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Hey, I was thinking of converting my 2005 Honda CRF250X to a supermoto bike. But see, the thing is, I still want to be able to ride it at the trails sometimes (Goreman, Dry Lake Beds, etc. for those who know). So, what do you guys think? Maybe I should keep the suspension the way it came stock (it is pretty stiff for me already because I only weigh 105 pounds, and no, I am not some short kid, I'm 5'10")? Maybe I should get supermoto tires for the rims I already have? I don't want to put a whole lot of money into this thing, so any cheap solutions would be really helpful.
Ah Ben...I replied in the other thread, but it's good you started your own.
You have a TON of options when it comes to SM conversion. First and cheapest is the use of DOT tires on stock rims. Maxxis, Avon Gripster, Avon Distanzia, Pirelli Scorpion are all options (see my link in other post) for sportsman's tires.
17" wheel conversion...you can have pricey assemblies built (PM me for where NOT to go...). I have found that the easiest route is to get the Excel rims for your bike, Buchannen spoke kit and stock hubs. You can go with talon or what not, but I like using the stock hubs because then you KNOW it will fit your bike. Some of the guys I know had issues with their calipers lining up with talon hubs. But that was the mini's but I would assume it could translate.
Cheap brakes...well, kind of. Get the bracket for the stock caliper and buy a 320 mm rotor for the front...stock rear is plenty....remember this should only go on the 17" wheel...NOT the stock sportsman's wheel.
We convert my SM to dirt in 20 minutes. Swap out wheels, gearing, add a link to the chain, pull the caliper bracket and off we go...no biggie. Same goes for reverse back to SM.
Suspension-stiff is good. Most important is that it is balanced, meaning the forks and the shock move at the same time. My 250F is a stock suspension....no big deal.
Hope all this helps. Just be careful. Once you hit an SM you will never be able to get off it!!!
Thank you so much, I think at first I will just try using DOT tires on my stock rims like you said, just to see if I like it. Maybe then, if I like it enough, I will go and spend money on rims, spokes, a new front rotor, an extra rear stock rotor, and two new stock hubs so I can have two complete wheelsets to make switching back and forth easier.
Unfortunately I can't answer that one....I "stole" my bike with the SM wheels for less than 4k.....It was the deal of the century. The only piece I had to buy was the rear hub for the stock wheels.
I believe you are looking at around 1k for a set of SM wheels. But that depends on who you know and what you can get piece parts for. My dealership takes VERY good care of me and gives me killer pricing on OEM stuff, so I can get my Yami hubs oober cheap.
So you think that I should get all my parts at my dealership correct? I already get great deals on stuff their because we have bought 4 bikes there, and we are great friends with the head mechanic.
I always look online to see what the best pricing is that I can find. I take it in to my dealer and give them the opportunity to keep my business. If they come close, I will order it through them. (I don't have to pay shipping so most times they can easily beat online pricing). In most cases my dealer can beat the pricing. When I have a list I will buy all of the items from them~even the "high" ones. They are usually only $1-$5 high on any given item.
But check this out. Jeff from Procycle is offering "lace your own" kits for $529.95. This price includes the 3.5x17" front rim and spokes and the 4.25x17" rear rim and spokes. Lace it up to your stock hub and you are ready to rock. Of course you can email him and see what it would cost for him to lace them up to stock hubs. He is a SUPER cool guy. Honest and very FAST turn around. His goal is to get people out there. Give him a holler (tell him Tammy from Wisconsin sent you) and see what he can do. There is no one better out there as far as SM wheel assemblies go....he will have you wheels within two weeks. http://www.procycle.us/main/supermoto.htm
Dirt Bike Conversion
Dam Munky!
