Japanese Good Design Award for Suzuki Gladius

Unveiled in Paris in the spring of 2009, Suzuki's Gladius 650 won one of the most prestigious awards in its home market, taking the honors in the motorcycle category of the famous ‘Good Design Awards’. Shortly after its unveiling, the entry-level machine, which replaced the popular SV650, managed to score highly with both press and customers.

The Gladius name has the roots in Latin as a type of short, fighting sword. The model is based on the SV650, but uses a Ducati Monster 1100-style cast aluminum/steel trellis hybrid frame and cheap running gear to keep the price down.

With a fuel injected, twin plug head engine delivering enhanced performance, combined with great style and neutral lightweight handling, the Gladius is targeted at new riders.

Equipped with a 645-cc V-twin engine based on the bullet-proof SV650 and DL650 Wee Strom, the Gladius weighs only 202 kg (446 lbs.). The powertrain develops 66.6 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and reaches the maximum torque of 63.1 Nm at 7,600 rpm, while keeping the fuel consumption level at 58 miles per gallon (4l/100 km).

The bike recently received a new paint scheme, adding an all-black option for the customers who have been considering the existing color combinations (blue/white, red/white and green/black) as too effeminate for the bike.

The look of the naked middleweight model therefore became even meaner, getting ready to battle its competition, including Honda’s Hornet, Kawasaki’s ER6N, Yamaha’s FZ6 or Ducati’s 696 Monster.