. And in 95F conditions the edge of the tire would chunk on corners regardless of pressure. I had to use Michelin pilot powers @ 36.5-37.5psi. Dunlop is definitely less expensive though.

[@ispilledmyfuckingmilk5881]

lifeisgood070 I'm probably gonna definitely go for something different next time. Also i have a 93 Ex500. That was the bike i started on. I've been riding for 6 years now. I didn't realize until maybe a year ago that the little markings that appear on worn tires are an indicator that it's time to change it out, & my rear tire blew out on me as i was coming home from work one day. Luckily it happened right down the street from my house. I didn't evem know what had happened at first. I just heard some crazy noise that scared the hell outta me. I was litterally doing 100mph 6 minutes before it blew out. Something else crazy that happened a few months back was i hit a deer doing like.. 55 maybe 60mph. That was also on the road i live off of. It was dark, i was probably doing 40mph, & right up ahead there was a full grown doe. I wasn't sure if i had time to stop so i dopped a gear & gunned it. Of course the deer runs out. It's head hit my right front fork, broke off that black plastic tab, then the deer's head hit my shin, then caught on the plate & bent it. That was really fucking scary. I was yelling my head off as i was speeding up to it like a Spartan warrior knowing i was about to hit it. I managed to keep the bike up luckily. I don't know how the deer survied that. It had to of gotten badly hurt i would imagine.

[@ispilledmyfuckingmilk5881]

Also, i have no problem doing a power wheelie in 2nd gear.

[@achekjac737]

Hello. Thank you very much for a very nice view of gladius 650. You really know what you are doing. Gladius must be my first mc. Again thank you for the nice video you shared with us👍🏽✌🏼️

[@rkskidz]

Thank you! I have much to learn as well lol

[@mogensrasmussen8414]

I had a sv 650 1999 a joy. The bike was beatyful, but i would buy any bike with that engine. It's just so sweet :-)

[@rkskidz]

I 100% agree! The engines on these bikes are amazing

[@trini_boi2414]

Nice bike I sure wouldn't mind owning one myself..you ride the way I planned to ride my next bike not like some of the other reviews where the rider think they have to go fast thru a residential area..

[@rkskidz]

Thanks! Yah I’m not one to ride recklessly in town. I save the spirited riding for open roads and the mountains.

[@paulocometti4317]

I used to have the first Gen, carburator sucks,,, but best engine you can get,,, any those models is no mistake best bike out there.

[@rkskidz]

Absolutely agree. The engines in these are amazing!

[@cyberjack]

its a nice bike , but didn't like peg position .. they set too far back .. kinda like a sports bike

[@wiperiser1]

If you can pick one up 2nd hand this is 100% a good beginners bike.

[@DarnellHendeason-dk3uw]

A 600 is a dangerous choice for a new rider.

[@wiperiser1]

@@DarnellHendeason-dk3uw just like a knife is dangerous if you don't know basics of knifes 😆 This bike is fine for beginners as long as they are smooth with the gas and clutch.

[@gameofthrones4423]

what about its ground clearance ...? I think it's very low as compared to other naked bikes....

[@rkskidz]

Good point. The factory mid section of the exhaust does sit quite low.

[@GV-gr9qm]

Good review, thanks.

[@rkskidz]

G V no problem 😊

[@clcartlidge]

Learning to ride on one of these (UK) nice bike

[@rkskidz]

Craig Cartlidge Awesome! Thanks 😊

[@HoraceZeng]

Greeting from UGA! About to go look at a used black 2009 SFV650

[@rkskidz]

That’s awesome! You’ll definitely love it 🤙🏻

[@HoraceZeng]

@@rkskidz thanks it has 30k miles though, should I expect any major maintenance spending? My friend said leave aside $1k for it

[@rkskidz]

See if you can get some maintenance history confirmed with receipts, if not, then you can take it to a trusted mechanic to give you an idea of what it may need. If nothings been done to it besides oil changes, then there will be a list of things to go over like chain & sprockets, brake fluid flush, fork seals and fresh fork oil, rear shock if it’s bouncy, spark plugs (4 total // 2 per cylinder), coolant flush and possibly refresh the clutch with new plates. Of course, that would bring it back to a standard of “like new” even though the bike will still be reliable if not everything is done

[@HoraceZeng]

@@rkskidz Thanks a lot!! He does not have a maintenance history, so I will do that.

