Another Supermoto Thread

[BMAN70]

Currently I have a Honda CRF230m. Its my first bike and I have now been riding for about 1 year. Its been a great bike and I've had a blast riding it, but I think Im about ready for a bit more power. I am definitely sold on the supermoto style. I have been looking a bit at the Suzuki DRZ400 for my next bike. Is this a logical next step up? What else is out there in a supermoto? I guess im looking to stay towards the smaller engine side of the spectrum because Im still a newer rider. Any suggestions?

[TurboWraith]

There is nothing inherently wrong with the DRZ, they are solid.


However, I think the Yamaha WR250X is a better SM than the DRZ. Yes, its only a 250, but it makes nearly as much power, its lighter, it has 6 gears, and its fuel injected.

Unless you are planning on cranking up the power output of the DRZ (which, they can be, quite a bit) I'd go for the Yamaha.

[mad8vskillz]

i'd be looking at ktm and husqvarna for a "real" bike. the wr250x looks fun as hell but is probably utterly useless if highway is in your life

[TurboWraith]

i'd be looking at ktm and husqvarna for a "real" bike. the wr250x looks fun as hell but is probably utterly useless if highway is in your life

Also...that.

I had assumed you were looking at things in the $3k or less range, however.

[BMAN70]

I have a budget of around 6k. Maybe a little more if I can get a few bucks out of selling the Honda. There is this bike for sale near me locally: http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/mcy/2947447125.html

Don't know anything about the brand or the bike, worried it may be too much bike for me?

Also, I thought I saw somewhere that Honda made a 600cc supermoto/eduro bike???

[ab8349]

I have a budget of around 6k. Maybe a little more if I can get a few bucks out of selling the Honda. There is this bike for sale near me locally: http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/mcy/2947447125.html

Don't know anything about the brand or the bike, worried it may be too much bike for me?

Also, I thought I saw somewhere that Honda made a 600cc supermoto/eduro bike???

Do a search for 'dorsonotsoduro'.

[mad8vskillz]

Do a search for 'dorsonotsoduro'.

yeah, that was mine...
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...highlight=blew

5k and ate its own engine. Dealer network SUCKS except AF1. No aftermarket. No parts availability. Stay the hell away.

also, not at all a supermoto. Just a large sportbike with supermoto look and seating position.

/that said, while it was running it was fantastic.

[BMAN70]

Thanks for looking out on that! Was thinking about running over to check it out this afternoon, Ill take a pass now. So is there anything inbetween like the bigger KTM 900s etc...and the smaller bikes. I guess I'd be interested in a 5 or 600cc, but on the other hand maybe I am putting too much importance on engine size..

Thanks again for the input.

[Metallitubby]

So is there anything inbetween like the bigger KTM 900s etc...and the smaller bikes.

Someone rang?

690 SMC, but good luck finding one





... or any of the old LC4 bikes (625 SMC). Again, STAY AWAY FROM APRILIA SMs!

[mad8vskillz]

ktm 690
husqvarna 511
dr650
dl650

etc.
lots and lots of dual purpose bikes that can be sm'ed

[Darkness]

I'm kinda partial to the Husky SMS630

[disenfranchised]

the wr250x looks fun as hell but is probably utterly useless if highway is in your life

I have a budget of around 6k.

Damn, I don't think you can fit the bike + turbo under the $6k bar.

[blue70beetle]

lots and lots of dual purpose bikes that can be sm'ed

having looked into this (because I would LOVE to SM my XR), don't go this route. Get a bike that already has 17" wheels. Wheels cost a fortune, particularly in relation to the cost of most used DS bikes.

[TBT-Syncro]

I'm kinda partial to the Husky SMS630

heavy, slow, and no aftermarket.

[TBT-Syncro]

DRZ400sm is really the 'best' option. just too bad it doesnt have a 6 speed.

but it does have massive aftermarket support. bullet proof engine. and strong suspension for the price point.

[TBT-Syncro]

However, I think the Yamaha WR250X is a better SM than the DRZ. Yes, its only a 250, but it makes nearly as much power, its lighter, it has 6 gears, and its fuel injected.

just wanted to add this.

[blue70beetle]

the Yamaha WR250X is fuel injected.

IMO, this shouldn't be a deciding factor. The single carb works fine and is far less problematic than people seem to want to believe. And between the WR and the DRZ, based on the graph posted above, it's kind of a no-brainier to me.

[BMAN70]

http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/mcy/2952952783.html. What can you guys tell me about this bike? How is it riding on the street with knobby tires?

[Metallitubby]

http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/mcy/2952952783.html. What can you guys tell me about this bike? How is it riding on the street with knobby tires?

They are quick, but parts can be a nag. 610s aren't quite as snappy as the 510/450, due to the extra weight.

[woodrowstar]

In this discussion... What would would be a small bore low seat height SM for a fellow 5'4?

[bigbumpmike]

http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/Pro...scid=14&id=417
how would something like this SM from Kawasaki be compared to the yamaha wr250x?

[atomicalex]

Color me stupid, but what makes a supermotard a supermotard?

[soldierguy]

Color me stupid, but what makes a supermotard a supermotard?

I don't think stupid has a color, so don't worry about it.

Two basic approaches:

- take a dirt bike, lower it a small amount, use street-biased suspension tuning (firm), grippy street tires in sportbike sizes.
- take a sportbike, raise it up with longer suspension travel, make the riding position upright, give it dirtbike styling cues.

End result: crazy amounts of fun

They're not perfect, but they're great all-around bikes for commuting and for tearing up a back road. They typically have small fuel tanks (that's part of the dirtbike heritage), firm seats that have plenty of room to move around on but are not superslab-friendly, limited luggage options that end up looking a little ungainly, and wind protection is at best a total afterthought.

The most fun I've ever had on two wheels has been on my Dorsoduro. Seriously...when I'm on it, I get this stupid grin on my face (thank goodness for full-face helmets), and catch myself laughing out loud at how fun it is. Yeah, I've read the reliability concerns, but I've also read of owners riding them trouble-free for a long time. If mine shats the bed, I'll get something else.

The November 2011 issue of Cycle World did a comparison of the Dorsoduro 1200 and the Hypermotard 1100. They used the phrase "a frat party on two wheels." They speak the truth.