Welcome to NESR! Most features of this site require registration, including replying to threads, sending private messages, starting new threads, and uploading files. Click here to register.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 34

Sumo Conversion

  1. #1
    Posting Freak Jewcati's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Posts
    999

    Sumo Conversion

    I have a Husaberg FE 390, for dirt. I am thinking about doing a supermoto conversion, but I would like to be able to switch back and forth, how much does a supermoto conversion cost, and how do I handle the suspension issue going between dirt and street?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  2. #2
    Resident Turkey Tricky Mike's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    The burbs... where dreams go to die
    Posts
    6,072

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    Quote Originally Posted by Jewcati View Post
    how do I handle the suspension issue going between dirt and street?
    More importantly is the front end geometry issue going from 21" to 17"
    You really need new (reduced offset) triple clamps.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  3. #3
    Wizard loudbeard's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Rehoboth MA
    Age
    41
    Posts
    5,432

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    It all depends on what your goals are. Do you want the sumo to be something to whip around town or a track weapon? If it's the former, easy. About $1,500 gets you a set of 17's complete with discs, sprocket, tires, and caliper relocation bracket. That's more than enough for clowning around.

    If you want a real track weapon, you'd be better off to get a second bike.

    1 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    I went to MMI I know what Im doing here chief

  4. #4
    Posting Freak Jewcati's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Posts
    999

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    Quote Originally Posted by loudbeard View Post
    It all depends on what your goals are. Do you want the sumo to be something to whip around town or a track weapon? If it's the former, easy. About $1,500 gets you a set of 17's complete with discs, sprocket, tires, and caliper relocation bracket. That's more than enough for clowning around.

    If you want a real track weapon, you'd be better off to get a second bike.
    Ah....

    Second option...good to know, seems that way


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  5. #5
    Wizard loudbeard's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Rehoboth MA
    Age
    41
    Posts
    5,432

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    Quote Originally Posted by Jewcati View Post
    Ah....

    Second option...good to know, seems that way
    Right on. Like Tricky said, the geometry isn't going to be right when you go from a 21" to 17" front wheel you're decreasing your trail to a degree that isn't safe when pushing the limits. The other negative against this bike is the PDS rear suspension. The bottom of the shock is bolted directly to the top of the swing arm rather than a traditional linkage system. Works well in the woods, but not so much on a race track. That's just the geometry aspect. Then you have the suspension settings. Road racing and woods are so far apart you wouldn't be able to just spin the clickers and get it close. It'll be several spring rates off and the valving will be way too soft.

    So yeah, this bike would do perfectly fine to hop curbs and do whoolies, even go have some fun at a track day if you take it easy. A racer she is not.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    I went to MMI I know what Im doing here chief

  6. #6
    Posting Freak Jewcati's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Posts
    999

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    Quote Originally Posted by loudbeard View Post
    Right on. Like Tricky said, the geometry isn't going to be right when you go from a 21" to 17" front wheel you're decreasing your trail to a degree that isn't safe when pushing the limits. The other negative against this bike is the PDS rear suspension. The bottom of the shock is bolted directly to the top of the swing arm rather than a traditional linkage system. Works well in the woods, but not so much on a race track. That's just the geometry aspect. Then you have the suspension settings. Road racing and woods are so far apart you wouldn't be able to just spin the clickers and get it close. It'll be several spring rates off and the valving will be way too soft.

    So yeah, this bike would do perfectly fine to hop curbs and do whoolies, even go have some fun at a track day if you take it easy. A racer she is not.
    In all fairness...neither am I


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  7. #7
    Resident Turkey Tricky Mike's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    The burbs... where dreams go to die
    Posts
    6,072

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    Years ago I did exactly what you're describing with a KTM 520... Even had no-link rear suspension.

    I got a set of wheels, caliper bracket, etc... Took it up to the track and took it real easy. Still crashed.

    The combination of no front end feel and wide MX handlebars is a really effective recipe for front tuckage.

    If you just want to tool around on the street a bare bones conversion *might* be ok, but to be honest I wouldn't do it. Less so if you plan on bringing it to the track.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  8. #8
    Lifer Kurlon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Waterboro ME
    Age
    46
    Posts
    13,519

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    Are you going to race, or just hoon it up on the street?

    If not racing, do a 'sportsman' setup, stock size wheels with road rubber. Don't bother changing anything else, minimal cost and you will be able to push harder than you'd expect. Slightly higher expense, score a used set of stock wheels to make swapping easier.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  9. #9
    Lifer
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Posts
    16,509

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    Quote Originally Posted by loudbeard View Post
    It all depends on what your goals are. Do you want the sumo to be something to whip around town or a track weapon? If it's the former, easy. About $1,500 gets you a set of 17's complete with discs, sprocket, tires, and caliper relocation bracket. That's more than enough for clowning around.

