2023 SWM RS500R : RE500R Long Term Review

[@mototouro]

For more great SWM RS 500R videos click here kzbin.info/aero/PLWJOGatnmYHG_8bSyKww_wXjJ556FVbLH

[@adeliavalente7552]

This basically a 2010 Husqvarna with upgrades and that's a good thing.

[@RUSTY-A-L]

I would like to see the 2010 TC450 with a wide ratio 5 speed and larger TE tank. Lose some weight and still keep the performance.

[@RealHooksy]

I have the 300 which I’ve owned for about 5 years now. Great bike. I’m just an older trail ride, and it’s great for that. It will do anything that other name brands can, but probably not quite as good if you are a racer. My bike came with the single Arrow exhaust, and I did remove the air box screen which made it run better. Don’t forget your earplugs though. It does flame out occasionally though, and takes a while to fire up when it’s hot. I would like a bigger tank, as 7.2L isn’t enough. I also think 6th gear should be taller to help on the highway. My other that I can recommend the SWMs for anyone who wants a good trail bike but doesn’t need a race bike, and also someone on a budget.

[@mototouro]

Thanks for the input Ron. I haven't personally ridden the 300, but your description is very similar to the 500. I don't like loud bikes, so I won't be going the Arrow exhaust option. Interesting that the 300 has the same ignition issues as the big S. It's one area this bike really needs improving on.

[@AuraTrimCoMeath]

Hi. Can you tell service intervals, valve adjustments, cam chain and gearing changes. AJP 310 has same engine and in rhe service book mention annualy cam changes.

[@alanjm1234]

If 95 octane isn't available, why not use 98 octane? A higher than recommended octane fuel won't do any harm, but using lower octane certainly could.

[@shanmukhasreenivas1]

Yo SWM fam, I have a 2019 RS500R and the three biggest issues I see are: 1. The bike doesn’t start when hot. 2. It doesn’t start on any gear but only on Neutral. 3. There are flare outs and when it went off while driving, I couldn’t restart on the fly. Very risky and dangerous. Appreciate any tips on how to fix. I got this from another owner who only put 400 miles on it. It looks and feel good but with these issues, it is not usable.

[@RealHooksy]

ADB did a write up on a Safari specced 500 a couple of years ago I believe. One of the bike shops out mildura way set it up for the Australian safari with a big tank and custom fairing. It came up pretty well and was going ok until a stick punctured a water hose and ended the day. You could easily set one up for off-road adventure as they are so cheap to buy and a rock solid platform to build on. Mind you, the new Kove 450 Rally may just change the equation hopefully.

[@mototouro]

Did see yesterday a review on the Kove. Interesting, and might just force the other big manufacturers to drop their prices somewhat. The Chinese manufactured bikes/partnerships, have Improved their quality substantially, and buyer confidence in their bikes appears to be improving exponentially. 😀

[@RealHooksy]

@@mototouro yes they are good bikes. All 3 starters finished Dakar this year. They do a rally Replica, but their cheaper version is pretty good. EverRIDE did a review and he’s bought one. They’re about $9k US I believe, so if they come in under $15k in Australia they will be very competitive I recon. Either way, they should make the big manufacturers take notice and finally produce a lightweight adventure bike based on an enduro bike rather than a road bike.

[@amonatrip]

The kove service Intervalls are just so damn short. 5000ks would be nice for some traveling tbh

[@RealHooksy]

@@amonatrip SWM has 2500km but I think that’s pretty conservative given they hold about 1.8L of engine oil. I’d be comfortable getting 5k out of them on a long trip, especially if it was only adventure riding and not racing.

[@amonatrip]

@@RealHooksy that sounds amazing. You think it would be a good replacement for a DRZ as a Travel bike ? Mein DRZ got stolen in Lisbon and I am looking for a replacement. Or would you recommend a superdual more ?

[@mohammadovnet]

Thanks a lot for all this series of videos, and it is the most complete I have found. Unfortunately, there isn't much information about this bike on youtube. waiting for the maintenance and reliability videos to decide between this bike and the KTM 690 enduro ( i know are different segment) thank you very much again

[@mototouro]

Thank you for your kind words. I, too, thought the same when I first bought the SWM, so I made my own videos lol. Would love to do some follow-up videos on exactly the topics you mentioned when I get time 😃

[@maxflight777]

Fuel capacity might cause some headaches ?

[@vilaishima]

Great review! I have a 2019 RS300R. It now has around 2 000km on the clock and has so far been amazing. I used to own a DRZ400E before this and this bike is leagues ahead in pretty much every single aspect. I can absolutely agree with you on both the suspension and brakes; they are superb! The black plastics are unfortunately quite fragile but more specifically the radiator shrouds. I believe the shape and mounting points are partially to blame as the rear plastics have also taken some knocks and are holding up great. The front white mudguard has also taken a beating as I had an OTB/scorpion incident a few months ago and the mudguard is still in one piece albeit with some rash. I have since replaced the radiator shrouds with OEM white ones from SWM and they look fantastic! I average somewhere between 20-25km/l on varying terrain. I also find the stock Michelin Enduro Medium tyres to be exceptional but the rear is now knackered and they are unfortunately ridiculously priced where I am from. I will be replacing it with a Michelin Tracker which will hopefully give me similar performance and feel. The ergonomics on this bike are fantastic. The seat it on the tall side but I am not willing to make any changes in fear affecting the handling. I will just learn to live with it.

[@mototouro]

OTB scorpion incident?? 😃tell us more. I agree with you re the DRZ400, while the are a great bike in many ways, they just cannot match the SWM in all but possibly reliability. Fragile plastics yes, during the shooting of that video I cracked the rear left side plate, and that was only from fast contact with undergrowth! Thank you for commenting as it helps others who are interested in this bike hear different experiences

[@mecojoni9984]

pay attention that the 300 is a race bike, you have to change piston ecc, maintainance aint done by km s but by hrs

[@vilaishima]

@@mecojoni9984 Not sure where you get this information. Stock from the factory the 300 makes 10.5Kw. Hardly a race bike for a 300cc. Maintenance intervals for both are every 2000km for oil changes in stock form. Both the 300 and the 500 can be remapped which gives it shorter service intervals - 8H MX and 16H Enduro. Mine has been remapped but I believe usage is more relevant than mapping. I use mine for trail riding so I service every 1000km just to be on the safe side.

[@johnfpv6989]

Hi m8 how many miles do you have right now? Do you have a y problems?

[@vilaishima]

@@johnfpv6989 2500km before I fitted an hour meter and another 27 hours after. Mixture of red loop enduro and fast jeep and single track. No issues aside from very brittle radiator shroud plastics. The bike is absolutely fantastic.

[@jootai]

How's the vibration on the road? Does it have any dampening?

[@mototouro]

I mainly used the big S for dirt touring jootai, but one section of beautiful twisty road springs to mind. It was awesome powering through the bends and as far as I can remember it had virtually no vibration. I often did 5-10 km on the open road, or big dirt roads, and again didn't notice anything at all. See if you can get a test ride on one, as my standards might not be the same as yours. I have unfortunately now sold that bike to mate as I live overseas now. He absolutely loves it and has actually modified it to give even more power! Highly recommend 👌 Oh, and just as a footnote, another friend recently bought the 300cc version and speaks very highly of that too

[@jootai]

Hey thanks so much for the reply! Shame you had to let that bike go! i ll give it a try if i can but i got a feeling SWM is leaving dealerships, we had a few dealerships before but now there is only one. Not sure what 2024 will breng for SWM but its great to get your perspective. all the best!@@mototouro

[@mototouro]

Thank you too ​@jootai It gave me the opportunity to have a look back on that video, it has been quite a while, I forgot just how much fun that bike was. Where are you located re dealers closing etc? Unfortunately, SWM nowadays does not appear to be moving forward, they appear to gave just gone for that one shot husqvarna copy plan, and now that's it. Take a look at the Kove enduro range coming soon. Might be a better motorcycle with a progressive future

[@jootai]

Belguim, their websites arent updated anymroe and there isnt realy a lot of info or video's about the new models. heard a lot about the kove but thats not my kinda bike, to heavy, thinking of a honda 450RL. Dirtbike magazine does something every year if a new swm comes out, i hope to see a new video appear on the updates for this year.. i have more faith in swm then kove tbh!

