Supermotard suggestions?

[2_SL0]

Well after much thought I have decided to keep my current ZX6R and build a separate supermotard to play around with (trackdays, etc), I am looking for suggestions of what dirt bike to use as the basis, the availability of parts etc, (May look at importing some Excel rims etc). I am partial to Kawasaki and Yamaha but will look at any other bikes for suggestions. Anyone else done this?

[kevfromcoro]

Dunno...heard those KTMs 690s are pretty kool.

[Mr Skid]

Dunno...heard those KTMs 690s are pretty kool.

Any ideas what they handle like?

[2_SL0]

Hmmm, nope, I want to build one up from something, I think the 690's are great but as I'm keeping my current road bike I don't want to sink 15k into another road bike. this is purely for trackdays and me to be a dick on in car parks etc.

[rudolph]

Honda XR650R, they are getting old but I like them.

[Paulus]

If it doesn't need to be road legal then I'd have to recommend a CR500. Can't beat a 500 2 stroke for fun per $.

[2_SL0]

Doesn't need to be road legal, unsure about 2 stroke, specifically 500 as I am guessing could be good for highsides. I want to pay max about 3k for the bike and then build it up. Yammy 400, Honda?

[Sam I Am]

I have to say the xr650 rock.... but it would be much cheaper to buy a ktm that is all done..... trust me on this one.... the other option is crf's as there is more bolt on goodies off the shelf avalable...
but my vote would be to get a bike with all the bits you want on as its not just a set of rims you need...

[NhuanH]

...this is for me to be a dick.

You don't even need a bike for that au!

[slowpoke]

having looked at doing this myself a while back I figured out it was easier, cheaper and you got a better result to just buy a dedicated super-moto or a bike that someone else has already spent lotsa dosh on.
Unless you do the suspension on a MX bike you never quite get the desired result and once you start doing that sort of work you are talking big dollars which you can't recoup as it's still only worth what you paid for it before you did the conversion.
My advice is to buy a conversion that someone else is selling at an invariable loss or a dedicated motard that is road registereable thus making it easier to sell.
Something like this:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-141328966.htm which is a steal even at the buy now price

[2_SL0]

Ok people, thank you for all your advice. I intend to build one myself as that is actually part of the fun for me. Cost is not the issue,
Im a looking at most likely a CRF, WR or YZF.
As a basic list:
Rims. (plus hubs)
New brakes
Suspension ModsP
Possibly some engine mods.
and a variety of other items.

[blueblade]

Have built up two CRF 450 Hondas myself so I can definitely confirm what others have said. It is much cheaper to buy an already converted bike or even a second hand factory Motard. These seem to come up fairly regularly and you can get a very good race ready bike with lots of expensive parts on it for a fraction of cost. However I fully understand your desire to do it yourself. Lots of fun and satisfaction in the process.
I believe there are more parts readily available to do the Honda and if you go to the Supermoto Junkie and Motostrano web sites you will see how popular they are overseas. Of the jap 450 Mx ers they are probably also the fastest without doing extensive mods. My best one just had a cam (stage 3 Hotcam) and pipe and it was very fast but also reliable.
I doubt that you will get a good used one for $3k. More likely around $5500-$6500.
If you buy new, wheels are likely to cost around $2,500 (talon/excell) then at least another $1,000 for a decent front caliper and disc. You can get away with the standard caliper and appropriate spacer for a while, but if you start to get serious with track days then you really need the bigger caliper.
Hope that helps.

[CHOPPA]

seriously have a look for a ktm "smr" dedicated supermoto bikes come with good brake better suited suspension and ofcoarse motard wheels, just throw on a slipper clutch and you will be backing it in all over the show! Try pro moto in taupo, they have a couple and the 08s are out next month so they should be selling atleast one of theres...

[blueblade]

Colemans in Auckland also have a 450 SMR and a converted 525 in stock that they imported second hand. Think they want about $9k for them though

[n0regret5]

kinda depends what kinda money you're wanting to put into it..the aprilia twins are stupidly fun, but costly. especially if you chuck it down the road hahaha