Armed with European Supermoto titles, Husqvarna is bringing the SM 510R over to this side of the Atlantic, to let us get our fun aboard a pavement-going monster derived from the brand’s excellent off-road machines, the TC Motocross and TE Enduro.

According to the manufacturer, the stock road-legal SM 510R is race-ready and disguised as a charming city bike. On-road equipment includes flawless body panels, flashers, a dual-intensity headlamp, rearview mirrors, a horn, an ignition key and grooved road tires.

Hi Officer - The bike is high and very powerful, so the front wheel goes up and I can't control it. Honest! (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)

Lively and potent
The modern single, derived directly from the motocross models, feels incredibly powerful and lighting quick, a throaty roar revealing its true colours. The SM R variant has been calmed down from MX peakiness to provide the essential torque that optimizes performance on Supermotard’s mixed surfaces.

Powered by a programmable electronic injection system since 2008, the latest evolution of the 501-cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, four-valve, single-cylinder mill makes you think that the engine is even bigger. Its impressive presence at mid rpm and explosive burst of power at high rpm are always a real treat.

First to fourth gear ratios are close enough to optimize torque and rideability in slower technical Supermotard sections, a mix of dirt, jumps, tight asphalt corners and fast stretches. Fifth and sixth are made for quick stretches, on track or on your favourite piece of road.

A winning chassis
The SM 510R is built on a steel chrome moly tubular chassis that is both solid and light, with a reinforced steering column, forged aluminum triple clamps, and 17-inch, spoked rims. That strong base is completed by a Marzocchi fork and Sachs combined shock-spring unit, both with adjustable compression, rebound and pre-load, as well as Brembo brakes and a titanium exhaust system. No questions here! This SM is a race-bred machine through and through.

Ergonomics that push you to do crazy things
Narrow, high-perched saddle, streamlined tank, tapered handlebars that allow sitting or standing riding; no doubt about it, the SM 510R wasn’t built for the Montreal-Quebec run. You can use it to shuttle to work and back, or run to the store, and certainly have a ball on a nice winding road, as its rudimentary comfort level is acceptable for this type of machine. The minimalist instrument cluster provides the essential feedback by way of warning lights and a analog tachometer, a rarity on a Supermotard.

What looks right is right. 'Nuff said! (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)