Engineer Ampelio Macchi, formerly with Cagiva and Aprilia, is driving the resurgance of the SWM brand with six new models displayed in Milan. The vintage-looking, air-cooled 440s caught our eye, including the Grand Milano 440 pictured above, and the Silver Vase scrambler pictured at the bottom of this article.
Funding for the company has come from China via the entity Shineray.
SWM will keep manufacturing in Italy. Apparently, some of its engines will be acquired from the old Husqvarna (engines replaced by KTM units following the acquisition by Peirer). The nature of these single-cylinder 440 cc engines (which began life as 400 cc units, before insertion of a larger bore piston) is unknown to MD at this point, however.
We do know that each of these models has the same motor, including a six-speed transmission. Although air-cooled, these engines do feature fuel injection and an oil cooler.
We understand that the inverted fork on the Grand Milano is fully adjustable. The dual shocks are adjustable for spring preload only. With generously sized disc brakes front and rear, the featherweight 320 lb. Grand Milano should stop quite well. 17″ wheels will allow the mounting of modern rubber.
The knobby-tired Silver Vase makes due with a rear drum brake, in keeping with the vintage style.
We have no idea where these bikes will be distributed outside of Europe, but European pricing appears very reasonable. Let’s hope these bikes become an option for U.S. consumers at some point.
Speaking as a owner of a GB500 and a DR-650 for many years, big singles are unique. They are light and flickable with wide power bands that still reward careful gear selection. The emphasis is on rider input and not more horsepower and speed than you can use most of time. This bike? Probably won’t make it to the USA and if it did dealers would be hard to come by. If a big thumper is appealing, pick up a DR-650 on Craigslist and make it just what you want, aftermarket parts are plentiful.
Oooh I love the scrambler! I want! Reminds me of the Rupp RMT 80.
I’d take either one, but prefer the scrambler. You might take a look at the new Cleveland Cyclewerks 500cc Misfit. Same concept as the street thumper SWM, and coming out in the USA soon.
the bikes look great, but why add the weight and expense of two pipes if it is a single?
It will be nice to see how they stack up compared to Royal Enfield, and Moto Guzzi’s V7.
Not nearly in the realm of the V7 twin, not nearly powerful enough or going to be as smooth. Might be competitive with the Royal Enfield though, that’s certainly no high bar to surpass. The 400s probably have around 30, MAYBE 35HP at the most, but only weigh around 340lbs.
I’d agree. An air-cooled 440cc one-lunger with today’s emissions tuning isn’t likey to bust 35 crank hp.
Dual exhaust ports add power in the low rpm’s
I posted the links to all of the spec sheets on all of models, but apparently Motorcycle Daily deleted it.
“The truth is out there!”
Now that I think about it, this bike looks remarkably like the Yamaha SRX 600. Not that that is a bad thing, as the SRX 600 was mostly under appreciated.
In my opinion, this SWM would look even better with softer, more rounded lines to the gas tank. That and a fly screen would give it a British Café/ Norton Manx look.
Nice to see that some of the former Husqvarna engines that were abandoned by KTM finding their way into other motorcycles. Face it, no matter what spin they put on it, the only thing that KTM purchased was the Husqvarna brand name and logo.
Why can’t the major mfgs. design their bikes to look this good.
look at the new yamaha 400 or the new honda 500 and tell me that they look anywhere as good.
Both the Yamaha and Honda looks much better than these. Many say they will sell (the SWM’s), but I doubt many would actually buy one.
A café racer with trials tires? WTH?
I would buy one.
Odd looking bracket holding the front brake reservoir. Does not look very rugged.
Dirck, John has raised the bar – Motorcycle Minutely.
And in all seriousness, John, thanks for the additional info.
Heh.
For comparison purposes, this puts the price range, in theory, between the CBR300 and the CB500X. Though I suspect it would end up being higher. I’ve sent an e-mail.
SWM = Speedy Working Motorcycle.
Actually it’s Speedy Working Motors. They have been around since the early seventies, primarily in off-road and trials bikes. This is the first street bike I’ve seen from them.
Oh, yes, sorry, was doing that from memory.
All of the bikes appear to be in the 340lb range wet. Seat heights around 31″ for the street models, but nearly 38″ for the Enduros and SuperMoto. 35″ for the SuperDual 600cc. The Silver Vase has a 19″ front wheel though. They don’t seem to list suspension travel. Must be fairly standard travels though.
I’m not, you know, super interested or anything, just thought you guys would want to know…..
The Super Dual is a bit heavier, it’s more like 375lbs, I believe. I believe it is a Husky Terra for the street. it also has a 19″ front wheel.
The Super Motos and Enduros are much lighter, more like 250lbs.
Sorry, I’m incorrect, it’s a TE630 clone. The Enduros and SuperMotos are TE310s, TE510s and SuperMoto 450. Not bad if they are at reduced prices over the old Husky pricing. Even if they are the same.
Pricing supposedly between 5500 Euro and 6000 Euro. Not GREAT, but not horrible. Depends on final costs after importation.
