Husqvarna SM 610 [2007 - 2010]: The Supermoto That Bridges Street and Dirt

Introduction

The Husqvarna SM 610, produced between 2007 and 2010, is a motorcycle that defies easy categorization. It’s a supermoto at heart – nimble, aggressive, and bred for hooliganism – but with a surprising dose of practicality. This isn’t just a dirt bike with street tires; it’s a machine carefully engineered to balance the raw thrill of motard riding with the demands of daily usability. After spending time with this single-cylinder beast, it’s clear why it developed a cult following among riders who wanted a bike that could carve canyon roads by day and commute to work by morning.

---

Engine Performance: The Thumping Heart of a Supermoto

At the core of the SM 610 lies a 576cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine – a configuration that delivers character in spades. The 98mm bore and 76.4mm stroke (3.9 x 3.0 inches) create a square engine design, contributing to its broad powerband. With 53-54 HP (38.7-40.3 kW) peaking at 7,000 rpm and 52 Nm (38.4 lb-ft) of torque arriving slightly earlier, this engine isn’t about outright speed. It’s about accessible, grin-inducing power that’s always ready to loft the front wheel or snap through traffic.

The 2007-2009 carbureted models (Keihin FCR MX 41mm) offer crisp throttle response, while the 2008-2010 fuel-injected variants (Mikuni digital injection) smooth out low-rev behavior – a welcome upgrade for stop-and-go riding. What’s remarkable is how Husqvarna managed vibration. Despite being a large single, the counter-balancer shaft works overtime. At highway speeds (100-120 km/h or 62-75 mph), vibes are present but never numbing, a testament to the engine’s dual oil pumps and refined internals.

Riding the SM 610 feels like taming a restless animal. The torque curve is meaty between 4,000-6,500 rpm, making third-gear pulls through city streets or mountain passes equally satisfying. It’s not the fastest bike in its class, but the immediacy of its power delivery – especially with the carbureted models – creates a visceral connection that modern throttle-by-wire systems often sanitize.

---

Chassis and Handling: A Dirt Bike’s Soul in a Street Machine

The SM 610’s chassis is where its dual personality shines. The steel single-cradle frame, coupled with a lightweight alloy rear subframe, strikes a balance between flex and rigidity. With a dry weight of 139-142 kg (306-313 lbs), it’s roughly 10-15 kg (22-33 lbs) heavier than purebred motocrossers but remains flickable.

Suspension is premium for the era:
- 45mm Marzocchi USD forks (250mm/9.8in travel) up front
- Sachs Soft Damp shock (290mm/11.4in travel) at the rear

Both ends are fully adjustable, and the setup leans toward the street. Over broken pavement, the SM 610 soaks up impacts like a dual-sport, but dive into a corner hard, and the chassis communicates clearly. The Brembo brakes – a 320mm front disc with four-piston caliper and 220mm rear – provide strong, progressive stopping power. Initial bite isn’t as razor-sharp as modern radial setups, but they’re perfectly matched to the bike’s weight.

Tires are classic supermoto sizes: 120/70-17 front, 150/60-17 rear. The tall 910mm (35.8in) seat height might intimidate shorter riders, but once moving, the narrow seat and central weight distribution inspire confidence. This isn’t a bike you “ride” – it’s one you wear.

---

Design and Ergonomics: Function Meets (Some) Comfort

Husqvarna’s design language during this era was unapologetically utilitarian. The SM 610’s angular bodywork, minimalistic LED tail light, and high-mounted front fender scream “race bike.” Yet practical touches abound:
- 12.5L (3.3 US gal) fuel tank with locking cap
- Redesigned seat with dual-density foam (2010 models)
- Optional pannier mounts

The digital dash is basic by today’s standards but effective: speedometer, odometer, trip meter, and warning lights. What’s missing is a fuel gauge – a quirk that forces riders to rely on the trip meter.

Standout features include the USD fork protectors and stainless steel exhaust guard – details that hint at the bike’s durability. Color schemes evolved from the classic red/white (a nod to Husqvarna’s racing heritage) to darker grays in later years, all accented by blacked-out components.

---

Competition: How the SM 610 Stacks Up

The late 2000s supermoto market was fierce. Here’s how the Husqvarna held its ground:

1. KTM 690 SMC (2008-2010)

• Advantages: More power (64 HP), LC4 engine reliability, ABS (later models)
• Trade-offs: Heavier (146 kg/322 lbs), less agile at low speeds
• Verdict: The KTM is better for long hauls; the Husky feels rawer and more playful

2. Aprilia SXV 5.5 (2006-2010)

• Advantages: V-twin character, race-bred chassis, explosive power
• Trade-offs: High maintenance (desmodromic valves), tiny 7.8L fuel tank
• Verdict: The Aprilia is a track weapon; the SM 610 is the daily rider

3. Yamaha XT660X (2004-2016)

• Advantages: Cheaper to maintain, lower seat (865mm/34in), fuel injection
• Trade-offs: Softer suspension, 48 HP feels lethargic compared to the Husky
• Verdict: The Yamaha is a commuter; the Husqvarna is for thrill-seekers

Where the SM 610 excels is in its jack-of-all-trades nature. It’s competent enough for track days, comfortable (for a supermoto) on highways, and rugged enough for fire roads.

---

Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

Owning an SM 610 isn’t for the mechanically faint-hearted. Key considerations:

Engine Oil

• Capacity: 2.0L (2.1 US qt) with filter
• Grade: Fully synthetic 10W-60
• Interval: Every 30-40 hours or 5,000 km (3,100 mi)

Valve Adjustments

• Intake/Exhaust Clearance: 0.05mm (0.002in) cold
• Frequency: Every 50 hours or 7,500 km (4,660 mi)

Chain Care

• 112-link chain with 15/45 sprockets
• Adjust tension every 1,000 km (620 mi)
• Lubricate every 500 km (310 mi)

Brake Fluid

• DOT 4 – flush every 2 years

Cooling System

• 1.35L (1.43 US qt) of ethylene glycol coolant
• Replace every 24 months

Pro Tips:
- Upgrade to a high-flow air filter (the stock box is restrictive)
- Monitor clutch cable play on pre-2008 models
- Consider a secondary fuel filter for injected models

---

Conclusion: A Supermoto That Ages Gracefully

The Husqvarna SM 610 isn’t perfect. It’s vibey, the seat is still a plank by modern standards, and parts availability can be tricky. But these flaws fade when you’re threading through traffic or backing it into a corner. This is a bike that rewards skill and forgives mistakes – a rare combination.

For owners today, the SM 610 represents a golden era of analog supermotos. With basic upgrades (better mirrors, heated grips, or a lithium battery), it transforms into a capable all-rounder. At MOTOPARTS.store, we’ve got the essentials to keep your Husky running sharp: from NGK CPR8E spark plugs to Brembo brake pads. Because machines this special deserve to stay on the road – or better yet, the next twisty backroad that calls your name.

---

Specifications sheet

---