Anyone ride supermoto's?

[Lason]

Thinking about picking up a SuMo to play around with and maybe take to work on the nice days. So far I dont know if I want to just get a cheap DRZ400SM to play around on or get a Aprilia SVX 5.5 so I got some power to play with also. The Aprilia's just look kickass and I hear they are pretty nice as long as you maintain them like a race bike. I got a buddy that has a GSXR-1000, Ducati Hypermotard and a DRZ400SM and he says he prefers the DRZ over them all. The Duc is fun but its too pretty to drop and the massive power sometimes makes it no fin for his style.

Any thoughts? here is the '09 Aprilia and yes the oogly plate holder has got to go.

http://www.supermoto-central.com/images/stories/eicma08/sxv550_1.jpg

[dville_gt]

my buddy rides a black dzr400sm and loves it. sorry i cant help you compare it, but i know that he's had nothing but fun on his.

[dsrtuckteezy]

check out the new husqavarna (sp) sumos, they are sweet. here's an 08

http://columbus.craigslist.org/mcy/1163084846.html

[Lason]

My other buddy has a Husky and its a powerhouse but reliability hasnt quite been up to his par. He has had numerous problems with it but not sure what.

[Lason]

my buddy rides a black dzr400sm and loves it. sorry i cant help you compare it, but i know that he's had nothing but fun on his.

Yeah thats the route Im leaning. I would love an Aprilia but I could probably find a modded DRZ for half of the price of the Aprilia. They look antiquated is my biggest issue and they are underpowered like a mofo. But they are cheap!

[dsrtuckteezy]

my buddy has an 09 husky, and the 3 cylinder makes some greatt power. he hasn't had any problems yet. and if your choice is between the aprilia and drz, the ape is the ticket.

[blk87coupe]

DRZ is slow as FUCK stock, but reliable as hell.. not uncommon to see them with high miles, where its very rare to see aprilias, huskys, husabergs, etc with hardly any miles at all.. the ktm's are pretty good though. the main issue is that having a husky/etc is that they are race bikes. basically like converting a crf450r to supermoto, and having to check the valves every month, where the DRZ is not a race motor, and is alot more reliable and less maintenance prone. the drz can be made pretty quick though with a different carb, gearing and full exhaust. still wont keep up with the race supermotos but will blow away the sportbikes in the corners.

[quikbluewagon]

I have a slightly modded DRZ and it isn't the fastest thing out there but is sure if fun as hell to ride. Mine now has about 42 hp to the rear tire and that is after installing the bigger FCR carb, K&N, e base gasket, and a fully Muzzy exhaust. Stock, it was around 35 whp. I went up a tooth on the front to make it less buzzy on the freeway. It will cruise all day at 80 mph and it still has plenty or power to clutch up wheelies in 2nd.

[SNEAKY]

that 400 can be made into a 440 with ease, and bigger if you like.

[Mark04]

I have a DRZ and it is a fun bike. It is really is underpowered stock. Highways are not fun but doable. Back roads are where it shines. If highways are in your future, get a more powerful bike.

[dsrtuckteezy]

This is a nice zuk. http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1133869048.html

[Lason]

Thanks guys, only thing Im worried about is reliability with the Aprilia, the zuk is supposed to be fun as hell but as said its horribly underpowered. I know there are big bore kits out there but I hate the thought of dumping a lot of money into a new bike just to get it to keep up with other stock bikes. Not looking for all out power either though. I wish Yamaha and Honda were bigger into the supermoto's but their current offerings are a joke even though I have been looking at the WR250X's but I think they may be pretty underpowered as well. They do have aluminum frames to save weight and have EFI which I really like. I hated messing with jetting on my old quads.

[Lason]

Another option is my buddy with the DRZ400SM has a Ducati 1100S Hypermotard he would sell as well and probably make me a good deal on. Talk about an expensive bike though and I do like the idea of playing around with a little stunting and some mild offroad. Dumping something that expensive would make me cry :greddy2:

[quikbluewagon]

The jetting on the DRZ is simple. It is a single carb and the jet and needle settings are readily available for numerous scenarios if you do a little bit of reading on http://www.thumpertalk.com

BTW, dumping the DRZ wont break your heart or wallet.

