2011 Husqvarna SMS Review

The 2011 Husqvarna SMS 630 is a supermoto bike. It is street-legal version of the motorcycles that have won 13 titles in the World Supermoto Championship. Supermoto bikes are lightweight, dirt bikes with fat, sticky street tires. They also have mirrors, lights, and turn signals to make them legal to ride on the street. Supermoto motorcycles are also called supermotards, or simply motards. Their upright riding positions, lightweight, and agility make them popular for commuting, especially in cities. Supermoto bikes are affordable fun. Their light weight, tossability, and torque motors can temp riders into a certain amount of hooliganism. This is generally frowned upon by neighbors, law enforcement, and some other motorcyclists. But take those qualities, temper them with skilled, responsible riding, and a supermoto bike might be just the thing for getting around town with a big smile.

The 2011 Husqvarna SMS 630 is an evolution of the earlier SM 610 launched in 1999. That machine used a smaller, 576-cc, single cam engine. The SMS 630 is a complete rework of the earlier bike. It is available in red and white or white and black color schemes. Husqvarna also offers a dual-sport version of the bike called the TE 630. The main differences between the two motorcycles are the wheels, tires, brakes, and suspension. Both are strete-legal. TE 630 is set up for dirt. With sticky street tires, the 2011 Husqvarna SMS 630 is for big fun on the pavement. The SMS 630 has an improved cooling system with two radiators. The Mikuni electronic fuel injection gives the rider a fast idle control right on the handlebars. Electronic ignition offers a rider-adjustable spark advance. Though it is a single-cylinder engine, the exhausts sports two mufflers. The 2011 Husqvarna SMS 630 produces just 46 horsepower, and 35 lb-ft of torque. But in a bike that weighs just 350 pounds that is more than enough. The overall package is smooth and refined for a supermoto, though there can be a noticeable vibration above 5000 rpm.. Compared to the KTM 690, the SMS 630 is more enjoyable, less hardcore. The Brembo brakes deliver massive stopping power.

Like all supermoto bikes, the 2011 Husqvarna SMS 630 is a lot of fun to ride. But that fun comes with some challenges that may make it a less than ideal choice for many riders. With a seat that is more than 36 inches above the ground riding this bike in an area with a lot of traffic lights may bit a bit trying for anyone with an average or shorter inseam. Fuel capacity is just over three U.S, gallons. A small fuel tank means stopping at the gas station more often than with most motorcycles. No wind protection and no storage space means a rough, windblown, and stripped-down commute. But this is not a touring bike, nor a cruiser. It is simple, fun motorcycling, optimized for a tough, urban environment. Supermoto bikes are a very small, specialized, segment of the motorcycle market. And perhaps, one of the most enjoyable.