SWM Superdual T

The most dirt-bike-y motorcycle on sale in India today is the SWM SuperDual T from Motoroyale. Here’s what to expect.

- Shubhabrata Marmar

When KTM CEO Stefan Pierer bought Husqvarna, the ex-Swedish bikemaker, he told BMW, then owners, he didn’t want anything except the brand. Italian brand SWM, backed by Chinese money, picked up the Husqvarna factory and assets. And that’s the Varese factory from which the SWM Superdual comes from, a motorcycle based on an older Husqvarna TE610. In India, SWM is represented by Motoroyale, which also retails other brands, including MV Agusta, FB Mondial, Hyosung and shortly, localised Nortons.

What it is

The SWM SuperDual is the most dirt-bikey motorcycle money can buy. Bodywork is plastic, as is with most dirtbikes, there is genuinely long travel suspension, over 200mm at either end, a headlight that’s smaller than the palm of your hand, a high front fender without a second mudguard and a combination of 19” and 17” spoked rims. As a dirtbike-based machine, it also has a seriously tall seat — 893mm, serrated footpegs (with rubber inserts) and a tall handlebar that works while sitting as well as when up on the pegs.

Powertrain and performance

The SWM Superdual engine is a simple one. It’s an updated to current day 600cc single, based on an old Husqvarna motor. It has liquid-cooling, fuel-injection and... that’s it. The gearbox is a fast-shifting six-speed unit and the only electronics it has is ABS, which you can turn off for the rear wheel via a conveniently located toggle on the right switch cluster. In terms of performance, the SWM SuperDual is very likeable. The engine makes a lot of torque and while peak power is not a lot — 54PS — the engine feels exactly as snappy as you expect on a dirtbike. 0-100kmph comes up in 6.31 seconds and top speed is over 180kmph.