Burn the Hell's Highway

SUZUKI SFV650 GLADIUS 2011 HIGHLIGHTS

Bodystyle : Sports Naked Bike
Warranty : 12 months
Manufacturer Country : Japan
Model Year : 2011
Displacement (cc) : 645
Engine Type : V-Twin engine, liquid cooled 4-stroke

VEHICLE REVIEW

2011 Suzuki SFV650 Gladius

The Suzuki SFV 650 provides a new definition of aggressive sport bike styling. With a trellis frame openly highlighting its chassis design, stylish five-spoke cast aluminum-alloy wheels and a bold, upswept exhaust system, the Gladius promises exciting performance. The proven 645cc V-twin engine provides the power you crave. Introducing a unique work of motorcycle art, a masterpiece of fresh styling. Powered by a sporty 645cc V-Twin engine featuring the best of modern technology, delivering broad power. A motorcycle that blends traditional displacement with an elegant new look, smooth handling and a friendly, comfortable ride. Think of it as a combination of style and technology, efficiency and fashion, an unmatched value on two wheels, with an extra dose of daily fun included. It is called the Suzuki SFV650 (GLADIUS). The Jay Leno Jutting Chin Headlight may be an acquired taste, but the waspy pinch-waisted leading edge of the saddle is simply unjustifiable. Unless you're an anorexic NBA small forward with White Castle buns you'll have to sit so way back on the saddle that your face will be snogging the tach and your unfortunate passenger will be getting up close and proctologic with the rear grab bar. When you plunk down seven large on a Gladius SFV650, you shouldn't have to plunk your derriere down on a Schwinn Gel Seat. The huge tach is extremely readable and the oversized gear LCD indicator is both welcome and necessary due to the tight upper gear ratios. Unfortunately bright direct sun tends to wash out the speedo, and the local highway patrol is not going to let you off the hook with an excuse that lame. The massively oversquare 81.0mm x 62.6mm bore-stroke ratio allows for mammoth valves and you certainly have to tip your hat to the Hamamatsu engineers for managing to avoid detonation due to prolonged flame front slow burn even at the highest revs. The old chestnut that oversquares don't crank out torque has been adequately addressed this year by bumping up the crankshaft inertia by 10%. 2011 has seen the clutch release cam type mechanism be jettisoned for a ball-screw type and the change has not only improved actuating pressure, but overall feel as well: the clutch no longer acts like a toggle switch. The almost invisible micro radiator and featherweight liquid to liquid oil cooler do a surprisingly effective job keeping the Gladius SFV650 chillin'. It's the perfect bike if you want to idle through Death Valley in August. The asymmetrical exhaust outlets are too reminiscent of a shoeshine footrest, but the swept up chromed heatshields work well to minimize the visual bulk of the matte black muffler. The sound emanating from these pipes is more Singer sewing machine than Singin' V-Twin but it doesn't rattle your eardrums or the neighbors'. This Gladius SFV650 descendant of Suzuki's venerable SV650 may bear an uncomfortably Russell Crowe moniker but it is nonetheless well equipped to "unleash hell" on the competition.

Standard Features

645cc displacement with a bore and stroke of 81.0mm x 62.6mm and a compression ratio of 11.5:1

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.

An oval throttle pulley helps smooth low rpm/mid-range power delivery

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. .

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.

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.

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

Each cylinder head features a compact combustion chamber with two 31mm intake valves set at 14-degrees from the cylinder centerline and two 25.5mm exhaust valves set at 16-degrees from the cylinder centerline.

Fuel pump is lighter and more compact and located within the 15 liter fuel tank.

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.

The efficient radiator is both light and narrow, while the liquid to liquid oil cooler reduces overall weight.

Single valve springs reduce inertia weight and mechanical losses while maintaining accurate valve control.

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

SFV650 is powered by a sporty fuel injected, DOHC 90-degree V-twin engine based on the proven SV650 powerplant famous for its long term reliability, broad power and quiet rumble.

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 upswept muffler.

To reduce mechanical noise, a scissor type primary gear is split length wise with the two halves spring loaded, and the clutch and countershaft sprocket covers are now double layered for additional sound reduction.

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.

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

Compact trellis steel frame featuring 25-degree of rake and 104 mm of trail for stable and sporty handling with a beautiful look

Dunlop qualifiers sport radials are fitted with a 120/70ZR17 front and a 160/60ZR17 rear tire.

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

Engine covers are updated to match the stylish look of the SFV650 with edgy design elements


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.

Front forks feature 41mm stanchions with spring preload adjustability over a 15mm range and front wheel travel is 125 mm

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.

European inspired styling treatment features sleek flowing lines and an unmatched elegant new look.

Organically shaped multi reflector headlight incorporates high and low beams as well as a position light and flanked by chrome lens turn indicators.

Rear shock spring is preload adjustable over a seven step range and rear wheel travel is 130 mm

Richly curved bodywork matches nicely with the organic flow of the footpeg mounting brackets.

Single 240mm rear disc brake disc works with a single piston caliper

ABS assisted dual floating front brake discs measure 290mm in diameter and work with dual piston calipers.

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.

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

The carefully shaped seat has ample padding and the rear edges are bolstered to support the rider's hips well.

Tubular handlebar shape and footpeg positions are designed to work with the seat position to add to rider comfort

OVERVIEW SPECIFICATIONS

Engine

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

Displacement(cc) : 645.0

Bore x stroke : 81.0 mm x 62.6 mm

Compression ratio : 11.5:1

Valve/Induction system : DOHC, 16 valves

Valves per cylinder : 4

Fuel system : Fuel injection

Ignition : Electronic

Starting : Electric

Cooling system : Lquid

Transmission

Number of speeds : 6

Transmission type : Manual

Final drive : Chain

Suspension

Front suspension : Telescopic fork w/ coil spring

Rear suspension : Link-type w/ coil spring and adjustable preload

Brakes

Front : Dual 290-mm discs with 2 pistons calipers with ABS

Rear : 240-mm disc with ABS

Tyres

Front : 120/70-ZR 17

Rear : 160/60-ZR 17

Fuel Capacity(l) : 14.5

Colours

Black

Black/Silver

DIMENSIONS

Length(mm) : 2,130

Width(mm) : 760

Height(mm) : 1,080

Wheelbase(mm) : 1,445

Ground Clearance(mm) : 140

Seat height(mm) : 785