Supermoto thread

[randomsv650]

drz400. You really cannot go wrong with that bike.

+1

[randomsv650]

I made your caliper ;)

You like the kenda big blocks? We sell them at work think ima grab a set.

Dude. You have a PM! Haha

[jaywood]

EDIT: Posted and saw how F'ing long this post is. Cliff's notes: I'm a beginner. From what I gather, a SM bike would be a decent bike to learn with. I'd like something powerful enough that I won't get bored of it quickly, durable enough to take a little bit of abuse (I'm sure I'll lay it town on one or more occasions), and something that will be reliable and not extremely high maintenance. Don't want/need a brand new bike. And from what I gather, a bike that is already converted or a factory SM bike would be the most cost effective way to go. What would you recommend?

/Cliff's



I am looking to pick up a bike this summer. I had a '94 CR250 back in college for a year or so, but I didn't really ride it very much. I bought it for basically nothing with a blown engine, rebuilt the engine with a friend of mine and sold it. I only owned it in running form for 6 months or so. So although I've ridden before, I still consider myself a beginner (and I've never legally ridden a two-wheeled vehicle on the street).

I'd be using the bike 90% of the time to commute to work. I live just under 5 miles away with no freeway in between, so it is an easy in-town commute. I would also like to be able to take it on trails and logging roads without too much hassle. Once I get more experience and am comfortable on the bike, I'd go for some more "spirited" riding.

I was thinking that I would buy a dual sport bike. But reading through this thread and talking to a friend of mine has made me thing that a supermoto would be better. Everyone I've talked to says that they are the most fun bike -- friend said that if he was only allowed to have one bike, he'd sell all except for his Husky SM. One thing is for sure -- I like the idea of a light, durable and fun motorcycle.

I'll just go ahead and say that I am pretty green when it comes to knowledge about bikes. I definitely like to know what I'm talking about when discussing things, but I'll just admit that I don't know much at all. I'm not even 100% sure what qualifies a bike as a supermoto. I've done some quick reading and I see that SM's have 17" wheels and street tires. Everyone mostly says that they have "different suspension and gearing" but I haven't seen anyone go in to much detail as what exactly is different about the suspension vs. a moto-x or dual sport bike. I assume taller gearing and not quite as soft of a suspension as a motox bike?

Being a beginner, I definitely don't think I need a ton of power. But I'd also like to buy a bike that I won't get bored of after I get comfortable on it. So would you guys think that a 250CC is a little underpowered (I'm 6'1" and 200-210 lbs BTW)? The DRZ400SM seems like a good choice from what I've read here and from a little bit of searching the interwebs.

Basically, I want a bike that will be good for a beginner and have the capable to keep me interested once I get more skilled at riding. I'd like something that is tough as I'm sure I'll lay it down once or twice. While I am very mechanically inclined and actually would enjoy working on my bike (I feel that the best way to get intimate knowledge about something mechanical is to take it apart and put it back together), I'd still definitely lean towards something with a good track record for reliability and relatively low maintenance requirements. I read through this thread a while back so I don't remember a ton, but one of the things I gathered is that Husky's would require more maintenance than the DRZ.

Cost is a factor as well. I'm paying cash for a boat this week, so my "fun/toy" money is definitely limited. I realize you get what you pay for, so I'm basically looking for best fit for my situation as well as the best value -- definitely won't be buying a brand new bike.

So I'll defer to the "experts" for a little guidance... what would you guys recommend as my first bike?

DRZ400. You really cannot go wrong with that bike.

[jaywood]

I made your caliper ;)

You like the kenda big blocks? We sell them at work think ima grab a set.

Thanks, it works great!! :p

They aren't the big blocks...I'm running Distanzias. I do like them. I don't really know how much they work on the dirt however. If I give it any throttle I'm spinning tire.