[@rkskidz]

Also keep in mind that if there were any other owners of the bike, they could have done some maintenance as well. But other than that, if the bike runs and rides nice, then just hop on and have fun! If you have any questions once you pick it up, just let me know 🤙🏻

[@mumenraider]

This might be my first big bike.. Searched and searched.. All the bikes with abs are expensive . Even the Sv 650 2007-2012 model are expensive than the gladius

[@rkskidz]

Everything has been expensive unfortunately, but they are great bikes for sure! I miss my old vtwin sometimes!

[@kirollings1491]

If I replace the stock exhaust for an ixil slip on. Do I need to retune air/fuel mixture? I'm looking in to changing the exhaust for my gladius. Greetings, Keanu

[@rkskidz]

As long as you just replace the slip on, there is no need for a retune. If you ever get full exhaust or replace the mid pipe, you will need to find someone to check the a/f ratio to see if there is a need for adjustment

[@kirollings1491]

@@rkskidz thanks for the answer!

[@firelord1125]

I have a GPR midpipe on my bike with an ixil hyperlow slip on. Ran fine for almost 3 months without a reflash. That being said, I would recommend a reflash on this bike regardless... More hp and torque!

[@stickytyres92]

LOLZ @ 6:47. My ST dressed up like Rudolph.

[@rkskidz]

Stickytyres I was so caught up with the vlog I didn't even notice 😂

[@stickytyres92]

Rk_Wild Ninja I almost turned around, but then I was like.... He's probably talking to himself. Naw

[@justanotherbiker9531]

The production of this video is amazing! Such an underrated channel! +sub

[@rkskidz]

I’m glad you’re loving it! I appreciate the positive feedback!

[@justanotherbiker9531]

@@rkskidz no worries mate :) I'm looking at getting one of these now, keep up the good work :)

[@Tashin32]

Curious if you still have this bike. I'm actually over in Winder GA and surfing FB market place for my next bike. I see a few SFV 650's on there and was thinking about picking one up. Would be pretty funny if one of them was yours. XD

[@rkskidz]

I actually may be trading the bike in soon 😂 I did have a listing on FB last year though lol

[@Tashin32]

Small freaking world huh? Good luck on the trade in, with the exception of today it looks like we're getting decent weather this weekend and I really want to find a bike by then lol

[@rkskidz]

@@Tashin32 absolutely! 😂 can’t wait for the clear weather

[@Ladosligese]

not to be to " common " or "mainstream" but i rather think Gladius would look badass in matt black . could ofc be wrong

[@rkskidz]

I definitely agree. The flat black looks pretty nice in person 👌🏻👌🏻

[@yatesy2909]

Hey man! Just wondering if you felt that the steering was rather 'heavy'? I just bought a 2016 Gladius and realised the steering is hard to countersteer and the bike drops to the side I lean a bit more. Not sure if it's the smaller width bars or a problem that is typical with this bike. Cheers

[@rkskidz]

I think the steering might be a little heavy compared to most bikes. My previous bikes have had heavier steering so I am used to it, so its hard for my to say. Also if the tires are worn and almost time to replace it will make it a little hard to initiate lean

[@yatesy2909]

@@rkskidz hey man. thanks for the fast reply. I changed the bars today thinking it may have been that but as I was doing that I looked at the tyres and the rear has a major flat spot in the middle and the front has a bit of a lump 😂 Safe to say I need new tyres! Thanks again!

[@rkskidz]

Ah yes! Glad I could help! You stay safe as well 😊

[@DarnellHendeason-dk3uw]

Why does this bike get do much hate?

[@rkskidz]

I’m not sure, but I know the old SV650s have a cult following of enthusiasts and racing, so I would imagine that most were upset to see the 2nd gen that looked more like it belonged with the sport bike class turn into something of the opposite. Just my guess

[@dailymotion7212]

I'm 1.82 tall ... my question is am I too tall for that bike?

[@rkskidz]

I’m 6’2” (1.88 meters) and had no problems. You get used to the size the more you ride it.

[@bobpetre2449]

nice review. Meanwhile these bikes are available second hand and affordable ! I guess it means this is a VERY GOOD choice as FIRST (big) bike ?

[@rkskidz]

You are absolutely correct my friend!

