Husqvarna SM 610 (2005-2006): A Supermoto That Rewrites the Rules of Fun
Introduction
The Husqvarna SM 610 isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a declaration of independence. Born in an era when supermotos were transitioning from niche race machines to street-legal thrillers, this 2005-2006 model generation strikes a rare balance between raw off-road DNA and polished road manners. Designed to dominate twisty backroads while still feeling at home in urban jungles, the SM 610 is a machine that refuses to be pigeonholed. Let’s dive into why this Swedish-Italian marvel remains a cult favorite among riders who crave adrenaline without compromise.
Design & Aesthetics: Form Follows Function (Aggressively)
The SM 610’s design screams purpose. With its angular bodywork, minimalist tail section, and a headlamp grille that looks borrowed from a dystopian robot, this bike isn’t here to blend in. The smoke-black paint scheme (a signature option) amplifies its stealthy appeal, while the high-mounted front fender and knobby-tire-ready clearance hint at its dirt-ready roots.
The cockpit is a masterclass in focused simplicity. Digital instrumentation provides speed, RPM, and trip data—no frills, just essentials. The handlebars borrow heavily from Husqvarna’s motocross lineage, offering a wide, upright riding position that prioritizes control. At 910 mm (35.8 inches), the seat height is tall but manageable for average riders, and the slim profile makes it easier to plant a foot at stops than the numbers suggest.
Practical touches include a lockable 12.5-liter (3.3 US gal) fuel tank and optional pannier mounts, but let’s be honest: you’re buying this bike for its “race-ready-in-a-parking-lot” charisma, not grocery runs.
Engine & Performance: The Single-Cylinder Symphony
At the heart of the SM 610 lies a 576cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine—a configuration that’s equal parts primitive and brilliant. With 53 HP at 7,000 RPM and 52 Nm (36.8 lb-ft) of torque peaking at 6,800 RPM, this isn’t just a thumper; it’s a sledgehammer wrapped in Swedish engineering.
The Keihin FCR MX 41mm carburetor delivers crisp throttle response, eliminating the lag common in fuel-injected rivals of its era. Fire it up, and the engine barks to life with a guttural exhaust note that’s music to any gearhead’s ears. Acceleration is urgent, with a surge of torque that pulls hard from 3,000 RPM all the way to its 9,500 RPM redline. The 6-speed gearbox shifts with a satisfying mechanical click, and the tall sixth gear makes highway cruising surprisingly tolerable—though you’ll still feel vibrations through the bars at 100 km/h (62 mph).
Top speed? Husqvarna claims 165.8 km/h (103 mph), but this bike isn’t about straight-line bragging rights. It’s about how quickly you can blast from corner to corner, engine howling, front wheel skimming the asphalt.
Handling & Ride Experience: Where the SM 610 Shines
Supermotos live and die by their handling, and here, the SM 610 is royalty. The steel single-cradle frame and aluminum rear subframe keep dry weight at 142 kg (313 lbs), making it feel like a mountain bike with a jet engine. Toss it into a hairpin, and the 45mm Marzocchi USD forks and Sachs rear shock (with 250mm/9.8in and 290mm/11.4in of travel, respectively) absorb mid-corner bumps while keeping the chassis poised.
The 17-inch wheels wrapped in 120/70 front and 150/60 rear tires offer tenacious grip on pavement, though the real magic is in the geometry. With a 58.9-inch wheelbase and 36.2-inch handlebar width, the SM 610 flicks sideways with telepathic ease. Braking is equally spectacular: the 320mm front disc clamped by a Brembo 4-piston caliper delivers stoppie-on-demand performance, while the rear 220mm disc offers just enough bite for trail braking.
Ride it hard, and you’ll notice the compromises. The seat’s padding is minimalist (expect numbness after an hour), and wind protection is nonexistent. But these are quibbles—this bike was built for 30-minute bursts of joy, not cross-country tours.
Competition: How It Stacks Up
The mid-2000s supermoto arena was fierce. Here’s how the SM 610 held its ground:
- KTM 640 SM: KTM’s 625cc LC4 engine made similar power (58 HP) but weighed 15 kg (33 lbs) more. The Husky felt nimbler in tight corners, though KTM’s parts network was (and still is) broader.
- Aprilia SXV 5.5: Aprilia’s 550cc V-twin was a rocketship (70 HP) but plagued by reliability issues. The SM 610’s bulletproof single-cylinder design appealed to riders who valued durability over peak power.
- Honda XR650 Motard: A converted dual-sport, the Honda was cheaper and more reliable but lacked the Husky’s road-focused suspension and aggressive ergonomics.
