Suzuki, though, is a pro at lengthening model life cycles. As an example, consider the GSX-R 1000 K9, which debuted in 2009 and just won the 2015 Le Mans 24 Hour Endurance Bike Race. Although the Gladius isn't in the same section as its brother, there is still some nice material here.

The motor, for instance, defies conventional thinking because the Hamamatsu company went with a compact V-Twin whereas Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha chose parallel-twins and an in-line four. Its 645cc displacement results in a respectable 71hp at 8400 rpm and 64Nm at 6400 rpm, which isn't too far off from the Yamaha MT-07, the bike of the moment.

The chassis hardware components are simpler. Steel-tube trellis serves as the frame, and the suspension consists of 41mm front forks and a single rear shock, both of which have preload adjustments. For a CBU bike with a retail price of RM39,750 including the dreaded 6% GST back in 2015, the Gladius' inclusion of ABS as standard (as opposed to optional or not available at all) is a bit of a triumph compared to its Japanese counterparts.

For the money, you get a stylish bike with styling that is nearly European. Once you're inside, there are plenty of curves to catch your eye, a thick twin-pipe silencer with a chrome heat shield, and sporty ergonomics to keep things interesting. It is essential that the bars are positioned so that big riders can feel comfortable and have a spot to hang off of when cornering.

Although the cockpit monitor has outstanding appearance, it misses some information. The twin trip metres allow you to monitor how much fuel you have left before running out despite the lack of a fuel gauge and the useful shifting indication. Additionally, there is no readout for the distance to empty or average fuel use, which is puzzling in 2015. When the low fuel light began to flicker, I pulled in to refuel only to discover that the 14.5-litre tank still had three litres of fuel.

Grab the clutch, push the starter, and a sporty V-lovely, Twin's offbeat rumble will sing you. Even though this bike has a water jacket over its 803cc air-cooled motor, it produces a similar sound while it is idle. Because of this, it is more effective, and it is immediately clear that the Suzuki has better low-rev fueling. It accelerates smoothly and quickly, allowing you to change lanes in second or even third gear. However, if you slam on the gas, the engine quickly approaches its redline of 10,000 rpm.

Past 7000 rpm, the Suzuki V-Twin produces a delectable roar that tempts you to use more and more of the available torque and power. I noticed a speed of 207 km/h on the digital speedometer with my head down and my elbows tucked in, which would surely be surpassed by a more aerodynamic (i.e. smaller) rider.

The advantages of the engine configuration are obvious when driving quickly around little turns. Dropping many gears to keep the revs up isn't as important for driving out of the exits because there is torque that seems to be present across the rev range. The Gladius will pull aggressively with a screaming exhaust and a forceful right wrist if you keep the counter at least 5000 rpm.

Sadly, the linear power delivery comes across as a little flat. Although the bike isn't slow, after the powerful low-end delivery, it seems to continue plodding along without any sort of top-end burst. However, it would be rather ambitious to expect 600cc SuperSport-style sensations from a middleweight naked street bike.

Unless we're discussing the delights of a corner. Leaning forward while riding places more weight over the front end, giving you a better sense of how the suspension and tyres react to braking and cornering. With Dunlop Sportmax Qualifier tyres mounted, the Gladius devours curves much like a government investment devours public funds—with the exception that anyone riding it can take advantage of the advantages.

The size of your nuts or the hero blobs on the foot pegs determine the lean angle when you crank the Gladius over, and although though the suspension only has preload adjustment, the damping at both ends has been carefully considered. The suspension occasionally wobbles in extreme situations when you're in full attack mode, but by that point, most riders would have scared the living daylights out of themselves. As a result, 95% of the time, you can't blame the Gladius' dynamic abilities.

Therefore, it excels at moving quickly and, happily, excels at slowing down. Although the lever feel was a little shaky, the dual 290mm front and single 240mm rear brakes are efficient. The ABS system performed flawlessly the entire time.

When viewed as a whole, this motorcycle is remarkably capable and could be a surprise success for Suzuki. It's true that its 650cc brethren, the V-Strom and V-Strom XT, have more potential customers, but when compared to rivals like the Kawasaki ER-6n, Honda CB 650F, and Yamaha MT-07, it more than holds its own by providing a balanced riding experience that won't scare beginners but excite experienced riders at the same time. It is also reasonably priced. Simply learn to accept the term, or start referring to your bike as Pete.

Suzuki Gladius Specs

Price RM39,750 (2015) now RM 27,000 only!
Condition: New Old Model Unregistered
Engine 645cc, V-Twin, liquid-cooled, 8v, fuel injection
Output 75hp @ 8400rpm; 68Nm @ 6400rpm
Frame Steel tube trellis
Suspension 41mm forks (FF) / progressive link, mono-shock preload adjustable (RR)
Brakes 290mm, two-piston caliper (FF), 240mm single-piston caliper (RR), ABS
Wheelbase 1445mm
Fuel capacity 14.5L

As we have this model for quite sometimes, we taken down the price so you can enjoy this magnificent motorcycle. A rare scene this days and steal most eyes on the road! Reach our specialist to get to know more about this model or you can visit our showroom to see this beauty by yourself!