Supermoto choices... Steer me the right way.

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no high top speed? You're crazy to want to go faster lol. I think I hit 114 and that was WAY more than insane fast on sxv550. At 65+ mph that air would catch my chest and it alone was enough to lighten that front wheel to be all sorts of sketchy. Stiffer springs helped but really, no desire to be going more than 85 mph.

Even this isn’t great above 85 and it’s the touring version of the supermoto

 

[awsnap]

This is a tangent, but any love here for the KLX300SM? I ask because I have the 701sm but want something smaller and lighter for around town and the occasional track day -- thinking that if I get more into track, I'd get a built track bike.

Or, do I spend more on a used KTM 350 exc and convert to supermoto?

Any KLX300SM owners? I've seen a couple mods that should increase horsepower by a tad. I not that fast on the track anyway, just want to get the practice in.

Thanks

 

[ichabodnt650]

...any love here for the KLX300SM?

10 months and 10,000 miles on KLX300SM
Rode friend's 701SM to compare.

KLX has less vibration, less weight, cheaper to own & maintain, seems more reliable

... but is is 23 hp at the wheel. I hug the fog line on 101.

I'd think the 701/690 would be a world more fun on the track.

I do love my KLX. I ride mainly goat trails, mainly under 40 MPH and this boring little thumper is the best tool I've tried in this role.

 

[paul cbr]

This is a tangent, but any love here for the KLX300SM? I ask because I have the 701sm but want something smaller and lighter for around town and the occasional track day -- thinking that if I get more into track, I'd get a built track bike.

Or, do I spend more on a used KTM 350 exc and convert to supermoto?

Any KLX300SM owners? I've seen a couple mods that should increase horsepower by a tad. I not that fast on the track anyway, just want to get the practice in.

Thanks

Doesn't the KLX300 weigh about the same (3010-ish lbs) as the 701 but with 1/3 the HP?

If you want a track sumo, buy the FS 450

 

[ichabodnt650]

KLX300 is 304 lb wet
690/701 is 320 lb dry, 345~350 lb wet

 

[Shigeta]

The FS450 is off road use only, so if you want a bike for around town, that's not the way to go.

It sounds like you want something track capable, but lighter than the 701, so a conversion might be a decent way to go. It's worth researching your desired power-to-weight ratio, and deciding if saving a few pounds is worth spending thousands to get it right.

Keep in mind, a proper 350 EXC-F conversion will run you in the ballpark of ~$4k, depending how wild you get, how much labor you do yourself, and which, if any, craigslist deals you can find.

A proper conversion will account for suspension valving changes, a new brake setup (4 piston caliper with matching master and >=300mm, >=5mm thick rotor, if you want to keep it on-par with your 701), 17" wheels and tires, and supermoto-offset triple clamps.

Stock enduro brakes will fade fast and enduro suspension is either downright dangerous or mind-numbingly slow at track pace. Sumo offset clamps are optional, especially if you're new to riding supermoto on track, but a sumo on track with enduro clamps will feel sluggish on turn-in compared to sumo clamps.

 

[awsnap]

The FS450 is off road use only, so if you want a bike for around town, that's not the way to go.

It sounds like you want something track capable, but lighter than the 701, so a conversion might be a decent way to go. It's worth researching your desired power-to-weight ratio, and deciding if saving a few pounds is worth spending thousands to get it right.

Keep in mind, a proper 350 EXC-F conversion will run you in the ballpark of ~$4k, depending how wild you get, how much labor you do yourself, and which, if any, craigslist deals you can find.

A proper conversion will account for suspension valving changes, a new brake setup (4 piston caliper with matching master and >=300mm, >=5mm thick rotor, if you want to keep it on-par with your 701), 17" wheels and tires, and supermoto-offset triple clamps.

Stock enduro brakes will fade fast and enduro suspension is either downright dangerous or mind-numbingly slow at track pace. Sumo offset clamps are optional, especially if you're new to riding supermoto on track, but a sumo on track with enduro clamps will feel sluggish on turn-in compared to sumo clamps.

Thanks, this helps. From what youre describing I am underestimating the cost of conversion. I figured stock suspension would suffice on the track too and conversion costs are wheels and caliper. Yes lighter than the 701 and something that I wouldnt be as worried about dumping at the track. Plus, I've only ridden Redding and Stockton but the 701 seems a little big for kart tracks.

I am not ready for a race bike yet but if I got serious about the track I'd probably would look at the FS 450. Reason to convert a EXC is that it is lighter with more HP. The KLX is cheaper and ready to go as is, or with a few inexpensive mods.

 

[chrisweir.com]

2019 or newer crf450l with supermoto wheels... yep, I said it. Honda.

I don't have supermoto wheels but my impression of the bike, with knobbies on the street, is its freaking awesome. Way better on road than the FE501S I had (2017) and pretty fun in the dirty bits so far.

Disclaimer: Recently purchased and I only have three rides on it.

 

[banshee01]

You chose wisely! The 701 is great.

I have owned a wr250x, wr250r, drz400sm, ktm 500, husky 501, and 2 701s.

The 701 was the best for all around riding and I loved the small amount of engine braking, suspension, brakes, and very little vibration.

 

[chai rome]

Yes, I am thrilled on my 701sm! It really doesn’t feel like a big supermoto yet has the utility of an every day bike. If it proves reliable, I’ll be completely satisfied.

It was difficult to weigh the cost, trouble, and reliability of building up a dirtbike.
I would still consider the KLX300SM if i didn’t find my Husky for the price I did. It seems like it would be a blast to rip on in any city.