World first test SWM RS650R - MOTOR GERR

Instead, serious round-the-world riders ar exploitation smaller-capacity singles as well as favourites like the ancient-but-capable Suzuki DRZ400, Yamaha XT660 or this KTM 690 Enduro R due to their lightweight weight, flexibility and cross-country ability.

Now there’s an alternate, following the re-launch of Italian complete SWM and their RS650R. a number of MCN’s additional cross-country targeted readers would possibly bear in mind SWM for his or her trials, enduro and flux unit exploits throughout the Nineteen Seventies and ’80s. when going into liquidation in 1984 the name has Sat dormant, however currently underneath the steerage of former Aprilia, Cagiva and Husqvarna engineer Ampelio Macchi they need been resurrected, having appropriated the recent Husqvarna plant in European country with the money backing of China’s Shineray cluster.

Their current flagship is that the single-cylinder RS650R that is, to any or all intents and functions, a 2009-spec Husqvarna in-built the recent Husqvarna plant by former Husqvarna employees.

MCN tested the RS650R in Wales wherever we have a tendency to have to be compelled to pay time on quick A-roads and tortuous B-roads before heading to the Sweet Lamb journey Rally Bike Academy (adventurerallybike.co.uk) to check its credentials around fireplace tracks and technical piece of ground.

First impressions
It’s clearly been designed and designed by engineers with pedigree.

The look says cross-country and this is often wherever it excels, however the SWM isn’t a fierce cross-country competition bike. The riding position is neutral, if a bit flat.

Preconceptions Brobdingnagian} singles would have you ever thinking the ability would be lumpy with huge amounts of force being delivered in dollops throughout the lower rev vary. however singles have created Brobdingnagian strides in recent years and therefore the power is swish and linear, however not while not a healthy quantity of force.

On the road the engine is willing associate degreed even with none wind protection to talk of and an cross-country peaked helmet, riding at associate degree indicated 70mph was all acceptable. clearly this isn’t wherever this bike excels, however on tortuous roads it absolutely was fun, confidence-inspiring and straightforward to ride. the ability is partaking, whereas not being overwhelming and therefore the suspension feels plush and not too soft.

Off roading
Hitting the off road trails the RS650R straight off feels reception. Despite running twin purpose tyres the bike generates smart grip with the linear power and smart throttle response permitting quicker rally or Enduro vogue riding. For path riders the ability is regarding excellent. It’s not aggressive in any method, however there's still lots on faucet and being thus linear means that you'll play with it and ride it any method you wish.

As the speed magnified we have a tendency to began to notice the boundaries of the quality suspension set-up feeling too soft, however with adjustable Marzocchi forks and Sachs rear shock there would be the simplest way to travel with set-up before you’d have to be compelled to think about any hardware modifications.

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