Modern Vespa

I do in fact have short legs and if I buy it will definitely be a ladies' bike.

If you are looking for a bargain and it needs to fit a smaller rider, the Suzuki 650 Savage might be an interesting choice. It is styled as a cruiser and works as a smaller highway bike that is comfortable to ride. I owned one for several years and really liked it. I am 5'9" and it fit me fine. It keeps up with highway traffic but is definitely not in the same class as the big sport bikes. That was okay with me because I dislike both the styling and the riding position of those bikes.

Here is the review from Fortnine explaining why the Gladius is a bargain. It made his top ten used bikes to buy video of four years ago and he talks about the Gladius at 5:40.

As far as worrying about getting murdered memento et mori

Well I am now in the working out when to pick it up phase sooo

With this particular colour, it could be a twin brother to a 'serious' and highly esteemed bike by Beamer folks, BMW R1200R...beauty is clearly in the eye of the beholder.

I think Gladius is a very timeless looking bike, a sign of good design.

The Gladius was just a tarted up SV650. But it did not help sales, so that style was dropped. It had improvements over earlier models and it still has the great engine. These SV 650s always come up on motorcycle riders top ten lists. I have owned over 50 bikes in my like (including 3 SV650s)and it remains number one for me as the best all around bike. The Yamaha MT07/FZ07 is a close second, third would be the Versys 650 - a great sport tourer - just get a model made after 2010 as the earlier one were a bit buzzy with just one rubber engine mount.

A vespa having more horsepower and or larger tires would not make a vespa not a vespa any more the a 200 ,250 or 300 nor ten or 12 inch tires make a modern vespa not a vespa. IMO. "IF" I lived in a country that is not like America with it's wide open spaces and high speed interstate highways, todays vespa's would probably satisfy me. Company that will not supply what it's customers want often find that their profit margins, they just cant imagine why, being to slip. Many a company has found themselves going bottoms up by ignoring those it feels it does not need to cater too. YOMV.

I don't know about that. I think they're lovely machines and do what they're meant. Different tools for different jobs, yeah? I'm never gonna get a full load of groceries with an open soda and one occupied hand on a traditional bike.

I know that this model Suzuki 650 was not popular, but personally, I think it's the best looking of all the Suzuki 650 V-twins derived from the V-Strom platform.

The unfortunate name 'Gladius' didn't help it much, however.

I certainly don't mind the styling - even in the blue and white. I'll probably get a couple pieces vinyl-wrapped in pink, if we're honest. The "Gladius" name doesn't put me off either. I like when there's a word-name for the model. Otherwise I'd be calling it the "SFV" which doesn't exactly roll off the tongue.

No service records - bike was run a few times a year as the owner's brother's ride when he would visit. Oil changes done by the owner. At a higher mileage I'd be more concerned but it sounds like these engines might not flinch at 11k even neglected. Owner seems to know his stuff, isn't pushy with the sale or dismissive. Seems kismet so far? He even has a house in my area and might be able to deliver.

Kinda think it's happening.

Edit: He did also replace an O2 sensor that was tripping the CEL but not affecting performance 🤷‍♀️

As long as the bike has not been "tracked", it is a good buy. Good low down torque and a very linear power delivery. I prefer this over having to rev the hell out of an engine because all the power is at the upper mid and top range. Basically a cheap Ducati. I had a early model (pre-2002) that was carbed and was great, the FI ones are even better, just a little more sensitive at the throttle.

Gladius engine with 11k miles is nothing, and the O2 sensor can be eliminted for the USA

https://smartmoto-electronics.com/complete-o2-oxygen-sensor-eliminator-kit-ose-204

Outside of my partner being annoyed and it not being terribly fiscally responsible to up and buy a bike, I really am only seeing green flags.

How much is your life worth to your wife if you are feeling unsafe and dangerous on your scoot.

Ha, I don't think the "faster so safer" argument is gonna win. She has an impression that Vespa is safer than a traditional bike in general. I'll straighten up the patio well to accommodate them both and maybe the cleanliness will distract her.

Edit: Worth noting I don't really feel unsafe on the scoot, even on the freeway. It's still maneuverable and has good stopping power. Annoying as helllllll to get buffeted to a pulp by a truck I can't pass courtesy of a 1% incline though.

