- This topic has 10 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 11 months ago by DK.
Suzuki Gladius owners?
-
AuthorPosts
-
May 12, 2009 at 11:23 am #2814Zig308Participant
Anyone out there own a Suzuki Gladius? I sat on 1/2 the bikes at a local dealer, and this one felt the best. I could nearly flat foot this bike and it seemed like a good weight for me as well. Not too light, not overly heavy.
Also liked the standard riding position with a sporty look to it. The dealer has one with a $6200 price on it and said he could nock off a couple hundred more likely bringing it down to $6000 vs. $6800 MSRP.
Just wanted to get an idea of what other owners of it think after purchase? This would just be a weekend bike for me. Down to Starbucks and back or cruising around on some country roads.
Thanks!
May 12, 2009 at 11:59 am #18366Zig308ParticipantI’m looking at the Kawasaki Versys as well. I like the styling of the Versys a little better, but the seat height is 2 inches taller.
May 12, 2009 at 12:20 pm #18367DKParticipantHere is a link on a review I read a while back. If you like that bike you may as well sit on the Yamaha FZ6 and Kawasaki ER-6n for comparison. While you are at it you might also try some higher ends like the Triumph Street Triple, Aprilia Shiver 750, and of course the Ducati Monster 696. I am sure there are others to fit the bill too, but I am drawing a blank right now.
May 12, 2009 at 1:04 pm #18371bigguybbrParticipantThe FZ6 is quite a bit more bike and not entirely comparable to the Gladius. You are probably thinking the FZ6R which is is running at 18 less HP than the FZ6.
May 12, 2009 at 1:50 pm #18373DKParticipantGood point on the performance difference. However, I was actually trying to think more from an aesthetic perspective than performance with my original post. The FZ6 fits the image a little better since it is a little more naked. I probably should have been more clear on my intent with those suggestions.
May 12, 2009 at 6:09 pm #18397Zig308ParticipantI sat on the Gladius and liked the feel… didn’t sit on the Versys since the seat height was a bit tall… though I see now there is an aftermarket seat to bring it down 2 inches which would be perfect. I’m 5’8 190lbs., so the shorter seat is a must.
I rode a Suzuki DR200 at MSF. Basically felt like a heavy bicycle to me in class and was easy to manipulate. I like the standard type position on the DR200, Gladius, Versys. I sat on a couple sport bikes at the dealer and did not like the leaned over position at all. The dual-sports are intriguing to me as well with the DR200 experience, but the seat comfort was horrible after two 6 hour days of riding non-stop.
I like that the Versys has a windshield in case I decide to commute on it once in a while (45 miles each way) There appear to be a couple nice after-market windshields that are larger as well.
May 12, 2009 at 10:33 pm #18415briderdtParticipantOn the SVRider.com forum there’s a whole section dedicated to the Gladius. Might be worth a look.
May 13, 2009 at 12:40 am #18423EliasParticipantIf you do decide to get it, go in with $6,000 (or even $5,800) cash and tell them that it is all you have, and point at the bike you want. They will either take the cash, or they won’t because they were going to add on shipping, assembly, tax, title, license fees. I have dealt with my fair share of dealerships, and I’ve always ‘driven’ out with a stupid amazing deal. Amazing what a little excited pacing combined with some fake phone calls to other dealers will do to a salesman’s nerves. Be firm and you’ll save. My bet, you’ll be driving home on it.
May 13, 2009 at 11:48 am #18434Zig308ParticipantIf I had that much cash, it would be perfect! I’ll have to wait and see if I get a bonus and what kind of raise I get next month – if any. Nearly got wiped out in my play stock account and don’t have much in savings right now, so probably won’t have the cash option right now unless I cash one of those evil “credit card checks”.
I’m not too concerned with $200 on the bike’s final price. I’d like to build a good relationship with them since they are the only nearby dealer/repair shop around. They may try to take it out of me later. I will probably go the route of – give me a fair price and a discount on a jacket/pants and we’ll call it a deal.
May 13, 2009 at 7:40 pm #18473mnm2008ParticipantNobody looking at Kawasaki ER-6N? (Gladius/Versys Shoppers!?)
May 22, 2009 at 12:16 pm #18839DKParticipantIf you are still interested in knowing more about the bikes it might be worth reading. I have always liked their approach to bike comparisons.
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.