[SNEAKY]

Thanks guys, only thing Im worried about is reliability with the Aprilia, the zuk is supposed to be fun as hell but as said its horribly underpowered. I know there are big bore kits out there but I hate the thought of dumping a lot of money into a new bike just to get it to keep up with other stock bikes. Not looking for all out power either though. I wish Yamaha and Honda were bigger into the supermoto's but their current offerings are a joke even though I have been looking at the WR250X's but I think they may be pretty underpowered as well. They do have aluminum frames to save weight and have EFI which I really like. I hated messing with jetting on my old quads.

are the 09 DRZ's not EFI? the LTZ400 (same basic motor) is. BTW, for about then 1500, you can get some serious gains from the 400. Yoshi Exhaust, WebCams, Air intakes mods and a 430 kits, i could see close 50HP

BigBore kit
http://www.rockymountainatv.com/vehicleSelectProd.do#vehicleSelect

[SNEAKY]

some thing else to keep in mind, stock the DRZ is gear to do around 100mph, do a spocket change if it is going to be an around town bike, and pick up some snap.

BTW, i love my z400 Quad.

[Lason]

The jetting on the DRZ is simple. It is a single carb and the jet and needle settings are readily available for numerous scenarios if you do a little bit of reading on http://www.thumpertalk.com

BTW, dumping the DRZ wont break your heart or wallet.

Im no stranger to jet changes and carb tuning, I had plenty of practice on my TRX450R and DS650 quads. Just dont like doing it.

And yeah dumping a $3500 bike wont have me loosing sleep like dumping a $16k bike (hypermotard)

are the 09 DRZ's not EFI? the LTZ400 (same basic motor) is. BTW, for about then 1500, you can get some serious gains from the 400. Yoshi Exhaust, WebCams, Air intakes mods and a 430 kits, i could see close 50HP

BigBore kit
http://www.rockymountainatv.com/vehicleSelectProd.do#vehicleSelect

some thing else to keep in mind, stock the DRZ is gear to do around 100mph, do a spocket change if it is going to be an around town bike, and pick up some snap.

BTW, i love my z400 Quad.

Nope still carb'd. My guess is to keep costs down. From what my buddy said exhaust, FCR 39mm carb, cams and airbox mods and it is pretty snappy. But from everywhere I have read 70mph is about as fast as you would want to go on a 400SM due to the motor being close to topped out. Honestly I dont know if I would want to do 100mph on the highway on a dirtbike with street tires anyway lol.




I think I may just wait to get the money together and see what kind of deals I can find on used bikes. Maybe a heavily modded DRZ or WR250X or something.

[Mark04]

Nope still carb'd. My guess is to keep costs down. From what my buddy said exhaust, FCR 39mm carb, cams and airbox mods and it is pretty snappy. But from everywhere I have read 70mph is about as fast as you would want to go on a 400SM due to the motor being close to topped out. Honestly I dont know if I would want to do 100mph on the highway on a dirtbike with street tires anyway lol.

I think I may just wait to get the money together and see what kind of deals I can find on used bikes. Maybe a heavily modded DRZ or WR250X or something.

A stock DRZ will do 70-75 all day and get real close to 100. I ride about 78-80 on the freeway all the time on a stock drz. There isn't alot of reserve left for passing, but it is happy at that speed.

[dsrtuckteezy]

Im no stranger to jet changes and carb tuning, I had plenty of practice on my TRX450R and DS650 quads. Just dont like doing it.

And yeah dumping a $3500 bike wont have me loosing sleep like dumping a $16k bike (hypermotard)





Nope still carb'd. My guess is to keep costs down. From what my buddy said exhaust, FCR 39mm carb, cams and airbox mods and it is pretty snappy. But from everywhere I have read 70mph is about as fast as you would want to go on a 400SM due to the motor being close to topped out. Honestly I dont know if I would want to do 100mph on the highway on a dirtbike with street tires anyway lol.




I think I may just wait to get the money together and see what kind of deals I can find on used bikes. Maybe a heavily modded DRZ or WR250X or something.


If you're considering a 250, which is a bad idea imo, check out the klx 250 sm.

[Lason]

If you're considering a 250, which is a bad idea imo, check out the klx 250 sm.


I thought the same thing but people are saying stock for stock the WR250X and DRZ-400SM are pretty neck and neck. So either a hell of a 250 or a crappy 400. Dunno yet.

[dsrtuckteezy]

I thought the same thing but people are saying stock for stock the WR250X and DRZ-400SM are pretty neck and neck. So either a hell of a 250 or a crappy 400. Dunno yet.

Really? must be a little of both. I could see a new 250f keeping up with the 400.

