First Supermoto Advice.

[Project9928]

I have an R1 which I bought because it was good value and a good bike, but its not really me and isn't really floating my boat. I'm getting a car soon for long distance journeys, so I'm thinking of getting a Supermoto as my next bike.

I have never ridden a Supermoto bike before so obviously I need to test ride one to see what I think.

I would be using the bike for fun weekend blats and commuting 14 miles 5 day a week.

But what I would like to know is what are they like to live with?

What are they like on petrol? I've seen that most have 9l tanks, how many miles do you get out of them?

How reliable are the engines? Not a big issue as I'll have a car and push bike to get me where I need to encase.

How would the bike hold up on runs to Box Hill from the Ealing area?

Just trying to get a good idea what they are like really.

Thanks.

[Sparks!]

Depends mostly on what supermoto you get.

30 mile a day commute should be fine for the likes of the DRZ400, KTM LC4/660 etc.. you'd be able to do it on a more racey bike like a Yamaha WR426 or a KTM 525.. but would need to change the oil very regularily and keep on top of the maintenance.

DRZ400 is an ideal bike, try and get a test ride
____________________
Current Toys: 06 Yamaha WR250F | Nissan 350Z GT | Tech 4 Homes

[lanester]

I have a Suzuki DRZ400SM. So hope this helps.

Remember that supermotos are mainly single cylinder beasts and a tall riding stance. So compared to an R1 they are at the opposite end of the scale. The single cylinder engine will feel completely different to your in-line 4, vibby and more torque but they don't have no where near the power of a 150bhp R1, more like 37bhp (DRZ400SM). So if you like the power you will miss it I would assume. Oh and a lot of engine breaking, which I personally like.

It does have a small tank and you'll get 100-70 miles to reserve depending on how you ride it, which will cost the grand sum of about £7 in petrol. Therefore it will do 70-50 mpg which in my opinion is pretty good.

With nice wide big bars you can easily chuck it into the corners, and with wheels that'll take the same rubber as sports bikes, the handling is where it's at in my opinion. If you got your favourite twisties you'll love an SM, sticking you leg out, backing it in (hard to do imo)

As far as commuting goes, i ride mine to work every day and its fine, mainly twisty A roads. As far as reliability goes if you listen to any DRZ owner the engine is very reliable.

hth
____________________
2003 - 2006 Honda XR125L, 2006 - 2011 Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM
2011 - 2014 Yamaha FZ6 Fazer S2, 2014 + KTM 690 SMC-R

[Project9928]

Thanks guys, this has helped.

Sparks: I've actually been looking at the KTM LC4 640, which i think looks the muts nuts and also I can get an 18ltr tanks for it as well. Supermoto's don't really hold there money too well so I can pick one up quite cheap.

Lanester: I'm actually looking forward to having less power, one of the reasons I'm thinking of the Supermoto is because it has a good amount of torque but less topend. I really looks forward to the handling Also milage isn't too bad as I'll get an LC4 and slap an 18ltr tank on

The R1 is good but its just makes all your favorite roads too short.

[G]

You won't have near the torque of your r1. You will however have relatively less power than torque and possibly a wider range of torque, though the r1 is hardly lacking in midrange.

The bikes you're looking at make sense, but aren't awfully light, although different geometry may mean they feel that way. The LC4 has a claimed dry weight only 6kg less than the new CBR600RR.

[lanester]

[Project9928]

G - I'll be getting 60nm of torque as opposed to the 90nm odd on the R1 but I would expect a wider range of torque though.

The weight I'm not really too bothered with as I've had some quite heavy bikes in the past, maybe not on a bike thats as tall but its something I'll get used to.

Lanester - Its probably me not putting my words across right as usual lol.

[alpine]

Hey, I own the Honda FMX650, and i cant fault it.

The seat is very good for a supermoto, its not rock solid as some of the more !hardcore! types (CRF's, etc).

Talking about hardcore, the FMX650 wont satisfy your needs straight away on power. Im on a restricted lisence at the moment, so 33bhp for me. But they come with 37bhp standard. Fit an Arrow exhaust system, new air flets, etc etc, and you will be looking at the 40bhp+ mark, which is alot nicer.

The tank on mine is a 12l. I usually get 90 miles if im throwing it around, and around 110 if im riding normally.

They are fantastic if your a city / b road rider like me. I also use the leg out technique around corners, which os so much f**king fun.

Hope this helps

Alpine.
____________________
Current bike - FMX650.

[BARRIE]

i had a mz 660cc supermoto the handling was great 50bhp and could pull 100-110 mph long service intervals 100% reliable yamaha xt 660 engine worth a look cost a lot less than a ktm BARRIE

[G]

[Project9928]

[G]

, sorry I think I was getting confused with the other supermoto thread where someone was looking at more focused bikes, my bad.

[Project9928]

[steveh]

[lanester]

80mph + on a supermoto (well mine anyway) isn't much fun hence good on twisty A and B roads
____________________
2003 - 2006 Honda XR125L, 2006 - 2011 Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM
2011 - 2014 Yamaha FZ6 Fazer S2, 2014 + KTM 690 SMC-R

[janie]

i had a yamaha ttr600 which i had excel rims put on and road tyres.......it was lots of fun to ride, stuck like glue round the twisties and cos of the sit and beg ridin position you can see over the cars when in traffic............

downsides

the seat was like a plank of wood...colonic implant
80/90 to the tank

they are really worth havin and such a great laugh to ride...the ktm is a really good choice.............go for it........