ray gamache
Husqvarna
AA Class
Well I decided to purchase a new SWM RS500R. First, great bike and I am happy I chose this bike. Wanted to share the upgrades that really helped to make this bike work for myself.
The first task was to address the weight. I wanted to remove all of the "dual sport" accessories including the metal hand grips and mirrors (I replaced the metal mirrors with plastic acerbis mirrors)
Next I removed the dual exhaust system and replace with a Vance and Hines spark arrester muffler. I decided to purchase an exhaust from a 2009 CRF 450 and modified the exhaust pipe on the SWM just in front of the Y pipe and cut/welded a new pipe to adapt to the SWM. The reason for selecting the CRF 450 exhaust is the low price where the spark arrestors are being sold for about 140.00
In addition to address the weight I replaced the lead battery with a Li/ion battery which also dropped down the weight.
Both the skid plate and radiator guards were purchased through E-bay brand new (enduro engineering) both were around 65-75 dollars each.
A key issue is the flame out issue due to the lean mapping from the factory. This was remedied using the JD Jetting 6x fuel injector mapping system. This is a little pricey ($250) but worth it. This system was designed for the te 510 fuel injection system but works on the SWM. If you want the mapping please contact me and i will share.
The gearing was too high on the SWM so I replaced the rear sprocket from a 46 to a 51 which worked well for the trails.
I decided to also include a rekluse auto clutch. The only one I can find was a 2006. To install a 2006 you will need earlier model clutch discs, hub and basket. The components can be bought new or used at reasonable prices.
I removed all of the blinkers and tail light systems and replaced with smaller LED lights which both reduced the likely hood of hitting obstacles and reduced weight.
Lastly the bike is tall (I am 5'10") and I was able to purchase a used Kouba Link suspension lowering system (1.5" lowering). There are a lot of negative comments about link lowering but I followed the instructions on the Kouba Link website and have been very pleased with the performance.
With the listed upgrades the bike handles and runs great. The JD mapping system worked great and flame-outs are a thing of the past. The suspension was amazing and the bike did not feel heavy.
The first task was to address the weight. I wanted to remove all of the "dual sport" accessories including the metal hand grips and mirrors (I replaced the metal mirrors with plastic acerbis mirrors)
Next I removed the dual exhaust system and replace with a Vance and Hines spark arrester muffler. I decided to purchase an exhaust from a 2009 CRF 450 and modified the exhaust pipe on the SWM just in front of the Y pipe and cut/welded a new pipe to adapt to the SWM. The reason for selecting the CRF 450 exhaust is the low price where the spark arrestors are being sold for about 140.00
In addition to address the weight I replaced the lead battery with a Li/ion battery which also dropped down the weight.
Both the skid plate and radiator guards were purchased through E-bay brand new (enduro engineering) both were around 65-75 dollars each.
A key issue is the flame out issue due to the lean mapping from the factory. This was remedied using the JD Jetting 6x fuel injector mapping system. This is a little pricey ($250) but worth it. This system was designed for the te 510 fuel injection system but works on the SWM. If you want the mapping please contact me and i will share.
The gearing was too high on the SWM so I replaced the rear sprocket from a 46 to a 51 which worked well for the trails.
I decided to also include a rekluse auto clutch. The only one I can find was a 2006. To install a 2006 you will need earlier model clutch discs, hub and basket. The components can be bought new or used at reasonable prices.
I removed all of the blinkers and tail light systems and replaced with smaller LED lights which both reduced the likely hood of hitting obstacles and reduced weight.
Lastly the bike is tall (I am 5'10") and I was able to purchase a used Kouba Link suspension lowering system (1.5" lowering). There are a lot of negative comments about link lowering but I followed the instructions on the Kouba Link website and have been very pleased with the performance.
With the listed upgrades the bike handles and runs great. The JD mapping system worked great and flame-outs are a thing of the past. The suspension was amazing and the bike did not feel heavy.