A sportbike, or sports motorcycle, is a type of motorcycle designed for riding comfort, fuel economy, safety, low noise, and cost-effective performance compared to other motorcycles.
It is optimized for asphalt and concrete race tracks, acceleration, road speed, cornering, and braking. Currently, the demand for sportbikes is at a peak of popularity, creating a new market for these motorcycles.
Sportbike VS Supermoto Bike
Sportbikes are primarily used for fast, long drives or for the joy of riding. They are best suited for smooth, paved roads.
In contrast, supermoto bikes excel in off-road conditions, such as forests, mud, and cold environments. Supermotos are popular in various racing formats.
While both sportbikes and supermoto bikes are motorcycles, they serve different purposes. Sportbikes are suitable for riders with minimal training, while supermoto bikes require extensive practice to master.
Supermoto Motorcycle
The motorcycles commonly seen on racetracks are supermoto motorcycles. Supermotos are primarily used for racing and usually move between three types of tracks:
● The hard-packed dirt of flat tracks,
● The erratic jumps of motocross,
● The paved tarmac of street racing.
Supermotos generally began appearing after 1979.
Engine: Supermoto VS Sportbike
Supermoto
Before the 1990s, supermotos were converted from open-class two-stroke motorcycles or enduro bikes, favored for their lightweight and jumping capabilities. Modern supermotos used for racing typically feature 17-inch (430 mm) wheels, sometimes 16.5-inch (420 mm) wheels, and four-stroke single-cylinder dirt bike engines with front wheels.
The rear tires are often hand-grooved to enhance traction and acceleration on the dirt stretches of Supermoto races. These 17-inch wheels, up to 7 inches (180 mm) wide, allow the use of superbike road racing slick tires.
Sportbike
Sportbike classes for general use feature wheel sizes of 17, 16, or 15 inches. Sportbike engines are usually either two-stroke or four-stroke. Sportbikes can be categorized into several classes:
General Purpose Sportbike:
○ Often called lightweight or beginner bikes.
○ Typically around 500 cc.
○ Can be two-stroke or four-stroke engines.
○ Comparable in performance to small superbikes.
2. Mid-Level Sportbike:
○ Usually range from 600 to 750 cc (37-46 cu in).
○ Models in this range include those that qualify for races like the Supersport Championship and the British Supersport Championship.
3. Open Class or High-Performance Sportbike:
Sometimes used as a catch-all for midweight bikes in the 16, 18, and 19 categories.
Classification of Supermoto Bikes
Supermoto bikes are increasingly popular for racing competitions. Various models are designed for this purpose, such as:
● CCM Scrambler Street Moto
● Ducati Hypermotard 950
● Suzuki DR-Z400SM
● KTM 690 SMC R
Advantages and Disadvantages of Riding a Sportbike
Advantages:
● Sportbikes offer the best performance among all bike categories.
● They provide a comfortable riding experience, though this may vary for some riders.
● Designed for speed, sportbikes offer an exhilarating ride.
● Riders can feel a sense of heroism, akin to movie stars, due to the bike’s classic design.
Disadvantages:
● Sportbikes often have an aggressive riding position, requiring the rider to lean forward, placing weight on the arms and wrists.
● Long rides can cause discomfort and fatigue.
● Sportbikes tend to be more expensive than other types of motorcycles.
● Typically designed for solo rides, with little capacity for carrying passengers or cargo.
● They are less practical for daily use.
● Maintenance can be intensive.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Riding a Supermoto Motorcycle
Advantages:
● Supermoto bikes are dirt bikes with advanced suspension, brakes, and slick tires.
● They are designed to handle a variety of racing conditions, offering risk mitigation.
● Supermoto bikes are relatively affordable.
● They are suitable for competitive racing.
● Speed can be easily adjusted to reach desired performance goals.
Disadvantages:
● Riding in adverse conditions such as mud or ice can pose significant risks.
● Extra caution is required to avoid accidents, as a minor mistake can have severe consequences.
● Riding in challenging environments demands strong mental and physical stamina.
Your Choice
Every object in the world has unique characteristics. The advantages and disadvantages of different items distinguish one from another. Similarly, sportbikes and supermotos, though both motorcycles, have distinct features and uses. As discussed above, understanding these differences highlights their individual strengths and applications.