Suspension differences between SM & EX/R?


Moto-Mucci

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I'm having trouble finding reliable information here but I'm curious if the SM got the same suspension as the EX.
From the little bit of spec data I can find online they are both listed as having the same wheel travel. I don't know how trustworthy these 3rd party sites are though.
 

Philip

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This is all that I know:
 

Moto-Mucci

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This is all that I know:
Ah awesome, looks like KTM 450 SMCR 48mm WP Xplor forks with different valving.
Still curious what the wheel travel is / if it’s the same as the 450 / how it differs from the EX.

All the online specs I find say both have 12” on travel. Again, no idea how true that is because it’s not directly from Alta.
 

Philip

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The travel should be the same. Why would a supermoto suspension have a reduced travel? Also, why is this so important to you, what are you planning?
 

Moto-Mucci

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The travel should be the same. Why would a supermoto suspension have a reduced travel? Also, why is this so important to you, what are you planning?
Because SM’s usually have lower suspension.
I’m curious because I’m wondering if a wheel set and gearing would turn a SM into a EX or if it’d be a compromised off-roader due to lower stiffer suspension.
 

Philip

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Moto-Mucci

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Ahh the caliper doesn’t clear... that makes this a lot more expensive.
 

Moto-Mucci

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I do not believe this is the case.
It feels lower because the wheels are smaller (16/17 vs 21/19 or 18) and the tires lower profile.
Maybe there are models that don’t but whenever I look up specs they have different wheel travel:

690 Enduro: 250mm F / 250mm R
690SMCR: 240/215

TE610: 300/320
SM610: 250/290

DRZ400: 290/295
DRZ400SM: 260/276
 

Philip

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Maybe there are models that don’t but whenever I look up specs they have different wheel travel:

690 Enduro: 250mm F / 250mm R
690SMCR: 240/215

TE610: 300/320
SM610: 250/290

DRZ400: 290/295
DRZ400SM: 260/276
These are all heavy adventure-based bikes. They have almost nothing in common with motocross and supermoto bikes. They never jump.

Any motocross or supermoto bike from 125 to 500cc has at least 12" of travel.
 

Moto-Mucci

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These are all heavy adventure-based bikes. They have almost nothing in common with motocross and supermoto bikes. They never jump.

Any motocross or supermoto bike from 125 to 500cc has at least 12" of travel.

I'm not sure what point you're making or question you're answering?

Current Supermoto bikes on the market:

701SM
690 SMCR
450SMR
DRZ400SM
FS450
Zero FXS
KLX300SM

Every bike above has lower suspension than it's enduro/MX counterpart... which is why I asked my original question.
 

standbyu

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Here's a side by side of the installed SM fork leg (brake side), and a 2022 AER leg (throttle side) from a KTM 450 SFX. Stock Alta SM 4CS has 11" travel and is therefore 1" shorter than the aforementioned AER leg.IMG_20211115_212050582.jpg
 

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