We’ve got news from Mike Wells at Motorsports Canada that the SWM 500 line has been deemed street-legal by Transport Canada, and the machines will be sale for 2019.
Earlier this year, Motosports Canada said it was bringing SWM’s RS500 R offroader and SM500 R supermoto to Canada. While not as well-known as other Euro enduros, or even other Italian offroad machines, SWM does have a loyal following, and some of its other machines are venturing into segments of the moto-market which are being gradually abandoned by the mainstream manufacturers (see also: 650-class adventure bikes).
Last winter, Motorsports Canada hoped to bring the RS500 R in for $9,499 Canadian, and the SM500 R for $9,999.
Both bikes are powered by a 501 cc liquid-cooled DOHC single cylinder engine, with steel frame, Brembo brakes and Kayaba suspension. The SM500 R also has switchable ABS, which is a definite bonus on a supermoto.
By the way, if you aren’t familiar with SWM, here’s the story in a nutshell: the Italian manufacturer sold bikes between 1971 and 1984, then went out of business. Chinese manufacturer Shineray revived the business in 2014, and now sells machines that are based around the made-in-Italy Husqvarna designs that KTM ditched when it took over the brand. A convoluted family history, for sure, but the machines certainly look interesting.
I love a good supermoto, but don’t think I’d trust a company that puts the front tire on backwards.
(☉_☉)