    If you want a real track weapon, you'd be better off to get a second bike.
    This, all day.

    Also realize virtually nothing in super-moto land just "bolts-up". It is the land of dicking around with parts half-tested together. If you are not mechanically inclined and not willing to tinker you had best plan on paying someone else to build the super-moto for you. And building a bike that goes both ways is probably out of the question.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  10. #10
    Lifer
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Posts
    16,509

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    Quote Originally Posted by Kurlon View Post
    If not racing, do a 'sportsman' setup, stock size wheels with road rubber. Don't bother changing anything else, minimal cost and you will be able to push harder than you'd expect. Slightly higher expense, score a used set of stock wheels to make swapping easier.
    Honestly, this is what I would do as well. 2nd set of dirt sized wheels with the most street friendly rubber you can find.
    Or sell the dirt bike, buy a factory supermoto, a 2nd set of 17's and fit with pseudo knobs. TKC80's now come in 120 profile 17" sizes.

    Gearing and brakes will be easier to deal with, for starters.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  11. #11
    Wizard loudbeard's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Rehoboth MA
    Age
    41
    Posts
    5,432

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    Quote Originally Posted by Tricky Mike View Post
    Years ago I did exactly what you're describing with a KTM 520... Even had no-link rear suspension.

    I got a set of wheels, caliper bracket, etc... Took it up to the track and took it real easy. Still crashed.

    The combination of no front end feel and wide MX handlebars is a really effective recipe for front tuckage.

    If you just want to tool around on the street a bare bones conversion *might* be ok, but to be honest I wouldn't do it. Less so if you plan on bringing it to the track.
    I guess the 520 already has very little trail. Probably a reasonable guess that his Berg is similar. Also probably a reasonable assumption that enduro bikes in general are setup to favor quicker turning in lieu of higher speed stability, making them risky motard conversions. Most 450 MX bikes are rideable with a simple conversion, although anyone taking it seriously is definitely into a set of offset triples.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    I went to MMI I know what Im doing here chief

  12. #12
    Posting Freak Jewcati's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Posts
    999

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    Thanks guys. Just trying to get back to the track on a budget.

    This is probably not the answer


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  13. #13
    Lifer Kurlon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Waterboro ME
    Age
    46
    Posts
    13,519

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    If you're not racing, a sportsman setup will get you on the track quite happily. Hell, I raced at NHMS on a bone stock 92 brake system and clamps* and it didn't really hold me back. The rotor was pissed and turned into a bowl when I went to unmount it from the wheel, but had I left the bolts in place it would have continued to work.

    *Old YZ geometry != KTM Geo. Similarly CRF Geo != KTM Geo, etc...

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Last edited by Kurlon; 05-06-19 at 03:34 PM.

  14. #14
    Wizard loudbeard's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Rehoboth MA
    Age
    41
    Posts
    5,432

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    Cheap and motard are not really used in the same sentence. Just go up to NHMS during the next round and buy one of the 13 SV's parked next to the crapper.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    I went to MMI I know what Im doing here chief

  15. #15
    Get Weird! maxim_X's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Fairhaven, Ma
    Age
    37
    Posts
    3,026

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    What everyone else said is pretty accurate. I'll add expect to spend $5k-$10k to get something competitive from a regular dirt bike, probably closer to the high number. They are pretty expensive to keep running too.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    LRRS EX 151 AMSOIL

    JCBernier -- You-tube

  16. #16
    Awesomeness, Inc. MattR302's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    New Haven-ish, CT
    Age
    39
    Posts
    1,644

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    I’m doing something similar with my DR650/790. I’m keeping it realistic with my goals though. Sumo wheels for street and occasional (slow yellow group) track days, and stock wheels with 50/50 tires for dualsport/light ADV rides. I picked up a used set of Warp 9 sumo wheels with oversized front rotor, caliper bracket, rear rotor, and cush drive hub. Just installed them for the first time last weekend:

    -Having sprocket sizes that work with the same chain help make for an easier swap back and forth.
    -Also having the same size front rotor - on the DR, swapping the caliper relocation bracket means you have to remove the brake pads. I’ve only done it once, but I’m thinking it may just be easier to swap the big rotor over to the 21 rather than swap the caliper bracket.
    -My 17” front wheel has the tabs to drive the factory speedometer cable, but then the speedo/odometer end up reading about 30% faster. They make aftermarket speedo drives to correct this, or you could swap to an aftermarket speedometer (if you even care).

