Supermotard

KTM souped up its SuperMoto-tastic 690 SMC R for a 2019 return with more of everything that made its predecessor a success. That’s right, a new powerplant drives KTM’s newest version of its popular jackass bike, and it comes with new control and ride-quality electronics that helps you safely get the most out of the machine. Whether you’re into drifting around turns or trick-riding shenanigans, this hooligan bike has something to offer.

Ducati revamped its Hypermotard range ahead of MY2019 with the 950 and 950 SP to replace its outgoing Hypermotard 939 models. The new 950 borrows from the supermotard world for general design and rocks sharper angles for a more aggressive look. The 950 dropped some weight compared to its predecessor and replaced it with ponies for greater performance across the board, and the “SP” comes with top-shelf suspension and wheels, plus an expanded electronics suite and carbon fiber components to sweeten the deal. The hooligan-bike sector isn’t what you’d call the most populated by any means, but I’ve already got some potential competitors in mind for Ducati’s newest jackass bikes.

Zero Motorcycles brushed up its supermoto-tastic FXS model ahead of MY2019 with a new look and improved electronics. That’s right, Zero’s trickster bike reprises its role in the lineup with a youthful exuberance that is impossible to ignore along with more power storage and performance, but don’t look to this machine to be your next commuter, not unless you have a very short commute. That’s OK, ’cause it is good for what it’s good for, so let’s get about the business of dissecting this fun little ride.

Aprilia’s Dorsoduro line added to its stable for MY17 with the all-new Dorsoduro 900. This supermoto-inspired ride serves as the successor to the popular Dorsoduro 750. It brings over 95-horsepower to the table with a ride-by-wire throttle, variable power delivery, traction control and ABS to help riders cope with the extra power. Not only does this show a certain amount of model-maturity, but it promises some security and safety for those who would use it in their day-to-day riding. Officially billed as a sportbike-supermotard hybrid, the factory also refers to it as “the fun bike.”

Ducati updated its Hypermotard for the 2016 model year and carried that forward to 2018. Fairly fresh off a revamp in ’13, the new Hypermotard variant brings Ducati’s EURO 4-emissions compliant Testastretta to the range along with its increased, 937 cc displacement and 113-pony output. The factory also padded the range with a MotoGP-liveried, 939 SP that sports top-shelf racing suspension and is generally skewed toward track work, or riders who wish they were doing track work. Both rides benefit from Ducati’s rider-safety technology with onboard traction control, ABS and the like. Good thing too, since this is exactly the kind of bike that will allow you to get in trouble all three ways: quick, fast, and in-a-hurry.

Continue reading for my review of the Ducati Hypermotard 939 and 939 SP.

The American Motorcyclist Association sanctions five venues for the 2017 supermoto season to include a new track at the Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida that will help expand the footprint of this burgeoning sport. A multi-class sport, National Series events break down into a number of categories to accommodate different ages and machine sizes. The 2017 schedule kicks off in Bakersfield, California on April 8.

Continue reading for more on the AMA 2017 schedule.

Supercross still holds the number-one slot in my heart for “motorsports that are actually fun to watch,” but Supermoto is definitely my next favorite and closing fast. The unusual combination of dirtbike, flat track and pavement requires a very broad skillset, and necessarily, very specific bikes as well.

Aprilia’s Dorsoduro 750 is just such a bike, with elements from all three racing styles all mashed together for an entirely purpose-driven design.

Given my affinity for this style of racing, I decided it was time to take a good look at this ride and see what all the factory has done to accommodate the dizzying array of demands placed on the bike by Supermotard tracks.

Continue reading for my review of the Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 ABS.

Honda’s cooking up a new supermoto bike under the sheets, at least if this latest patent application filed with the European Union’s Office for Harmonisation in the International Market ever amounts to anything.

The design patent was actually filed last March 31, 2015 and from what it looks like, the new design has the makings of a small-displacement supermoto, complete with what looks like a 149cc air-cooled engine, an off-road style fender, and a pair of street tires that appear to be larger than the CRF150F. It also has what looks like a two-level seat, passenger pegs, a larger fuel tank, and a grab rail. Not that I’m trying to nitpick here, but the bike does look a little chunky for a supermoto.

