2019 SWM RS 300/500 R review

European-built enduro bikes with top-shelf components and priced under $9K have to be worth a look. That’s what SWM is offering with its updated 2019 RS 300 R and RS 500 R four-stroke models.

Some people are lucky enough to ride often, but most of us only manage to sneak up the bush a few times a year, so price and purpose are the two key factors in choosing the best bike for your off-road riding. The latest KTM or Husqvarna enduro models are mouth-watering motorcycles, no question, but with most priced in excess of $15,000 are you riding enough to justify that spend?

SWM isn't a new brand. It originated in Italy in the early 1970s producing competition-focused trials and enduro bikes. After several successful years of racing in Europe the company closed its doors in 1984. It reemerged again in 2014 thanks to a partnership between the ex-technical manager of Husqvarna, Apelio Macchi, and the Chinese Shineray motoring group.

After the sale of Husqvarna from BMW to KTM the recently refurbished manufacturing plant in Lombardia Italy was left vacant. SWM moved in and picked up where Husqvarna left off in 2012, so essentially these models started life as the popular TE310 (RS 300 R) and TE510 (RS 500 R) Husqvarnas.

Since their initial Australian release in late 2016 there hadn't been any updates to the RS 300R or RS 500 R, so it’s great to see some love being shown to the pair for 2019. Granted, most are styling-based updates – new plastics, colour scheme, headlight and indicators – but there’s certainly now a ‘current’ look about them.

A new seat and subframe have addressed complaints about the previous saddle being both hard on the derriere and prone to catch your nylons where the seat meets the frame. Also, a revised fueling system has been implemented to meet Euro 4 emission regulations and ensure the SWM retains its ADR compliance for full road registration.

I spent the day at Starglen Lodge dirt bike riding property just outside Bonnie Doon (Vic) – the location made famous by the classic Aussie comedy, The Castle – to assess both new SWM models. The property offers 400 acres of bush, riddled with a mixture of trails for its visitors to explore.

From 4WD access roads to steep and slippery single trails, Starglen was a perfect representation of what a challenging trail ride is likely to put you through.

I chose the RS 300 R to ease myself into the day – but the route we chose had other ideas. After just a few minutes of single trail we encountered our first climb. I quickly learned that the 300 R likes to berevved to make its power. If kept on the boil, the 300 R will happily pull steep terrain. By the time we reached the summit me and the SWM were both up to full operating temperature!

As the trails twisted and turned around the hills I found the SWM to be surprisingly nimble, while the Brembo brakes are more than adequate at slowing the 300 R down.

Suspension front and rear is top quality Kayaba, and offers a plush ride with plenty of travel. Both forks and shock are fully adjustable.

The technical trails at Starglen ensured I gave both the clutch and gearbox a good workout to keep the 300 engine high in its rpm range, where it is happiest. I could fault either, with a light clutch action and positive gear changes.

By the time we returned for a breather I was pleasantly surprised at how well the RS 300 R had performed and was keen to try its bigger sibling for size.

Riding the same loop on the SWM RS 500 R was a perfect way to compare strengths and weaknesses between the two models.

I’ve always been a fan of smaller capacity enduro bikes for trail riding, especilally in my home state of Victoria as the terrain is rarely open enough to allow bigger bikes to stretch their legs.

The RS 500 R does feel like a bigger bike even though it shares a common frame and plastics with the RS 300 R, and tips the scales just 5kg heavier.

The larger capacity engine with its longer-stroke creates more inertia, making the RS 500 R a little slower to respond to steering inputs. On the flipside, this engine creates more torque and is happy to be ridden much lower in its rev range.

On the same steep hills I found the bike more planted when being using a lower rev range – it was less likely to skip and skid and would just tractor its way up.

Suspension and brakes are just as effective on the RS 500 R as the RS 300 R.

Fuel capacity on both bikes is 7.2 litres, which should comfortably see you through a 75-plus kilometre trail ride before looking for a refill.

The standard twin-muffler exhaust systems on both bikes keep them quiet in the bush, but do feel heavily restricted. There is a single-muffler Arrow system available as an accessory that would be interesting to try. Contact your local dealer for more information.

Prospective buyers are flooded for choice in the dirt bike world, so what bikes are comparable to the SWMs, which are priced at $8390 (RS 300 R) and $8990 (RS 500 R) respectively? Yamaha’s WR250R and Suzuki’s DR-Z400E are in the price park, and offer an affordable entry to trail riding for those who aren't fussed about having the latest or greatest, but neither of these have the quality components or level of performance offered by SWM.

The SWMs are tried and tested European-built trail bikes with friendly price tags and slick performance.

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, four-valve single-cylinder
Capacity: 297.6cc (501cc)
Starter: Electric
Fuel system: EFI

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Clutch: Hydraulic, wet multi-plate
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Steel perimeter
Front suspension: Upside-down Kayaba forks, fully adjustable
Rear suspension: Kayaba monoshock, fully adjustable
Front brake: Single 260mm disc
Rear brake: Single 240mm disc
Tyres: 80/100-21 front; 120/80-18 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed weight: 107kg (112kg)
Wheelbase: 1495mm
Fuel capacity: 7.2 litres
Seat height: 963mm

OTHER STUFF
Price: $8390 ($8990)
Bike supplied by: SWM Australia,
Warranty: Six months parts and labour