Oppo's thoughts on SuperMotos?

"MountainCommand" (MountainCommand) 07/08/2014 at 13:48 • Filed to: None

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So ive got about 500 miles (plus or minus some) under my belt on my FZR. Not much, i know, though its more than i put on my car this month haha. But its strange how quickly ive begun to have a desire for one of these. A Supermoto. Or a dirt bike converted street legal with street tires. I thought i would be a sportbike guy...

Dont get me wrong. If i could have 2 bikes i would keep this. But now im rethinking... 600cc is quick. Ive yet to even go WOT because i realize the power on this is insane. 1st to 2nd gear and youre already pushing the legal speed limit. I absolutely love this bike, and love that you can rev out to 11.5k rpms. That alone is intoxicating. The sportbike is an amazing machine, and i realize there's still is a lot to enjoy.

At the same time, im always worried about breaking something on the bike when the thing eventually falls over, which probably will happen in a parking lot embarrassingly. Plus im worried about theft. Now i dont know if supermotos are beginning to be new targets for thieves, but its already a given that sportbikes attract them. It seems like every guy i run into who had/has a sportbike has a "my bike got stolen" story.

The supermoto, to me, is the equivalent of the BRZ, coupled with the decent offroad capabilities of an older jeep. Pushing the limits within the legal boundaries, and being able to drive on more than just nice pavement. And that sounds like a hoot.

I guess to know which bike you truly want to ride, you have to start riding. Ill keep on riding my FZR, but if i come across a trade, a supermoto might just be its replacement.

Whats oppo think about Supermotos?

HammerheadFistpunch > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 13:53

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To get my opinion you need to break down the term Supermoto into its component parts first:

Superm and oto

What does these words mean? maybe we'll never know and likewise I will never fully understand Supermoto.

Also, I think they are sweeeet.

bob and john > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 13:54

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600 is too much, whet I would suggest is get a SV650 (another 50ccs, but much slower) and a SM. I may buy an SM next year, if i dont get swayed by a track bike first

505Turbeaux > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 13:56

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I put a whole lot of miles on a Yamaha YZ450 last summer. Great fun bike, but a bit tall for alot of riders. I love em

jariten1781 > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 13:57

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If I ever move back to a place where I can ride without a constant fear of death I'll get a SM. They just tick all the right boxes for me.

yamahog > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 13:57

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Either way, you can't go wrong.

My friends with supermotos LOVE them, but too tall for me. I liked dirtbiking as a kid, but definitely in love with the bigger (displacement) bikes now. It's all personal choice. If you want to do track days though, I'd stick with the sportbikes.

If you're worried about breaking something dropping it at low speed, just throw on some frame sliders. Normally any tipover damage is cosmetic anyway. I also don't think your FZR is a theft risk because of its age. A brand new GSXR, maybe, but I'm not even worried about leaving my 05 FZ6 out overnight in my area.

Have fun!

Jedidiah > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 14:00

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Supermotos/Dual sports/Enduros are great machines. You can do so much with them that you can't with a sport bike or cruiser.

Even slow motorcycles feel fast compared to cars; you don't need some face ripping street machine to have fun — just one that you can hop on and ride and enjoy.

In the 60s, when displacement was king for cars, 650 cc would have been considered a fairly big engine in a bike. Modern bikes are freaking huge in comparison.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 14:05

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I keep almost buying used DRZ400 SMs to have a second, "sportier" bike.
Especially if you live somewhere with lots of broken pavement a Supermoto makes a huge amount of sense for fun riding. Compliant suspension, with lots of travel, and lots of adjustability, coupled with light weight and (usually) a torque-y single make them ideal hooning and carving tools, if not particularly comfortable at over 75 MPH or on long trips (mostly due to the narrow motocross-style seats, the majority of supermotos I've ridden have had their suspensions set up what a sport bike rider would call "soft and cushy" but large contact patches and terrific damping still make them stick like glue...)

damnit. *trolls Craigslist for an Aprilia SXV 450*

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 14:11

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My older brother rides a DR350 that's been converted to supermoto with 18" wheels and suspension and brake mods. He's done at 85, there's not a MPH more to be had, but when the road gets twisty and bumpy I've seem him dust off competently ridden hot-shit sport bikes (and me on my BMW F650) like they were squid-riddled Harleys.

Dusty Ventures > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 14:16

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Lightweight? Nimble? Not confused by dirt roads or stairs? I love supermotos!

Also, ridden properly a supermoto can hold it's own against sport bikes at a track day

Decay buys too many beaters > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 14:17

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Honestly, I'm going through a similar issue with my 1000cc right now. Don't get me wrong, the insane, mind bending, Mclaren P1 eating acceleration is absolutely intoxicating, but to be frank, I have just as much fun riding my 50cc scooter at 10/10ths everywhere I go. I've got a feeler out on craigslist for the bike and I'll probably put the money from a sale into a supermoto (or ideally a plated XR650R)

PelicanHazard > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 14:18

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If accidental breakage when the bike tips over is your fear, the answer is Kawasaki KLR650.