Other than what the patent designs reveal, the full spec of details are still being kept under wraps. That makes sense since Honda hasn’t exactly come out and announced that the bike is already headed to production. Like with most filings, the planned bike will most likely get design updates, that is if Honda does proceed with building the bike in the first place.

Right now, there’s no indication that the Japanese company is prepared to head down that road, at least not yet. Patent applications don’t always pan out, even for companies as big as Honda.

Maybe I’m wrong here, but at this point, I think it’s best to see where Honda takes this application before getting excited about the prospect of seeing a new supermoto from the company.

Continue reading to read more about Honda’s patent application for a new supermoto bike.

Husqvarna is going full steam ahead with its promotion of the 701 Supermoto, the company’s first production motorcycle since being acquired by KTM back in January 2013.

If you recall back in April 2013, the company launched a microsite dedicated to the same bike. Now, Husqvarna’s taking things up a notch by offering a new contest that will take the lucky winner to north Sweden where they’ll take part in an ice riding experience of a lifetime.

Granted, this competition isn’t for everyone, particularly those who have a hereditary disdain for anything associated with frozen tundras. But for those with the spirit of adventure running through their veins, this competition might be right up your alley.

The premise is pretty simple: interested applicants must fill up an application form that includes 10 questions. Answer these 10 questions correctly and you increase your odds of being chosen as the lucky winner. The deadline for applications is on August 31, 2015, at which time Husqvarna will pick a random name in the presence of a notary. Remember, those who scored the highest on the 10-question exam of sorts carries a bigger chance of having their names chosen. Applicants must also be 18 years of age or older and must have a valid motorcycle license, although most of you probably know that already since such things are always requirements for competitions of this nature.

In any case, whoever gets chosen will win a trip for two to Wilhelmina, Sweden where the winner and his/her accompanying partner will also receive free lodging, transport, and, last but not least, the aforementioned ice riding experience, presumably with the Supermoto 701.

It’s an interesting competition that should get its fair share of applicants. Kind of makes me wonder if I’m built for such things, although a trip to central Sweden still sounds like a good prize to me.

Continue reading to read more about Husqvarna’s “Ice Experience Contest.”

KTM has officially taken the covers off of the Freeride E-SM electric super motard, adding yet another model to the company’s growing Freeride-E electric family.

The electric super motard is being packaged as an ideal entry-level bike and its arrival gives KTM a new model to throw to young riders who are just breaking into the motorcycle scene. It only weighs just 243 pounds, making it a suitably lightweight machine with the agility and nimbleness of a do-it-all bike. It’s hard to imagine a machine that can provide what KTM has promised with the Freeride E-SM. A small liquid-cooled engine allows it to achieve 15 horsepower on the throttle, although its peak output can go as high as 21.4 horsepower and 31 pound-feet of torque with 17-inch supremo wheels added in for good measure These numbers don’t suggest all-world power, but for what it is and what it stands for - electric super motards aren’t rocket launchers, you know - the Freeride E-SM is expected to earn its way into a lot of garages really soon.

KTM hasn’t released pricing details for the Freeride E-SM so interested buyers might have to wait for the number to come out. That said, whispers within KTM have suggested that a price of about €13,000 is a likely starting point. That’s not yet official so consider it as an educated estimate for now.

Now for the bad news. KTM hasn’t said whether the Freeride E-SM will make it in the US so those who were looking forward to seeing it cross the Atlantic will have to wait for more information on that front. Otherwise, the electric super motard is all set to hit dealerships in Europe no later than May 2015.

Get your finances in order, ladies and gentlemen. You’re potentially looking at a significant purchase this month with the KTM Freeride E-SM.

Continue reading to read more about the KTM Freeride E-SM electric super motard.

It takes a certain kind of chutzpah to call yourself a motard, let alone a hypermotard. But since 2007, that’s what Ducati has called this high-riding, lightweight, powerful, and dirtbike-like machine. It’s the Ducati Hypermotard, and yes, it still evokes the same childlike enthusiasm out of me now as it did eight years ago.

