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Rediscovering Supermoto

flying_hun

flying_hun

Adverse Selection
Administrator
Joined
May 4, 2005
Location
Orinda, CA
Moto(s)
A funky red & white Italian named Gianni Cervo! Versys - two of 'em! And a Ducati for laughs.
BARF perks
AMA #: 281672
Lately after having lost some weight, I've been daydreaming about getting a SuMo, and my YouTube searches resulted in getting to see videos from the world championship. This has been fascinating because I haven't watched much SuMo for a long time, and it wasn't exactly what I expected. The guy currently dominating the series is a German named Marc-Reiner Schmidt (he's won something like 5 consecutive championships), and seeing him ride was not what I expected. Not much in the way of pushing the bike down, or hanging off. His body position stays pretty neutral, but what really surprised me is the extent to which he tends to keep the tires in-line. Not much backing it in or hanging it out. He's surprisingly (to me, anyway) tidy. He reminds me a little of Jared Mees in flat track, in that Mees was usually pretty tidy too.

The racing is pretty good, though I think I still like watching flat track more because the races are often so close, but this is a good show. BTW, this vid from last year has Schmidt on a TM, but this year he's riding and developing the new Ducati 450, and looking good on that too. Now, I wonder if anyone will run one in the Singles class in flat track.

Enjoy!
 
Ari Henning had a great line a few years back: "I don't want to own a Grom, but I'd love to spend an afternoon on one in a skate park."
That's all I could think of as I watched that sumo video.
 
I want to own and abuse a sumo on the street at some point. Ideally something in the 400cc range. I'd likely need to engage the services of good defense lawyer as well.
 
gixxerjeff said:
Suzuki saw you coming.
DRZ400SM FTW.
Click to expand...
I've owned 5 of them over the years. Super reliable, very fun, but a bit heavy and under powered until you add a good exhaust and a pumper carb.
GAJ said:
Loved mine.

Probably the most reliable one out there, albeit not the fastest.
Click to expand...
If it's total hooliganism that you seek, an older KTM 525 converted SM with upgraded suspension will keep a big smile on your face.
 
Lonster said:
I've owned 5 of them over the years. Super reliable, very fun, but a bit heavy and under powered until you add a good exhaust and a pumper carb.

If it's total hooliganism that you seek, an older KTM 525 converted SM with upgraded suspension will keep a big smile on your face.
Click to expand...
That! Or a Husaberg! Had them both.
 
N4teTheGreat said:
Already have the S and it's just as fun on road as off, but I want something dumber-rer. Maybe a bikes that tracks service intervals in hours dumb.
Click to expand...
I get that, and applaud it. I know myself. I'd rather ride than wrench, so some nice, boring Japanese ease of ownership is more attractive.
 
flying_hun said:
Lately after having lost some weight, I've been daydreaming about getting a SuMo, and my YouTube searches resulted in getting to see videos from the world championship. This has been fascinating because I haven't watched much SuMo for a long time, and it wasn't exactly what I expected. The guy currently dominating the series is a German named Marc-Reiner Schmidt (he's won something like 5 consecutive championships), and seeing him ride was not what I expected. Not much in the way of pushing the bike down, or hanging off. His body position stays pretty neutral, but what really surprised me is the extent to which he tends to keep the tires in-line. Not much backing it in or hanging it out. He's surprisingly (to me, anyway) tidy. He reminds me a little of Jared Mees in flat track, in that Mees was usually pretty tidy too.

The racing is pretty good, though I think I still like watching flat track more because the races are often so close, but this is a good show. BTW, this vid from last year has Schmidt on a TM, but this year he's riding and developing the new Ducati 450, and looking good on that too. Now, I wonder if anyone will run one in the Singles class in flat track.

Enjoy!
Click to expand...
I been to Sears Point to watch Supermoto on the go cart track multiple times.
My friend has CR450 that he stopped riding after watching his friend get destroyed in wicked high side.
Perhaps this would be bike to consider…..
The CRF450F is the one for supermoto because its chassis stays incredibly stable and predictable when you drop to 17s, giving you real confidence on pavement. The motor delivers that perfect mix of low‑end torque and midrange punch that makes a supermoto fun without needing constant high‑rpm abuse. Add Honda reliability and huge aftermarket support, and you get a platform you can thrash hard, customize easily, and trust every ride.
PaulR
 
Your opinion is wrong.
The answer is WR250.
'cuz my son says so! :laughing

At my age, 64, the 250 is perfect for me.
Flickable, less bulky, easier to hold corner speed.
But that's just me.
The correct answer is there really isn't a correct answer.
 
Continuing with diving down the supermoto rabbit hole, I found this onboard clip of the reigning champ, Marc-Reiner Schmidt riding his new Ducati at the first round of the season in Spain. I think he's my spirit animal (leaving aside the fact that the slowest backmarker he laps is way faster than I've ever been). Hearing him screaming, "Pass! Pass!", had me thinking, "I can relate." :D
 
HadesOmega here amateur supermoto racer. If you'd like to race supermoto here is the thread for you:

Golden State Championship + Sierra Nevada Moto Championship 2026 + SM Championship

This year there will be a Golden State Championship for Supermoto and Roadracers. It's going to be a Moto America mini cup qualifier event and supermoto event. Also the first round will be the first round for the SM Championship. NEW REVISED - 2026 SCHEDULE ROUND 1 - JAN 31-1...
www.bayarearidersforum.com www.bayarearidersforum.com

Supermoto has been in decline and we are trying to make it great again. There are races going on all over California.

Here's some footage of the last Golden State Championship round at Apex, next one will be at Shasta Kart Track up in Redding. They have an awesome dirt section.
 
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