[Rlhay2]

The SVX 5.5 is a monster!! Almost unrideable on stock suspension! But once they are sorted, you better hang on! With proper gearing it is good for 125+ mph.

But the DRZ will be more tame, get better mileage and function better as an every day ride.

If you frequently ride on the highway the Aprilia Dorsoduro is probably a better choice. Similar to the Ducati Hypermotard but with less flash and less cost.

[dsrtuckteezy]

The SVX 5.5 is a monster!! Almost unrideable on stock suspension! But once they are sorted, you better hang on! With proper gearing it is good for 125+ mph.

But the DRZ will be more tame, get better mileage and function better as an every day ride.

If you frequently ride on the highway the Aprilia Dorsoduro is probably a better choice. Similar to the Ducati Hypermotard but with less flash and less cost.

also to ad to this, if you would still like to hit the dirt occasionaly, then get the drz. nothing wrong with the ape, but I'd hate to get that pretty bike dirty or damaged$$$.

[Lason]

also to ad to this, if you would still like to hit the dirt occasionaly, then get the drz. nothing wrong with the ape, but I'd hate to get that pretty bike dirty or damaged$$$.


Yeah that is the only thing stopping me from a ape or duc. Cool bikes and deffinetly my favorite looking but $16k for a bike meant to race and go in dirt? Jeeees. I hear 4th gear power wheelies are a blast on them though :D

I kinda wish there was a good middleground between the DRZ and italion bikes. Maybe I need to check out the KTM's and Huskys a little closer.

[dsrtuckteezy]

The ape is 16 grand?! Wow, nice bike, but I would look elsewhere lol.

KTM and husky sumos are nice as well. I've even seen a nice one from husaburg. I only wish kawasaki would hurry up and make a nice one.

[Lason]

The ape is 16 grand?! Wow, nice bike, but I would look elsewhere lol.

KTM and husky sumos are nice as well. I've even seen a nice one from husaburg. I only wish kawasaki would hurry up and make a nice one.

I was reffering to the ducati. Hypermotard 1100S is around $15-16k OTD. The apes went up but not near that high. A new SXV 5.5 is around $9400 before TT&L. But I was thinking used and have '08 SXV 550's for $5-6k. I could even get a SXV 450 for a bit cheaper. I dont plan on racing but may at some point just to try it out or something.

[blk87coupe]

KTM 690 SMC would be pretty sick.. way more power then drz400.. LC4 motor which has been around forever in the KTM world.. i believe its the same basic powerplant as the Duke, which was one of the forefathers of bringing supermoto to be streetlegal.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u71/primo74/SMCR.jpg?t=1242775008

[76 Maverick]

Ktm is a good looking bike. What does it cost?

[Lason]

Yeah I dig the hell out of those KTM's too. Only problem is I get frustrated trying to search about them and pulling up these things instead. Who the hell would give the ok on this retarded exhaust and front fender?


http://www.amadirectlink.com/riding/reviews/2007/superduke/690SM.jpg

[Lason]

Ktm is a good looking bike. What does it cost?

MSRP is right under $9k for the SMC

[blk87coupe]

thats the SMR... the bike i showed was the SMC. and i agree, the SMR is FUGLY!!!! i bet theres some deals out there on SMC's right now with the economy and all. not only that, but if you think about it, by the time you buy a drz400 and buy all the mods out there for it, you'll be close to what you could buy a 690 for, and the 690 will still blow it away.

[Lason]

thats the SMR... the bike i showed was the SMC. and i agree, the SMR is FUGLY!!!! i bet theres some deals out there on SMC's right now with the economy and all. not only that, but if you think about it, by the time you buy a drz400 and buy all the mods out there for it, you'll be close to what you could buy a 690 for, and the 690 will still blow it away.

Yeah I know they are SMR's but even if you do a google search for SMc's it comes up with some SMR's. I did hear KTM dropped the SMR here in the states for '09 thankfully.

Right now Im thinking the KTM may fit the bill but Im still digging the Aprilia's even though I know I shouldnt with their high maintnance and limited dealership support even though one of the best Aprilia dealers in the country is in Houston, AF1.

Thanks for the input and ideas guys!

[Super Coupe]

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[Lason]

Thats kickass! I found a vid of a KTM last night and Im sure they are great bikes but damn it they sound like they are fixing to fall apart when they idle. Clattering and clanking. Sounds like an LS1 during a cold start :tongue:

I also noticed the nearest KTM dealer around here is up in Denton? That kinda blows but could be worse. I got a neighbor down the street that races KTM's along with his son. Between them, they have at least 4 KTM's in the garage, I may go talk to him and get some info.

