Roadracer looking to get into Supermoto

[Z3n]

So...I raced an SV with the AFM last season, and am looking to get into supermoto racing this year.

What's recommended to start with? I have no off road experience, and would ideally like something that I could ride both on the supermoto track and then swap wheels for offroad riding. Should I go with the 450 or would that be a deathwish as someone without any experience with dirt/jumping/etc? Would an older 250 be fine? Which models should I be looking at? Ideally, I'd like something plated so that I could do a little light on-road riding for setup and testing purposes as well, but if I can't, that's not the end of the world.

Thanks for any help.

[pscook]

250 for kart track, 450 for big track. Yamaha's are pretty bullet proof, Honda's are getting better. For a true race bike, don't get a dual sport (DRZ400, WR250X, etc) as they are heavy in the wrong spots. Don't forget that KTM made the SMR (and Husky has one as well), which is a purpose built SM bike that has provisions for lights and a title that might be easier to license for the street. I think if you go to the Street Tarders section their is a sticky "What bike should I get." Check that out and see what fits your wallet and fancy.

[Z3n]

Cool, thanks for the advice. At the moment, I'm strongly considering picking up a YZ250F to start out with, riding it offroad for a bit, and then eventually either getting a sportsman setup or 17s and taking it to the cart track.

[4literranger485]

a yz250f will be plenty for a new dirt rider as well. gotta think even proffessional motocross/supercross racers have enough power with a 250.

[surfaccing]

road racing u can't go wrong with any bike as they all have something to offer, wether it be heavier for more reliablity or more power and lighter with less reliabilty.

now i raced mx for 9years and the thing i can tell u is stay away from heavy bikes, they just don't work on a mx track! especially cornering and jumping u will curse urself with the heavier bike. the 4stroke are imho a lot more noticbaly heavier on the top end and that effect ur cornering in the dirt. and the 2strokes are amazing bikes and offer the same power at a lower displacement but they take a little getting used to and some extra care and maintenance.

i would recommend (since ur coming off fast bikes already) that u go with a 250cc 2stroke or 4stroke if u going primary dirt rider. but if ur going to do more road racing then i say go 450cc 4stroke cause ur going to want more power on the road and u can use a 450cc 4stroke in the dirt pretty easy although it'll be rough the first couple times out.

my advice is when u go to the mx track, find out were all the riders take their little brakes as their cooling down before they back on the track and just talk to them about the track. also the first 3 laps just take it easy and cruise around the tack (i.e. walk the track first)
and if ur having trouble on a corner or u can't do a jump, sit next the the corner and watch how others go through the section (body position, were they brake, were they get back on the corner...ect)
and if u want to know how fast u have to do a jump, sit at the side and watch everyone jump, find someone who is constantly clearing the jump and get right on his ass and try to pass him as he's doing the jump, guaranteed to clear it!


i can't offer much advice on road racing a sm, but others can.

if u need any help with the mx part, send me a pm or post up questions ill help u out as best i can