Supermoto setup: gearing, geometry and grip on tarmac

A supermoto is a converted off-road bike on 17" sticky tyres. The setup job is to add tarmac front grip and stability without losing the dirt-section compliance.

Gearing for the track

Kart and supermoto tracks are tight - gearing is usually short. Pick a rear sprocket that lets the bike pull cleanly out of the slowest corner in second without bogging and without hitting the limiter everywhere. One or two teeth on the rear noticeably changes corner drive.

Geometry and front grip

Off-road bikes steer lazily for tarmac. Drop the front (raise the forks in the clamps a few mm) to quicken turn-in, and set sag firmer than dirt - supermoto rider sag is typically less than MX. The result should be a planted front you can trail-brake and slide against.

Suspension

Tarmac loads are higher and more sustained than dirt. Add compression and rebound damping over the dirt baseline so the bike does not wallow under hard braking and cornering loads, but keep enough compliance for any dirt section or kerbs. Stiffer fork springs are common for heavy tarmac use.

Tyres

17" slicks or treaded supermoto tyres in the right compound for the temperature are the biggest grip lever; set the maker's recommended hot-ish pressures (lower than road).

Set sag, then geometry, then damping, then gearing - one change at a time. Setup is a starting point, never a safety guarantee.