[JasonRR]

I've been debating this VERY issue for almost 2 yrs now and haven't been able to come to a consencous yet.

But...here are my thoughts.

DRZ400 = Stock turd, but HUGE aftermarket potential....as all have said. But I'm like you, I want stock reliability, but decent performance. And for that reason, the DRZ is out.

Hypermotard = Non -"S" Hypermotards, used, can be had for under $10k now. However, these are NOT motards. It's a streetibke with motard plastics. It weights nearly 400lbs. So it's out.

Aprilia SVX 550 - A "true" motard out there. But, it requires regular valve adjustments, which require you to drop the motor from the bike. While some dirt guys may insist that this isn't a big deal, I don't wanna drop $7-8k on a bike and still have this level of maintenance. It has the wider swingarm to accept the 180 rear tire, which is a huge asset to me, but if you drop it, repair costs will rival the Duc.

KTM - The best overall compromise. They use the best quality components to create the best all-around motard. The styling is quirky, but they're reliable and have the best performance. They offer a SM kit for a variety of bikes, but the 690 SMC is the way to go! I'm betting current owners aren't too willing to give them up though, and new ones are pricy.

So, here are my conclusions:

If you have the cash, go with a KTM.

If you're on a budget, so with a DRZ that someone else has already modded (appropriately) and try to buy it right.

Good luck man. Whichever you choose, ride the wheels off of it and have fun!

- BigJason

[Lason]

Thanks for the input Jason! Im thinking 100% like you are. Looks like I may be on the hunt for KTM. Only things Im not happy with on them is they sound like they are fixing to fall apart idling and the nearest dealer to me is about an hour away. Guess I may just stock up on filters from the get go and just order parts online if I have the time.

[Buick355]

I vote for the KTM

<-----KTM nutthugger

KTM quality and performance is hard to beat

[dsrtuckteezy]

There's is a cycle town off 35E going through lancaster that sells ktms.

[Lason]

Man I gotta tell ya'll. My buddies and I met up for our weekly "guys night" and I rode his DRZ around for a while and had a blast on that bastard. I now see what yall say about it being a bit underpowered but damn it, it was a blast. IM more hooked than ever now and my other buddy that sold his DRZ a while back is craving another, lol.

[Neiladin]

Man I gotta tell ya'll. My buddies and I met up for our weekly "guys night" and I rode his DRZ around for a while and had a blast on that bastard. I now see what yall say about it being a bit underpowered but damn it, it was a blast. IM more hooked than ever now and my other buddy that sold his DRZ a while back is craving another, lol.

How big a boy are ya? I'm 5'8" and I only weight 135 soaking wet after a good meal, so the DRZ had plenty of power for me, but you're probably a bit larger than I am.

[Lason]

5'6 180lbs

It moved around plenty well. I think after i have the cash though i may look at the yamy 250x. Little less power but its lighter, efi and 6 speed.

[Neiladin]

A few good ones listed on www.thumpertalk.com. I would seriously be looking used, and there are a few really nice modded out DRZ's for sale on there, as well as numerous KTM's, stock AND modded to the hilt.

http://www.thumpertalk.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=50561&cat=5

http://www.thumpertalk.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=49058&cat=5

http://www.thumpertalk.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=51230&cat=5

http://www.thumpertalk.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=51227&cat=5

http://www.thumpertalk.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=50378&cat=5

[Lason]

Seen the Aprilia and the black dream. Both cool ass bikes but the maintanance scares me on them.

That 470CC DRZ has got to be a fun ride for sure too! One thing that we were talking about the other night was back when we were all riding xr50's years ago I decided to put a 88cc kit on mine and no one thought it was fun for stunting anymore. Not sure why, I loved it. I could power wheelie and all that.

[Neiladin]

Seen the Aprilia and the black dream. Both cool ass bikes but the maintanance scares me on them.

That 470CC DRZ has got to be a fun ride for sure too! One thing that we were talking about the other night was back when we were all riding xr50's years ago I decided to put a 88cc kit on mine and no one thought it was fun for stunting anymore. Not sure why, I loved it. I could power wheelie and all that.

That 470cc DRZ caught my eye...sick looking bike, but I would probably want it in black :P