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.motociclismo.it%2Fswm-a-eicma-2014-torna-un-marchio-mitico-moto-60172&edit-text=
I think that is a pretty fair price. Not bad at all in my opinion.
I’ve seen some of the base models being supposedly close to 5000. It just depends on the taxing/importing situation. The problem for the US is the EPA. That’s a fricken bitch.
Some of those Husky engines have passed in recent years. Might not be too bad to pass ’em. Just expensive.
I like the cafe. A lot. Would be a good bike for the US.
John, I am guessing you are a little excited about these guys?
Yes, yes I am! At least, I will be until someone drops some ridiculous price on me. I may need to see if I can import these directly. If they are more than a KTM, well, sorry. But if they’re a decent amount less, I’d be in.
That SuperDual looks sweet. I’ve seen no other coverage on my normal sites. I’d have totally missed this without MD.
http://m.moto-station.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWM_Gamme_2015_stpz.jpg
http://www.enduro21.com/index.php/enduro21/item/2267-first-look-%E2%80%93-the-resurrection-of-swm
More info:
What a great emotion to enter SWM’s stand…anyone who has been a rider or still is can’t remain insensitive looking at red-white tanks and amaranth frames of the old one-cylinder bikes, staged up to celebrate the re-birth of the Lombard company. Behind the return of Speedy Working Motors, there are the incredible experience of Ampelio Macchi and the entrepreneurial spirit of Shineray Group, a partnership that brought to a rich and articulate catalogue: five engine sizes, among which you can find 300 cc and 650 cc, that equip four different types of off-road and street motorcycles. Enduro (RS 300 R and RS 500 R), Supermotard (SM 450 R), Touring (Superdual 650) and Old Fashion (Gran Milano 440, Gran Turismo 440, Silver Vase 400).
The engines, developed internally as the cycling, electronics and design, are injection Euro3 twin-shafts, air-cooled for the Old-Fashion version.
This is the starting basis for a great project, which foresees also the introduction of 125 cc engines, for young riders, and other for motocross and enduro specifically developed propellers.
Oh…I want.
Here is the web site:
http://www.swm-motorcycles.it/
Both models look GREAT.
Cafe looks great and nice to see someone revive the SWM brand. Now a proper SWM enduro would be a nice addition……
nice
Never heard of SWM, but both bikes look like real good simple, straight forward every day rides…how refreshing.
I like the more upright ergonomics of the scrambler, but I want the rear disc brake.
Bravo Ampelio!
Now I have hopes that motorcycle as it used to be will be saved.
Someone put footpegs where they belong on the standard roadster version. Nice basic machines. It’s what we really need, I, think. We need more people just plain riding on our roads so the cagers pay attention. We’re getting all kinds of expensive electronic bling on bikes these days but a motorcycle is still a motor cycle. Sometimes a simple machine is the most fun. Would be nice to see them here in the U.S.
what Neil said
Now I can’t wait for the comparison test between the SWM Grand Milano and the Royal Enfield Continental GT.
SWM Single White Male? Doesn’t sound cool and the logo looks like a BMW rip-off. Decent looking bike though.
Wouldn’t it have been better if it was offered under a more attractive sounding brand name such as “Macchi Motocicletta”?
Reminds me of the old Sachs 650 Roadster (which was a highly underrated bike)
i love the cafe style bike. Does anyone have a website for SWM? these would sell. I found an article in Italian that lists some models using a 650cc engine. Drop one in the cafe, hold the line on weight, 50 RWHP. These would sell well here. even the 440 would be a hoot in the twisties!
So if they have six models at the show I’d presume there is a company website but does not seem to be…? Any link?
Although the gas tank shape shows some promise, the rest of the styling they can have. Fail.
They look fantastic to me.
Funny, the gas tank is the only part I feel they got wrong, lke they used an old Suzuki Katana tank on a cafe’ conversion. It certainty doesn’t kill it for me. I hope they do make it stateside.
Agreed, it almost seems out of place. However it gives it that future/retro styling so overall it works. I think the cafe racer looks nicer in the package vs. the scrambler edition.
That is a great looking little machine, both variations. I believe this is the bike that so many have been asking for on this site with respect to a scrambleresque or simple, light bike. They may be a bit pricey when offered for sale, but I hope they come stateside. I could very well be a buyer. Looks classic and modern at the same time. Love it.
please people stop the lust….
I know these are TFM (total fap material as per NG)
-Scrambler… check
-mm precise rear axle nut placement (in beauty salon photo)… check
-infinite sexiness drum brake… super ultra check
-twin exhaust output… mega check
-beefy as Thor arms swingarm… halluwaladala check
-Arnold Schwarzenegger torso strong front forks… damn check
-brembo brake caliper?
on a second thought those are design intended cues, now it makes sense.
let’s see how a brand with Italian roots goes with Chinese manufacturing
“Funding for the company has come from China via the entity Shineray.”
“SWM will keep manufacturing in Italy. “
You are right, but they may want something… design, process, technology, engines or production to be done; even if it’s about another model.
Yet still, it may happen company come to be as successful that initial funding and having a piece it’s worth enough…