What Is Supermoto Racing?
Supermoto is a form of motorcycle racing that takes place on a mixed-surface circuit — typically combining tarmac track sections, dirt or gravel sections, and sometimes small jump features. Riders compete on light, powerful single or twin-cylinder bikes fitted with road-spec 17-inch wheels and slick or semi-slick tires.
The result is a uniquely spectacular motorsport: riders sliding bikes sideways through dirt corners, transitioning immediately to full-lean tarmac corners, then cresting jumps — all at high speed. It's part motocross, part road racing, and entirely its own discipline.
A Brief History of Supermoto
Supermoto originated in the United States during the early 1980s as a televised challenge to determine the best all-around motorcycle racer. Champions from motocross, road racing, and flat track were pitted against each other on a mixed-surface course. The format proved enormously popular and eventually developed into a full standalone racing series.
Today, supermoto has dedicated professional championships across Europe (notably the FIM Supermoto World Championship) and a thriving amateur grassroots scene worldwide. The 690cc single-cylinder class — featuring bikes like the KTM 690 SMC R and Husqvarna 701 Supermoto — is the heart of the sport at amateur and semi-professional level.
Why the 690cc Class Is Perfect for Supermoto
Supermoto bikes need to be light, powerful, and flickable — qualities that large-displacement machines simply can't match. The single-cylinder 690cc format delivers:
- Weight under 150 kg: Essential for rapid direction changes and controllable slides
- Strong mid-range torque: Perfect for powering out of tight corners on mixed surfaces
- Manageable power delivery: Easier to control in slide situations compared to high-horsepower twins or fours
- Cost efficiency: Cheaper to run, maintain, and repair than larger-displacement alternatives
How Supermoto Courses Are Designed
A typical supermoto circuit includes:
- Tarmac sections: Technical, tight corners requiring full lean and late-apex technique
- Dirt/gravel sections: Loose surface areas where controlled slides and motocross-style cornering dominate
- Jump features: Optional in some formats, adding a spectacle element and requiring precise throttle management on landing
The transition between surfaces — from grip to slide and back — is where supermoto skill truly separates riders. It's one of the most technically demanding disciplines in all of motorcycling.
How to Get Started in Supermoto
Get the Right Bike
You don't need a purpose-built supermoto from day one. Many riders start by converting an existing enduro or motocross bike with 17-inch supermoto wheels. Alternatively, street supermoto bikes like the KTM 690 SMC R or Husqvarna 701 Supermoto are excellent starting points and are road-legal for getting to events.
Find Your Local Scene
Search for local supermoto clubs, track day organizers, and national federations in your country. Many regions offer dedicated supermoto track days with instruction — ideal for beginners. Online communities on forums and social media are excellent resources for finding local events.
Take a Training Day
Supermoto combines two distinct skill sets: tarmac cornering and dirt sliding. If you come from a road riding background, spend time on a dirt or gravel surface before race day — learning to slide a bike confidently is essential and can't be improvised mid-race.
Essential Gear for Supermoto
- Full-face helmet (ECE 22.06 or Snell rated)
- Leather or textile race suit with CE Level 2 armor
- Motocross-style boots (offer better ankle protection than road boots for mixed-surface riding)
- Knee braces (strongly recommended)
- Back protector
Why You Should Try Supermoto
Supermoto has a reputation as one of the most fun and rewarding forms of motorsport to participate in — and the community is famously welcoming to newcomers. The bike costs are accessible, the learning curve is real but rewarding, and the thrill of sliding a 690cc machine sideways through a dirt corner, then immediately diving into a tarmac hairpin, is unlike anything else in two-wheeled motorsport.
If you own or are considering a 690cc machine, supermoto should be at the top of your motorsport bucket list.