How To Create A Supermoto

By: Jerry

A Supermoto (french for 'superbike') is basically the biggest two stroke or four stroke single cylinder motocrosser/enduro bike you can afford, stripped down & converted for extreme street/shale use...and jumping.

The term Supermotard means 'Superbiker' and this is the name given to early events on supermoto machinery using a mixed surface track (testing all the skills required to be the ultimate superbiker).

To make a Supermoto you must first throw those nasty spindly odd-sized dirt wheels in the shed and invest in some super wide alloy rims (usually 3.50" x 17" front and 4.25" or 5" x 17" rear). A complete new set of wheels (billet hubs and alloy rims) will cost USD750-1000 depending on specification...If you choose to get your standard hubs re-laced to wider rims you will pay around UDS550-700 for the service.

To these rims you fit the stickiest slicks (hand cut if required) or chunkiest racing wets available, or some Supersports 400 race rubber if you have to go 'legal' on the street. Popular road rubber includes the Michelin Pilot Race (almost a slick), Dunlop D364 (an intermediate), Pirelli MT60 Corsa (like a wet), Pirelli Dragon Corsa or Bridgestone BT090/96s (very nice profile). It depends how much dirt you're going to see as to which is best for you. Usual sizes are 120/60ZR17 front and a 150/60 or 160/60ZR17 rear. The smaller size rear tends to give more stable handling at high speed. It is also a nicer shape on a 4.25 rim and doesn't 'wrap back on itself' too much. You will probably find quite a bit of difference in actual fitted width of tyres between manufacturers, so be warned.

The puny front brake is usually replaced with a 310 or 320mm rotor and suitable caliper (4 or 6 pot) with braided steel hose. Beringer stuff (from France) is about the nicest and is designed to fit straight on without adapter plates - but expect to pay in excess of USD750 for a four pot caliper and disc set up. Alternatively a Braking or Talon oversize floating disc will be around USD250-400...A Braking caliper is around USD450, although they do offer some adapter kits too which move out the standard caliper to fit the 320mm rotor if you're on a budget. Many other manufacturers are appearing with SM brake kits as the sport gains popularity (including the big-guns AP and Brembo)

Often the suspension on a supermoto is stiffened up for the high speed tarmac stuff. Ohlins, Hyperpro, Race Tech and WP are the favoured brands. Fork spring kits are usually around USD180, rear shocks can cost between USD400-USD700.

Engine-wise, you polish and port as much as possible inside, raise compression and fit a high cam, free up the airbox by drilling holes/removing snorkels and fit the loudest possible exhaust that spits flames on the overrun. You then pop along to a dyno and get it jetted accordingly. If you fancy doing a bit of racing, you'll need a minimum of 60bhp at the wheel.

Bodywork is lightened if possible, and cut down to prevent speed wobbles and excess drag. Sometimes the rear of the front fender is drilled to aid cooling of the engine. Hand guards or 'bark busters' are fitted to the bars to prevent broken levers when the inevitable happens. Finally a tasteful graphics/seat cover combo is fitted. Peaky helmet with flashy paint job and goggles with hologram psycho-skull-eyes are optional.

Historically speaking, there is some debate as to whether Supermoto began in the USA or Europe...For sure the French are pretty heavily into it, and some of today's best racers are Europeans.

About the Author



Jerry is the co-author of an Auto Article Blog. Read about latest Automotive News (http//www.autocarcentral.com/category/auto-news/) and other Automotive (http//www.autocarcentral.com/) related issues.