The point of this thread was never to disparage the Vespa - it's a wonderful machine. I just think it might be time to put another tool in the box, based on my riding style (and so I don't burn through another clutch in under 20k)

Larger wheels and less area for side wind to hit will certainly help, also the extra 50kgs in weight, and the pulling power to get passed the obstacle quicker.

I know you said you didn't fancy a big scooter but have you considered the bench mark maxi scooter the Honda 600 Silverwing?

Despite some similar design elements, I still find the maxiscooters unsightly in a way that the Gladius is not (to my taste, of course).

We owned a 2015 R1200R some years ago for several seasons.Trixie bought one new from Sturgis BMW. It was a superb all-rounder, simply an excellent machine in just about every category. I preferred it over my BMW S1000R. Wouldn't mind having the R1200R back.

Welp.

Took a call from Tamarit today.

Gonna be an interesting next several months.

4 Have you got it yet?

Have you owned a naked motorbike before? they tend to push your head back quite a bit with the wind when getting up to 75mph. It will take a few months
for your neck muscles to strengthen and acclimatise to it unless you fit a screen.

It has a screen! Currently still figuring out a scheme to either get a vehicle that can tow a uhaul motorcycle trailer OR get me down there one-way so I can ride it back this weekend.

Riding a bike home that you hardly know aint a good idea, safer to get it brought to you, and go step by step checking things, like brakes etc etc

Oh I agree, that's more of a last resort.

Plan is set, picking up the gladius Monday!

I'm Gladius for you. Excellent choice.

Exciting!
That's a bike that's on my future list as well. I'd love to hear your impressions once you've had it a while.

I've only had it since last night but so far it's smooth and speedy.

With or without the straps

Good to hear. They are fantastic scoots, I hope to get another one day.

And I can't wait for you to get a really good ride in so I can say "I told you so"!

Credit where due: I wouldn't have encountered the listing at 4 hours away if I weren't searching SV's per your suggestion. My 18 mile commute was AT SPEED uphill. My car can't do that either 🤣

I usually run my '20 GTS300 at 60-65 mph (indicated) on secondary, two-lane county roads and highways, and it's quite happy doing it.

I will occasionally ride my GTS300 on our interstate I-90 for a bit in order to get the 25 miles up to Sturgis from the house as quickly as possible, and will generally have to run it WFO for that distance so that the 75-80 mph traffic doesn't close on me from the rear too quickly, though it can be a little unnerving at times.

The wind rush at the top end of my GTS's performance just isn't an issue to me, but then, it will be a cold day in hell when it can actually attain an honest 80 mph on level roadway with it.

I think that an actual 70 mph is about all I can hope for, though it will be indicating 75 on the speedo.

Unless I'm in a BIG hurry, I generally just stay off of the interstate/freeway roads with the GTS.

As for a smaller motorcycle, I'm starting to develop some interest in the Triumph Speed 400 single, and will be looking to see if I can snag a test ride on one soon. The 39.5 hp of the littlest Triumph would make for a much more interesting experience than I had with the 20 hp Royal Enfield 350 I bought early last year.

For me the wind is a non-issue. Even when I've pushed it to the max downhill (maybe cresting 75 actual mph) it's noisy but the bike itself feels very stable. Granted, wainwright 90% of what it does which is probably exacerbating my woes. If I dropped 100 pounds it may be less wanting. I also spend a lot of time on hills, and the Suzuki seems to not believe that they exist which is refreshing.

Nothing beats the comfort of the Vespa *up to the point it tops out* in my book. That being said the *overall ride* I just had on the Suzuki was much shorter, simpler, and less work. Different tools for different jobs.

Did you get to check the date of the tyres and brakepads

I am really glad you picked it up. You are going to enjoy this machine so much. Congrats!

I do need to check the brakepads, but them "expiring" would be news to me? Tires are... 10 years old lol.

Odd....so is a Sportster (or so I've been told).

I had no idea that seat height was a factor used to determine which gender the bike is designed for.
My VROD is sits about 4" lower than the Gladius. I'm 5'10" and love how low slung it is. I guess a short lady might appreciate it too....

OP....congrats on the "new" wheels. Ride safe.