Chinese motorcycle manufacturers have always had a reputation for copying designs from more established brands in the industry. These Chinese brands often source their technology from different manufacturers or directly copy it from other bikes.
One example is the Stormbreaker from SWM. Although SWM is an Italian motorcycle brand headquartered in Italy, it is actually owned by a Chinese company called Shineray, which has been a dominant player in the automotive industry for some time. The Stormbreaker is essentially a copycat of the Harley-Davidson Sportster Evolution, both in terms of design and engine. SWM claims that the bike was designed in Italy, but it's up to the individual to decide whether to believe them.
It's worth noting that the SWM Stormbreaker was released after the discontinuation of the Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200. So, if you're looking for a brand-new 1200 Sportster-style machine that isn't the Sportster S, this bike could be an option. However, there are plenty of used Sportster 1200s available for sale worldwide, so it might be better to consider buying one of those instead. They would likely be cheaper than the Stormbreaker's price tag of 9,990 euros ($10,889 USD).
Underneath the surface, the SWM Stormbreaker is equipped with an air-cooled, fuel-injected, V-twin engine that produces 61 horsepower and 90 Nm (67 pound-feet) of torque. According to SWM, the engine meets the latest Euro 5 standards and has a top speed of 165 kilometers per hour (just over 100 miles per hour). The bike features an old-school-style tubular steel frame and rides on 16-inch wheels. It closely follows the weight, dimensions, and styling of the now-discontinued Sportster 1200.
Ultimately, it's highly unlikely that a bike like the SWM Stormbreaker will ever make it to the US. It is more likely to be seen on European and Asian roads. Nevertheless, its design and technical specifications, which closely resemble those of the iconic Harley Sportster 1200, are sure to attract attention.
