Italian flair
Many bike enthusiasts may not be familiar with the SWM brand. SWM came about in the late 70's when they produced trails and motocross motorcycles and even won a few European championships during that time. Unfortunately in 1984 the company went bankrupt and closed down. Skip forward a few decades and in 2014 with some financing from a Chinese automotive firm, Shineray, they reopened and started producing machines again. The brand is now here in SA with 4 derivatives available.
Related: Suzuki DL650 (2022) Review
There are two Enduro dual sports and two Superdual derivatives available, and we took the Superdual 650 T on test. The SWM is proudly built in Italy by the same technicians in the same factory that produced them in the mid 80's. Chassis and engines are ex-Cagiva and Husqvarna pieces and are built to a high quality. We spent a week with the 650T and this is what we found.
Styling
The Superdual comes in gloss black and matt grey, that's it, the splashes of colour come in the form of the red crash bars and chassis as well as the base aluminum of the handlebars and swingarm. The SWM is an attractive machine with a host of adventure bike styling traits but at its core is a big dual sport riding much the same as a large displacement motard. The spoke 17" rear and 19" front wheels are also done in black, and you can find splashes of red on the engine cases. All in all, it is a very attractive package.
Tech
The SWM doesn't really have much in the way of tech, no rider assistance, no electronic suspension damping, and no wheelie control. You get ABS and that is pretty much it. The rider's cockpit has a single digital screen that returns basic data such as RPM, speed, gear indicator, and fuel load. There are a few sub displays that can give you a trip count and date and time but outside of that, the Superdual is a very simple machine that requires you to have your full faculties focused on riding.
Engine and Drivetrain
The Superdual is powered by a 600cc single-cylinder fuel-injected engine that delivers 40kW and 55Nm through a six-speed transmission. The bike will easily do the national speed limit in the blink of an eye and will go on to some very illegal speeds when pushed. Power goes to the rear wheel via chain drive and road contact is kept via a 17" rear wheel and 19" front wheel. Brakes are by Brembo front and rear and will check up the bike very quickly when needed and the ride is kept very comfortable by the adjustable suspension front and rear.
Let's ride
Taking the SWM out is a treat for the senses, it erupts with a heady burble that is sure to annoy the neighbours, thanks to the twin exit arrow aftermarket exhausts. Back in the day, these were dubbed hooligan machines due to their propensity for lifting the front wheel at every opportunity, and, well, nothing has changed. Too much throttle input will see the front wheel lift off the ground if you don't get your balance right on take-off. It handles like a dream and cuts in and out of traffic like a knife. Once you get accustomed to the lightness you will find yourself whipping it around and leaning into corners whenever you can, and it will just hold. The riding position is also beautifully comfortable with a decent rider position allowing great control over the handlebars and footpegs.
Pros and Cons
- very few electronic aids - less to go wrong
- european styling
- excellent handling
- torquey engine
- loud aftermarket exhaust is a tad obnoxious
Model and Pricing
SWM Superdual T 650 - R132 572
*Easily available online
Verdict
The SWM is a bit confusing in its appearance having many adventure bike traits, but it is in effect a supermotard at its core. It handles like a switchblade through traffic and has torque to spare no matter the gear. It can easily handle a medium-length ride but is ideally suited to the commute. It is a left-field choice for those that wish to stand out from the crowd. For the everyday ride, we love the stock Superdual and can only advise taking one for a test ride if you get a chance.