[@highcarbvegan190]

@@rkskidz Then what are new riders supposed to make out of what you said ? XD

[@rkskidz]

High Carb Vegan listen carefully to what I said in the video. I don’t recommend buying a new bike as a first bike. The Gladius was sold from 2009-2015. In other words you can’t buy them new anymore. Therefore it could be an excellent choice for a beginner. My perspective 3 years ago when making this video was from buying the gladius brand new

[@FrexieFrex]

Im looking for one fo these from 2013 as my first bike xD

[@rkskidz]

That’s awesome! You’ll definitely love how easy it is to ride and the power when you decide to open the throttle 🏍💨

[@trey1553]

Same here! I’m getting it tomorrow as my first bike.

[@FrexieFrex]

Ended up getting a kawasaki er6-n 2012 model instead and im really happy with is :)

[@MeyerBen27]

Yeah it's funny how you feel like a kite on the highway but your hands are so relaxed on the bars feeling no resistance. I got a 2009 same color. Love it, great review.

[@rkskidz]

I’m pretty used to it lol. I’ve only had bikes with no windscreen. I just keep my body slightly leaned forward and kind of “rest” itself in the wind

[@BlackSlyCooper]

Song please 00:20 Min

[@rkskidz]

ToBrothers Kurt Tomlinson - Annihilate

[@infotechsailor]

It fits your style , the round curves remind you of a dudes butt Jk, i like this bike actually I just wanna see some video of you riding it wanna see riding position and what it feels like

[@rkskidz]

Absolutely my style 😂 here’s a video of me riding it in the mountains 🏔 kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWqzZZqiprWIr7c

[@jimjames4875]

Intro too long

[@juanvargas3475]

I also like how it looks, it kind of reminds me of the brutale 1090 and that’s a good looking bike!

[@rkskidz]

I agree! Yes it is

[@trevormillard1339]

@@rkskidz I like it’s sweeping lines

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

Cagiva raptor

[@firelord1125]

Just had mine reflashed and WOW, it makes a world of difference. Tuner was able to get an extra 10 HP AND 10 more foot pounds of torque out of it. Thing rips like nobodies business now. A severely underrated bike, especially for the price.

[@rkskidz]

That’s awesome! These bikes are rippers, especially for the money!

[@danielramos7556]

Dang I couldn’t imagine doing that too mine. Mines already torquey enough. I also bought it used so idk if they did anything to it before hand.

[@alexseadoo]

Who did you have reflash it?

[@farahnomi]

Great review of an entry level bike..

[@xuimod]

Nice campus. What Uni is that?

[@rkskidz]

It's the University of Georgia. Located in Athens, Ga 🇺🇸

[@rolandoomar10]

normal size american rider, i lol

[@wangmoreno549]

Shifting a lot in a small town or so? Never thought of that..hmm why not automatic?

[@rkskidz]

They only make manual transmissions for most motorcycles

[@richienolan4327]

Fantastic video - Thank you for uploading it dude

[@rkskidz]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@wangmoreno549]

What’s with the plane in the beginning..

[@rkskidz]

Just thought it would be cool to get some up close shots of it at the local airport 😂

[@SlimeafterSlime007]

Forgive me if someone else has asked. Can you add aftermarket fairings?

[@rkskidz]

I don’t know if a company who makes a complete fairing kit but I do know several parts websites sell a lower engine fairing

[@SlimeafterSlime007]

@@rkskidz thank you sir

[@mr.bernie6198]

Hey Buddy! Thinking about buying a Gladius but I saw a review where they mentioned the brakes are horrible... Do you agree or do you like them? Moreover does your butt hurt after a long ride? Some say the seat is too hard?

[@rkskidz]

The brakes seem fine to me. They are definitely no where near the feel and braking power of a super sport or super naked, but then again the bike isn’t made to compete against them. I would say it’s average for its class. The seat is definitely hard. I wouldn’t say uncomfortable though, just not much padding. There are plenty of aftermarket options for more padding though. They usually run $150-$250 U.S.

[@mr.bernie6198]

@@rkskidz thank you :)

[@rkskidz]

-Herr MB96- Absolutely man! Ride safe!

[@mr.bernie6198]

@@rkskidz you too! Thanks for the quick response ;)

[@saitamathehero7028]

The bike that has the looks only a mother could love.