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Suzuki Gladius 650
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29 April 2009 | |
Think of it as a combination of style and technology, efficiency and fashion, and unmatched value on two wheels. It is called the 2009 Suzuki Gladius.The elegant look of the Gladius starts with a compact trellis frame, made from steel-tubing to contrast with the richly curved bodywork and the organic flow of the footpeg mounting brackets. The edgy lines of the frame cover on each side match the seat rail and engine cover detailing and compliment the shape of the buffed stainless steel muffler cover. The chassis and bodywork are as slim as possible at the point where the fuel tank and the seat meet, the outside forward edges of the seat are rounded, and the two-tone seat itself is relatively low, positioned just 785mm above the pavement. All these factors make it more comfortable for the rider at a stop, or when manoeuvring into or out of a parking space. An optional higher seat is available for taller riders. The single rear shock is connected to the rectangular-section steel swingarm through a progressive linkage, which allows the suspension to react more smoothly to small road irregularities as well as larger bumps, improving overall ride comfort. Shock spring preload is adjustable over a seven-step range to suit rider preference and load, and rear wheel travel is 130mm. The forks feature 41mm stanchion tubes, spring preload is adjustable over a 15mm range, and front wheel travel is 125mm. Wheelbase is 1,445 mm with rake and trail of 25 degrees and 104 mm. Displacement remains 645cc from an oversquare bore and stroke of 81.0 x 62.6mm, and the compression ratio is still 11.5 : 1. New single valve springs reduce inertia weight and mechanical losses while maintaining accurate valve control. The carefully shaped multi-reflector headlight incorporates high and low beams as well as a position light, and is flanked by clear lens turn indicators. The compact combination tail and brake light is tucked up underneath the rear of the seat, framed by the rear fender and flanked by the clear lens turn indicators. The instrument cluster is positioned above the headlight and incorporates an analog tachometer, digital speedometer, dual trip meter and odometer, digital clock, and a digital gear position indicator. Indicator lights include a two-way remaining fuel warning lamp, backed up by a digital reserve trip meter. Available colour combinations include Metallic Triton Blue/Glass Splash White, Candy Ruby Magenta/Pearl Mirage White and Pearl Nebular Black/Metallic Lush Green. In some colour schemes, the front fender and radiator covers are colour-matched with the fuel tank covers and side covers, and contrast with the colour of the steel fuel tank itself and with the colour of the frame. In the other colour schemes, the front fender matches the colour of the steel fuel tank itself and the colour of the frame.
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