    When I had my DR350, I had a second set of stock wheels that I put Shinko 705 tires on for street duty, they’re like a 85/15 street/dirt tire. They stuck plenty fine for street twisties, wore like iron, and were ok for exploring dirt and gravel roads. I even did a Thompson non-sportbike track day on them. If you can get a stock set of wheels cheap, I’d just go this route.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Last edited by MattR302; 05-06-19 at 06:52 PM.

  17. #17
    Fast is contagious JettaJayGLS's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Tahoe City
    Age
    35
    Posts
    6,149

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    Back in my day...a lot of people raced relatively stock CRF450s.

    Mine was an 02. Stock clamps, revalved stock suspension. Didn't take all that long to find 21s. Will you get an expert podium, eh, probably not. Then again, previous owner of my race bike could do 18s on it.

    Wheels, something to help it stop, and go rip it on or off the track. I don't know much about the Husabergs, but if it is similar to 17 year old mx tech, it should be plenty of fun on the track. Simple motards are incredibly forgiving and easy to ride, in my mind.

    As others have alluded too, its the motors that make motards expensive to use as a dedicated track bike. It definitely isn't the chasis. Cheap fun is an SV650. A middleweight ain't all that expensive either if you either a) aren't super fast, or b) can take a step back and not be full gas all the time.

    I feel like I did 90% of the damage to my tires in 10% of the laps while running trackdays on a middleweight.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Last edited by JettaJayGLS; 05-06-19 at 07:35 PM.
    A man of many names...Jay, Gennaro, Gerry, etc.

  18. #18
    Lifer
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Posts
    16,509

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    Preface this by knowing that I am a slow, not incredibly experienced rider. I've probably never ridden a really dialed in machine.

    I never thought the front end on my converted DRZ400 was that bad. That bike started as a S or dirt model and I fitted DRZ400SM 17" wheels to it.
    The WR450F conversion I have now is a little light on front end feel. But I find it perfectly ridable at a yellow group pace. I'm sure triples would help. But I agree they aren't necessary for recreational fun.

    The issue is the easy dirt <=> sumo mode conversion. IMO that requires a lot of compromises and just isn't worth it.

    Buy a dedicated track toy. Keep the FE390 just as it is.. or sell it.

    1 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Last edited by nhbubba; 05-07-19 at 06:50 AM.

  19. #19
    Get Weird! maxim_X's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Fairhaven, Ma
    Age
    37
    Posts
    3,026

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    Quote Originally Posted by JettaJayGLS View Post
    Back in my day...a lot of people raced relatively stock CRF450s.

    Mine was an 02. Stock clamps, revalved stock suspension. Didn't take all that long to find 21s. Will you get an expert podium, eh, probably not. Then again, previous owner of my race bike could do 18s on it.
    There are a couple of freaks out there, like Narbone, but other than those the fast motards are only going 18's these days. For me the difference between an 18 and a 21 is HUGE, and the machine alone could make the difference. I'm not saying it's not worth having a motard if you can't do 18's on it, but once you race one that's really setup anything else is kind of scary.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    LRRS EX 151 AMSOIL

    JCBernier -- You-tube

  20. #20
    Fast is contagious JettaJayGLS's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Tahoe City
    Age
    35
    Posts
    6,149

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    Quote Originally Posted by maxim_X View Post
    There are a couple of freaks out there, like Narbone, but other than those the fast motards are only going 18's these days. For me the difference between an 18 and a 21 is HUGE, and the machine alone could make the difference. I'm not saying it's not worth having a motard if you can't do 18's on it, but once you race one that's really setup anything else is kind of scary.
    Oh yes, 21s and 18s is a HUGE difference. 21s also put you at the front of track days and that was the vibe I got. That said I’m still not recommending a motard for cheap fun.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    A man of many names...Jay, Gennaro, Gerry, etc.

  21. #21

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    naah I've "tried" some of these combos, and I didn't like sportsman on a track because you couldn't push and the braking sucks...the geometry discussed is important in a track setting...swapping wheels/tires also kinda sucks if you do it often...and I've always subscribed to separating the duties and found aplated dual sport + dedicated street (or in your case track) bike is the best way. At best, the oem sumo option Nhbubba mentioned with a separate set of 17's w' "dirt" tires will keep everything working the way it's supposed to.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Last edited by breakdirt916; 05-07-19 at 10:29 AM.
    FREE $10 UBER CREDIT W' PROMO CODE --> PON41
    1994 Yamaha YZ250 CA Street Legal 2-smoke :smoke:

  22. #22
    Lifer Kurlon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Waterboro ME
    Age
    46
    Posts
    13,519

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    Well, no shit braking and cornering isn't as good on a sportsman setup as a full on ready to rumble no limits sumo build! Did you know the brakes on a Ninja 500 suck compared to a S1000RR? Blew my mind when I learned that!