[@mototouro]

@jootai Wait until later this year for the new Kove models. In addition to their two brand new mx bikes, there will be two enduro versions also. Kove is kicking goals already with the three versions of the rally (competing in Dakar right now). The 450L does not have a lot of positive feedback. I had the crf 300L for about 4 months, it is garbage! My 1984 XR350 was a better overall bike. Back to the SWM, I have had a number of viewers tell me the European spec bikes are heavily restricted and only put out around 35hp. The Aussie versions are around 55hp and are a blast 😃

[@danielryle5596]

Just a heads up in regards to suspension these kyaba shocks are the same as what is on the wr450 2008 to 2012, I also have the 19 liter safari tank which is very well designed and only marginally wider at front, because the swm plastics are so poor quality I would never put the stock tank and front plastics back on as the safari tank can take a hammering and you don't have to worry about plastics breaking, going on shorter rides I only half fill the tank for weight reduction! Fuel economy is not bad when you have the bike tuned properly ejk or a power commander for optimum performance and economy map settings is a great feature to have!

[@mototouro]

Thanks for the info again, Daniel. Can you let us know exactly which power commander to buy etc. please 🙏 While the stock suspension does the job well enough, if money wasn't an issue, I would swap them out for the suspension off my 2021 Beta 300. That thing had the best standard suspension on any dirt bike I've ever ridden!

[@danielryle5596]

Stock suspension is pretty good on these bikes for sure though they are the same as what is on the Yamaha wr so would save yourself a lot of money instead of reaching out to swm! I have fitted PCFC 23-004 power commander which has been dyno tuned with maps installed afterpurchasing! You can also get ejk tuner that's been tuned from Dave hall website but that won't really work for Australia as US fueling is different and have heard it runs to rich! I hadn't really ridden the bike stock with dual exhaust as in 2019 swm were fitting these up with arrow as a promotion but the arrow map the dealer uses is a joke and I would advise never to install this map! I hear there is another company in Poland that is also making an aftermarket exhaust that maybe a better option as arrow exhaust is to loud in my opinion!

[@mototouro]

@Daniel Ryle wow! You are an absolute gold mine of information, mate 👍 My bike runs very well on 95 in Australia. the only issue is annoying backfiring on a trailing throttle, otherwise it' runs pretty clean throttle the entire rev range.

[@rl8701]

Great video, thanks for uploading! How many kilometers do you have on it in total?

[@mototouro]

I no longer own that bike, unfortunately, as I moved overseas. The new owner loves it and has even modified it for more power 😃

[@NuvolariF1]

Excellent review!

[@mototouro]

thank you so much, was fun doing it

[@jacopomazzucotelli1551]

Thanks for the review man, what's the service interval for that?

[@mototouro]

1st service at around 500km, just a check over, change oil and filters. After that just service it yourself, oil at around every 1000km or earlier if needed. Check the usual items, spoke tension, headstem bearings, clean air filter if dusty ride etc. monitor oil level (usually no issues), handlebar bolts, plastics bolts, etc, etc. I have had no real issues apart from a rear spring replacement, the design does appear to be reliable and robust. Thanks for your contribution jacop👍

[@mototoki]

Nice review. Did you test the highway fuel economy at all? Gotta get to the dirt first for some!

