Husqvarna SM 610

The new Husqvarna SM 610 is the result of a specific design aimed at offering a specialised yet very usable bike to as wide a range of customers as possible.

It is a perfect blend of racing technology and innovative comfort-oriented design. The new 610 is a Motard bike that can be used for everyday applications and has all the creature comforts you would normally find on a road bike.

There is nothing to match its looks. The model here at the Intermot exhibition is a smoke black 610 with a headlamp grille that almost doubles as a screen. It matches the high stubby front mudguard that looks like those on race machines.

The rear mudguard is fitted with a new lamp and integrated LED unit. The 12.5 litre fuel tank has a lockable filler cap that uses the same key as for the starter, steering lock and saddle lock. There is digital instrumentation displaying speed, mileage, rpm and a trip meter as well as the normal warning lights (indicators, full beam, dipped beam etc.). The handlebars and controls are very much along the same lines as the SM 450/510 R racing version.

One of the fundamental aims behind the project was to keep the saddle as low as possible to improve rider accessibility and manoeuvrability. By suitably positioning the engine and auxiliary components, Husqvarna were able to obtain the required saddle height and wheel arrangement. The frame was stiffened and strengthened using the traditional round tubes, by modifying the more closed steering column area and by using a tighter fitting single tube cradle.

The rear arm is the same as used on the 450/510 twin cam models and has a new Sachs shock absorber featuring a 50mm piston with compression and rebound stroke adjustment for low - and high - speed damping. Through the use of a new shock linkage, the rear suspension also has unique rear progression curves. At the front is a pair of race proven Marzocchi 45 mm inverted forks with adjustable compression and rebound damping. The Brembo brakes feature a floating 4-caliper 320 mm front disc while rear braking is left to a 220 mm disc.

The SM 610 R was also designed to allow for comfortably carrying a pillion passenger. The saddle has different density padding and anti-slip footpegs. Thanks to special clips fitted to the rear frame and mudguard, side panniers can be fitted as an optional extra.

A balancing counter-shaft is fitted to the 610 engine to offset the vibration one would normally expect with a large single cylinder unit. Lubrication is by means of twin trochoidal-type pumps. One pump supplies oil to the head and crankshaft, while the second pump extracts oil from the crankcase and supplies it to the gearbox.

Breathing is via a 4 valve, dual overhead cam and rocker arm system with variable valve springs and a quieter timing chain introduced to reduce noise.

The engine is significantly more powerful than the previous version thanks to new forged pistons and the fitting of a Keihin MX 41 carburettor. Power output at the wheel has increased to 32 kW (about 50 HP) at 7,000 rpm.

Other design elements that were included specifically to improve performance include the catalysed monopipe exhaust system, the new cooling system featuring a solenoid and thermostat and the new air filter box.