HUSQVARNA SMR570 (2001 - 2004) Review

Item: HUSQVARNA SMR570
Rating: 4
Author: MCN Staff

Husqvarna SM570R motorcycle review - Side view

At a glance

Power:	41 bhp
Seat height:	Tall (33.27 in / 845 mm)
Weight:	Low (260 lbs / 118 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Although the Husqvarna SM570R's comes with lights and a licence plate it’s nothing short of a full-blooded race bike. Perfect for blasting through town on the odd commute of B-road blast the SM570R is most at home on the track, hammering around the outside of sportsbikes on the kind of twisty tarmac that let’s you really exploit the bike’s light weight, brilliant brakes and squirrel-like agility.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

4 out of 5 (4/5)

There’s nothing concessionary about the Husqvarna SM570R's ride – the seat’s narrow, hard and perfectly designed to let you slide from side-to-side and help get the Husky right over. The suspension helps the tyres grip like a drowning man to a raft and wet or dry there’s probably no other road bike that can lean as far as the SMR. The Brembo brakes are sensitive and powerful and near-perfect for the job. The ride’s extremely vibey and you’ll be thankful for the 70-mile tank range.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Husqvarna SM570R's liquid-cooled SOHC single cylinder motor feels slightly over-geared as stock, but dropping the front sprocket to a 16-tooth brings it alive – snarling and barking. The huge 98mm piston responds immediately to the demands of the 41mm flatside pumper carb with huge shove and a race can or system can easily get the power towards 60bhp, easily accessible through the slick gearbox.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Buy with care – most Husqvarna SM570Rs will have raced, so it’s advisable to buy your used Husky from a dealer or take a very experienced friend along with you.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Husqvarna SM570R's brilliant value. Get the right bike and you’ll never want for another machine. Even the newer SM510R doesn’t offer that much in the way of improvement. Find a Husqvarna SM570R for sale.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Husqvarna SM570R's stripped and ready for hardcore action – kickstart only; no battery (too much weight) the tiny headlight is piss-poor headlight and the only aftermarket stuff available only makes it harder and faster. The 45mm Marzocchi forks and Sachs shock are fully adjustable and top quality.

Specs
Engine size	576cc
Engine type	4v single, 6 gears
Frame type	Tubular steel cradle
Fuel capacity	10 litres
Seat height	845mm
Bike weight	118kg
Front suspension	Preload, compression, rebound
Rear suspension	Preload, compression, rebound
Front brake	Single 320mm discs
Rear brake	220mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	150/60 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	32 mpg
Annual road tax	£67
Annual service cost	-
New price	-
Used price	-
Insurance group	11 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	-

Top speed & performance
Max power	41 bhp
Max torque	40 ft-lb
Top speed	70 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	12.69 secs
Tank range	70 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2001: Husqvarna SM570R introduced – comes with lumpy 40mm Dell’Orto carb.
2002: Better running thanks to the new 41mm Mikuni flat-slide carb.
2004: Husqvarna SM570R deleted.