Since first breaking into the market in 2007, the Hypermotard has wrestled a specific niche motorcycle segment and has called it its own. It’s an impressive achievement for a bike considered to be young by Ducati standards, but the Hypermotard and its fellow offsprings - the Hypermotard SP and the Hyperstrada - have become fan favorites in their own right, thanks in large part to their seamless integration of a dirtbike’s elusive agility with the refined power and sporty characteristics of a sports bike.

It’s no wonder that the Hypermotard is still going strong to this day. Whether you’re a young rider looking to gain some experience on two wheels or you’re a grizzled vet looking for something fun and enjoyable, the Hypermotard has extended its reach far beyond Ducati’s original plans for the bike.

Then again, that’s what happens when you appeal across a broad spectrum of riders.
Click “continue reading” to read more about the Ducati Hypermotard.

Stunt riding on motorcycles isn’t for everybody. That much I can tell from experience. You wanna talk about scars brought about by being careless on a bike? I got my fair share of stories on that end. But there are those that are far more skilled than I am that can do all these things I can only dream about doing and live to tell the tale of their accomplishments.

This video, produced by The Dirty Amigos, clearly illustrates this point. It’s not a professionally made video by any means, but it’s still good enough for these guys to perform some wheelie stunts with super motards while traveling great distances. A lot of riders are capable of performing this particular stunt because it’s not particularly hard to do. Unless you’re me, in which case, it’s quite, you know, out of my own wheelhouse.

But there’s an art form to performing the perfect wheelie and getting to do them over and over again without the threat of losing control and spilling into the road. These guys showcase that masterfully with some pretty impressive wheelies of their own.

Kind of makes me think if I should get back on the saddle and try doing it again. On second thought, I don’t think my insurance would be able to handle me getting hurt again over something I shouldn’t be doing in the first place.

Guess I’ll just stick to watching these guys. They sure know what they’re doing.

Sometimes, bigger doesn’t always mean better. No more is that evident with supermoto bikes. They’re not the biggest ones out there, but they sure are fun to ride.

This video proves as much. Uploaded by YouTube user Supermofools, we have here a pair of the finest supermotos in the business - a Husaberg FE570 and a KTM 640 LC4 putting in some work around a race track. The video itself isn’t about the two bikes matching wits with another, but more about seeing them seamlessly navigate around the track with the ease and versatility reserved for bikes of hits status. There are no big air jumps, which is a little bit of a bummer, but hey, you get what you can get, right?

I’ve personally ridden a KTM 640 LC4 and I can attest to its impressive handling credentials, especially when it’s in its proper environment. Watching this video kind of makes me want to hop back on one right now.

I can’t exactly do that at this moment, but rest assured, the next opportunity that I can, I’m getting in one and finding the nearest track in my neighborhood.

The Zero DS is without a doubt one of the most practical electric motorcycles in its class. It combines high end technologies with agility, versatility and comfort, offering a smart solution for those who want to find a super efficient way of riding.

The motorcycle is built around a Z-force, 75-7 passively air-cooled, high efficiency, radial flux permanent magnet, brushless motor. The engine generates a maximum power of 54 hp at 4300 rpm and 68 Ft-Lb (92 Nm) of torque which is more than enough to propel you to a maximum speed of 98 mph. The sprint from 0 to 100 kmph is made in not less than 5.2 seconds.

The electric motor is mounted on an innovative twin-spar frame that is both rigid and lightweight.

The motorcycle is offered with a base price of $13,345.

Hit the jump for more information on the Zero DS.

The Ducati Scrambler Urban Enduro is a modern motorcycle that deals great with the requirements of city riding, but also feels pretty comfortable on the open road.

As far as style is concerned, the Ducati Scrambler Urban Enduro features a classy brown seat with a ribbed design, lined with technical fabrics, a big, round headlight protected by an old school grill and aluminum 10 spoke wheels that measure 3’’ x 18’’ up front and 5.5” x 17” at the rear.

The motorcycle is also equipped with a high mudguard made of plastic fibre, LED lights, an LCD dashboard and an off road handlebar with cross bar.

The Ducati Scrambler Urban Enduro is propelled by an 803 cc, L-twin, Desmodromic distribution, 2 valves per cylinder, air cooled engine which generates a maximum output of 55 KW (75 Hp) at 8,250 rpm and 68 Nm (50 Lb-Ft) of torque at 5,750 Rpm.

Hit the jump for more information on the Ducati Scrambler Urban Enduro.

The 2015 KTM 690 SMC R ABS promises to deliver a lot of fun both on the track and on the street. Fitted with features such as twin plug ignition, ride-by-wire, new ABS and a revamped chassis, the KTM 690 SMC R ABS will impress even the most demanding supermoto enthusiasts.

The motorcycle weighs 144 kg (dry) and is powered by a 690 cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, spark-ignition, liquid-cooled engine which delivers a maximum output of 49 KW (66 Hp). The engine transfers its power to the rear wheel by means of a 6-speed, claw shifted transmission and is fueled by a 12 liter fuel tank.

The motorcycle’s speed is kept under control by modern Brembo brakes which include a front radially-mounted, four-piston, fixed brake caliper which bites onto a floating 320 mm brake disc and a rear 240 disc brake paired with a single-piston floating brake caliper.

Hit the jump for more information on the KTM 690 SMC R ABS.

The Husqvarna FE 501 is fitted with a comprehensive list of off-road oriented features which help it deal great with anything you throw at it.

The motorcycle weighs only 110.5 kg and at its heart sits a 449,3 cc, 1 - cylinder, 4 - stroke, water - cooled engine which cranks out a maximum power of 60 hp. The engine’s power is transferred to the rear wheel by means of a 5 speed claw shifted transmission. You also get a 7.5 litre fuel tank which copes great with the tailor-made bodywork.

The Husqvarna FE 501 rides on a pairs of Black 16.5”/ 17” Behr spoked wheels which complemented by Metzeler Racetec SM 125/80 R420 and 165/55 R17 slick tyres.

As far as prices are concerned, the Husqvarna FE 501 can be yours for no less than $12,810.

Hit the jump for more information on the Husqvarna FE 501.

Versatile, reliable and comfortable, the Suzuki DR-Z400 SM is a practical motorcycle that can deal great both with the city streets and the dirt. Based on the DR-Z400S, the DR-Z400 SM combines Supermotard style with street-legal features.

It is built around a compact, 398 cc, 4 stroke, liquid cooled, single cylinder, DOHC engine which features 29 mm exhaust valves, narrow 28 degree included valve angle and shim-under-bucket valve adjustment system. The engine’s power is transferred to the ground by means of a five speed constant mesh transmission which utilizes a cable-operated clutch with separate outer cover.

The Suzuki DR-Z400 SM rides on RK Excel aluminum rims shod in 120/70-R17 front and 140/70- R17 rear tires.

The Suzuki DR-Z400 SM can be yours for no less than $ 7,189.

Hit the jump for more information on the Suzuki DR-Z400SM.

The Yamaha TW200 delivers a perfect compromise between comfort, agility and off road performances. This tasty dual sport, comes with a potent 196 cc, air-cooled, SOHC, 4-Stroke; 2 Valves engine which transfers its power to the ground by means of a constant-mesh 5-speed transmission with multiplate wet clutch. In terms of efficiency, the engine delivers a fuel consumption of 78 mpg.

As far as ergonomics are concerned, the bike features an extra low seat height which is paired a perfectly angled handlebar and roomy footpegs.

The ride quality is assured by a 33 mm telescopic front fork (6.3-In Travel) and a rear single shock absorber (5.9-In Travel).

Other notable features include a 1.8 Gallons fuel tank, front disc brakes, Frame-mounted passenger foot pegs and flex-mounted turn indicators.

The Yamaha TW200 is offered with a base price of $4,590.

Hit the jump for more information on the Yamaha TW200.