SWM (motorcycles)

SWM started making Rotax TL125 and TL320 trials bikes in 1977. Rotax built a special trials version of their rotary valve motor, with development input from Sammy Miller and Charles Coutard. Acerbis made the plastic mouldings, and suspension was by Marzocchi. These first trials machines were red and white.[1]

In 1979 yellow and black models appeared, and in 1980 these were fitted with Girling Gas shocks and Betor forks.[1] Gilles Burgat won the 1981 Trials world championship on an SWM.

In 1982 a 240 model was produced with a blue frame, acknowledging Pernod's trials sponsorship.[1]

In 1983 all bikes got alloy swing arms, and the TL350 Jumbo was introduced. This was a new reed valve motor and frame wearing the same yellow and blue colours.[1]

In 1984 the 125 and 320 were put in the new frame, but then production ceased.[1]

SWM RSGS and SWM TF1 in capacities 125, 175, 250, 280, 350, 370, 440, 506

Joan Riudalbá, riding an SWM TF1 of 125 cc was Enduro Spanish Champion in 1980.[2]

When SWM went into liquidation Armstrong of Bolton, England bought the rights to the SWM XN Tornado, a Rotax engined enduro machine of 350cc or 506 cc. With CCM, Armstrong developed and marketed a military version, the Armstrong MT500, which was so successful Harley-Davidson bought the manufacturing rights in 1986,[3] and further developed the bike as the MT350E.[4]

Engineer Ampelio Macchi, formerly with Cagiva, Aprilia and Husqvarna Motorcycles, is driving the resurgence of the SWM brand with six new models displayed at EICMA 2014. Funding for the company has come from China via the entity Shineray Group. SWM will keep manufacturing in Italy at Biandronno near Varese, in the old factory of Husqvarna (when the brand belonged to the Cagiva Group, now MV Agusta), sold in 2014 by Husqvarna's then owner, the BMW Group. Apparently, some of SWM's engines will be the old Husqvarna engines developed with Cagiva. Current Husqvarnas use KTM engines, following the acquisition by Pierer Mobility AG.[5]