That’s exactly what these bikes are designed for. They are great trail bikes. Road reg enduro bikes with just enough on road sensibilities to get you to the trails, and the ability to get you anywhere else. The will go as hard as the rest if you want then too as well.
I have a rs300r 2020 just to let you know the black knot is not the choke it is the hot start swm did not change the handbook from the old te510 which had a carb they cut and pasted bit form the old hand books they are great bikes and super easy to work on mine has done 3500 miles so far on problems
Thanks for the heads up Keith. Was originally going to buy the 300, but at the time there was a six month wait as they are very popular, however, there was one 500 available so I grabbed it 😀 One issue I've recently noticed is the shock spring has lost tension and will need replacing (about $200 aud)
Very similar indeed. SWM showed a lot of promise a few years ago, but now seems to have gone to sleep in terms of further development and innovation 💡 😴
Looks to me that you might need to drop the levers down a bit so they are inline with your hands. It appears that you are lifting your fingers to reach them. They should be in a direct line with your wrist/arm. Small details but make a huge difference when riding.
Good observation Rebekah, that's pretty much exactly what they are. Apparently SWM took over the old Husqvarna factory after the brand was bought out by KTM
@@rebekahfrench5747 Hi Rebekah, copy and paste the following link into your search bar. It's one of the best articles on the history of SWM (speedy working motorcycles) I have read. www.motorcycle.com/features/swm-motorcycles-the-italian-oem-you-dont-yet-know.html
On the fence about this bike or a ktm 500. How many kms on it now? Any issues? Wanting to use it as an adventure bike and i love everything about this bike. Just worried about reliability.
Hi Alex I think reliability will be the least of your problems as it's an unkillable Husqvarna engine with better electronics. Ktm however, should have better equipment standard, but you're paying for it.
I had a 2010 TE510 and sold it for a KTM500. The Husqvarna was beautifully engineered as far as ease of maintenance was concerned and the features, such as quick access to underseat, Spark plug, checking valve lash etc was awesome. It seems the RS500 has retained all these features. The KYB suspension was fantastic, the Brembo brakes were perfect and the engine was 100% reliable over the 3 years I had it-I don’t think I kick started it once! It was a proper big-bore with big midrange GRUNT, signing off a little early but more than enough to stretch your arms out. Negatives-Fuel consumption was horrific, the tank was small and tight gear ratios meant high rpm on the open road and extremely limited range before you needed a servo. The KTM is smoother, better geared for range and has a massive tank by comparison. It feels like a smaller, lighter and more nimble bike, even though there’s not much weight difference. The engine seems to build power rather than hit like the Husky did, I’m often surprised by how fast it’s going. Given the price difference, I’d happily buy a brand-new SWM. I believe they’ve solved the issue of threaded fasteners for plastics spinning in the tank and I also had to re-do a few riv-nuts in the rear subframe. The old Husky’s biggest drama was the temperamental EFI system which also seems to have been sorted.
@Ben Gibson Wow Ben! What an awesome review! Can I consult you before my next bike evaluation lol Fuel economy issues fixed with swm, tank still smallish though yes. Stock suspension is pretty good, not top shelf but good enough for a fast fang on pretty rough ground with the confidence it's not going to spit you off. Unfortunately, the rear shock spring lost tension quickly and needs replacing ($700 from swm), luckily online from $200 to suit husqy 510. Have had many ktm's myself and yes found them mostly to feel more nimble but nowhere near as stable and solid feeling as the Husqy (oops swm) 😬 Was recently talking to a guy who picked up a pristine 510 husqy locally which was/is virtually new condition He absolutely loves it. Thanks for your input mate, great stuff thankyou 👍 🙏
@@mototouro no worries and thanks for a great vid! I’ve got really fond memories of the big TE 510 and I had pangs of regret while watching your review. I miss the glorious big, fat, meaty hit of midrange that the KTM just doesn’t deliver. It vibrated a lot but hey-it’s a big, hairy-chested Italian brute so a bit of drama should be expected I guess.😉😆 I made up a loom to allow me to plug into the diagnostic port and re-map the stock ECU to a degree. I’m not sure if the setup for the SWM is the same, but I found it extremely helpful being able to adjust mixture, idle speed and checking fault codes/sensors. I had removed the O2 sensor from the exhaust and fitted a jumper to the electrical connector that previously plugged into the O2 sensor, putting it into “race mode”. Poor fuel economy was not a big surprise, but a price worth paying in comparison to the horrid tune that Husqvarna put in there for emissions compliance. I’d imagine SWM would have this well sorted. Cheers!
