How to Convert Dirt Bike to Supermoto
When most people hear the term “supermoto,” they think of the wildly popular sport that combines the best aspects of motorcycle racing and motocross. What many people don’t know, however, is that supermoto can be enjoyed using any bike, even a dirt bike!
There are a few different ways to convert a dirt bike to a superbike. This article will discuss the most popular methods and what you need to do to make the conversion. In addition, we will also provide some tips on how to convert dirt bike to supermoto as smooth as possible. So, if you are interested in converting your dirt bike into a supermoto, keep reading!
Why Should You Convert Dirt Bike to Supermoto?
Many people choose to convert their dirt bike into a supermoto because it allows them to enjoy the best of both worlds. Supermotos are designed to be ridden on both paved and unpaved surfaces, which means that you can take your bike off-road without any worries.
In addition, supermotos typically have larger wheels than dirt bikes. This provides more stability and makes them easier to handle on the road. Therefore, converting a dirt bike to a supermoto is not a difficult task. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your bike.
10 Effective Methods on How to Convert Dirt Bike to Supermoto:
1. Choose the Right Bike:
The first step in converting your dirt bike to a supermoto is to choose the right bike. Not all dirt bikes are created equal, and some are better suited for conversion than others. When choosing a bike, you should consider the engine size, weight, suspension, and tires.
2. Modify the Suspension:
One of the most important aspects of converting a dirt bike to a supermoto is modifying the suspension. This is because a supermoto’s increased weight and speed will put more stress on the suspension than on a dirt bike. If the suspension of a dirtbike is not properly modified, it can lead to a dangerous situation.
3. Change the Tires:
Another important aspect of converting a dirt bike to a supermoto is changing the tires. The increased weight of a supermoto (due to the larger engine) means that it needs different tires than a dirt bike. Supermoto tires are designed for both on and off-road use to handle the increased weight and speed of a supermoto. You’ll need to purchase both front and rear supermoto tires before making the switch.
4. Install Supermoto Wheels:
Installing supermoto wheels is relatively simple, but it’s important to ensure they’re installed correctly. First, remove the front and rear wheels from your dirt bike. Next, install the supermoto front wheel, ensuring that the axle is aligned correctly. Finally, install the supermoto rear wheel, making sure that the axle is aligned correctly.
5. Install Supermoto Brakes:
Installing supermoto brakes is another important aspect of converting a dirt bike to a supermoto. A supermoto bike’s increased weight and speed mean that more powerful brakes are necessary to maintain control and safety. There are many different brake kits available on the market, so it is important to research to find the kit that best suits your needs.
6. Modify the Wheelbase:
Modifying the wheelbase is one of the most important aspects of converting your dirt bike to a supermoto. Changing the wheelbase will increase stability and traction while cornering and make your bike more flickable overall. The ideal wheelbase for a supermoto is between 1250mm and 1350mm. You will need to either shorten or lengthen your bike’s swing arm to achieve this.
7. Rejet or Reprogram the Carburetor:
A Supermoto bike’s increased weight and speed mean that the carburetor needs to be rejetted or reprogrammed to provide the correct amount of fuel. This is an important step in the conversion process, as it will ensure that your bike runs correctly and doesn’t experience any issues due to the increased stress on the engine.
8. Lower the Bike:
Lowering the bike is another important aspect of converting a dirt bike to a supermoto. By lowering the bike, you will increase stability and traction while cornering. The ideal height for a supermoto is somewhere between 10mm and 20mm lower than stock. You will need to adjust the front and rear suspension to lower your bike.
9. Exhaust Modification:
A Supermoto needs a quiet exhaust so it can be ridden on the street without getting noise complaints. The best way to do this is to replace the stock exhaust with a USFS-approved spark arrestor. These are available from many aftermarket companies, and they will usually come with all the necessary hardware for installation.
10. Clutching and Gearing Changes:
The increased speed and weight of a supermoto bike mean that the clutch and gears need to be changed to withstand the extra strain. As a result, heavier duty clutches and stronger gear sets are a must, and it is also recommended to change the final drive ratio to something shorter (higher numerically) to make use of the extra power.
