Supermoto is a unique sport, combining the practice of dirt with the physics of street. That means extreme lean angles at the same time as huge slides. Here, a Red Epic-X is used to slow it down to 300fps, which manages to communicate what’s actually going on much more effectively. :continue:
Shifter karts are pretty insane little things. Light like a motorcycle, but grippy like a car. Perhaps logically, they’re impossibly fast around kart tracks. But then, so are supermotos. Especially WR450s piloted by AMA Pro racer Josh Herrin. :continue:
Last year, Christini announced that it was getting out of the custom game and into manufacturing its own motorcycles. The Philadelphia, PA-based maker of “All-Wheel Drive” systems currently has a range of two dirt bikes. A 300cc two-stroke that uses a GasGas motor and a 450cc four-stroke; the latter forms the basis for this new supermoto. It’s the first time ever that a two-wheel drive motorcycle will be manufactured in volume for road use. :continue:
The BRD RedShift SM is a 250lbs, 40bhp electric supermoto. Unlike Brammo or Zero electric models, the RedShift is fast, designed to compete directly with existing motocross and supermoto bikes. And unlike other electric racing prototypes, it has been developed from the ground up with consumer production as the end goal. This weekend, BRD handed over keys to the development prototype for the first time. Does it perform as promised? Well almost, until it broke.
Photos: Mike Doran :continue:
Equipped with an electric drivetrain, a single-sided front end, the daintiest wheels ever fitted to something purporting to be a motorcycle and styling clearly influenced both by Husqvarna dirt bikes (the seat, the angles, the front numberplate), but also the Intelligent Energy ENV (the shape of the protruding front plastics), this Husqvarna E-go concept is BMW’s dirt bike brand’s idea of the ideal urban supermoto. Unveiled today at the Frankfurt Motor Show, it sure is neat, which is why it’s a shame it’s so far from being production-ready. :continue:
This is European supermoto ace Rudi Bauer making every other photo of cornering ever taken look totally girlie. Yes, that’s right, he’s leaning so far over that he’s dragging his handlbars, among other parts. Don’t believe this isn’t a crash? We’ve got video.
Update: high-res, wallpaper-ready image added to the gallery. :continue:
160mph indicated top speed. Leaned over power wheelies leaving almost every corner. A throttle response so addictive that you won’t be able to help yourself. It’s not a sportsbike, but it’s faster than a 600 everywhere except right at the apex. It also puts down 118hp to the rear wheel and has an incredibly smooth and flat torque curve. As a naked bike, the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 has one more impressive trick: get down in a racing tuck and you’ll find that the miniature fly-screen actually generates a secret bubble for you to hide behind.
Photos: Bucky Sacrilege :continue:
The first products of fresh Bay Area startup BRD, this motocrosser and supermoto promise equivalent performance to 250cc four-stroke competitors. Making 40bhp and weighing 240lbs without lights, the BRD RedShift MX looks approximately equal to the KTM 250 SX-F, which makes 39bhp and weighs 228lbs. With 5.2kWh in its battery pack, the BRD should be capable of one if not two full motos too. :continue:
I’d heard of Boyko Racing’s mythical beast for weeks before actually seeing or riding it. Wes told me “it’s the fastest bike he’s ever ridden and Uncle Ted’s an ex-racer.” Ted himself told me that it’s got a 2mm overbore, gigantic pipe, killer tune and special blend of gas in the tank. Now, neither he nor Wes are all that familiar with my dirty past, but suffice it to say that when someone says they’ve built a really gnarly dirt bike or supermoto, I’m skeptical. :continue:
Confused? It’s a Honda CRF450 frame, with a CR500 motor, a swingarm from an Aprilia RXV, and pipes that belong on an R1. :continue:
