#r12ninet

A little while ago, I wrote about my admiration for the Gladius, but conceded that its name didn’t really connect with people the way Suzuki probably wanted it to. If you knew that a gladius was a type of sword used by ancient Roman soldiers, you could see how it might make sense for a company that also gave us the Katana. If you didn’t, then it just sounded too much like “Gladys”, and the only vehicle that name would make sense for, is a midnight train to Georgia.

The R 12 cruiser has a steel tank in the blockier “toaster tank” design reminiscent of ’70s-era /5 models, and the side covers are unbadged. The R 12 comes standard with a solo seat and a rear fender. The seating position is more relaxed, with wider handlebars than the R 12 nineT.