Best Road Legal Supermotos

Supermoto bikes deliver probably the purest, most adrenaline-filled thrills in the whole of motorcycling.

Historically single-cylinder motocross bikes converted into track racers for a 1970s televised US race series, the concept was picked up in France, renamed ‘supermotard’ and the home-brewed street bikes which followed became so popular they spawned production versions.

Today, supermoto racing lives on (read our guide here) and for street riders there is also an increasing range of road legal versions ranging from 125cc versions for learners; mid-range fun bikes and out-and-out, full-bore 600cc+ track refugees for hardcore riders.

KTM have two new models for 2025, Suzuki has its new DR-Z4SM and Ducati’s latest Hypermotard has proved a big hit.

And although by their very definition of being dirt bikes with street tyres, wheels and brakes, supermotos may have limited practicality – no one wants to go touring on a Supermoto – they make up for it with lively, lightweight performance, nimble handling and lots of excitement and hooligan pose value.

But which is the best? Here’s our pick of 10 of the best, both new and used…

How to choose a supermoto

• Choose your engine capacity first. What sort of licence to you have? A1 (ie sub 125cc); A2 (under 47bhp) or full (unlimited)?

• What sort of riding do you want to do? Do you want a ‘lairy’ toy or do you want something capable of longer distances, comfort and versatility?

• What’s your riding experience? Are you a relative novice (stick to middleweight bikes like Suzuki’s DR-Z400SM) or are you experienced in handling a high performance machine (the world's your oyster)

• What’s your budget? The most extreme bikes here cost £10K+ – but you can get a good used middleweight for under £5,000 and the cheapest used 125s start at under £2K.
   

1. Ducati 

• Engine 659cc single Power 78bhp Torque 46.4ft/lb 

• Weight 151kg  Seat height 904mm Price new £11,295

The Ducati Hypermotard 698 was all-new in 2024, is a bespoke, purpose-built street supermoto, has revolutionised perceptions of what a street supermoto can be and due to its punchy power and fabulously nimble handling is one of the most fun motorcycles launched in recent years.

It's based around a brand-new and so far unique engine which is effectively half of Ducati’s old 1200 Panigale V-twin superbike motor. As such it’s an ultra-short-stroke single which is not only the largest Ducati has ever produced but is also the most powerful yet produced by anyone.

Combine that with an extremely lightweight and compact chassis, top-notch suspension and brakes, the latest electronics including riding modes and traction control and you get, as we described in our review “one of the most entertaining and adrenaline-fuelled bikes to take out on a sunny afternoon on your favourite B-road.”

Sure, there are downsides: being a ‘naked’ upright single means it’s not (like many supermotos) very practical – it’s not comfortable or happy on motorways or taking luggage or a pillion and its lofty seat makes it awkward. But it’s also not as intimidating as all that sounds, can be ridden gently and effortlessly and is also a gorgeous, pure motorcycle in its own right. If you want a motorcycle as a short-haul, selfish toy, there are few better.

Pros
* Peak supermoto performance/fun
* But easy to ride, too
* Latest electronics and cycle parts

Cons
* Peak supermoto price, too
* Lofty seat height
* Limited practicality

You can read our Ducati Hypermotard 689 Mono review here.

2. KTM 690 SMC R

• Engine 692cc single Power 74bhp Torque 54.2ft/lb 

• Weight 147kg  Seat height 890mm Price new £10,399

Until the arrival of the Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono, the 690 SMC R from off-road Austrian experts KTM was our top supermoto – if what you want from this sort of bike is peak performance and unbridled thrills.

Last updated and refined a couple of years ago, the 690 SMC R is based around a 692cc single-cylinder engine that is now smooth and refined enough for motorway work (although we wouldn’t recommend it) but is also free revving and hungry to play. Thanks to quality, fully adjustable WP suspension, a strong four-piston Brembo front caliper and a slipper clutch, it’s also second only to the Ducati when it comes hammering into tight, technical bends. 

In our test of the original we said: “The SMC R will genuinely do it all, even highway travel. But when you do find the kind of road it was designed for, nothing will beat it for pure enjoyment.”

The Ducati now edges it, and the 690 SMC R is not for raw novices, but it still offers thrills like few others, has a used back catalogue that may tempt and, as KTM also now owns Husqvarna and GasGas, those two marques produce their own versions which may appeal, too.