Pretty much come out of the factory on their side. Damn near unbreakable.

BKRM3 > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 14:22

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My brother had a ninja, then he had a YZ250F and then a supermoto. Like two weeks after he bought the supermoto my dad bought the exact same thing. Apparently they're obsessed. I have to admit that it seems like a blast. I think I'd buy one too if I had somewhere to put it.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Dusty Ventures 07/08/2014 at 14:22

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haha, I was just about to dig up a video like this...

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > PelicanHazard 07/08/2014 at 14:23

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just remember to fix the doohickey.

E92M3 > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 14:29

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It would have to have a stock muffler for me to ride one on the street for very long.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 15:33

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Supermoto is my favorite style of motorcycle. I definitely support your decision if you choose to get one.

when I can afford it I plan on getting a Husaberg and making a Supermoto out of it.

MountainCommand > PelicanHazard 07/08/2014 at 15:38

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How much does that weigh! It doesnt look very light considering its tank-like appearance.

What im more worried about is being able to beat on the bike a bit. Run it into things, over trees, through bushes, rocks, anything and everything a sportbike couldnt even attempt to tackle.

MountainCommand > Dusty Ventures 07/08/2014 at 15:41

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and my love for the supermotos continues to increase. They can seriously lean! Plus you can race them on small tiny gokart tracks and still have lots of fun!

mycarneverruns87 > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 15:43

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Supermotos are ALWAYS a great idea!

MountainCommand > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 07/08/2014 at 15:45

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I want the crf450 like i posted above. Seems to be more in my range than a yamaha wr450.

DRZ's are nice, a buddy of mine has one, but they are rather expensive in comparison. But idk if that makes them worth it. Ive got a lot of info to read up on now haha.

And i personally dont use the freeway at all currently. I do lots of back roads, and max speed limits are 55. So a supermoto makes perfect sense. And the fact that off road becomes an option mean so much more fun to be had.

MountainCommand > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2014 at 15:46

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Lol. I though people considered supermotos like the stadium race dirt bikes, and somehow the name crossed over to street setup dirt bikes.

MountainCommand > yamahog 07/08/2014 at 15:51

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Its not that im super worried about damaging the bike, i didnt pay much for it. I would just feel bad mounting curbs and riding on grass on the sport bike. Doing things on a sport bike that you really shouldnt... I guess id just feel bad i would potentially damage such a beautiful classic bike. I really want to just ride without worrying about scratches, dents and dings. Like in top gear, when they do those challenges with the cheap cars, they run into each other and hit poles and things. I wanna be able to feel that way about the bike. Cause thats the fun i want to have haha. Plus being able to lock your rear wheel up and fish tail to every stop is hilarious. I dont dare do that on a 460lb sport bike.

One day ill have both a sport bike and a supermoto, but for now, i have to make some decisions...

MountainCommand > Decay buys too many beaters 07/08/2014 at 15:55

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I hear ya. 600cc blows my mind on acceleration, i cant imagine a 1000. There wont be a car i can drive any time soon that will give me the same acceleration freakout like this bike can. But thats what can kill us, at least much more quickly. On a supermoto, you can go 10/10ths and not be as great of a risk, mind you theres still an inherent risk so dont say its completely safe, but you get what im saying i think.

MountainCommand > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 07/08/2014 at 15:57

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Thats a good looking bike. As much as id like a ktm, id stick with a japanese bike tho.

MountainCommand > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 07/08/2014 at 15:59

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I dont know why people dont see the awesomeness of supermotos. They really are a snake in the grass. And 85mph, when would you even be cruising at 85? ive never had to do that in my car, so there would be no need.

MountainCommand > BKRM3 07/08/2014 at 16:01

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Well, its a dirt bike! Just put a cover over it and leave it outside! Thats the beauty of it, its like a beater!

I wonder what my dad will think when i tell him about my supermoto desire. He used to ride an FZ750 sport bike back in the day so im curious if he will understand the awesomeness.

MountainCommand > bob and john 07/08/2014 at 16:04

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Its about personal self control. I dont have to use all 600cc's. You have a brain, and a wrist you can choose to manipulate the throttle. I have no problem with self control, others do, and to them i wouldn't recommend a 600. For those with good self control, this bike is no more dangerous than a 250. And why waste money buying a 250, to buy a 600 not much longer down the road. Plus, i couldnt pass up the deal on got on this bike. =)

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 16:04

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Why you no like the swedes/austrians ?

