Lets Talk Supermotos

[JoshAFJ]

So I've been on my Ninja 650R for 3 years and it was my first bike. I love it dearly and I would hate to part ways with it. BUT! At the same time I have been yearning for something new. Something different. I've gone over in my mind many times as to what I might want and I keep coming back to supermotos. I used to ride the back roads all the time and my Ninja has been awesome, but I really want a new experience.

I commute to and from work and go on some spirited rides here and there, but other than that I haven't done much more lately. I only live like 5 miles from work anyways so I don't even go on the highway. The only times I do get on the highway is to get so some events here and there and when I go to my GFs house.

Another reason I've been leaning towards one is to be able to throw knobbies on and ride some dirt, something I haven't done before.

So overall I think I could make a supermoto work for my needs. What do you all think? Especially people who have one. I need some persuading one way or the other!

 

[BlakShadow]

If you're looking for a change anyway, I'd go for it! I switched from a Honda PC800 to my Shadow ACE 1100 because I'd honestly gotten bored with my PC800. I rented a Harley in Florida a few years ago and found that I actually like the cruiser thing, so that was the change I needed to make my riding more interesting again.

Different situation for you, of course, but I understand feeling like you need a change. I also seriously considered a dual-sport because I haven't ridden on dirt either (not successfully at least), but I do have a long commute that would suck on one, so I went for the cruiser instead.

 

[JoshAFJ]

It's such a hard decision because I love my bike, but keeping one and buying another one is not an option moneywise

A supermoto would suuuuuck with a longer commute so it wouldn't be an option if I didn't work so close to home already. Grrrr decisions!

 

[BlakShadow]

I hear ya - that's why I don't have a bike for dirt at all. Well, except when I swipe the kids' minibike.

 

[Shelbster]

It's really up to you how much you can take. My friend loves his supermoto and doesn't mind the 50 minute commute, rain shine or cold, on what he basically calls a "wood board" seat.

 

[chix]

Supermotos work for some people, but not for others.

I personally would like one as a second bike, but as a main bike they are limiting. And swapping out the wheels for offroad sounds good in theory, I wanted to, but never actually did.

Speed and revving is a real issue. My Aprilia SXV 550 had bad headshake on the highway...my Grom is better. Converted dirtbikes are badass, but don't have amenities and suspension that real street bikes have.

Fun factor is high, but for commuting they don't have a lot of umph.

 

[LaneSplitr]

I'm considering the same move to a supermoto. I actually just signed up for SoCal Supermoto school as an extended test ride before I dive head first into a DRZ400SM. I don't do much extended highway riding which seems to be the main downfall. Living in canyon country I think the tradeoff will be well worth it.

 

[2WL]

why not KTM 450 exc with some pretty sumo tires?

 

[Hippo-Drones]

One of the only bikes I regret selling was my Husqvarna SM510R, it was the most awesome bike ever. Over the space of three consecutive weekends I toured on it around Scotland (with a jerrycan strapped to the back), rode offroad through rivers and fire-trails in forests and beat up 1000cc sportsbikes on a trackday at Brands Hatch! Amazing little bike it was.