    If we're talking track days, not racing the goal is to find and then work maximizing the limitations of the bike. A sportsman setup gets you out there, a full blown conversion with wheels plus, or a second bike may break the bank meaning... no track day at all. If those are my choices, I'll try the one that lets me get a taste first, then if I catch the bug go balls deep.

    One other note, I find the guys that come from road racing to Sumo have a much harder time with front end geometry not being spot on perfect, etc compared to the dirt / flat trackers trying Sumo / road racing. The latter you can put on a steaming pile with geometry that'd make Peter Kates run screaming and they'll still have a good time while showing up many riders who thought they were 'fast'.

    3 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Last edited by Kurlon; 05-07-19 at 01:16 PM.

  23. #23
    ^ It's my bike and my car tls25rs's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Haverhill, MA
    Age
    53
    Posts
    3,720

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    Quote Originally Posted by Kurlon View Post
    One other note, I find the guys that come from road racing to Sumo have a much harder time with front end geometry not being spot on perfect, etc compared to the dirt / flat trackers trying Sumo / road racing. The latter you can put on a steaming pile with geometry that'd make Peter Kates run screaming and they'll still have a good time while showing up many riders who thought they were 'fast'.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  24. #24

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    Quote Originally Posted by Kurlon View Post
    Well, no shit braking and cornering isn't as good on a sportsman setup as a full on ready to rumble no limits sumo build! Did you know the brakes on a Ninja 500 suck compared to a S1000RR? Blew my mind when I learned that!

    If we're talking track days, not racing the goal is to find and then work maximizing the limitations of the bike. A sportsman setup gets you out there, a full blown conversion with wheels plus, or a second bike may break the bank meaning... no track day at all. If those are my choices, I'll try the one that lets me get a taste first, then if I catch the bug go balls deep.

    One other note, I find the guys that come from road racing to Sumo have a much harder time with front end geometry not being spot on perfect, etc compared to the dirt / flat trackers trying Sumo / road racing. The latter you can put on a steaming pile with geometry that'd make Peter Kates run screaming and they'll still have a good time while showing up many riders who thought they were 'fast'.
    lol you know me man, if I can get out there at the lowest possible price point (especially if it's investigative or novelty experience), I'm all for it! but the more bikes I ride, the more I've (high level) experienced the gradient, and quality of enjoyment from purpose built machines vs. the compromise of all-in-one versatility. if I was going to recommend it to anyone else, I'd say just get it done right and split 'em up. with how cheap track bikes are out there, an sv650/ex500 would be way more fun, safe, convenient and possibly cost efficient than a separate sumo setup on a oem dirt bike.

    but yeah, if it's barebones cost, and the difference is getting out there vs. not at all, then yeah, give it a whirl.

    I dunno who jewcati is - I just assume everyone out there is a track day/racer. @ OP - what's your track experience history and what are you looking to get out of it?

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Last edited by breakdirt916; 05-07-19 at 03:19 PM.
    FREE $10 UBER CREDIT W' PROMO CODE --> PON41
    1994 Yamaha YZ250 CA Street Legal 2-smoke :smoke:

  25. #25
    Wizard loudbeard's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Rehoboth MA
    Age
    41
    Posts
    5,432

    Re: Sumo Conversion

    Quote Originally Posted by breakdirt916 View Post
    with how cheap track bikes are out there, an sv650/ex500 would be way more fun
    Under no circumstances should anyone buy an EX500. It is a birth control bike. Yes, they can rail, but they are without a doubt the ugliest thing you will ever see at a racetrack. The price gap doesn't even justify it anymore.

    2 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    I went to MMI I know what Im doing here chief

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. sumo conversion...worth it?
    By SVRACER01 in forum General Bike Related
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 04-16-12, 07:38 AM
  2. Sv 650 520 conversion sprockets
    By ae in forum Wanted
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 09-29-11, 11:40 AM
  3. sv... 520 conversion and gearing
    By darkduc7 in forum General Bike Related
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 08-12-11, 08:15 PM
  4. ANG Conversion?
    By Woodsy in forum General Bike Related
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 07-30-08, 10:37 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •