...I don‘t think I’m going out on a limb
here by saying it is now the premier
bike in this class
SECOND OPINION
Sometimes you are wrong. At these times you
just need to take it on the chin and accept it.
Frankly, I hadn’t rated the new SMW 650 Dual-
Sport that highly... from the brochure that is. But,
in the flesh it’s a great looking machine. In action
it’s better still. And as a package it’s awesome
value for money. The only hiccup is slightly fickle
starting because it’s a whisker lean at idle.
Blessed with everything an adventure rider needs
such as great suspension, an excellent screen,
surprisingly comfortable seat, very good brakes,
a quick, fast and smooth engine, hard luggage and
a decently-sized fuel tank with great range – the
SWM punches well above its weight and price point.
So much so that I don‘t think I’m going out on a limb
here by saying it is now the premier bike in this class.
It is a bike that works, and works very
well. It’s planted on the seal, planted in the
gravel, fast enough and has the creature
comforts. If you’re looking for an all
purpose big single, this is the machine.
~ Jock McLauchlan