The Italian brand SWM joins the mid-displacement range with the new Gran Milano 500.

The middleweight category is growing in all segments, with new models entering the market. At EICMA 2023, we saw the introduction of many new models from various manufacturers, particularly in the 400cc to 500cc segment. This time, it’s another historic Italian brand that has been acquired by a Chinese company. SWM was founded in the 1970s in Italy. Known as Speedy Working Motors, the company focused particularly on enduro and motocross, with a range of sporty and performance-oriented bikes. SWM still exists today, but it is no longer Italian-owned. While its headquarters remain in Italy, most of its funding, as well as the development and production of its models, takes place in China under the leadership of Shineray, an automotive manufacturer operating in the car, motorcycle, and heavy vehicle industries. The brand recently unveiled its premium offering for beginner riders in the European market, called the Gran Milano 500, and it is obviously a big departure from the brand’s off-road-focused machines. It is a modern-style streetfighter that fits perfectly into the A2 licensing category and, like many 500cc bikes from China, it uses a very familiar technical platform.

The SWM Gran Milano 500 has a 494 cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine with fuel injection, featuring a 180-degree crankshaft configuration. The same engine can be found in other Chinese motorcycles from Loncin (Voge in the European market). Ultimately, the engine has its roots in none other than Honda, particularly in its CB500 range, which continues to be highly sought after in the current global market. In the case of the Gran Milano, it produces 48 hp of power and complies with Euro 5 regulations. Like almost all motorcycles in this category, power is sent to the rear wheel through a six-speed manual gearbox.

SWM claims a weight of 188 kg, which is quite accessible for beginner riders. It uses a steel frame that utilizes the engine as a stress member, contributing to the lightness of the motorcycle. Additionally, it features KYB suspension system with an inverted front fork and a rear mono-shock with adjustable preload. The result is an incredibly friendly seat height of 790 millimeters. The motorcycle has 17-inch cast aluminum wheels front and rear, and interestingly, it comes with Pirelli Angel GT tires. The dual front discs measure 296 millimeters and a single rear disc measures 240 millimeters, supplied by J.Juan and equipped with dual-channel ABS.