Pros
* Raw, pure, original supermoto appeal
* Cheaper, more proven than the Ducati
* Plenty of used examples

Cons
* Even less practicality
* Husqvarna/GasGas versions more exclusive
* Not for novices

You can read our review of the KTM 690 SMC R here.

3. Aprilia SX125

• Engine 124cc single Power 15bhp Torque 7.fft/lb 

• Weight 120kg  Seat height 880mm Price new £3,530 

First launched in 2008 and then receiving a comprehensive makeover in 2018, the Italian SX is probably the best of the four-stroke A1 class learner-compliant supermotos currently available.

It’s based on the Aprilia RS125 sportster and uses that bike’s 15bhp liquid-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder motor but in a bespoke chassis that it shares with its RX 125 trail bike brother, which has larger, trail style wheels and tyres. 

In SX form there are 17-inch wire wheels, both have an LCD dash, lots of Italian style and quality touches and, perhaps most impressively of all, it’s also even pretty decent value.

In our review we said: “The SX is a cheap and cheerful way into motorcycling, and a bike that’s guaranteed to get new riders hooked. It doesn’t quite scream Aprilia quality but is a damn sight better than some of the other mini supermoto models on offer.”

Pros
* Best A1 class supermoto on market
* Great value
* Lots of nice touches

Cons
* Only 15bhp
* Spec a little basic
* Tall for some learners

Read our original Aprilia SX125 review here.

4. Suzuki DR-Z400SM

• Engine 398cc single Power 39bhp Torque 29ft/lb 

• Weight 137kg  Seat height 890mm Price used £3,500 to £5,250 
   

Still the best of the mid-capacity, A2-licence compliant, mainstream supermotos and a bike so good that, despite the original’s demise in 2009, Suzuki have now updated it, modified it to meet the latest emissions regulations and are relaunching it in 2025 as the DR-Z4SM.

Until then, the original’s still a great used buy. True to the original supermoto formula of taking a dirt bike (Suzuki’s effective DR-Z400S enduro) and fitting wider, smaller wheels, grippier tyres, stronger brakes and firmer suspension, the SM was introduced in 2005 as the most impressive of the Japanese supermotos.

Power’s modest but so is the weight. It handles superbly everywhere but runs out of puff on big roads. Reliability’s excellent but young hoons can still cause grief through massive neglect. 

At the time we said: “Why Suzuki didn’t do this years ago beats us; after all we’ve seen many a home built DRZ. Well, they have now so it might save a few of you the bother.”

Pros
* The best mid-range supermoto
* Fun and surprisingly functional
* Solid and durable

Cons
* Watch for converted DR-Z400Ss
* Big bore kits cause reliability issues
* Good ones getting rare (so wait for the DR-Z4SM)

Read our original review of the Suzuki DRZ400 SM here.

Click here to read Suzuki DR-Z400SM owner reviews

5. Ducati Hypermotard 950

• Engine 937cc V-twin Power 113bhp Torque 72.2ft/lb 

• Weight 204kg  Seat height 870mm Price new from £13,095

The Hypermotard 950 was introduced in 2019 as the renamed, latest incarnation of Ducati's V-twin street supermoto, which began in 2007 with the air-cooled Hypermotard 1100, with 796, 821 and 937 versions along the way.

Being a V-twin means it's more substantial and flexible than most single cylinder versions but it’s still a bike that thrives on carving up mountain hairpins and being hustled through tight, technical corners.

It packs loads of punch for blasting out of tight turns, or floating the front wheel off the ground, and has light steering and a riding position that makes it easy to boss about. And, if all that’s not mean enough, Ducati also produces an SP version with Marchesini wheels, longer-travel Ohlins suspension, carbon bodywork and Termignoni exhaust for £16,795 and the stylish, upspecced RVE from £14,095.

What we said: “We only had three sessions on track – and the last one was perhaps the most fun I’ve had on a bike in years.”

Pros
* Great compromise of road and racey
* More flexible V-twin engine
* Exotic Ducati appeal

Cons
* Pricey compared to some
* Still impractical
* SP very extreme

Read our original review of the Ducati Hypermotard 950 here

6. Yamaha WR125X

• Engine 125cc single Power 15bhp Torque 8.9ft/lb

• Weight 137kg  Seat height 920mm Price used £2,000 to £3,750 

Introduced in 2009 and sadly deleted by Yamaha in 2017, the WR125X was the best learner-legal, A1-class supermotos of its time with excellent handling, lively manners and quality build and remains in high demand as a used bike today – if you can find one.

