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Italian brand returns with scrambler, roadster

SWM Silver Vase 440 scrambler
Silver Vase 440 scrambler

Italian dirt bike manufacturer Speedy Working Motors (SWM) is returning not just with more dirt bikes, but with four road bikes: two supermotos, a roadster and a scrambler.

The 2016 range includes RS300R, RS500R and RS650R enduros, SM500R and SM650R supermoto, the Silver Vase 440 scrambler and the Gran Milano 440 roadster, powered by 445cc thumpers.

The retro scrambler and roadster look particularly classy.

However, the dirt bikes will be first, followed by the scrambler and roadster in October, with plans for distribution in Australia, Europe, the SA, South America, Asia and Africa.

In Australia, the enduro range will be imported by Mojo Motorcycles who import CFMoto, Sherco dirt bikes, TGB scooters and KTM bicycles.

Mojo boss Michael Poynton says they will start with the enduro range and will import the road bikes as soon as they are available.

“Absolutely we will be importing them and very excited about them,” he says. “Made in Italy, Brembo brakes, the right look and should be here this summer.”

There is no official word on Australian pricing, but here are they European and American prices:

  • SWM RS650R – €6,650 ($7,240)
  • SWM SM650R – €6,750 ($7,350)
  • SWM RS300R – €6,250 ($6,800)
  • SWM RS500R – €6,400 ($6,970)
  • SWM SM500R – €6,550 ($7,130)
  • SWM Silver Vase – €5,800 ($6,315)
  • SWM Gram Milano – €5,400 ($5,880)

SWM was founded in 1971 in Milan, Italy, producing dirt bikes until 1984 when the company went into liquidation.

The company has now been revived by former Cagiva, Aprilia and Husqvarna engineer Ampelio Macchi with funding from Chinese company motorcycle and ATV Shineray.

They displayed six new models at EICMA, Milan, in 2014, but now are releasing seven models, including the Roadster and Scrambler, using Husky and KTM engines from 300-650cc.

Production will begin this month in Varese, Italy, which was bought by Shineray from Husky when they were owned by BMW.

SWM also plans to develop more models, including larger-capacity, multi-cylinder road and adventure bikes.