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The bikes:

BMW G 650 Xmoto £6,195
This is the supermoto version of BMW’s new G 650 X series of bikes (the other two are the Xchallenge and the Xcountry). Unlike bigger BMWs the Rotax powered Xmoto has no telever suspension, shaft drive or ABS – and it’s better for it.
 
BMW HP2 Megamoto £12,595
The Megamoto is huge in every respect, from the size of 1170cc flat twin engine to its physical dimensions and massive price tag. This is what happens when BMW engineers stay late after work and start rifling through the parts bins…

Husqvarna SM510R £5,999
One of the most extreme supermotos you can buy. Just like a pure racing machine the Italian-made Husky is built purely for performance. If you live near a kart track this is the bike to own. Interestingly you could say that this is the third BMW on the test since the German firm has recently bought Husqvarna from the MV Agusta group.

KTM 690 Supermoto Prestige £6,195
The 690 Supermoto replaces the old 660 SMC, which has its own one-make racing series running at New Era club meetings. The 690 gets a revised engine, an electric start and styling based on KTM’s big 950SM V-twin.

Pulse Adrenalin 125 £1,399
For a first time motorcycle the Chinese11bhp Pulse Adrenalin is great value. It offers all the cool styling of a proper supermoto at a fraction of the cost. Build quality isn’t in the same league as the others here, but it’s arguably going to be used and abused a lot more in its lifetime.

The test:

One thing is clear and that is that supermotos bring out the worst in you. These bikes are all more fun than a sportsbike on the road. With something like an R1 it’s so fast that it only ever gets exciting when you’re well into three figure speeds, which is ok for the track but not so good when there’s other traffic about.

You have fun at much lower speeds on a supermoto, but chances are that instead of being nicked for speeding you’ll get a brown envelope through your door from the police showing you wheelying past one of their camera vans.

All of us were exhausted after this test; knackered from the constant windblast, brain ache from concentrating so hard, jaw ache from grinning and blisters on hands from wheelying at every conceivable opportunity. 

To find out more about these bikes and see which one has been rated the best by senior roadtester, Michael Neeves, check out this week’s MCN, available from Wednesday, August 15, 2007.