7 Best Supermotos for Every Type of Rider (and a Bit of History)
What better way to start things off rather than going back in time to tell you where the term “Supermoto” originated? Unlike other terms, we know exactly where it all began.
Inception
Let’s rewind to the 1960s when the only things you could watch on your TV were what the networks put on. There were only three channels available: ABC, CBS, and NBC. If you wanted to watch sports, you could check out football, baseball, and basketball, but that was mostly it.
ABC broke the norm and introduced a 90-minute weekly program named Wide World of Sports, running various sports. This is where the Indy 500, the Monaco Grand Prix, Wimbledon, and the X Games debuted in the next decades.
Fast forward to 1979, when British racing promoter Gavin Trippe pitched a great idea to ABC: organize a race where road bike and dirt bike riders could compete against one another. And this is how “Superbikers” came to life, making its debut on Wide World of Sports – its goal was to find the ultimate all-around motorcycle racer.
Superbikers’ races combine flat track, road racing, and motocross, all on one track, and featured bikes that can handle both jumps on dirt and tight turns on asphalt. Of course, the audience loved it, and a new breed of bike was born: Supermotos.
Throughout the 80s and 90s, supermoto’s popularity dropped in the United States, yet it rose in Europe. For instance, the concept was picked up in France, and that’s where the term “Supermotard” originated. What’s more, in 2003, the AMA hosted their first Supermoto Championship, and supermotos were back in the world’s spotlight.
If we were to compare supermoto motorcycle racing to four-wheeled motorsport, it’s definitely the equivalent of rallycross, a form of circuit racing that incorporates both dirt and tarmac.
What makes a motorcycle a supermoto?
The very definition of a Supermoto is a dirt bike with street tires, wheels, and brakes. However, since the Supermoto culture has evolved, it covers a broader range of bikes.
Normally, a supermoto boasts a cradle-frame chassis, long-travel suspension, and a single-cylinder, four-stroke engine. Other notable details are 17-inch wheels (or smaller front ones for racing) and huge rotors allowing hard braking.
Regarding the engine size, some people might say that anything larger than a 450cc single-cylinder doesn’t count as a genuine supermoto.
Early supermotors were modified Honda CRs, Suzuki RMs, and Yamaha YZs, mostly single-cylinder two-stroke bikes ranging from 125cc to 450cc. However, as I mentioned, the culture and industry have shifted, and some models, such as the Ducati Hypermotard, have forged ahead and slightly changed what it takes for a bike to be a supermoto.
Supermoto Today
Supermoto racing has come a long way since Superbikers. Supermoto competition is now open to anyone. In the United States, the AMA Supermoto National League is still the #1 competition, while the Supermoto UK is one of the largest in Europe.
Major OEMs have helped to keep the supermoto spirit alive, with models including the KTM Super Enduro and the Ducati Hypermotard.
Nowadays, the term “supermoto” doesn’t just refer to bikes but to the entire culture of riding without limits. The concept remained the same as when it all started – it involves getting a beastly bike that can go both on and off the road and ride the hell out of it.
With the help of many modern innovations, supermotos are now safer than ever. The models come equipped as standard with traction control, ABS, and various electronic riding models that help riders tackle every kind of terrain.
If you’re a purist who wants the original supermoto experience, you might not be satisfied by factory supermotos. Instead, what you probably want is modeling a dirt bike to be ridden on the street.
Supermoto vs Dual-sport
You might have also heard the term “dual-sport.” The difference between a supermoto and a dual sport boils down to their purpose, tire/wheel size, brakes, and clearance.
Just as its name suggests, a dual-sport is a fun bike that has a dual purpose, allowing you to ride it both on and off the road. On the other hand, a supermoto is more meant for street riding, although it can also be used on gravel or hard-packed dirt.
As I mentioned above, supermotos have 17-inch front and rear tires, making them ideal for aggressive street performance and tracking tight corners and speed. A dual-sport bike comes with a 21″ front tire and a 19″ or smaller rear tire, making it capable of traveling on both asphalt and dirt.
Ground clearance is also important – naturally, a dual sport is higher sitting to allow it to clear obstacles when off the beaten path. Supermotos have a lower clearance for a faster ride. And lastly, a supermoto typically has more powerful brakes.
The Best Supermotos
So, let’s take a look at some of the best supermotos you can get your hands on. Some still have 2024 model years, while others have been discontinued.