[@mototouro]

Hi Moto 90% of the riding I do is dirt, so short answer is no. However, you should expect a significant increase in fuel efficiency to the figures I quoted in the video as the engine is not really working hard cruising at 60mph/100kph

[@jaydebford8170]

My 500 I've geared up for the road and it tops a 199 haha

[@mototouro]

Seriously, wow! That's awesome Is it solid at that speed?

[@ChronicalsofAl]

Ok, where do I get one? I'm in Atlanta, GA

[@mototouro]

They are definitely available in the USA. Just be aware that the Australian model you're seeing 👀 in the video is derestricted and has been remapped to suit.

[@ortivaortiva]

Hey, great review. What about maintenance? Oil change frequency?

[@mototouro]

Hi Ortivorta Great questions, 🙂 and I am planning some follow-up videos when I get time on maintenance etc. First oil and filter change is at 1000km, and the follow-ups are every 2000km. Keep an eye on the oil level window, though. These bikes are not known for using oil, so the above intervals should be fine. Takes about 1.8L for memory with filter change.

[@RealHooksy]

2,500km oil changes. Same as the 300 which I have. Great bikes

[@JIMWSMITH]

Whats the weight ?

[@mototouro]

Around the 120kg Jim

[@piergiutube]

Is it normal that fuel consumption??

[@mototouro]

Definitely not normal fuel consumption. We really flogged the bikes that day, and it still wasn't too bad. The guys I was riding with were Australian off road championship level, so you can imagine the pace was pretty hot. I didn't show too much footage of it for obvious reasons lol However, you should expect significantly better results with just gentle touring etc 😉 Thanks for watching 😊

[@piergiutube]

@@mototouro I remember another video , probably with a touring pace fuel consumption is between 15-20 km/liter. Not so bad for a racing bike. I guess if an everyday use for commuting is possible or foolish.

[@mototouro]

@piggiu Would certainly be a fast commuter, but I would be leaning towards something a bit tamer if the majority of your riding is on road. Having said that, I use it to tour dirt roads and blacktop, and it's fine. Actually, a lot better than I expected to be honest

[@vfdiesel333]

С Завода он имеет всего 20kW, возможно ли увеличить до 29kW?

[@mototouro]

Hi vf diesel Not sure your language 🤔 however your question mentions kw, so I believe you are asking about power figures quoted in the video. The Husqvarna TE 510 that the SWM is based on had a claimed output of 40kw. Would have to remove certain items from the standard bike to achieve those figures.

[@vfdiesel333]

@@mototouro yes, I found that 38 kW is possible in final. Do you have information what needs to be removed for this?

[@mototouro]

@vfdiesel333 the swm dealer removed two restriction discs from the end of each muffler. They also removes some parts from the fuel intake system but I'm not exactly sure what they were. Finally, the ignition needs to be remapped to suit the modifications. Unfortunately I am nearly 6000km away from the removed parts or I would send you a picture. A number of viewers have recommended fitting a power commander also.

[@vfdiesel333]

@@mototouro ok, thanks a lot

[@wooblebloc]

I’m not too happy with my 2019 500. I’ve blown a intake manifold and the starter died. Only has 320km on it. I’ve done the arrow exhaust and tune. But still. It’s a pain

[@mototouro]

Hi Shibbyshank, and thank you for your input. Can you give us a bit more detail on the issues, please, and why you think it's still a pain 🤔

[@wooblebloc]

@@mototouro heat from the exhaust apparently kills the starter. I’ve ordered a Ducati starter. It’s a far better unit I have been told. Still cost a fortune $380 The intake manifold was a bit over $100. I just replaced it with an oem one. You can buy an alloy intake which I will in the near future

[@mototouro]

@Shibbyshank thanks for sharing that information with us. I did that SWM review in summer in Australia (very hot), and in a lot of really tough, technical single trail and haven't had that issue at all, and the engine didn't overheat either 😃 I wonder if it's a fault with the older models and has been since rectified? Anyone reading this is welcome to share any information please 🙏

[@maxharkey4010]

My 22 RE500 has been perfect other than the starter quitting at 1,000 miles. Rekluse really makes a good bike awesome. Never stalls,and hooks up well. Wish it had a kickstarter.

