Availability: What Applies to Germany

This is the most important point in the entire report: the SWM Gran Milano 500 has been available in Italy since 2024, but at the source’s April 2026 deadline there was no confirmed German market launch. An importer and dealer network exist, and a German introduction may be likely, but that is a forecast rather than confirmed information.

For prospective buyers, the practical consequence is straightforward: before making a purchase decision, contact the SWM importer or an authorized German dealer directly to confirm whether and when the Gran Milano 500 will officially be available, at what price, and with what warranty coverage. This report describes the motorcycle on the basis of the available technical information; it is an information resource, not a purchase recommendation for a product already secured for the German market.

SWM: Who They Are and What the Gran Milano 500 Represents

SWM, Speedy Working Motors, was founded in Varese in 1971, originally specializing in enduro and motocross motorcycles. Production ended in 1984. In 2014, the brand was revived by Chinese automotive group Shineray. The company remains based in Italy and says development takes place there, while production is carried out in China by Shineray. The lineup includes off-road motorcycles such as the RS 300 R, RS 500 R, and SM 500 R, along with street models in the Gran Milano family.

The Gran Milano 500 is SWM’s entry into the 500-class A2 naked-bike segment. It targets motorcycles such as the Honda CB500 Hornet. The proposition is simple: similar basic engine technology, more ambitious brake hardware, and a lower price.

Engine: 494 cc Parallel Twin, Honda-Related via Loncin

The liquid-cooled 494 cc parallel twin uses a 180-degree crank configuration and has its technical roots in the Honda CB500 engine family. Loncin adopted the concept, enlarged it to 494 cc, and supplies related engines to several manufacturers, including Voge for its 525 models.

In the SWM Gran Milano 500, output is 48 hp, or 35 kW, exactly at the A2 limit, paired with a six-speed gearbox and Euro 5+ compliance. SWM has not officially published complete engine data such as torque output or the rpm at which peak torque occurs.

Compared directly with the Honda CB500 Hornet, Honda uses 471 cc while the SWM has 494 cc. Both make 48 hp, and both are listed at 188 kg ready to ride. The more significant technical differences are in the suspension and brakes.

Chassis: Adjustable KYB Fork – a Strength Against the Honda

KYB supplies both the 41 mm USD fork and the rear shock. Fork damping is adjustable, giving the SWM more tuning scope than the Honda CB500 Hornet setup. Rear spring preload is adjustable, and the shock works through a progressive linkage.

Cast-aluminum wheels are fitted front and rear with Pirelli Angel GT tires in 120/70-17 front and 160/60-17 rear sizes. These are established sport-touring tires rather than basic entry-level rubber, and SWM actively promotes them as a standard-equipment advantage.

J.Juan, part of the Brembo group, supplies radial-mount four-piston front calipers on twin 296 mm discs, plus a single-piston floating rear caliper on a 240 mm disc. The Honda CB500 Hornet comparison uses two-piston front calipers. Radial four-piston hardware is above average in this class. ABS is fitted, although SWM has not communicated the system supplier.

Ergonomics: 790 mm Seat Height, Upright Naked-Bike Position

A 790 mm seat height is very accessible for a 500-class naked bike. This compares with 785 mm for the Honda CB500 Hornet and 805 mm for the Yamaha MT-07. The Gran Milano should therefore suit shorter riders well. The riding position follows familiar naked-bike logic: upright upper body, broad handlebar, and relaxed knee geometry.

At 188 kg ready to ride, weight is typical for the class and manageable for A2 riders. SWM has not published the fuel-tank capacity, so prospective buyers should ask the dealer.

The round multifunction TFT color display gives the cockpit a distinctive look. SWM has not published detailed information on connectivity or navigation. Styling is individual, with stacked twin exhaust outlets, twin headlights, and clean naked-bike lines without excessive bodywork.

Price Comparison and Competition

The confirmed Italian price is EUR 5,990; there is no official German price at time of publication. For comparison, the Honda CB500 Hornet is listed at around EUR 7,800 in Germany, Yamaha MT-03 at roughly EUR 6,900, Kawasaki Z500 SE at around EUR 6,850, and KTM 390 Duke at about EUR 6,800 plus ancillary charges.

