What makes a Supermoto so much fun? - Page 3

canyon63 · 10-20-2012, 01:11 PM

all that and you can still do this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3-P8ejpzDE

ninjaofdoom · 10-20-2012, 01:44 PM

They need to bring the 690SMC R to the US /SADFACE

Debi · 10-20-2012, 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by blakegaston

Also, can SMs jump like dirt bikes? (Looking at that last pic). I was under the impression they could only handle a few feet. Im also still pretty confused about the tires.

Yes they jump just fine as they are a dirt bike with small wheels and Smoooth tires hehe. Just like a dirt you need to set your suspension up for what you are riding

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfdiF...feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6u11...eature=related

blakegaston · 10-20-2012, 09:11 PM

How can smooth tires handle dirt and gravel and all that?

Debi · 10-20-2012, 09:28 PM

Originally Posted by blakegaston

How can smooth tires handle dirt and gravel and all that?

Easily......

TheSumoBear · 10-21-2012, 05:38 AM

Technique and finess.

Debi · 10-21-2012, 06:44 AM

Supermoto's crash excellent, jump excellent, corner excellent, wheelie excellent, stoppie excellent, and well they do everything and make it to were you can't stop smiling

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKhie...0BAAA452137880

blakegaston · 10-21-2012, 12:20 PM

What does it take to convert something like the 525 exc to SM?

Debi · 10-21-2012, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by blakegaston

What does it take to convert something like the 525 exc to SM?

Not much.. a set of wheels and a front rotor

a set of OEM KTM wheels should bolt right up but then you need the front caliper reloctator bracket and 310 mm or 320 mm front rotor I have a Braking 310 mm front rotor you can buy if you need one

I swapped it for a Beringer 310 mm solid rotor

this is the rotor that was on the bike (braking)

this is what I have now (beringer)

I have my 2nd set of wheels which are OEN Berhs so we can see if they bolt up... no they're not for sale as they are my backup/practice set

PeteN95 · 10-21-2012, 01:48 PM

Most SM bikes are based on either dirt bikes or dual sports, depending on the bike. So they have basically the same suspension, although specific SM bike may be set up a little stiffer or with just a bit less travel. I probably would not recommend a KTM 525 as a first SM or dirt bike, as they are roughly equivilant to a GSXR1000 in the SM world and a little high strung for daily commuting. A DRZ400S or SM, WR250X, or maybe a converted DR650 or XR650L would probably be better? With a converted bike, as Deb described, you'll also have a complete set of dirt wheels to bolt on for serious dirt riding. But SM wheels and tires work OK for mild, dry trails.

blakegaston · 10-21-2012, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by PeteN95

Most SM bikes are based on either dirt bikes or dual sports, depending on the bike. So they have basically the same suspension, although specific SM bike may be set up a little stiffer or with just a bit less travel. I probably would not recommend a KTM 525 as a first SM or dirt bike, as they are roughly equivilant to a GSXR1000 in the SM world and a little high strung for daily commuting. A DRZ400S or SM, WR250X, or maybe a converted DR650 or XR650L would probably be better? With a converted bike, as Deb described, you'll also have a complete set of dirt wheels to bolt on for serious dirt riding. But SM wheels and tires work OK for mild, dry trails.

Might need you to convince my mom to loan me some money for a SM until I sell my GSXR. Tell her they're safer, get better gas mileage, cheaper to fix and ride, etc, She listens to you

I think I am going to go the converted dirt bike approach. Can I swap wheels out without worrying about brakes and whatnot? Just unbolt. swap, bolt, and go?

blakegaston · 10-21-2012, 02:37 PM

Also, random question.... Do people ever run a knobby on the back, and SM tire on the front? I dunno why I'm curious about this.. but I am.

koorbloh · 10-21-2012, 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by blakegaston

Also, is crashing really THAT cheap?

I have literally never had to buy repairs on my dr650. I've crashed moving and stopped.

I've had to take some big effin pliers or a vice to some stuff.

I dropped my sv650 twice and had to buy repairs twice.

Debi · 10-21-2012, 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by blakegaston

Also, random question.... Do people ever run a knobby on the back, and SM tire on the front? I dunno why I'm curious about this.. but I am.

NO

PeteN95 · 10-21-2012, 03:48 PM

Originally Posted by blakegaston

Might need you to convince my mom to loan me some money for a SM until I sell my GSXR. Tell her they're safer, get better gas mileage, cheaper to fix and ride, etc, She listens to you

I think I am going to go the converted dirt bike approach. Can I swap wheels out without worrying about brakes and whatnot? Just unbolt. swap, bolt, and go?

I'll try to help if she asks, but you better start laying the ground work. The best set up is to have a 310 or 320 rotor on your SM wheels and use a caliper adapter, then when you switch to dirt wheels, you just use the stock hanger.

You don't want to run radically different tires at either end because you want to get similar traction from both, regardless of the surface. It's better to have minimal traction at both ends, than good at one end and bad at the other.

blakegaston · 10-21-2012, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by PeteN95

I'll try to help if she asks, but you better start laying the ground work. The best set up is to have a 310 or 320 rotor on your SM wheels and use a caliper adapter, then when you switch to dirt wheels, you just use the stock hanger.

You don't want to run radically different tires at either end because you want to get similar traction from both, regardless of the surface. It's better to have minimal traction at both ends, than good at one end and bad at the other.

Makes sense. I talked to her today... She likes the idea of a 90ish mph top speed over 160+

I'm almost 100% sure I'm going to go the sumo route, so now I just got to pick something out. As much as everyone says start with a DRZ, etc, I tried one, and I just found it a bit heavy, without the power to back it up. I really wasn't a fan.

