Scrambler, café racer, naked bike

Speedy Working Motors was founded in 1971 by two like-minded endurance racers, who began producing enduro and motocross bikes and later ventured into trials machines. By the 1980s, SWM had built a solid reputation for itself – but in 1984, the unusually named brand went bust. Now, SWM is set to return: at the EICMA motorcycle show in November, plans for its resurrection were revealed, with financial backing coming from a Chinese company. Ampelio Macchi, an engineer whose resume shows stints with Aprilia, Cagiva and Husqvarna, will pioneer the comeback. A range of bikes has been revealed that slot neatly into the current custom scene, including the Silver Vase lightweight scrambler, the ‘naked’ Gran Turismo 440, and the Gran Milano 440 – an Italian take on the British café racer phenomenon. The bikes will be built in Lombardy, and reportedly use engines from neighbouring Husqvarna.