First test SWM Gran Milano 440 - MOTOR GERR

If you'll bear in mind the Eighties, and longing when a Honda XBR500 or Yamaha SR500, then you’re in all probability the target for SWM’s granny urban center. It’s power-driven by associate degree cool 445cc single, assembled by Italian whole SWM however victimization some Shineray components from China. In four-valve SOHC kind, the motor clearly owes one thing to the XBR, however it will have fuel injection system to deal with Euro4.

The chassis is a stimulating mix of recent and retro – cannular steel twin shock frame with a five-speed gear case, however adjustable USD forks and top-spec Brembo front brake caliper. The granny urban center appearance the half too – quite stylish in an exceedingly mixture of bronze and black, dominated by those twin chrome steel pipes.

Hop on, and also the riding position feels committed, with a stretch to the wide, low bars. The footrests ar quite high, thus six-footers would possibly feel incommodious, however it’s not uncomfortable on the open road and also the solo seat is hospitable. A twin seat comes as a part of the deal, complete with grabrail, seat rests and even a special lamp assembly.

Fire up, and also the 445cc motor presently settles all the way down to associate degree uneven, throbby idle. It feels and looks like the Eighties cool singles it’s derived from. It’s ne'er really happy at but 3000rpm, with a dose of transmission chatter, however twist the grip at 4000 in second, third or fourth gear and it surges away convincingly, though quoted power could be a comparatively modest 35bhp.

It’s actually so much faster than a Royal Enfield Continental GT, an apparent rival with a uniform value. The motor delivers linear power up till a rev electric circuit kicks in at around 8800rpm (well wanting the ten,000rpm discriminate on the tacho) and also the bike can land up to associate degree indicated 90mph, although that’s regarding it.

It’s all sensible fun, however it’s not a refined ride. Vibes build themselves felt over 5000rpm, blurring the mirrors, and even the clocks buzz, whereas the clutch is heavyish and also the gear modification stiff on the low mileage take a look at bike. Still, it will handle well.

The Golden Tyre GT260s have an odd blockish pattern however droop on well, and though steering is sort of serious at low speeds it lightens up nicely once you get going whereas the absolutely adjustable forks and rear shocks ar well damped on customary settings. The brakes ar very good, with many power and progression for the bike’s weight – the SWM bourgeois likes to illustrate that the Brembo four-pot caliper is that the same as fitted to the
Norton Commando 961.

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