Swm Rs 500r
The Swm Rs 500r has a top speed of 150 km/h — estimated, produces 48 hp and weighs 138 kg. Motoryk rates it 7/10.
The SWM RS 500R is an enduro/adventure motorcycle produced by SWM Motorcycles, an Italian brand revived in 2014 after acquiring assets from Husqvarna's Varese factory. The RS 500R was introduced around 2016-2017 as part of SWM's dual-sport lineup, utilizing a single-cylinder four-stroke engine derived from the Husqvarna/KTM lineage. It is notable for combining classic enduro capability with road-legal compliance, appealing to riders seeking a lightweight, versatile off-road oriented machine with Italian heritage.
48 hp
Power
46 Nm
Torque
138 kg
Weight
150 km/h — estimated
Top Speed
4.5 L/100km (approx. 22 km/L) — estimated
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Proven Rotax Engine
The RS 500R is powered by a Rotax 500cc single-cylinder engine, known for strong reliability and long service intervals. This Austrian-sourced powerplant has a solid reputation in the off-road world, reducing long-term ownership headaches.
Watch Cooling System
Some owners report the single-cylinder engine can run hot in slow technical terrain, so monitor coolant levels and radiator condition closely. Ensure the radiator guard is intact when buying used, as damage here is common on trail bikes.
Niche Resale Market
SWM is a relatively obscure Italian brand, which means the buyer pool for used models is smaller and resale values tend to depreciate more than mainstream competitors like KTM or Husqvarna. This can work in your favor when buying used, but plan accordingly when selling.
Generations & Specs by Year
Original SWM RS 500R enduro model with Rotax 500cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine, Italian production.
"Raw Italian enduro muscle with serious maintenance demands."
The Rotax 504 hits hard between 5,000 and 7,000 rpm — genuinely violent mid-range that'll rip your arms out if you're not planted properly on rough terrain. At 105 kg wet it feels lighter than the spec sheet suggests, mostly because the weight sits low and central, making tight technical sections surprisingly manageable for a 500. But that two-stroke requires you to stay on it religiously — premix ratios matter, jetting is fussy with altitude and temperature changes, and the expansion chamber takes heat-related knocks that eventually crack if you ignore them. Parts availability in the early years was decent through Italian importers, but finding good Rotax-specific internals today means knowing the right people or raiding KTM 500 donor bins with careful cross-referencing.
Pros
Cons
Used Buyer Review
"Solid adventure-enduro bargain if pre-purchase inspection checks out."
$4,500-$6,500 usedThe SWM RS 500R is essentially a Husqvarna FE 501 wearing Italian clothes, which tells you everything you need to know about its bones. The Rotax-sourced single is punchy, tractable, and genuinely fun across mixed terrain — this thing will cover green lanes, forest tracks, and B-roads without complaint. Build quality is decent but not exceptional, and you'll find the switchgear feels budget relative to the asking price. That said, spares availability has improved as the brand matured. Used examples need a proper going-over. Check the airbox religiously — previous owners often neglect it. Valve clearances on these singles demand attention every 6,000 miles and many owners skip it entirely. Look for a service history or walk away. The suspension is adjustable and genuinely capable once set up properly, though stock settings run stiff for lighter riders. For the money versus a used KTM or Husqvarna equivalent, you're getting solid hardware at a discount. Just do your homework on maintenance.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Swm Rs 500r — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALInspect wiring harness for corrosion, loose plugs, error lights
Look under engine for coolant stains or low reservoir level
Test clutch feel, listen for rattling at idle in neutral
Research local dealer support before buying
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Decent but risky without strong dealer support
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Swm Rs 500r
Ktm 500 Exc-f
Husqvarna Fe 501
Rieju Marathon 500
Sherco Se 450i
Compare Swm Rs 500r Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Swm Rs 500r vs Ktm 500 Exc-f
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Swm Rs 500r vs Husqvarna Fe 501
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Swm Rs 500r vs Rieju Marathon 500
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Swm Rs 500r vs Sherco Se 450i
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Swm Rs 500r? +
Electrical gremlins, failing connectors and sensors: Inspect wiring harness for corrosion, loose plugs, error lights (moderate) | Coolant leaks from water pump seals: Look under engine for coolant stains or low reservoir level (moderate) | Clutch basket wear causing rough engagement: Test clutch feel, listen for rattling at idle in neutral (moderate)
Is the Swm Rs 500r a good motorcycle? +
Solid adventure-enduro bargain if pre-purchase inspection checks out. Rating: 7.0/10. Best for: Budget-conscious adventure riders wanting proven enduro hardware. Avoid if: You need reliable dealer support nearby.
What is the horsepower of the Swm Rs 500r? +
The Swm Rs 500r produces 48 hp @ 8,000 rpm — estimated, with 46 Nm @ 6,500 rpm — estimated of torque. Top speed: 150 km/h — estimated.
Is the Swm Rs 500r good for beginners? +
Yes — the Swm Rs 500r is a reasonable choice for new riders (48 hp is manageable), weighing 138 kg. Budget-conscious adventure riders wanting proven enduro hardware
Is the Swm Rs 500r reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Swm Rs 500r, notably: Parts availability slow due to niche brand (Research local dealer support before buying). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Swm Rs 500r good for daily use? +
Budget-conscious adventure riders wanting proven enduro hardware Fuel: 4.5 L/100km (approx. 22 km/L) — estimated.
How fast is the Swm Rs 500r? +
The Swm Rs 500r reaches a top speed of 150 km/h — estimated, producing 48 hp at 138 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Swm Rs 500r? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Swm Rs 500r, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/swm/rs-500r/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