Some Helpful Tips and Suggestions:
Here we have given tips on how to convert dirt bike to supermoto.
1. It is important to consult with a professional mechanic or tuner before making any major changes to your bike. This will ensure that your bike is set up correctly and safe to ride.
2. Be sure to take the time to break in your new supermoto setup properly. This means riding at moderate speeds and avoiding hard acceleration, braking, and cornering.
3. Always wear the proper safety gear when riding, including a helmet, gloves, boots, and protective clothing.
4. Ride within your limits and don’t take unnecessary risks. Remember that a supermoto is still a motorcycle, and accidents can happen even when you’re being careful.
5. Make sure you have fun! Converting your dirt bike to a supermoto is a great way to enjoy the sport of motorcycle riding.
6. If the supermoto conversion process seems overwhelming, many professional shops can do the work for you. This is often a good option if you’re not confident in your own mechanical abilities.
7. Be sure to do your research and understand all of the changes you’re making to your bike. This will help ensure that you’re happy with the final product and that your bike is safe and reliable.
8 Advantages You Will Get to Convert Dirt Bike to Supermoto:
1. Better Overall Performance:
A converted dirt bike will have better overall performance thanks to the improved suspension, brakes, and engine tuning. When making changes to your bike, be sure to consult with a professional mechanic or tuner to get the best results.
2. Increased Stability and Traction:
A converted dirt bike’s increased stability and traction will make it easier to corner and handle at high speeds. This is thanks to the changes in wheelbase and suspension.
3. More Flickable and Agile:
A converted dirt bike will be more flick-able and agile thanks to the changes in suspension and wheelbase. This makes it easier to change direction and avoid obstacles while riding.
4. More Ground Clearance:
The increased ground clearance of a converted dirt bike will make it easier to ride over obstacles and rough terrain. This is thanks to the changes in suspension and tires. In addition, it will help the bike to avoid getting caught on rocks or roots.
5. Better Braking Performance:
The upgraded brakes of a converted dirt bike will provide the stopping power that is necessary for a street motorcycle. As a result, when you are riding your dirt bike on the road, you will be able to brake later and harder than you could before, which can help you avoid accidents.
6. More Power and Torque:
A converted dirt bike’s increased power and torque will make it easier to accelerate and climb hills. This is thanks to the larger and heavier tires, which provide more grip.
7. Better Handling:
The increased weight of the bike and the larger contact patch of the tires with the ground will improve the handling of the bike. This will make it easier to corner and ride in traffic.
8. Improved Looks:
The improved looks of a converted dirt bike will make it more visually appealing. This is thanks to the changes in suspension, brakes, wheels, and tires. As a result, the bike will look more like a street motorcycle and less like a dirt bike.
Final Thoughts
Converting a dirt bike to a supermoto can be a great way to have more fun on your bike, and it’s not as difficult as you might think. With the right parts and some basic knowledge, you can be blasting down city streets and tearing up backcountry trails on your converted supermoto in no time.
In this article, we have walked you through the steps necessary how to convert dirt bike to supermoto. Once you have made these modifications, it’s important to practice on a closed track or in an area with plenty of space until you feel comfortable riding your supermoto.
Remember that because the wheelbase is shorter and the center of gravity is higher on a supermoto, it will handle differently than a standard motorcycle. Whether you convert your bike or take it to a professional, we hope you have fun building your dream supermoto! If you have any questions or want to know more, then feel free to comment below!
Darren Matlock
Hi, I'm Darren. I love dirt bikes and everything about the off-road lifestyle. I'm passionate about motorbikes, cars, racing sports and going on adventures. If you're like me and enjoy extreme sports, you've come to the right place! I like to write articles about dirt bikes to help beginners get started. Whether you're interested in buying a dirt bike, ATV, motorcycle or want to ride for hobby, I hope my articles will inspire you to learn more about how this machine can be used to ride.