If the Gran Milano 500 reaches Germany at a price close to the Italian list figure, it would be one of the least expensive 500-class A2 naked bikes offering radial four-piston front calipers and adjustable KYB fork damping. That is the central value proposition.

What Is Still Missing

Community riding experience remains scarce, and several technical specifications have not been published. The former importer Leeb has since taken over CFMoto activities and is no longer active for SWM, according to sources. German warranty terms have not been communicated. Dealer and workshop access should therefore be checked before purchase.

Verdict

Technically, the SWM Gran Milano 500 is a convincingly configured A2 naked bike: adjustable KYB damping, radial J.Juan four-piston calipers, Pirelli Angel GT tires as standard, 188 kg, a 790 mm seat, and an engine with Honda CB500 lineage. The Italian EUR 5,990 price is aggressive against the Honda CB500 Hornet. For Germany, however, the decisive questions remain unanswered: whether, when, and at what price the Gran Milano 500 will officially be available must be confirmed directly with the SWM importer or dealer.

 

Quick Check

+ Radial-mount J.Juan four-piston front calipers with twin 296 mm discs: above-average braking hardware for the class; Honda CB500 Hornet uses two-piston calipers in comparison.

+ 41 mm KYB USD fork with adjustable damping; rear shock with adjustable preload.

+ Pirelli Angel GT standard: established sport-touring tires, 120/70-17 front and 160/60-17 rear, on cast-aluminum wheels.

+ 188 kg ready to ride and 790 mm seat height: accessible for a 500-class naked bike; A2 compliant at 48 hp.

+ EUR 5,990 in Italy: substantially below the Honda CB500 Hornet German price, with ambitious brake hardware and a Honda-related Loncin engine.

 

– German availability NOT CONFIRMED by the April 2026 publication: no official German price or launch announcement; check importer/dealer before purchase.

– Torque and torque curve not officially published, preventing a complete engine assessment.

– Fuel-tank capacity not communicated; ABS supplier not named; German warranty terms not officially communicated.

– German dealer/workshop network is still developing; verify local service access before purchase.

– Stationary noise not published; Tyrol compatibility cannot be confirmed yet.

 

Technical Specifications: SWM Gran Milano 500 (2026)

Brand / Model: SWM Gran Milano 500; manufacturer SWM, Speedy Working Motors, founded Varese, Italy, 1971; revived 2014; owner Shineray Group, China; design/development Italy; production China, Shineray; German availability not confirmed at source deadline

Engine: Liquid-cooled parallel twin; 494 cc; 180-degree crank configuration; electronic fuel injection; technical lineage related to Honda CB500 via Loncin, with related base used in Voge 525R; six-speed; chain drive; Euro 5+; A2 compliant

Power: 48 hp / 35 kW, exactly at A2 limit

Torque: Not officially published

Top Speed / Consumption: Not officially published

Fuel Tank: Not officially communicated; confirm with dealer

Frame: Steel frame with engine as stressed member

Fork: 41 mm KYB USD; damping adjustable

Rear Shock: KYB; spring preload adjustable; progressive linkage

Front Brakes: J.Juan; radial-mount four-piston calipers; twin 296 mm discs; ABS, supplier not communicated

Rear Brake: J.Juan single-piston floating caliper; 240 mm disc; ABS

Wheels: 17-inch cast-aluminum front and rear

Tires: Pirelli Angel GT standard; 120/70 ZR17 front; 160/60-17 rear

Ergonomics: 790 mm seat height; upright naked-bike riding position; broad handlebar

Weight: 188 kg ready to ride

Cockpit: Round multifunction TFT color display; connectivity details not communicated; full LED lighting

Stationary Noise: Not published; confirm local noise-restriction compatibility with dealer

Colors: Known: black, Nero 2025 livery documented; additional colors possible

Warranty: Not officially communicated for Germany; confirm with dealer

Price: EUR 5,990 in Italy, confirmed; no official German price communicated as of April 2026