Speedy
Working Motors RS 650 R
The
first new model of Speedy Working Motors has just entered production. The RS
650 R is a stylish new enduro that features a Husqvarna/KTM engine. The engine
is not particularly powerful but it’s dead reliable and the suspension is
surprisingly good. The bike is built at Speedy Working Motors’ facility in
Varese, Italy. Deliveries begin in Europe, but will quickly go global. The bike
will retail for ca US$ 7,000 and it should be available in the North America
soon.
Resurrecting
a brand after 35 years is not an easy task, especially in the 600-700 cc enduro
market. This niche is dominated by Japanese manufacturers and I’d be willing to
bet that very few people are familiar with the name Speedy Working Motors, even
in Europe.
But
luckily, SWM was picked up by a Chinese firm with big plans. They revealed six
new models earlier this year and according to the latest SWM press release, the
first one has just entered production.
Passionate
Macchi said: “I’m glad to celebrate once again a great achievement. In just
eight months we have been able to re-establish a company from scratch, thanks
to Shineray Group. At SWM we don’t speak too much but we work lots, because we
are used to demonstrating the facts with the result of our work.”
The
first SWM to hit the market is the RS 650 R. It is powered by a liquid-cooled
single-cylinder DOHC engine coming from Husqvarna/KTM. The four-stroke engine
has some known issues (cam chain, clutch rivets) but it’s dead reliable. SWM
coupled a six-speed gearbox to the engine while suspension parts are top-notch
units. There’s a Marzocchi upside-down fork at the front and a progressive „soft
damp” hydraulic shock absorber coming from Sachs at the back.
The
RS 650 R entered production at the end of July, before the the RS300R, RS500R
and SM500R models follow at the end of September.