The SM 610’s ace card? Versatility. It could carve canyons on Sunday, commute on Monday, and even tackle fire roads—all without feeling out of its depth.
Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive
Ownership isn’t just about riding; it’s about bonding. Here’s what to watch:
- Oil Changes: The 576cc single demands fresh 10W-60 full synthetic oil every 1,500 km (930 miles). Skip this, and you’ll hear valve chatter louder than your regrets.
- Valve Adjustments: Check clearance every 3,000 km (1,860 miles). Intake and exhaust both need 0.05 mm (0.002 in) when cold—a fiddly but essential task.
- Carb Tuning: The Keihin FCR carb is tunable but sensitive. Clean the jets annually, and keep the air filter spotless (MOTOPARTS.store stocks high-flow alternatives).
- Chain & Sprockets: The 16/45 sprocket combo wears quickly if neglected. Upgrade to an X-ring chain for longer life.
- Brake Fluid: Flush the DOT 4 fluid yearly to preserve that razor-sharp lever feel.
Pro tip: Swap the stock exhaust for an aftermarket slip-on (we recommend Arrow or LeoVince). You’ll shed weight, unlock a throatier sound, and maybe even gain a few ponies.
Conclusion: The Supermoto That Still Matters
Two decades later, the Husqvarna SM 610 remains a benchmark for how supermotos should behave. It’s not the fastest, lightest, or most technologically advanced bike in history—but it’s alive in a way modern electronics-laden machines often aren’t. Every ride feels like a duel between man and machine, and that’s exactly why we love it.
Whether you’re hunting for OEM replacements or performance upgrades, MOTOPARTS.store has the parts to keep your SM 610 shredding. Now go out there and scrape a footpeg.
Images: to show the Husqvarna SM 610 in action, highlighting its aggressive styling and road-ready setup.
Specifications sheet
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Stroke: | Four-stroke |
| Max power: | 39 kW | 52.0 hp |
| Max torque: | 52 Nm |
| Fuel system: | 41mm Keihin FCR MX carburetor |
| Lubrication: | Forced lubrication with twin trochoidal pumps |
| Max power @: | 7000 rpm |
| Displacement: | 576 ccm |
| Fuel control: | Single Overhead Cams (SOHC) |
| Max torque @: | 6800 rpm |
| Configuration: | Single |
| Cooling system: | Liquid |
| Compression ratio: | 11.0:1 |
| Number of cylinders: | 1 |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase: | 1497 mm (58.9 in) |
| Dry weight: | 142 |
| Wet weight: | 166 |
| Seat height: | 910 mm (35.8 in) |
| Overall width: | 820 mm (32.3 in) |
| Overall height: | 1240 mm (48.8 in) |
| Overall length: | 2200 mm (86.6 in) |
| Ground clearance: | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 12.5 L (3.3 US gal) |
| Drivetrain | |
|---|---|
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate type, hydraulic control |
| Final drive: | chain |
| Gear ratios: | 1st 2.615, 2nd 1.812, 3rd 1.350, 4th 1.091, 5th 0.916, 6th 0.769 |
| Transmission: | 6-speed |
| Rear sprocket: | 45 |
| Front sprocket: | 16 |
| Maintenance | |
|---|---|
| Rear tire: | 150/60-17 |
| Chain type: | 520 O-ring |
| Engine oil: | 10W60 |
| Front tire: | 120/70-17 |
| Brake fluid: | DOT 4 |
| Spark plugs: | NGK CPR8E |
| Spark plug gap: | 0.7 |
| Coolant capacity: | 1.35 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 2.0 |
| Engine oil change interval: | Every 5000 km or annually |
| Valve clearance (intake, cold): | 0.05 mm |
| Valve clearance (exhaust, cold): | 0.05 mm |
| Recommended tire pressure (rear): | 2.0 bar (29 psi) solo, 2.2 bar (32 psi) loaded |
| Recommended tire pressure (front): | 1.8 bar (26 psi) solo, 2.0 bar (29 psi) loaded |
| Chassis and Suspension | |
|---|---|
| Frame: | Steel single tube cradle with alloy rear subframe |
| Rear brakes: | Single 220 mm disc with 1-piston caliper |
| Front brakes: | Single 320 mm disc with 4-piston caliper |
| Rear suspension: | Sachs monoshock with adjustable preload, compression, and rebound damping |
| Front suspension: | 45mm Marzocchi USD fork, adjustable compression and rebound damping |
| Rear wheel travel: | 290 mm (11.4 in) |
| Front wheel travel: | 250 mm (9.8 in) |
