Why don’t they make more supermoto versions of ADV bikes?

Gary856

Are we having fun yet?
Set aside the notion that a “real” supermoto has to be a lightweight thumper and apply the concept to full-size, multi-cylinder bikes that can go the distance at high speed. Wouldn’t it be cool to have something between a full-on ADV bike and an upright standard, like a R1200sm or 1190sm/1290sm?

The problem with the ever bigger ADV bikes is not just the height/weight, but the excess, i.e., the single-driver full-size SUV syndrome. Those who actually ride across the country may need the size/capacity, but since many of us don’t, can we get a more stripped down and compact version?

I recently rented a 1190 Adventure R for a couple of days, and when I switched back to my 950sm it felt tiny. The seat heights are about the same- I have to be on my toes sitting on either bike. Somehow the more compact 950SM is easier to get on/off, and feels more nimble and manageable overall. It would be cool to have the motor/technology of the 1190 packed into the size of a 950sm.
 

Killin_ix

Well-known member
Supply and demand would be my guess. ADV = SUV/Crossover, which are the bees knees at the moment.

Supermoto haven't been in the limelight of wallets since the early 2000's. I'm still praying that the DRZ would be modernized (extra gear, FI, better dash). One can hope.
 

KrustyKruser

El Chingon
I think the same thing every time I get the itch to look for a super enduro. Would be cool to have the new 1190/1290 in a super enduro model and just add the 17's. I would love the old 990 super enduro but those bikes are getting pretty old.
 

NoTraffic

Well-known member
Isn't that what the 790 Adventure R from KTM is trying to do?

Part supermoto, part traveler, part city bike trying to do? Inline twin for longer distance?
 

Karbon

Hyper hoñorary
There's plenty of bikes that fill this niche. What's not being said here are the objective numbers. HP, TQ, Weight, ect...


What does "more supermoto" even mean? SMs are such weird bastards of motorcycles types to begin with, born from a very specific form of racing.
 
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Map8

I want nothing
Staff member
The market is fragmented enough. Are there really not enough options for large supermotos and adv bikes?
 

berth

Well-known member
How is something like the R1200 not this?

It's a "standard" version of the RT and GS. What does this bike need to become an R1200SM? Taller suspension?

Then there's also the Ducati Hyper* bikes, aren't those pretty close to what you're talking about?
 

Junkie

gone for now
How is something like the R1200 not this?

It's a "standard" version of the RT and GS. What does this bike need to become an R1200SM? Taller suspension?

Then there's also the Ducati Hyper* bikes, aren't those pretty close to what you're talking about?
yes, longer travel suspension
 

LakeMerrit

*Merritt
Duc makes the Hyperstrada for those who want a motard/adv crossover. Then there the full on hyper, and the full on multi. Guess which one outsells all the others combined.
 

ilikefood

Well-known member
Duc makes the Hyperstrada for those who want a motard/adv crossover. Then there the full on hyper, and the full on multi. Guess which one outsells all the others combined.

Hyperstrada doesn’t count because it has piss-all suspension travel. That’s also why the KTM 790 is a miss for me - 5” or whatever of suspension travel isn’t nearly enough for real-world city streets. Put 17” wheels on the 790 Adventure, and now we’re talking.

So I’m with OP, I’d love to see more ADV style bikes (especially the smaller lighter ones with long-travel suspensions and 17” wheels. At least 8” suspension travel, but more is better.
 

ilikefood

Well-known member
Isn't that what the 790 Adventure R from KTM is trying to do?

Part supermoto, part traveler, part city bike trying to do? Inline twin for longer distance?

It has long-travel suspension and enough legroom but not 17” wheels, so that doesn’t work
 
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