Anybody got a Supermoto

Minibiker · 23 Jul 2017 at 20:47

Hi all

Currently riding a CBR600RR.. Been looking at trading it in but waiting until finance levels itself out with the bikes value.

I'm tempted to get a Supermoto next and very much liking the look of the KTM 690SMC... Looking at used ones which will be around £5000

Only problem I may have is I'm only 5"7 and may struggle to touch the floor.. I've never rode one either but everyone I talk to say "you'll have so much fun"

I don't do massive ride outs I only stay local or may take the missus out once in a blue moon..

Any suggestions on alternatives or thoughts on the KTM

Captain · 23 Jul 2017 at 20:53

I like the 690, others to choose from are the Husqvarna 501 and 701.

Haven't ridden any of them though.

The Husqvarna Nuda I had has a seat height of 870mm, me being 5'10" I could flat foot it with one foot, tip toe on both.

Any higher than 850mm is high for anyone under 6'.

TallPaul_S · 23 Jul 2017 at 21:00

You might be a bit short for most supermoto bikes, sorry to say. They're not exactly known for their low seat heights!

quad · 23 Jul 2017 at 21:22

husky 701. go try it

IC3 · 23 Jul 2017 at 21:31

I've wanted one ever since I had a go on a SMC690R, no need to clutch it up. The front just goes on its own. You won't flat foot an SM, but you can do what the short enduro riders do, hop off the seat. SM's are slim so its not as bad, as it sounds.

famas · 23 Jul 2017 at 22:58

Got a DRZ 400 SM and love it!

Not the best or fastest supermoto but definitely lots of fun. I've had a variety of bikes over the years and its the only one I'd never sell.
for short blasts you cant beat it, it will keep up with the big boys on the twisties but gets left behind on the straights, I avoid motorways and dual carriage ways if i can help it but its great for every thing else.

though if youre looking at the 690smc it will be much more suited to straight roads as well.

I'm not sure id have one as a main bike though. Again the smc has a lot more power so is probably different but I've got a dorsoduro along with the DRZ.

psalliss · 6 Aug 2017 at 13:38

I've got a 2015 690 smc r and love it. Got a 1290 superduke r as well so the smc is my all year round commuter bike but is great for blasts out as well. Really good bike and cheap to run.

I'm 5ft 10 but short on the leg and it's fine. Can't get both feet flat but both on top toes or shuffle to one side and get feet flat.

misterjingo · 6 Aug 2017 at 13:55

I've got a 2016 husky 701, and have been using it as a commuter in Birmingham for the past 15 months. I also ride out on it, and tbh, I can't ever see myself needing another bike.

It might not match the power of other bikes on paper, but due to it's light weight (I've got mine down to <140kg) it feels much more powerful, and it's acceleration can be brutal. Also, I find because its so light (and has a slipper clutch), I do 90% of my breaking through the engine - Just feathering the front/rear to pull to a complete stop.

Even after all this time, I love it. If I ever want to make it more brutal, getting a Rottweiler Intake System + PC has shown to increase torque and HP by 25% across the rev range.

If you get a chance, definitely give one a go. The 2017 model has got the newer Duke engine, so less vibey, but I've read that it's a bit less brutal in its acceleration too.

Edit: I'm 6'2" and can just about flat foot it, but at your height, it might be interesting...

Edit 2: I noticed you mentioned you take your missus out - personally, I'm not sure I'd want a pillion on this bike. The front lifts at the drop of a hat, having more weight on the rear would make that a lot worse.

Scort · 7 Aug 2017 at 22:23

Minibiker said:
Hi all

Currently riding a CBR600RR.. Been looking at trading it in but waiting until finance levels itself out with the bikes value.

I'm tempted to get a Supermoto next and very much liking the look of the KTM 690SMC... Looking at used ones which will be around £5000

Only problem I may have is I'm only 5"7 and may struggle to touch the floor.. I've never rode one either but everyone I talk to say "you'll have so much fun"

I don't do massive ride outs I only stay local or may take the missus out once in a blue moon..

Any suggestions on alternatives or thoughts on the KTM

Same height as you, and found the SM type bikes a tad too tall, but the Hypermotard 796 was perfect! Not sure on their price these days, as I've since moved on up to a Hyperstrada 821 - but the motard is Ducati's take on a SM; and bloody brilliant!!