[@timlee5260]

I’m guessing this is not a enduro. What bike can handle street and rough single track like you found in the Philippines. I plan to move there and want to do both. Yes, I have years on both, but the devil is in the compromise.

[@mototouro]

Hi Tim. The SWM is definitely enduro, hard core dirt bike. Where are you planning on moving to?? I mainly live in Thailand now and would love to have that bike here as it is quite capable on the road too.

[@timlee5260]

@@mototouro My plan is to move to the Philippines. I watched your videos on the road conditions and your moaning about not having enough traction, lol.

[@mototouro]

@Tim Lee lol, yes but did you see the piece if junk I was riding? I found out just that afternoon I had covid. Probably why I struggled a bit more than usual that day. Can buy WR155R pretty cheap there, or honda XR 150 for similar pesos.

[@timlee5260]

@@mototouro the Honda 150 looks about perfect, wish it had rear disc brakes.

[@mototouro]

@Tim Lee I currently have the WR155R. I think it's a better overall bike than the Honda xr150, but I haven't put them head to head yet. The Yamaha has really nice suspension for a cheap bike, and the power is adequate. In fact, I'm just about to release a short ride impression on the Yami, so take a look 👀 at that. Be interested to hear your thoughts

[@franckbrunie4759]

Use 100% 98, all 100% fine. Filling too much 91 puts your engine at risk.

[@mototouro]

Thanks for the information, francbrunie. Is the backfire popping still an issue with the 98?

[@franckbrunie4759]

@@mototouro 98 detonates less but it will most probably have no influence on the popping. I don't know the details of the SWM exhaust. In some modern bikes, to meet the emission standards, unburned fuel passing through the exhaust will be burned in the exhaust by adding air, producing popping. It is normal to have phases of excess fuel at deceleration, otherwise it wouldn't reaccelerate immediately when twisting the throttle, so the FI is set that way in sporty bikes. The fact that it is popping a little bit at deceleration is either wanted, but it may also result from a leaky exhaust gasket, or many other settings in FI/ignition. So try to reach out to other SWM owners who have the same model year.

[@mototouro]

@franckbrunie4759 thanks Frank, it doesn't really bother me too much, just never had a modern enduro or mx do it.

[@0nerider970]

So about 35 miles to the gallon.

[@mototouro]

Haven't worked it out in gallons, one rider, However, it basically has a mx size tank which obviously means carrying a bit of extra fuel for long rides or planning a route to include fuel stops etc. All of which are a far better option than those hideous long range fuel tanks

[@hwkwkHsjSkl]

Lee Jason Lee Nancy Miller Matthew

[@Canoneosmiami]

Too hard to understand accent…

[@mototouro]

Hi Maro Video has edited subtitles. Put captions in your language 👍

[@Canoneosmiami]

Do u even care that most of the people can’t even understand u ? Why don’t u try American or Canadian accent…

[@mototouro]

Why don't you try subtitles, or nick off and watch something else 🤔 😄 I am Australian, not Canadian, not American. My people understand me perfectly 👌 Thanks for your ridiculous comment

[@zokhrozzWoomzy]

ESL spotted. Point and laugh everyone!

[@joshuasarfati5520]

Thanks for the great review. I currently own a beta 480 16 year model. Happy with it will the exception of the front end being very harsh. It's a real problem. I did own a husky 630 a few years back and had problems with cold start and rear subframe breaks. Also the countershaft workout buy 40000ks. Also the oil filtration on the Husky was clumsy, there was 2 mesh filters and 1 paper filter. 1 of the filters let go causing an oil pump failure which then took a chunk out of the crankshaft. So I find with bikes that have the countershaft sprocket bolted up firm like my beta and ktms also my ttr600 same. They tend to have less issues. How is the counter shaft sprocket fixed on ????. Does it slip around like the old xr 650s used to causing prem wear?. And is the oil filtration up to spec. how many litres of oil does it hold? I'm looking on with interest. They seem like a good platform