It’s powered by a slick, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, four-stroke single, has quality suspension, wheels and brakes and also a general air of quality and durability few learner 125s can match.

As a result, used prices for good ones remain high, and you need to make sure that, if you do find one, it’s been looked after. But if you do it’s a brilliant blend of learner bike and supermoto fun, is stylish and not to inimidating (although its seat is very high) and should also be the envy of all you mates.

What we said: “A supermoto-styled learner machine that comes very well equipped and with excellent handling.”

Pros
* Great style
* Well made and equipped
* More versatile than most

Cons
* Now slightly ageing
* Very tall seat
* Good ones rare

See our review of the Yamaha WR125X here.

7. Husqvarna 701 Supermoto
 

• Engine 692cc single Power 74bhp Torque 54.2ft/lb

• Weight 149kg  Seat height 890mm Price new £10,399

Husqvarna’s 701 Supermoto is based on sister company KTM’s 690 SMC R, but with slightly different styling and graphics, taller gearing, and different wheels, suspension and brakes.

As such it has all the raw extreme appeal of the KTM, but with an added dose of Husqvarna exclusivity. (And if that isn’t exclusive enough for you, there’s also another version, the SM700, by Spanish brand GasGas, which is also now KTM owned.)

Effectively a Supermoto version of Husky’s 701 Enduro, it’s powered by a surprisingly rev-happy 692cc single, which now pumps out 74bhp and has impressive mid-range and top-end power. The motor is complimented by decent handling, too, and, as you’d expect from a company known for producing bonkers race-spec supermotos, the 701 Supermoto is quick and eager to turn so it’s as capable of carving up congested streets as it is laying waste to a go-kart track.

On the downside, like the KTM (and GasGas) it’s not for novices, is impractical and pricey, too.

What we said: “I can’t think of many motorcycles that would make more fun of cutting up the city traffic.”

Pros
* A KTM, with more exclusivity
* Punchy, pure performance
* Great fun

Cons
* Not for novices
* Spec lacks fuel gauge or rev counter
* Impractical

Click here to read our review of the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto.

8. Aprilia SXV550
 

• Engine 549cc V-twin Power 70bhp Torque 35ft/lb 
• Weight 128kg Seat height 918mm Price used £7,000 to £8,500

Real supermotos were always single-cylinder bikes until the SVX appeared with two and cleaned up in racing.

Launched in 2007 it was a bold move by Aprilia in a bid to clean up in a class that had previously been dominated by singles. The bespoke V-twin is what makes the Aprilia special. The extra cylinder means less vibration and more oomph but it’s an impressively compact and lightweight unit which makes its 70bhp (with race exhaust) amazing compared to bulkier V-twins like Suzuki’s SV650. This helps the bike weigh in at a featherweight 128kg. Mix in rapid geometry and it’s an evil tool that’s madder than litre sports.

It’s more civilised than the lairy singles, comes in full road trim and ‘only’ needs a service every 1800 miles, although the 5500-mile check involves new pistons and more. If you’ve got the dosh, it’s the best combination of useable and loopy in today’s supermoto market. There’s a 450cc version available too.

What we said: “The SXV is a racer barely masquerading as a road bike, and comes with the accompanying inadequacies.”

Pros
* Mental engine
* Brilliant stunt bike
* Exclusivity

Cons
* Now aging
*A race bike with lights
* Needs constant attention

Read our review:

https://www.visordown.com/reviews/motorbike/sxv-550-2007-present-review

Click to read: Aprilia SVX550 owner reviews

9. Rieju MRT125 LC SM

• Engine 125cc single Power 15bhp Torque 8ft/lb 

• Weight 114kg  Seat height 900mm Price new £3,699 

From Spanish lightweight specialists Rieju, the MRT 125 LC SM is its cheaper 125cc Supermoto offering (they also do 50cc and top spec ‘Marathon’ versions) and it’s stylish, fun, lightweight and an enviable first bike.

Previously two-stroke powered, they’re now using liquid-cooled four-stroke single cylinder motors but, considering the 15bhp learner restriction, the appeal is little changed. Among the impressive spec is cast 17-inch wheels, snazzy styling, disc brakes and more – although, on the slight downside, Rieju’s dealer network isn’t as good as some.

