2008 Husqvarna SM Review

The Husqvarna SM was first released in 2005. This motorcycle was in the SuperMotard class of bikes, a designation that denotes, speed, acceleration, and racing style. Of course, like all Motards, Husqvarna SMs are stripped down to a basic chassis, seat, and motor. No frills, accessories, or fancy touches that would add weight to the motorcycle are included in Motard-style bikes. These types of bikes are made singularly for speed.

Three years after the release of the original Husqvarna SM, the 2008 models were released. Husqvarna has three variations of this immaculately styled machine: the SM 450R, the SM 610, and the SM 510R. These motorcycles have more attractive styling than any of the previous SMs. While the appearances of these three bikes vary slightly, they all feature racing-inspired red and black paint with white touches. The exhaust is shiny chrome located on the left rear of the bike. The rims of the Supermoto are matte black with shiny, silver spokes.

Husqvarna is world-renowned for quality engines, creating motors for everything from sewing machines to lawn and garden equipment. The engine of the SM lives up to these high standards. Engineers at Husqvarna took the original engine of the SM and tweaked it to make is even better. They gave it new cam shafts and new titanium valves. These two changes give the SM greater reliability and a better throttle response. Additionally, Husqvarna worked with Mikuni to add a state-of-the-art electronic fuel injection system to the 2008 SM. The 2008 SuperMotard has extraordinary acceleration and speed.

Husqvarna has advertised these motorcycles as dual-purpose bikes, suitable for both commuting and racing. However, test drivers thought that claiming the SM as a commuting bike was quite a stretch. The seat of the SM is virtually non-existent. This works fine for a race, but if a rider is planning on spending any time at all on the bike, he or she will be extremely uncomfortable. However, on the track, test riders reported that their time on the 2008 Husqvarna SM was fabulous. The newly calibrated Marzocchi forks and the Sachs shock absorbers give racers a marvelous experience on this 2008 SuperMotard. The brakes are strong and powerful for secure stopping at high speeds.