supermotos

what's considered "a good one" these days?

I had been considering a supermoto-ed DR-Z400, but I think on balance
I'd prefer a 600.

 

I really like the look of the DR-4, but after riding SimonK's CCM
(which has the DR-Z engine), I think that although it'd be fine around
town, the lack of power would really limit the back-road-hooning
possibilities.

If I could have anything, I'd like a road-legal moto'd XR650R.

 

I do like the idea of >60hp and <130kg on the stock bike.

oh, hell yes - I already have one kickstart-only bike, wouldn't want
another.

 

In

Does moto'ing just involve road-legalising and de-knoblying the bike; or is
there more to it than that?

 

Usually means a smaller (i.e. normal road size) front wheel and
possibly different brakes. Dunno if re-springing the forks is also
normal, but I wouldn't be at all surprised.

 

Wimps.

 

moto'ing is nothing to do with road-legalising - you can buy brand-new
non-road-legal motos.

You'd have to ask Veggie Dave for a more precise definition, but for
me, a supermoto is simply a (preferably big) single-cyclinder dirt bike
with the 19" off-road wheels/tyres replaced with 17" wheels and sticky
rubber.

 

both my R30 and SZR660 were right bastards to start when warm - OK when
hot or cold, but not warm.

 

In

I think my brain may have misfired on that one, especially having watched
supermoto races.

So not really that much to it. I quite fancy a moto as a good alternative
to sportsbike riding. Maybe next winter would prove a good time to buy one.
Now all I have to do is sell the Divvy that's cluttering up the garage...
<fx: sees a plan coming together>

 

I suspect you'd get bored with a DRZ. A KTM525, or big
Husky/Husaberg/VOR should keep the amusement factor up.

 

The road-legalising may not come in to it, depending what you start
with - plenty of enduro bikes are legal(ish) anyway. The usual stuff
for a basic moto is 17" wheels with sticky rubber, bigger brakes &
change of gearing.

 

Off-roaders usually come with 21" front 18" rear. The single-cylinder
definition doesn't really apply anymore, as the Aprilia v-twin has done
rather well...

 

What, MXers come with oversized rear wheels as well these days? Never
used to.

 

It should be a breeze to start hot or cold if the jetting & technique
are right. The only time it might be a problem is after a drop, but
even then a few kicks with the decomp in & throttle wide open should
clear it.

 

CD-EX

 

The mp3 ripping thread is up there, somewhere.

 

Depends on use and your level of mechanical hassle

--
Veggie Dave
UKRMHRC#2 BOTAFOF#08
IQ 18 FILMS http://www.iq18films.com
Extreme Racing http://www.veggie-dave.co.uk
Toxic Shock Syndrome Gets More Girls Than Me

 

Oh, I know, but "to me" a supermoto is a big single. I have to confess
I made up the 19" figure on the spot, not knowing much about "proper"
offroaders.

 

My concern with the more obscure stuff is where the **** you get it
serviced/get parts for it.

I'd ideally like something as light as my old R30 but with about 5-10
more bhp.

 

Yebbut, that's kinda the point, iniit? To tighten up the steering
angle and hence make it quicker steering. And if you didn't want to
then just lowering the fork yokes the requisite amount would
compensate anyway.

IANAE, but I don't think most supermotoed MXers have a non-standard
rear wheel as well. Veggie, what sayest thou?