SWM returns to production with a six-model lineup of Italian-made motorcycles, including the new RS 300 R and RS 500 R.
Italian motorcycle manufacturer SWM created a stir at the recent Italian round of the FIM Enduro World Championship when it showed off its new 2015 range of off-road motorcycles.
What? SW-who?
If you’ve never heard of SWM, you’re probably not alone. Similar to the handful of cottage-industry Italian off-road brands such as Fantic and TM and the defunct Vertemati/VOR, SWM appears to be trying to step more into the mainstream in the same fashion as Beta, and the two share a common bond in that their first true world exposure came in the sport of observed trials in the 1970s. SWM enjoyed a small measure of success as a manufacturer of Sachs-powered off-road motorcycles as well.
The original company ceased production in 1984, but the SWM brand has been revived by Italian industrialist Ampelio Macchi and Chinese businessman Daxing Gong. Macchi has formerly worked for Cagiva, Husqvarna and Aprilia where he was the technical manager and played a part in the collection of 51 World titles, 46 with Husqvarna and 5 with Aprilia. Gong is the leader of the Shineray Group, a leading Chinese manufacturer of motorcycles, industrial products for agriculture and electricity generators. SWM still manufacturers its motorcycles in Varese, Italy.
The RS 300 R and RS 500 R shown here, in addition to the RS 650 R dual-sport machine and a pair of Supermoto models feature state-of-the-art technology, including liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, single-cylinder four-stroke engines, KYB-sourced suspension components and Mikuni electronic fuel-injection. (SWM also offers two retro-themed models, the Silver Vase 440 and Gran Milano 440 with air-cooled four-stroke engines)
It’s always a good sign when smaller manufacturers find traction and defunct marques get back in the game because it tells us that the motorcycle industry is healthy enough to attract venture capitalists who are willing to invest in the sport that we love. From that standpoint, we wish SWM success and hope that its products prove to be competitive in what is obviously a very tough off-road market.
For more information, check out www.swm-motorcycles.it.
2015 SWM RS 300 R Specifications
Engine type: Liquid-cooled, single cylinder, four-stroke
Bore x stroke: 83 x 55mm
Displacement: 297.6cc
Compression ratio: 12.9:1
Starting: Electric (with automatic decompressor)
Cooling: Dual radiator with electric fan
Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 valve
Lubrication: Dry sump with dual oil pumps
Ignition: Electronic, inductive discharge, with adjustable advance (digital control)
Fueling: EFI with Mikuni D42 throttle body
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate type; hydraulic control
Transmission: 6-speed
Primary ratio: 3.666:1
Internal ratios: 2.00:1, 1.611:1, 1.333:1, 1.086:1, 0.920:1, 0.814:1
Final drive: Chain
Final drive ratio: 3.846:1 13/50
Chassis: High-strength, steel single-beam double-cradle main frame; alloy subframe
Front suspension: Kayaba 50mm fork with compression and rebound damping adjustment, 11.8 inches of travel
Wheelbase: 58.86 inches
Rake: N/A
Trail: 4.17 inches
Overall length: 89.25 inches
Overall width: 32.38 inches
Overall height: 50.59 inches
Saddle height: 37.91 inches
Ground clearance: 11.81 inches
Rear suspension: Kayaba “Soft Damp” shock absorber; spring preload adjustment, compression (w/high- and low-speed adjustment), rebound adjustment, 11.6 inches of travel
Front brake: 260mm disc with floating caliper
Rear brake: 240mm disc with floating caliper
Front rim: 1.6 x 21 inches
Rear rim: 2.15 x 18 inches
Front tire: Michelin Competition IV, 90/90-21 inches
Rear tire: Michelin Competition IV, 140/80-18 inches
Electrical system: 12V
Head light: 35/35W
Battery: 12V/6Ah
Claimed dry weight: 235.9 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 1.9 gallons
Transmission oil capacity: 1.8 quarts
2015 SWM RS 500 R Specifications
Engine type: Liquid-cooled, single cylinder, four-stroke
Bore x stroke: 97 x 67.8mm
Displacement: 501cc
Compression ratio: 12.9:1
Starting: Electric (with automatic decompressor)
Cooling: Dual radiator with electric fan
Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 valve
Lubrication: Dry sump with dual oil pumps
Ignition: Electronic, inductive discharge, with adjustable advance (digital control)
Fueling: EFI with Mikuni D42 throttle body
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate type; hydraulic control
Transmission: 6-speed
Primary ratio: 3.666:1
Internal ratios: 2.00:1, 1.611:1, 1.333:1, 1.086:1, 0.920:1, 0.814:1
Final drive: Chain
Final drive ratio: 3.615:1 13/47
Chassis: High-strength, steel single-beam double-cradle main frame; alloy subframe
Front suspension: Kayaba 50mm fork with compression and rebound damping adjustment, 11.8 inches of travel
Wheelbase: 58.86 inches
Rake: N/A
Trail: 4.17 inches
Overall length: 89.25 inches
Overall width: 32.38 inches
Overall height: 50.59 inches
Saddle height: 37.91 inches
Ground clearance: 11.81 inches
Rear suspension: Kayaba “Soft Damp” shock absorber; spring preload adjustment, compression (w/high- and low-speed adjustment), rebound adjustment, 11.6 inches of travel
Front brake: 260mm disc with floating caliper
Rear brake: 240mm disc with floating caliper
Front rim: 1.6 x 21 inches
Rear rim: 2.15 x 18 inches
Front tire: Michelin Competition IV, 90/90-21 inches
Rear tire: Michelin Competition IV, 140/80-18 inches
Electrical system: 12V
Head light: 35/35W
Battery: 12V/6Ah
Claimed dry weight: 246.9 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 1.9 gallons
Transmission oil capacity: 1.8 quarts
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