The SV400 for the Japanese market was a minor model, but in Europe the SV650, with its GLADIUS name, became a long-running popular model!
The Suzuki SV650 is a super long-running model that still appears in the catalogue as a new motorcycle. It is the most successful V-twin among Japanese motorcycles over the 400cc class.
Suzuki's V-twin sports motorcycles date back to the 1000cc supersport TL1000S, which was launched in 1997.
In 1998, the DOHC 90° V-twin SV400 and the half-cowl SV400S were released in the mid-size 400cc class.
The SV650 and SV650S were developed as siblings for export, and while the SV400 and S were a flop for the domestic market, the company's aim to make them mainstream in the European mid-class was a success!
Initially, perhaps due to the weak image of Japanese-made V-twins, it was difficult to make a splash even in this class where demand was high, but as word spread about its light weight of just 165 kg dry, and its excellent handling thanks to its slim V-twin and exquisite alignment settings, the SV650 grew to become one of Suzuki's flagship models.
Then in 2009, the carburetor was changed to a fuel injection type and the frame was redesigned from an aluminum Tres Design to a pure truss structure of pipes and aluminum cast pivots, and the motorcycle was given the nickname GLADIUS.
At the time of its debut, the V-twin had a bore of 81mm and a stroke of 62.6mm, producing 72hp at 8,400rpm and 64Nm at 6,400rpm (the GLADIUS for the Japanese market had a bore of 72x49mm and produced 55hp at 11,000rpm and 41Nm at 8,500rpm). Designed with two spark plugs on each cylinder, it was highly praised for its response that gave the impression of a twin's instantaneous power, and its torquey engine characteristics that made it easy to handle and provided traction in corners.
European mid-class motorcycles have different uses and owner lifestyles than big motorcycles, and Yamaha grasped the trend of preferring a distinct concept as a category, which led to the motorcycles evolving in their own way.
The popular SV650, which adopted a design that suited the traditional European cityscape, put the name GLADIUS (which meant a sword used by gladiators in the ancient Roman Empire) at the forefront, helping to increase awareness.
The SV650 then ended its Gladius concept and began to evolve, adding variations that expanded its touring uses to adventure models.
The Road Sports model was also refined into a purer naked sports model, and improvements have been added to it up to the present day.
In this way, the traditional and functional beauty of the 650V Twin is highlighted, and the clever design changes that are unique to a mature model are also effective, allowing it to maintain a fresh feel that makes it hard to believe it is a model that is over 20 years old.
See SUZUKI Moto Index Page
See SUZUKI SV400 Parts & Accessories Page
See SUZUKI SV650 Parts & Accessories Page
See SUZUKI Gladius (SFV400) Parts & Accessories Page
See SUZUKI SFV650 Gladius Parts & Accessories Page
Original Source [ RIDE HI ]
