+1 to MotoFusion
I hope the gladius takes off.
For the record, I LOVE my naked '07. I wish the 1000 came in a naked version (I don't even see the 1000 in Canada).
Like it or not, the SV650 is an entry level bike. The way I see it anyways. It's perfect because it's the "do just about everyting right without doing one thing extravagantly." To me, that's the marvel of the SV.
You buy a baseline, and make it your own. I want to tour on the SV for a long time. A few more mods, and I think I may have the perfect tourer for me. And best of all, I will be touring on a standard bike, and won't have to worry about losing my license while enjoying myself.
If you want to tour, you have plenty of options
If you want to race, you have plenty of mods
Want to customize into a cafe, retro, or bobber? well, look at ths SV's of the Month!
It's a shame the SV doesn't seem to be coming back, but who really makes a true naked bike anymore? Especially from the Japanese. The 599 is gone. The yammie offerings are all mini-fairing or full, as far as I know. Kawasaki seems to be leading the pack with the ER6-n and the Versys.
I think the Gladius is an EXCELLENT bike. I really want to see it in person. I think the front headlight might make me puke. Further, I have yet to see a bike with a catalytic converter that looks good.
For the record, I did two decent road trips on my naked SV650 in two months, and I loved every minute of it.
I don't think the gladius will flop. I have too many friends who are looking at Buell Blasts because everything else too tall. It's about time the ladies had bikes targetted to them. It'll make the thursday night hang outs so much better!
I think you nay-sayers are more upset about losing the naked sv (which, as far as I know has yet to be confirmed) than anything. Look at the gladius for what it is. It may be a flop for the majority of the members on this forum, but we're not the target audience for this bike! I know i'm not the target for the gladius, as first, i have a bike, and second, i have a pen!s....
I dunno, why do I feel like just about everyone in this thread has the opposite, and negative opinion? am I missing something?