[Pinepig]

EDIT: Posted and saw how F'ing long this post is. Cliff's notes: I'm a beginner. From what I gather, a SM bike would be a decent bike to learn with. I'd like something powerful enough that I won't get bored of it quickly, durable enough to take a little bit of abuse (I'm sure I'll lay it town on one or more occasions), and something that will be reliable and not extremely high maintenance. Don't want/need a brand new bike. And from what I gather, a bike that is already converted or a factory SM bike would be the most cost effective way to go. What would you recommend?

/Cliff's



I am looking to pick up a bike this summer. I had a '94 CR250 back in college for a year or so, but I didn't really ride it very much. I bought it for basically nothing with a blown engine, rebuilt the engine with a friend of mine and sold it. I only owned it in running form for 6 months or so. So although I've ridden before, I still consider myself a beginner (and I've never legally ridden a two-wheeled vehicle on the street).

I'd be using the bike 90% of the time to commute to work. I live just under 5 miles away with no freeway in between, so it is an easy in-town commute. I would also like to be able to take it on trails and logging roads without too much hassle. Once I get more experience and am comfortable on the bike, I'd go for some more "spirited" riding.

I was thinking that I would buy a dual sport bike. But reading through this thread and talking to a friend of mine has made me thing that a supermoto would be better. Everyone I've talked to says that they are the most fun bike -- friend said that if he was only allowed to have one bike, he'd sell all except for his Husky SM. One thing is for sure -- I like the idea of a light, durable and fun motorcycle.

I'll just go ahead and say that I am pretty green when it comes to knowledge about bikes. I definitely like to know what I'm talking about when discussing things, but I'll just admit that I don't know much at all. I'm not even 100% sure what qualifies a bike as a supermoto. I've done some quick reading and I see that SM's have 17" wheels and street tires. Everyone mostly says that they have "different suspension and gearing" but I haven't seen anyone go in to much detail as what exactly is different about the suspension vs. a moto-x or dual sport bike. I assume taller gearing and not quite as soft of a suspension as a motox bike?

Being a beginner, I definitely don't think I need a ton of power. But I'd also like to buy a bike that I won't get bored of after I get comfortable on it. So would you guys think that a 250CC is a little underpowered (I'm 6'1" and 200-210 lbs BTW)? The DRZ400SM seems like a good choice from what I've read here and from a little bit of searching the interwebs.

Basically, I want a bike that will be good for a beginner and have the capable to keep me interested once I get more skilled at riding. I'd like something that is tough as I'm sure I'll lay it down once or twice. While I am very mechanically inclined and actually would enjoy working on my bike (I feel that the best way to get intimate knowledge about something mechanical is to take it apart and put it back together), I'd still definitely lean towards something with a good track record for reliability and relatively low maintenance requirements. I read through this thread a while back so I don't remember a ton, but one of the things I gathered is that Husky's would require more maintenance than the DRZ.

Cost is a factor as well. I'm paying cash for a boat this week, so my "fun/toy" money is definitely limited. I realize you get what you pay for, so I'm basically looking for best fit for my situation as well as the best value -- definitely won't be buying a brand new bike.

So I'll defer to the "experts" for a little guidance... what would you guys recommend as my first bike?

DRZ400sm, it's not the best at anything except for taking a beating and being able to sell it for what ya paid for it two years from now when you think you might want something a little more cutting edge ( and in reality, you won't be that much faster than a guy on a well ridden DRZ).

[Pinepig]

Just bought one. so stoaked. 09 klx250s $1690 rebuilt title.



Should have some action pics for you this summer ;)

My wife rides one of those, good fun just a bit underpowered when my 230lb ass is on it.

[TwoJ's]

EDIT: Posted and saw how F'ing long this post is. Cliff's notes: I'm a beginner. From what I gather, a SM bike would be a decent bike to learn with. I'd like something powerful enough that I won't get bored of it quickly, durable enough to take a little bit of abuse (I'm sure I'll lay it town on one or more occasions), and something that will be reliable and not extremely high maintenance. Don't want/need a brand new bike. And from what I gather, a bike that is already converted or a factory SM bike would be the most cost effective way to go. What would you recommend?

