Drove see SWM RS 300 R to RS 500 R

Now they are back as the reincarnation of the Italian Husqvarna and offer the biggest motorcycle for the money! Four-stroke RS 300 R 300 cc M costs only 6.240 euros, and a 500 cc muscle car. M - only a hundred more expensive. There is no cheaper heavy enduro bike to ride as a hobby or race!

While the Chinese capital and giant Shineray Group are behind this story of reviving the SWM brand from the ashes, the bikes are designed, developed and manufactured in Italy, especially in Varese, in the state-of-the-art factory where Husqvarnas were built until 2013. When BMW sold all of the KTM companies, many people lost their jobs overnight, lead engineer Ampelio Macchi, who attracted Chinese investors, quickly agreed to buy the tools and plans, and then from Stefan Pierer, the lead man. KTM bought a factory with a modern assembly line.

It's no secret that both enduro models are actually updated Husqvarna TE 310 and TE 510 race cars, slightly modified plastic, replaced some components and finally assembled motorcycles that perfectly meet the requirements of most European, Australian or South American enduros. riders (i.e. the main markets for SWM). The suspension was provided by the Japanese Kayabi and is a fully adjustable suspension adapted for sport enduro riding. The engine in both versions remained practically the same as in the Italian Husqvarna. So this is a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine with four valves per cylinder, solid fuel injection and a displacement of 297,6 or 501 cc.

On the test track of the World Championship in Roveta, Italy, we tested both racing models, which were pre-production and somehow gave us an idea of ​​what to expect from the aforementioned most affordable enduro bikes on the market.

The roughly five hundred-person walk we rode for the first time did not reveal any sloppiness or cheapness, but that this is a serious bike, it became clear as soon as we stepped on the accelerator and the RS 500 R climbed onto the rear wheel in a controlled manner. It has a lot of power, but what we liked the most is that the power is delivered smoothly, continuously, ideal for enduro where we mostly struggle with poor traction. We drove it in third gear without any problems throughout the test track, which is good proof of the engine's agility. For slightly less experienced drivers and those who don't feel so sovereign in managing the 500cc engine power. See, the RS 300 R would be perfect. It has enough power for both leisure and racing, with an ace of 350, 450 or 500. Cubic bikes, however, cannot compete when it comes to acceleration. But if he loses a little here compared to his stronger brother, on the other hand, he wins in extremely simple handling. In a corner or, for example, in a channel, as it did on a test track, it drives almost by itself and holds a course well, while it requires more power and knowledge on a more powerful engine.

We are delighted to have a new name reborn with a rich competitive tradition on the scene. Well, the residents of Primorye, in particular, probably know SWM much better than anywhere else in Slovenia, but considering the fact that they will be showing a completely new 250cc four-stroke model in the fall. we will often hear about SWM in the future. The distribution to our locations is handled by Zupin Moto Sport with a 125-year tradition in motorsport (both in Germany and Slovenia), which takes care of both supplies and spare parts through a Motor Jet dealer from Maribor.

Petr Kavchich

Photo: Matia Negrini

What's on sale: SWM RS 300 R - 6240 euros

Technical data: SWM RS 300/500 R

Engine: single-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 297,6 / 501 cm3, Mikuni fuel injection, electric motor start.

Maximum power: for example

Maximum torque: for example

Transmission: 6-speed, chain.

Frame: tubular, chrome-molybdenum.

Brakes: front disc 260 mm, rear disc 240 mm.

Suspension: 50mm Kayaba Front Adjustable Inverted Telescopic Fork, 300mm Travel, Rear Adjustable Kayaba Single Shock, 296mm Travel, Arm Mount.

Gume: 90/90-21, 140/80-18.

Seat height from the ground: 963 mm.

Fuel tank: 7,2 l.

Wheelbase: 1.495 mm.

Weight without fuel: 107/112 kg.

Sales: Motor Jet, doo, Maribor

Price: 6240/6340 EUR