Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1514917
February Central Powersports Distributors, the importer for Rieju and AJP, are now the importer of SWM here in the US. Other than colors, the RS 300R is seemingly iden cal to the 2008/2011 Italian-built Husqvarna TE310. It's a big bike and fits those of larger stature well. The feel reminds me of four- stroke enduro bikes of the 90s with a big, wide comfortable seat. The KYB closed-cartridge fork is amazing. It's wonderfully plush yet resists bot- toming quite well. The KYB fully adjustable rear shock complements the fork nicely. The engine is also visually iden cal to the Italian "Red Headed" Husky although manufactured by Shineray in China. Power delivery is equally im- pressive with way more motor than your typical Japanese 300cc four-stroke dual sport. Low-end grunt is decent, but the real surprise is a sweet mid-range hit and when twisted to the stop, wheelies are effortless. Thankfully, the brakes by Brembo slow it all down in a hurry. Mikuni fuel injec on mapping was spot-on and extremely re- sistant to flame-out. Although we've yet to check tank range, it seems thri y on fuel. Another huge plus is the RS 300R is 50-State Legal. Just walk in folks and get your plate. Since taking delivery, we've passed the SWM around amongst friends and all came back with a smile. It's well-balanced and goes where it's point- ed with no surprises. Our younger team members found it more than a bit wide while us older guys enjoyed the 90s feel of the large chassis and com- fy seat. Over the last three months, we've given it the dinner in some rather ugly New England terrain. Yup, rocks, more rocks, roots, and steep gnarly climbs. The SWM RS 300R eats it up but why wouldn't it, the bike is the same chassis that Facto- ry Husky rider An one Meo used to dominate the World Enduro Championship in 2010. It's clear, the bike is built from good stock. Weight-wise, the RS 300R might seem heavy to some at approximately 270 lbs. In reality, it's a good 30 to 40 pounds lighter than its Japanese compe- on, the Honda CRF300L and Kawasaki KLX300 (both manufactured in Thailand) dual sports in this market. But is the SWM RS 300R really in that mar- ket? With fully adjustable KYB suspension front and rear, the Honda doesn't stand a chance in a real off-road scenario as the Honda rear shock offers no adjustments other than pre-load and the fork offers none. Fans of the Italian era Husqvarna will love the new SWM Fans of the Italian era Husqvarna will love the new SWM