At first glance the SWM 440 Six Days oozes Steve McQueen cool, whether in red or white. Its evocative name recalls the days of SWM’s success in one of the toughest motorsport events there was, the International Six Days Trial, where rider and machine competed unsupported across all terrain for a week. It was gruelling in the extreme and can’t now be run within the same parameters, but I decided a good way to test the overlanding capabilities of this lightweight Italian-built ‘scrambler’ was to enter the modern equivalent of a long distance trial and see how it, and I, coped with the challenge.
The Lands End Trial in Britain’s south west is run by the oldest motorsport club in the world and offers the opportunity to spend 24 hours in the saddle over tarmac lanes, forest tracks and boulder-strewn hill-climbs. In total the SWM and I amassed 1,169 miles over a rather apt six days on test and I’ve got to admit, I found it quite beguiling.
Engine
The single cylinder engine is a real pearl. 445cc of fuel injected, 4-valve, air-cooled, punchy simplicity, it performs way above what the spec sheet promises. Just under 30hp may mean you’d never give this bike a second glance, but that belies the way the 36Nm of torque is delivered. The mid-range grunt means that the lusty 5-speed engine pulls everywhere you realistically need it to and sounds great through two high-level pipes while doing it. Gear changes are smooth and definite with only the selection of neutral being occasionally problematic.
On the road long hills are easily dispensed without the need to change down and overtakes from 55 or 60mph are eagerly executed as the Honda XR400-derived engine pulls to at least 90mph. I had no reason to exceed this and crossed 75 only once, just to see.
There’s a blanked-off oil sightglass and separate oil tank, but I couldn’t see how to check oil level without tools to access the tank, which isn’t ideal when travelling in demanding climates. Of note is the fact that there is no easy-access toolkit supplied as standard.
In use, and with the electric starting, I can’t fault the power plant’s tractability at all revs, whether manoeuvring through traffic or having to answer the demands of an immediate requirement for power to clear a load of loose rocks or other obstacle up a steep incline. Fuelling is clean and glitch-free everywhere except following a long period of closed throttle, when it can initially be a little fluffy on re-opening. It doesn’t impair the riding experience and is noticeable only because this SWM answers so crisply in every other situation.
Economy
The greatest surprise was the way this SWM sipped fuel, considering the observed sections of the Trial sometimes demanded excessive throttle use. Over the full test (including motorway blasts) the SWM returned 88.1mpg. With a capacity of 16 litres that’s a theoretical range of nearly 300 miles. I must admit that initially I presumed the Italian electrics just meant the fuel light wasn’t working, but when it eventually came on after 221 miles it only took 11.2 litres to fill that beautifully sculptured tank.
Point to note however – following fill-up I experienced fuel over-flowing and running onto the underslung exhausts. This seems to be related to the angle of side-stand lean and didn’t happen if the bike was upright, or in use. In other words, fill up and get back in the saddle!
Ergonomics
The seat is high at 855mm, which adds to the good overall ground clearance of 226mm, though the riding position is a little odd, with the forward footpeg position reminding me of old two-stroke MZs. I’m a reasonably average 5’11” but my thighs were horizontal when riding. Comfortable enough in use, it meant strange hip pain when stopping and putting my foot down. With the long fuel range and the very minimal vibration that passes through to rider, you can be sat for a long time watching the world go by, which doesn’t help when dismounting.
The steel handlebars are high and well positioned for use either sitting or standing and their width, in association with the adjustable steering stops, means manoeuvrability at low speed and through heavy traffic couldn’t be easier. Linked to the instant response of that grunty engine, it makes the Six Days a great urban tool too. I hope London’s hipsters (and couriers) wake up to the merits of this little machine.
Equipment
Ahead of the ‘bars sit two circular clocks; a speedo and rev counter. Clean, clear, capable and classic, the only improvement could be the inclusion of a second trip meter and a time clock. The digital odometer and trip are easy to read and use day or night, but slightly more functionality would make it perfect for travelling. There are no other computers (apart from the ECU) and nothing else comes standard except the sumpguard and compulsory ABS. There’re no heated grips or centre-stand options. Sadly the non-adjustable brake and clutch levers look like the cheap Chinese components they are, which compromises the view from the saddle, but Bihr.eu in France offer lots of nice aftermarket upgrades for the SWM if they offend you too.
The LED round headlight was good once I’d aimed it correctly, but again no complicated tools were necessary, I just reached forward and pulled it up to the right height. It’s the sort of simplicity you come to adore when going RTW!
Chassis and brakes
The frame is a simple steel cradle affair and the 19” front wheel and 17” rear are suspended by twin shocks and conventional forks. There isn’t massive suspension travel at either end, so don’t expect motocross capability but adjustment from soft through to hard needs simple use of an Allen key. In standard trim both ends were very taut, and the on-tarmac handling was an absolute hoot. The standard Pirelli P60s had nothing to worry about as there is so little weight (148kgs dry), so flicking through roundabouts or twisty north Devon roads was an absolute delight.
Brakes continue the theme of effective simplicity. Up front there’s a single 260mm disc gripped by a twin piston caliper that offers plenty of feel and at the rear there’s a smaller 220mm disc and single piston caliper. As prescribed by legislation, there’s compulsory ABS, but it’s a rudimentary affair and I’m yet to discover if there’s a way of disabling it. It caused real problems on the loose descents I came across during the Lands End Trial, leaving me on a few occasions to simply switch the bike off and trail a locked rear wheel, relying on engine compression. It’s not ideal!
Not so good
For a bike built in Italy using many Chinese components I have to say I can provide very little ammunition for the cynics. The poor appearance and non-adjustability of the clutch and front brake levers and the non-folding rear brake and gear levers can be rectified, though I would expect better of a £5,000 bike. That’s about it apart from the slightly odd footpeg positioning I’ve mentioned. The good news is that Crobba Customs in Paignton can do a conversion (positioning to suit from £250).
Verdict for overlanding
It should be remembered that SWM are not overtly marketing the Six Days as an adventure travel bike. Perhaps you’d consider it a styling exercise, but with its lightweight, exceptional economy, manoeuvrability and robust simplicity, this SWM 440 Six Days seems to tick many boxes for overlanding almost by accident. There are just a few things ‘out of the box’ that aren’t quite right.
The pillion grab rails and twin exhaust cans are awkwardly placed and prohibit the use of soft or hard luggage without alteration. You may also wish to add a 12v power take off, some heated grips, handguards and engine protection (other than the sumpguard) because none of these options are offered by SWM. These aren’t insurmountable issues considering the initial purchase price of just under £5k and the unlimited mileage, two-year warranty.
The weldable steel frame, straightforward suspension and cable-operated clutch and throttle all bode well for travel off the beaten track. This is a price point with a lot of stiff competition, but I reckon with the way this 440 is capable of tackling just about any surface it’s presented, and that there is so little that could leave you stranded in the field, it makes a lot of sense. And maybe you can pretend to be as cool as Steve…
Colours available: Red or White
RRP £4999
Full spec list available here