That being said, I love orange bikes... if not the 525, thoughts on the 450 exc? I'm a pretty conservative rider, so I'd like to think of this purchase as an investment.... I'd rather not buy something, sell it in 6 months, get something else, rinse, repeat, etc. Open to all suggestions though!

blakegaston · 10-21-2012, 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by Debi

Supermoto's crash excellent, jump excellent, corner excellent, wheelie excellent, stoppie excellent, and well they do everything and make it to were you can't stop smiling

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKhie...0BAAA452137880

How does that not hurt your legs o.O

TheSumoBear · 10-21-2012, 07:49 PM

How does what not hurt the legs? And if you've ever ridden a dirt bike before you'd probably be fine on a 525, considering the bike you're riding now.

Murdercycle · 10-21-2012, 08:05 PM

It only hurts your leg when you clip it on some curbing/ push down on it to save a slide and it sticks...ouch. most of the times there is very little pressure on it and its just getting it out of the way so its not getting ground into your peg.

I really dont think the power of a 450 is a concern, its not going to loop you if you pin it...as long as your nuts are on the gas cap!

But seriously, 450 exc is a great bike, just expect CONSTANT oil changes, valve checks every 1000mi or so. New cam bearings and what not every winter. Thats the Main reason they are not beginner friendly. and why most people stick to drz, wrx, xrl, husqy or ktm street motards. And yes, ride them with your balls far up on the tank other wise you WILL loose the front end.

Part of supermoto fun is learning to go faster with a slower bike, if you feel like its low on power (pinned in top gear through every turn), find a tighter road. if you feel bored, find some gravel road/ stairs/ a jump...The REAL rush comes from carrying more speed through turns and drifting into them via some rough downshifting while hard on the front brake till the apex and then shifting your weight back for a wheely outa the fucker.

blakegaston · 10-21-2012, 08:15 PM

Originally Posted by TheSumoBear

How does what not hurt the legs? And if you've ever ridden a dirt bike before you'd probably be fine on a 525, considering the bike you're riding now.

I started on dirt, but never anything more than dicking around on jumps and in the woods.


10-20-2012, 01:44 PM	#42
ninjaofdoom love me... click me... Joined: Oct 2005 From: Renton I Ride: At the track.	They need to bring the 690SMC R to the US /SADFACE __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-20-2012, 09:11 PM	#44
blakegaston Licensed Joined: Feb 2012 From: Bellevue, WA I Ride: GSXR600 // KTM 450 SMR	How can smooth tires handle dirt and gravel and all that? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-21-2012, 05:38 AM	#46
TheSumoBear Peg Dragger Joined: Jun 2012 From: wa I Ride: in the supermoto lane.	Technique and finess. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-21-2012, 12:20 PM	#48
blakegaston Licensed Joined: Feb 2012 From: Bellevue, WA I Ride: GSXR600 // KTM 450 SMR	What does it take to convert something like the 525 exc to SM? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-21-2012, 01:48 PM	#50
PeteN95 Joined: Jan 2008 From: Muk, WA Blog Entries: 4 I Ride: fast, except on the road.	Most SM bikes are based on either dirt bikes or dual sports, depending on the bike. So they have basically the same suspension, although specific SM bike may be set up a little stiffer or with just a bit less travel. I probably would not recommend a KTM 525 as a first SM or dirt bike, as they are roughly equivilant to a GSXR1000 in the SM world and a little high strung for daily commuting. A DRZ400S or SM, WR250X, or maybe a converted DR650 or XR650L would probably be better? With a converted bike, as Deb described, you'll also have a complete set of dirt wheels to bolt on for serious dirt riding. But SM wheels and tires work OK for mild, dry trails. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-21-2012, 02:37 PM	#52
blakegaston Licensed Joined: Feb 2012 From: Bellevue, WA I Ride: GSXR600 // KTM 450 SMR	Also, random question.... Do people ever run a knobby on the back, and SM tire on the front? I dunno why I'm curious about this.. but I am. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-21-2012, 07:49 PM	#58
TheSumoBear Peg Dragger Joined: Jun 2012 From: wa I Ride: in the supermoto lane.	How does what not hurt the legs? And if you've ever ridden a dirt bike before you'd probably be fine on a 525, considering the bike you're riding now. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-21-2012, 08:05 PM	#59
Murdercycle Licensed Joined: Jan 2011 From: Hood River, Oregon I Ride: forever slow ^_^	It only hurts your leg when you clip it on some curbing/ push down on it to save a slide and it sticks...ouch. most of the times there is very little pressure on it and its just getting it out of the way so its not getting ground into your peg. I really dont think the power of a 450 is a concern, its not going to loop you if you pin it...as long as your nuts are on the gas cap! But seriously, 450 exc is a great bike, just expect CONSTANT oil changes, valve checks every 1000mi or so. New cam bearings and what not every winter. Thats the Main reason they are not beginner friendly. and why most people stick to drz, wrx, xrl, husqy or ktm street motards. And yes, ride them with your balls far up on the tank other wise you WILL loose the front end. Part of supermoto fun is learning to go faster with a slower bike, if you feel like its low on power (pinned in top gear through every turn), find a tighter road. if you feel bored, find some gravel road/ stairs/ a jump...The REAL rush comes from carrying more speed through turns and drifting into them via some rough downshifting while hard on the front brake till the apex and then shifting your weight back for a wheely outa the fucker. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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