@Ben Gibson sounds like you're all over the technical side of things, Ben. Just visited dealer in Ballarat Victoria to order a new rear shock spring ($280) delivered Had a good look at the cfmoto bikes while there 😀 big$ for what are essentially Chinese bikes! Rip off imop
Got myself a 2019 model in march for $7800 with only 192km on the clock. First thing I did was get rid of those garbage plastics and installed the husky te510 plastics. Much better quality plastics that don’t split into pieces when you drop the thing. And ordered an arrow exhaust so I can guy the bikes full potential. You can’t beat these bikes for price. I’ve saved so much money and still capable to keep up with the modern big bore 4 bangers.
Thanks for the input Andrew. I stopped short of making direct comparisons with the 'big' brands for fear of an avalanche of hate mail lol How are you finding the Arrow exhaust compared to standard?
@@johnfpv6989 got rid of the bike a month or two after this post. More problems then its worth. Blown air intakes. Starter died and cost a bomb for a new one. Gear selector sheered the teeth off and lever kept slipping. I fixed it up as much as i could and got rid of it. Never again
Hi Peter 1st service is at 500km, but really, it's just an oil change, filter, and a bit of a look over the Spokes, bolts, headset etc. I did it myself and just bought the oil and filter etc. I asked dealer about valve clearance check, and he basically said it won't need doing
@@istra70 Hi Istra, I'm currently overseas atm, but for memory it's oil and filter changes at 2000km intervals, which you can do yourself quite easily. Obviously air filter as needed, check spoke tensions early as they bed in. Chain and sprocket condition and freeplay. I always do a quick run around with the appropriate sockets to check everything is still tight when the bike is relatively new. Valve clearances shouldn't need checking until at least 5000km, or less, depending on how hard you work the engine, or if you notice any performance issues. Overall, these things are a very reliable design engine wise. Enjoy 😃
Hey j, go back on my channel and watch the long term test on this bike. It will be the most recent video Short answer, no, it doesn't vibrate. In fact, as I write this I'm just taking a rest from riding a yamaha wr155r and trust me, the SWM is a suzuki boulevard on the road compared to that bikes on road manners
@@mototouro I ll gladly watch that video! Do you happen to have ridden the honda crf450L? That is supposed to be a semi adventure rally bike that is more comfortable on the road aswell. I'm. Between those two.
@jootai Should be a good thing as it's got Honda's legendary reliability. Not sure what the standard suspension is like as haven't ridden one. The SWM is cheaper, has great suspension and brakes, and a LOT more hp.
@@mototouro you wouldnt happen to know the difference between the SM and RS version, the one is super moto en the other one is enduro. The weight difference is about 15KG more on the Supermoto, so i wonder what they added. I know the SM version has ABS and thats very important to me. Important enough that i would want to turn the SM into the Enduro but keep the ABS, but i wonder what else they added to get to the 15KG and how far the 2 are appart.
@jootai We don't see the SM version often in Australia as most buy the enduro version. But then Australia has huge amounts of off road riding areas so no surprise there. Re your question on the CRF450L, friend tells me they need an ignition upgrade and other modifications. Adventure daily did a video on that around a year ago that was a real eye opener. I now have the crf300l which will also need a suspension upgrade, but, I bought it used with 500km, and I live in thailand where it's several thousand dollars cheaper anyway.
Hi premioll, great question your bike will have what's called a 'floating disc' which is a 2 piece construction joined by rivets. This system has largely replaced the old 'solid disc' system and has better 'feel' and heat dissipation properties. Hope that helped 🙏
For more great SWM RS 500R videos click here
th-cam.com/play/PLWJOGatnmYHG_8bSyKww_wXjJ556FVbLH.html
Man, that's a nice day. Thanks for sharing it
That’s exactly what these bikes are designed for.
They are great trail bikes.
Road reg enduro bikes with just enough on road sensibilities to get you to the trails, and the ability to get you anywhere else.
The will go as hard as the rest if you want then too as well.
Wish I had mine with me in Thailand 🇹🇭 right now.
Apart from Honda's crf 300L, there's not many budget friendly really good dual purpose bikes here 😀
I have a rs300r 2020 just to let you know the black knot is not the choke it is the hot start swm did not change the handbook from the old te510 which had a carb they cut and pasted bit form the old hand books they are great bikes and super easy to work on mine has done 3500 miles so far on problems
Thanks for the heads up Keith.
Was originally going to buy the 300, but at the time there was a six month wait as they are very popular, however, there was one 500 available so I grabbed it 😀
One issue I've recently noticed is the shock spring has lost tension and will need replacing (about $200 aud)
The engine is similar to a 2005 Husqvarna
Very similar indeed. SWM showed a lot of promise a few years ago, but now seems to have gone to sleep in terms of further development and innovation 💡 😴
Amazing ride! I own the same model , love it, perfect bike :) subcribed
Thanks Michal, it really is an easy bike to ride fast, or just plod along on also.
