what is supermoto

Supermoto is a form of motorcycle racing that combines three types of track surfaces: the hard packed dirt of flat track, the irregular jumps and obstacles of motocross, and the paved tarmac of road racing. Supermoto was originally conceived in 1979 as a segment of the TV show Wide World of Sports, where 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 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. 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 wheels are smaller chiefly to give the bike a lower center of gravity and reduce weight, improving the handling on tarmac. Supermoto bikes wear slick or semi-slick road tires, which give them less grip on the dirt sections of the track, but that lost time is easily regained on the faster tarmac portions. They also feature upgraded calipers and beefier brakes. Supermoto is a relatively low-risk sport, and the bikes are made to crash, with no expensive fairings to replace. Supermoto bikes are capable of riding on the street, in the dirt, and on the road, and they are designed to be capable of riding in the sport of supermoto.