Pros
* A stylish A1-class supermoto
* Lots of bling for your buck
* Decent all-round performance

Cons
* Can be a little fragile
* Dealers few and far between
* Less well known than some

10. CCM Scrambler Street Moto
 

• Engine 600cc single Power 55bhp Torque 49ft/lb 
• Weight 136kg  Seat height 830mm Price new £9,995 

British brand CCM has had major success in recent years with its bespoke, 600cc single cylinder, retro café racer-inspired Scrambler family and the Street Moto is one of its latest, and most supermoto style variant.

The Bolton-based brand’s Spitfire family are all based around the same, ex-BMW, enduro bike engine producing a punchy 62bhp which is then held in a hand-crafted tubular steel trellis frame.

The Street Moto is the supermoto-inspired urban roadster with 17-inch wheels, Supermoto carbon fibre bodywork including side number boards and high MX bars and comes in four different colours with options for Brembo twin discs (in place of the standard, single J-Juan item) plus various CNC goodies.

It's not the purest supermoto, has limited practicality and services on the enduro engine are due every 3500 miles, but it has bags of style, is unintimidating and enjoyable and stands out from the crowd.

What we said: “Continues CCM’s ethos of reducing weight, adding performance, and ensuring the riding experience is paramount.”

Pros
* Bespoke charm
* Easy, evocative ride
* British heritage

Cons
* No ‘true’ supermoto
* Short service intervals
* Limited practicality

Other supermotos to consider…

KTM 125 SMC R, £4,899

New for 2025, the KTM 125 SMC R is a Duke based supermoto promises authentic supermoto looks, proven A1-class performance and handling and decent spec.

Suzuki DR-Z4 SM, £TBA

Updated, revived DR-Z400SM is due summer 2025, will be joined by a trail version, the DR-Z4 and, despite tighten emissions regs, still promises 37bhp and plenty of fun.

Read more about the Suzuki DR-Z4 SM here

KTM 390 SMC R, £5,699

The bigger brother to the new KTM 390 SMC R is also so new it hasn’t been released yet but with a punchy, A2 compliant, 44bhp single and nimble lightweight chassis should be a hoot.

Top 10 Supermotos | Key Specifications and Technical Details Comparison

FAQs

• What is a supermoto?

The original supermoto racers were motocross bikes with street wheels/tyres designed to race on a mixed dirt/Tarmac circuit. Their popularity spawned homemade street-legal versions, often based on trail bikes which then led to production versions. Most are still single cylinder but there are now some twin cylinder versions.

• What are the benefits of a supermoto?

With their punchy performance, light weight and nimble handling they are great fun bikes that deliver plenty of thrills and are great at stunts like wheelies and skids. They also look cool. Conversely, although decent A1 learner and town bikes they lack versatility and long-distance comfort.

• What licence do I need for a street supermoto?

Like any other bike it depends on their capacity/performance. 125cc versions can be ridden on an A1 licence as long as their maximum power is 1kW/15bhp; larger ones can be ridden on an A2 licence as long as they produce under 47bhp. More powerful versions require a full A licence.

Buying a used supermoto

Our guide to supermotos includes both new and used machines. If buying new, and so getting a machine with a warranty, obviously you have nothing to worry about. But if buying used, especially privately, you’re going into potentially dangerous territory.

OK, the softer bikes, typically from the Japanese manufacturers, are pretty reliable and tend to just get used as commuters and for everyday fun. But some of the more hard-edged bikes, generally made by the smaller European marques, may have been ridden extremely hard by A-grade loonies. Stunts, racing and off-road are all possibilities. And they can be maintenance-heavy bikes with plenty of reliability issues.

The safest option is to buy from a dealer but make sure you understand what the warranty covers and get it written down because they may class them as competition machines, not road bikes and that gives you much less comeback if you do have problems.

Dedicated internet forums or supermoto Facebook groups often have bikes for sale and forums give you the chance to check out owners’ post history to see if they’ve had any problems with that machine. Don’t be afraid to ask simple, honest questions about any bike for sale, such as: 'Is there anything wrong with it?' or 'What have you used it for?'.

Think before you buy too. The softer Japanese bikes work well on the road, but the edgier Euro offerings can be pretty impractical, and older bikes may not have electric starts, oil changes scheduled for as often as every 200 miles, rock-hard seats, loads of engine vibration and other rough edges. Don’t be too put off though as machines for dicking about on there’s little that can touch them for raw fun.