Thanks for subscribing ❤
It sure is a beautiful part of the Country anf nothing like being able to head bush straight out of your front gate..Good stuff .👍
Sure is Martin. Can be in great tracks in less than 5 minutes
Looks to me that you might need to drop the levers down a bit so they are inline with your hands. It appears that you are lifting your fingers to reach them. They should be in a direct line with your wrist/arm. Small details but make a huge difference when riding.
Hi welditmick, you are 100% correct, particularly for standing on the pegs, mx, and hard enduro. Thank you for pointing that out 👍
The seat is a funny one. At first it feels like it's a piece of 4x2.
But funnily enough after a couple of hours it doesn't feel any worse.
Looks like a 510 red top motor from 07 to 011 husky
Good observation Rebekah, that's pretty much exactly what they are.
Apparently SWM took over the old Husqvarna factory after the brand was bought out by KTM
@@mototouro cool.. i wonder if the cams are the same or the profile changes..
@@rebekahfrench5747
Hi Rebekah, copy and paste the following link into your search bar. It's one of the best articles on the history of SWM (speedy working motorcycles) I have read. www.motorcycle.com/features/swm-motorcycles-the-italian-oem-you-dont-yet-know.html
Hi dude, nice video!!
Did your rs500r come with power restrictions or full power?
Hi Lages, short answer yes. That topic is covered in the intro of part 1 of the SWM RS500R test 😀
On the fence about this bike or a ktm 500. How many kms on it now? Any issues? Wanting to use it as an adventure bike and i love everything about this bike. Just worried about reliability.
Hi Alex
I think reliability will be the least of your problems as it's an unkillable Husqvarna engine with better electronics.
Ktm however, should have better equipment standard, but you're paying for it.
I had a 2010 TE510 and sold it for a KTM500. The Husqvarna was beautifully engineered as far as ease of maintenance was concerned and the features, such as quick access to underseat, Spark plug, checking valve lash etc was awesome. It seems the RS500 has retained all these features. The KYB suspension was fantastic, the Brembo brakes were perfect and the engine was 100% reliable over the 3 years I had it-I don’t think I kick started it once! It was a proper big-bore with big midrange GRUNT,
signing off a little early but more than enough to stretch your arms out.
Negatives-Fuel consumption was horrific, the tank was small and tight gear ratios meant high rpm on the open road and extremely limited range before you needed a servo.
The KTM is smoother, better geared for range and has a massive tank by comparison. It feels like a smaller, lighter and more nimble bike, even though there’s not much weight difference. The engine seems to build power rather than hit like the Husky did, I’m often surprised by how fast it’s going.
Given the price difference, I’d happily buy a brand-new SWM. I believe they’ve solved the issue of threaded fasteners for plastics spinning in the tank and I also had to re-do a few riv-nuts in the rear subframe. The old Husky’s biggest drama was the temperamental EFI system which also seems to have been sorted.
@Ben Gibson Wow Ben! What an awesome review! Can I consult you before my next bike evaluation lol
Fuel economy issues fixed with swm, tank still smallish though yes. Stock suspension is pretty good, not top shelf but good enough for a fast fang on pretty rough ground with the confidence it's not going to spit you off. Unfortunately, the rear shock spring lost tension quickly and needs replacing ($700 from swm), luckily online from $200 to suit husqy 510.
Have had many ktm's myself and yes found them mostly to feel more nimble but nowhere near as stable and solid feeling as the Husqy (oops swm) 😬
Was recently talking to a guy who picked up a pristine 510 husqy locally which was/is virtually new condition
He absolutely loves it.
Thanks for your input mate, great stuff thankyou 👍 🙏
@@mototouro no worries and thanks for a great vid! I’ve got really fond memories of the big TE 510 and I had pangs of regret while watching your review. I miss the glorious big, fat, meaty hit of midrange that the KTM just doesn’t deliver. It vibrated a lot but hey-it’s a big, hairy-chested Italian brute so a bit of drama should be expected I guess.😉😆
I made up a loom to allow me to plug into the diagnostic port and re-map the stock ECU to a degree. I’m not sure if the setup for the SWM is the same, but I found it extremely helpful being able to adjust mixture, idle speed and checking fault codes/sensors.
I had removed the O2 sensor from the exhaust and fitted a jumper to the electrical connector that previously plugged into the O2 sensor, putting it into “race mode”. Poor fuel economy was not a big surprise, but a price worth paying in comparison to the horrid tune that Husqvarna put in there for emissions compliance. I’d imagine SWM would have this well sorted.
Cheers!
@Ben Gibson sounds like you're all over the technical side of things, Ben.