/Cliff's



I am looking to pick up a bike this summer. I had a '94 CR250 back in college for a year or so, but I didn't really ride it very much. I bought it for basically nothing with a blown engine, rebuilt the engine with a friend of mine and sold it. I only owned it in running form for 6 months or so. So although I've ridden before, I still consider myself a beginner (and I've never legally ridden a two-wheeled vehicle on the street).

I'd be using the bike 90% of the time to commute to work. I live just under 5 miles away with no freeway in between, so it is an easy in-town commute. I would also like to be able to take it on trails and logging roads without too much hassle. Once I get more experience and am comfortable on the bike, I'd go for some more "spirited" riding.

I was thinking that I would buy a dual sport bike. But reading through this thread and talking to a friend of mine has made me thing that a supermoto would be better. Everyone I've talked to says that they are the most fun bike -- friend said that if he was only allowed to have one bike, he'd sell all except for his Husky SM. One thing is for sure -- I like the idea of a light, durable and fun motorcycle.

I'll just go ahead and say that I am pretty green when it comes to knowledge about bikes. I definitely like to know what I'm talking about when discussing things, but I'll just admit that I don't know much at all. I'm not even 100% sure what qualifies a bike as a supermoto. I've done some quick reading and I see that SM's have 17" wheels and street tires. Everyone mostly says that they have "different suspension and gearing" but I haven't seen anyone go in to much detail as what exactly is different about the suspension vs. a moto-x or dual sport bike. I assume taller gearing and not quite as soft of a suspension as a motox bike?

Being a beginner, I definitely don't think I need a ton of power. But I'd also like to buy a bike that I won't get bored of after I get comfortable on it. So would you guys think that a 250CC is a little underpowered (I'm 6'1" and 200-210 lbs BTW)? The DRZ400SM seems like a good choice from what I've read here and from a little bit of searching the interwebs.

Basically, I want a bike that will be good for a beginner and have the capable to keep me interested once I get more skilled at riding. I'd like something that is tough as I'm sure I'll lay it down once or twice. While I am very mechanically inclined and actually would enjoy working on my bike (I feel that the best way to get intimate knowledge about something mechanical is to take it apart and put it back together), I'd still definitely lean towards something with a good track record for reliability and relatively low maintenance requirements. I read through this thread a while back so I don't remember a ton, but one of the things I gathered is that Husky's would require more maintenance than the DRZ.

Cost is a factor as well. I'm paying cash for a boat this week, so my "fun/toy" money is definitely limited. I realize you get what you pay for, so I'm basically looking for best fit for my situation as well as the best value -- definitely won't be buying a brand new bike.

So I'll defer to the "experts" for a little guidance... what would you guys recommend as my first bike?

[motomaster99]

I made your caliper ;)

You like the kenda big blocks? We sell them at work think ima grab a set.

[motomaster99]

Just bought one. so stoaked. 09 klx250s $1690 rebuilt title.



Should have some action pics for you this summer ;)

[2l2ltq]

Do it. You will not regret it one bit.

[brianao34]

Dude, if you do you will be happy. PERIOD haha

I'm thinking my next bike will be an adventure bike or maybe a SM

[2l2ltq]

Dude, if you do you will be happy. PERIOD haha

[brianao34]

Tempted to get a SM now

[LJ851]

[randomsv650]

What do you guys think of a honda CRF250L for a first bike?
I'm thinking about getting one of these supermoto "dualsport" types and I want one that's reliable, common, and easy to get parts for and maintain. It would be used for just fun, short trips around town, and possibly a commute that's only about 5 miles.
It needs to be a street legal bike. But I like the idea of something small and light that's easy to control that's why I like these.

Have you ridden anything at all before? As others have mentioned, DRZ is a good bet. if you are an average size guy the CRF250L will feel tiny. Check out the DRZ400 or even look for a nice used DR350.

Shoot me a PM if you need help finding something specific or have questions, I sell bikes for a living so i can talk about it all day! haha :loco: