Supermoto is a form of motorcycle racing that combines elements of three different types of racing: flat track, motocross, and road racing. The sport was originally conceived in 1979 as a segment of the TV show Wide World of Sports, in which the best riders from the three separate genres of motorcycle racing could temporarily leave their normal race class to come together and compete for the title of best all-around racer. Today, supermoto is a distinct genre of its own, and riders in the other classes do not routinely cross over into supermoto. Races are commonly held on road racing or medium-sized go-kart tracks with an off-road section in the infield. Most supermoto race tracks have a tarmac size of 50-75%, and the remaining percentage of the course is off-road. The dirt sections are usually constructed of packed clay.
Supermoto bikes are essentially dirt bikes with slick tires and upgraded suspension and brakes. They typically run smaller, 17-inch wheels front and rear, unlike dirt bikes which usually have larger wheels at the front than the back. Supermoto racing combines the best aspects of a dirt bike or dual sport motorcycle, such as a tall saddle, high ground clearance, and handlebar, with bits found on modern road racing motorcycles.
In summary, supermoto is a type of motorcycle racing that combines elements of flat track, motocross, and road racing. Supermoto bikes are essentially dirt bikes with slick tires and upgraded suspension and brakes, and races are commonly held on road racing or medium-sized go-kart tracks with an off-road section in the infield.
