Customer Project Bike: 2024 SWM SM 500 R
SWM's 500cc Supermoto Receives Some AS3 Performance Upgrades
One of our customer's in Switzerland has recently fitted a range of AS3 Performance parts to his 2024 SWM SM 500 R, in order to upgrade the performance and look of the standard four stroke Supermoto bike.
To give a bit of history about SWM, it is an Italian motorcycle brand that was set up in 1971 by two riders with a passion for Enduro. They wanted to build an off-road motorcycle to challenge the foreign two strokes and 3 SWM models were born: a 50cc, 100cc and 125cc, equipped with Sachs engines which included Trials and Motocross bikes. The brand instantly became recognised as they entered and claimed top positions in off-road championships through the 70's.
In 1984, SWM actually went into liquidation and production ceased. However, the brand was resurrected in 2014 with Chinese investment, releasing 6 new street and off-road models between 300cc and 650cc, that were shown at EICMA that year. Manufacture was kept in Italy and the current HQ and factory is in Biandronno on the shores of Lake Varese.
Roll on 2024 and SWM offer Enduro, Travel, Naked, Scrambler, Custom, Sidecar, E-Ride and Motard (Supermoto) models. Below. we feature photos and details of the AS3 Performance parts used in the upgrade of a 2024 SWM SM 500 R!
Rear Brake Pedal
The OEM rear brake pedal has been replaced with our cold forged black version, featuring a red flexible tip, which complements the SM 500 R's red frame and plastics nicely. The brake pedal tip is spring-loaded and will pivot if caught on anything, helping to prevent it from bending or snapping during a ride out or in a race. You can also see the brake snake cable that is mounted to the frame. This is to help prevent the lever bending outwards if caught in a deep rut, or on something like a tree root.
Foot Pegs
Our Supermoto foot pegs, complete with plastic sliders and anodised in red, have been fitted to replace the OEM foot pegs. These foot pegs were developed with the help of an Italian Supermoto Team and are an adaption of our original Racing Series foot pegs, which now incorporate the replacement plastic sliders required for Supermoto. The foot pegs are CNC machined from billet aluminium to keep weight to a minimum and they boast a 57mm wide platform, fitted with 34 stainless steel teeth, for superior grip and traction!
Rear Brake Reservoir Cover
The OEM rear brake master cylinder cover has been replaced with our red anodised master cylinder cover. The SM 500 R has Brembo brakes and this is the same rear reservoir cover that is used by the KTM and Husqvarna models. We stock a variety of these in all different colours, for all brands and models of bikes. As they provide such a big visual upgrade compared to the OEM cover, they are extremely popular with our customers.
Front Sprocket Guard
A red anodised front sprocket guard has been fitted, which has replaced the plastic OEM guard. With a polished finish, it provides a big visual upgrade and complements the foot pegs and gear lever tip. The main purpose of the front sprocket guard is to prevent mud and stones getting caught up in the chain and sprocket. It will also protect the engine casings if the chain were to snap or fail, preventing an expensive repair. Our front sprocket guards are very strong, being CNC machined from 6061 billet aluminium. They are available in black, as well as yellow and they fit the SWM RS 300 R and RS 500 R Enduro bikes also.
Gear Lever
The OEM gear lever on the SM 500 R has been replaced with our black anodised gear lever. They are cold forged, making them much less brittle than OEM cast levers and therefore less susceptible to snapping upon any impacts. With a large choice of tip colours available, the customer has chosen red to compliment all the other AS3 Performance anodised parts.
Fuel Cap
Our red anodised fuel cap, CNC machined from billet aluminium, has replaced the OEM plastic fuel cap. Coming complete with a one-way breather vent, it certainly provides a big visual upgrade and gives that factory look. We also have these available in black for the SM 500 R.
SWM Frequently Asked Questions
We speak to many customers every week, all looking to add something different to their bike to make it slightly custom or improve the handling or performance. Through speaking to customers and doing our own research into hundreds of makes and models, we have a broad range of knowledge of the motorcycle parts and accessories industry. Here are just a few of the frequently asked questions about SWM motorcycles and the SM 510 R.
Is the SWM SM 500 R the same as the Husqvarna SM 510 R?
When we first added SWM parts to our product range we worked with the UK importer for SWM and when we got an SM 500 R into the workshop, it was obvious that it shared many similarities with the Husqvarna SM 510 R! This was confirmed when we stripped the SM 500 R down and cross-referenced the parts on both models. Click here to see a 2008 SM 510 R with a host of AS3 Performance upgrades, built by one of our customers in Taiwan!
What Supermoto models do SWM manufacture?
SWM also offer a smaller capacity 125cc four stroke - the SM 125 R. For 2024, this is available in red-black or yellow-black and is very popular with young Italian riders. Click here for a video walk-around of the yellow-black version on the SWM stand at EICMA 2024.
What Enduro bikes do SWM offer?
SWM offer two bikes for Enduro. The RS 300 R, which has a single cylinder, four stroke 297.6cc engine and the RS 500 R, which is also a single cylinder four stroke, but with 501cc. SWM don't currently offer a two stroke enduro bike.
Which Performance Parts would we recommend for SWM Motorcycles?
For the SWM RS 300 R and RS 500 R Enduro bikes, we compiled an infographic a few years ago, detailing 14 parts we would recommend fitting. Click here for this informative article.
Do SWM still make Trials bikes?
No. Since the company built the TL125 and TL320 Trials bikes in 1977 and then went into liquidation in 1984, no more Trials models were ever made.