Just visited dealer in Ballarat Victoria to order a new rear shock spring
($280) delivered
Had a good look at the cfmoto bikes while there 😀 big$ for what are essentially Chinese bikes! Rip off imop
Got myself a 2019 model in march for $7800 with only 192km on the clock. First thing I did was get rid of those garbage plastics and installed the husky te510 plastics. Much better quality plastics that don’t split into pieces when you drop the thing. And ordered an arrow exhaust so I can guy the bikes full potential. You can’t beat these bikes for price. I’ve saved so much money and still capable to keep up with the modern big bore 4 bangers.
Thanks for the input Andrew. I stopped short of making direct comparisons with the 'big' brands for fear of an avalanche of hate mail lol
How are you finding the Arrow exhaust compared to standard?
Hey mate you is the reliability going have you ever had any problems??? You ride it in 35 or 50 hp? Do you have put many miles?
@@johnfpv6989 got rid of the bike a month or two after this post. More problems then its worth. Blown air intakes. Starter died and cost a bomb for a new one. Gear selector sheered the teeth off and lever kept slipping. I fixed it up as much as i could and got rid of it. Never again
@@wooblebloc it 2 year warranty doesn't replace for free these problem's?
@@johnfpv6989 i was out of warrenty. Plus i sold the bike at like 280kms on clock.
Ciao , ogni quanti km bisogna rifare il motore in questa moto? Grazie
2022 model will be euro 5 ready... There will be some little differences
Thanks Manuel, will keep a lookout for it.
What are the service intervals for these?
Hi Peter
1st service is at 500km, but really, it's just an oil change, filter, and a bit of a look over the Spokes, bolts, headset etc.
I did it myself and just bought the oil and filter etc. I asked dealer about valve clearance check, and he basically said it won't need doing
@@mototouro OK, first service on 500 and then what ? Every 1000 or 2000 or 3000 or 5 000 ?
Did you get a booklet with the bike ?
Look into it ....
@@istra70 Hi Istra, I'm currently overseas atm, but for memory it's oil and filter changes at 2000km intervals, which you can do yourself quite easily.
Obviously air filter as needed, check spoke tensions early as they bed in. Chain and sprocket condition and freeplay.
I always do a quick run around with the appropriate sockets to check everything is still tight when the bike is relatively new.
Valve clearances shouldn't need checking until at least 5000km, or less, depending on how hard you work the engine, or if you notice any performance issues.
Overall, these things are a very reliable design engine wise.
Enjoy 😃
@@mototouro Thank you ...
How is it on the tarmac. Does it vibrate a lot?
Hey j, go back on my channel and watch the long term test on this bike. It will be the most recent video
Short answer, no, it doesn't vibrate.
In fact, as I write this I'm just taking a rest from riding a yamaha wr155r and trust me, the SWM is a suzuki boulevard on the road compared to that bikes on road manners
@@mototouro I ll gladly watch that video! Do you happen to have ridden the honda crf450L?
That is supposed to be a semi adventure rally bike that is more comfortable on the road aswell. I'm. Between those two.
@jootai Should be a good thing as it's got Honda's legendary reliability.
Not sure what the standard suspension is like as haven't ridden one.
The SWM is cheaper, has great suspension and brakes, and a LOT more hp.
@@mototouro you wouldnt happen to know the difference between the SM and RS version, the one is super moto en the other one is enduro. The weight difference is about 15KG more on the Supermoto, so i wonder what they added. I know the SM version has ABS and thats very important to me. Important enough that i would want to turn the SM into the Enduro but keep the ABS, but i wonder what else they added to get to the 15KG and how far the 2 are appart.
@jootai We don't see the SM version often in Australia as most buy the enduro version. But then Australia has huge amounts of off road riding areas so no surprise there.
Re your question on the CRF450L, friend tells me they need an ignition upgrade and other modifications.
Adventure daily did a video on that around a year ago that was a real eye opener.
I now have the crf300l which will also need a suspension upgrade, but, I bought it used with 500km, and I live in thailand where it's several thousand dollars cheaper anyway.
Tuve una husqvarna de 450 2009 que era básicamente está moto más bien la t510
è la migliore bici da enduro per il prezzo 👌
hey man cool vid, i do think you should lower your back ground music, in some parts its too loud.
Heh Gil
Thanks for the heads up on the music. Much appreciated 🙏
Hello, I also have this motorcycle. I noticed that the rear brake disc has play. It is normal? I have only had the motorcycle for 2 months. Thanks.
Hi premioll, great question
your bike will have what's called a 'floating disc' which is a 2 piece construction joined by rivets. This system has largely replaced the old 'solid disc' system and has better 'feel' and heat dissipation properties.
Hope that helped 🙏
thank you very much@@mototouro 👍
No part 2?
Hi Shane
Sorry for the late reply. There is a recently released long term test video on the big SWM which is well wort a look.
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