[@mototouro]

Hi Josh, thanks for your information 😊 I'm sure a lot of viewers would have had similar experiences too you. I had the 2022 Beta 300rr for a time and it had an amazing front end. The suspension was equal best I have ever had. Now...back to the big S; oil capacity with filter change is 1.8 quarts (1.7L), filter is now the metal ended canister type and is a cinch to replace. Haven't removed the countershaft sprocket as yet as the whole drive train is still good (i use top quality chain oils), I'm actually a looong way from that bike right now, so can't have a quick look, but I believe front sprocket is retained by a plate and two small bolts. As for reliability, apart from a few minor niggles (mentioned by others in the comments), and in the video, it's a really good bike for the $ I nearly fell over recently when I saw the price of a new Yamaha wr 450! Nearly 16k aussie $, got to be kidding! Thanks again Josh, ride safe 🙏

[@joshuasarfati5520]

The 22 betas a different front end pretty sure they are kyb. And yes the wr 450 16k... And still an old 5sp box... Tell em there dreaming

[@kill2ski]

Can you get me the Ebiach Spring Part #, no SWM listed on their website?

[@mototouro]

Don't have it anymore sorry, will be same as Husqvarna

[@chrispap5939]

is it good for a tandem long trip?

[@mototouro]

I hope not Chris 😃

[@landros7248]

Weakened engine by factory 28 hp do you know how to open it to full power?

[@mototouro]

What country are you in Andros? Wow! only 28hp, not good. In Australia our dealers do it Remove metal washers from end of mufflers, remove some spark arrestors there too i blelieve, intake manifold has to be done too, and finally an ignition remap.

[@landros7248]

@@mototouro Thanks in Europe these models are power restricted very bad European commission really sucks

[@mototouro]

@L Andros that is almost a 50% power reduction! I would suggest you email an Australian dealer and ask them for the process perhaps. Motorcycle Land, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia Telephone ☎️ 035339 6200 Or google swm Australia 🇦🇺 🙄

[@mototouro]

@L Andros EN EN - 29 NOTES FOR “AUS” MODEL Tampering Warning: Tampering with Noise Control System Prohibited. Federal law prohibits the following acts or causing therefor: 1) The removal or rendering inoperative by any person other than for purposes of maintenance, repair, or replacement, of any device or element of design incorpo- rated intoany new vehicle for the purpose of noise control prior to its sale or delivery to the ultimate purchaser or while it is in use, and 2) The use of the vehicle after such device or element of design has been removed or rendered inoperative by any person. Among those acts presumed to constitute tampering are the acts listed below. 1) Removal of, or puncturing the muffler, baffles, header pipes or any other component which conducts exhaust gases. 2) Removal or puncturing of any part of the intake system. 3) Lack of proper maintenace. 4) Replacing any moving part of the vehicle, or parts of the exhaust or intake system, with parts other than those specified by the manufacturer. This product should be checked for repair or replacement if the motorcycle noise has increased significantly through use. Otherwise, the owner may become subject to penal-ities under state and local ordinances. QUICK 300-500 codA000P01249_ed00_12-2016.indd 29 28/12/16 10:17

[@mototouro]

@@landros7248 found this in the owners manual That is a good description of exactly what our dealers are doing

[@shanmukhasreenivas1]

Yo SWM fam, I have a 2019 RS500R and the three biggest issues I see are: 1. The bike doesn’t start when hot. 2. It doesn’t start on any gear but only on Neutral. 3. There are flare outs and when it went off while driving, I couldn’t restart on the fly. Very risky and dangerous. Appreciate any tips on how to fix. I got this from another owner who only put 400 miles on it. It looks and feel good but with these issues, it is not usable.

[@mototouro]

Haven't had any of those issues in Australia, so maybe (certainly) settings are not the same as Oz versions