BKRM3 > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 16:06

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He will man, he will.

bob and john > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 16:07

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oh, i never said anything about self control, but the SV is a much friendly bike around town (dat low down, t-win torque) and it will still run up to 230km/h is you ask it nicely.

a good deal is always a great thing, but I cant justify the insurance payment on a SS for the street. hence the S (spoer touring)
now, for the track? I'm thinking R6 or Gsx-R600 for next year

MountainCommand > jariten1781 07/08/2014 at 16:07

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We all live under constant fear of death. We just choose not to worry about everything dangerous thats clearly around us all the time. Dont get me wrong, bike are still not exactly 'safe'. But as a rider, we obvioulsy know the dangers, and ride via calculated risks (imo).

MountainCommand > 505Turbeaux 07/08/2014 at 16:08

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Thankfully im pretty tall, so bike height is no concern.

Decay buys too many beaters > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 16:10

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I understand exactly, going 10/10ths in a less capable machine is still going to be safer than me going 2/10ths on my CBR (I mean, that thing can hit 90 in first gear).

It's like there is always this little voice in my head telling me just how much more the machine is capable of than I am utilizing.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 16:12

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if you really feel like you need both ...

MountainCommand > bob and john 07/08/2014 at 16:12

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Insurance actually surprised me. Im not kidding here, 275 a year, full insurance (max damages), and even gear insurance up to 3 grand. And im 21. The older the bike, the cheaper it is, thats the only way i can see how this happened. And newer SV's probably would have cost me double or triple. My friend pays over a grand for his 07 ZX6r, and we as people, are identical on paper. new bikes kill on insurance it seems.

I speak from the US, so idk if youre in a different country either.

MountainCommand > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 07/08/2014 at 16:14

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haha, i would feel bad beating on that, I wouldnt want to scratch it at all. Let alone drive it on dirt.

jariten1781 > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 16:18

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Yeah, that's what I was going for. I currently live inside the DC beltway...I rode here for a while after I moved in, but it just wasn't worth it. Too dense of traffic and, with the mix of drivers from all states and a number of diplomats, way too inconsistent behavior. I lived previously outside of Seattle and if I'm back in a traffic situation like that again I'll be buying another bike as one of the first things I do.

Combined my wife and I have been hit by other cars 4 times in 5 years...none at fault. Once was being rear ended by a Saab going 75+ while I was just cruising along in light traffic at 60. On a bike, that'd be a serious injury that I could literally do nothing to avoid. The risk calculus in this area just doesn't work for me.

bob and john > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 16:19

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I'm in canada, and believe me, insurance companys like to rip you a new one.

My sv was a 3 year old model, a 2009 with ABS. they wanted (get this. 17 year old, no tickets) SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS.

MountainCommand > Decay buys too many beaters 07/08/2014 at 16:20

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Yep, my fzr tops out around 50 in first gear. Which is crazy, and to think 90 in first gear is what your cbr does, holy balls.

And totally. On sport bikes, we can barely touch the limits of the machine. On a SM, our bodies are the limits, not the bikes.

MountainCommand > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 07/08/2014 at 16:23

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But i do! I do!

haha.

But theres no way i could afford one. plus i need a honda, so i can match my bike with my prelude haha.

MountainCommand > BKRM3 07/08/2014 at 16:24

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Maybe i can convince him to get a supermoto too, and we can go hooning.

MountainCommand > bob and john 07/08/2014 at 16:27

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3 year old model... psh! haha. Mine is 1996. I get you though. And i have heard canadian insurance isnt the most wallet friendly.

And 7 grand is insane. Thats more than the bike. Probably 2 bikes. I would have left canada right then and there.

MountainCommand > jariten1781 07/08/2014 at 16:31

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I hear ya. But you also dont have to ride on the beltway. I mean, i know the traffic is pretty bad in that area regardless, i visit family down by you (fairfax & manasas) often, and the main roads are packed to no end. But my uncle rides daily down there on his harley. Plus you dont have to commute on the bike. I personally dont even ride during the rush hour period around me for that reason. The calculated risk thing. But i dont know the roads well enough down there to know if there are even any good back roads.

PelicanHazard > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 17:00

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432 lbs. Admittedly heavier than a supermoto, but lighter than other "dirt and road" bikes like the R1200GS (a beefy 525 lbs). It is however very durable.

jariten1781 > MountainCommand 07/08/2014 at 17:31

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It takes me a good half hour on a light traffic day to get anywhere that would be worth riding on. I've still got my GPz550 in my friends care up in the Pacific Northwest that I ride every time I'm out there. Just ain't worth it here.

MountainCommand > jariten1781 07/08/2014 at 19:50

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Well i wish you luck in getting out of there. I grew up in that area, and its really changed. Soooo many people.