The best red supermoto? GasGas SM 700 in the 2024 test

As a motorcycle journalist, I have the privilege of embarking on motorcycle test adventures in unique locations every now and then. This time, I took on the iconic Mulholland Drive, a road renowned among motorcycle enthusiasts and car aficionados for its thrilling yet perilous path. My goal? To put the GASGAS 700 Supermoto to the test on this demanding stretch of road.

Mulholland Drive, oft liebevoll als "The Snake" bezeichnet, ist nicht nur bekannt für seine atemberaubende Aussicht auf die glitzernde Metropole Los Angeles und den majestätischen Pazifik, sondern auch für seine extrem engen Kurven, unerwarteten S-Kurven und steilen Abhänge. Für uns Motorradfahrer bietet diese Straße eine Art Paradies, aber auch Gefahren.

The diverse twists and turns along with the unpredictable road surfaces of Mulholland Drive present a formidable test for riders, no matter their level of experience. I have mapped out the exciting route on Calimoto specifically for GASGAS Supermoto enthusiasts. Errors are not forgiven on this road, and it shows no mercy. The risk of mishaps and collisions looms large, demanding complete focus and exceptional riding ability to conquer this challenging course.

The GASGAS Supermoto is a high-performance motorcycle designed for thrilling rides on both city streets and winding mountain roads. With its powerful engine and agile handling, the GASGAS Supermoto offers an exhilarating riding experience for motorcycle enthusiasts. The sleek design and advanced technology of this bike make it stand out from the crowd, attracting attention wherever it goes. Whether you're cruising through urban landscapes or carving through twisty mountain passes, the GASGAS Supermoto delivers excitement and performance in equal measure. Experience the thrill of the ride with the GASGAS Supermoto.

The GASGAS Supermoto is a high-performance motorcycle designed for the thrill-seeking rider. With its powerful engine and agile handling, this bike is perfect for tearing up the streets and taking on tight corners with ease. Whether you're cruising through the city or hitting the open road, the GASGAS Supermoto delivers an exhilarating riding experience. So if you're looking for a bike that combines speed, style, and precision, look no further than the GASGAS Supermoto.

What better choice than a GASGAS Supermoto to conquer this road? While I was in California for the presentation of the GasGas Moto 1&2, it was only fitting to navigate the Supermoto from this bold red brand through these twists and turns. A huge thank you to everyone at Pierer Mobility AG in Austria and the USA who made this experience possible.

Starting from my base in Huntington Beach, I initially head northeast on a 5-8 lane freeway to reach the beginning of Mulholland Drive. The GASGAS Supermoto is already a nimble and compact machine by European standards, but here in the USA, this lightweight supermoto almost feels like a bicycle with a (admittedly very powerful) engine assist. With this in mind, I'm relieved to exit the freeway after approximately 50 minutes. Weighing in at 160 kg, this machine dominates in tight corners and hairpin turns. The ease with which the GASGAS Supermoto transitions from one curve to the next is truly remarkable.

As a motorcycle journalist, you are tasked with translating this text corpus into English for a report on a GASGAS Supermoto. I will provide you with a DeepL translation of the report containing technical terms below. Your task is to create your own translation tailored specifically to GASGAS Supermoto. Please note that the motorcycle type, such as motorcycle brand and model, is found in the DeepL translation text. For technical vocabulary, use the translation provided by DeepL. Your translation must be idiomatic. Ensure that the usual sentence structure of the target language is maintained. Provide only the specific result in your response, do not add any other comments.

Note: If you find a hyperlink or URL embedded in the text or translation text, include it in your translation with the same formatting as in the original, and make sure that Markdown formatting and Markdown syntax for links and other elements are not removed in the translated text. Markdown elements should be within parentheses. If you encounter tables, maintain the same formatting in your translation. Also, ensure that Markdown formatting within parentheses is preserved and not deleted. Markdown for URLs must not be removed.

DeepL Translation: As is well known, the GasGas 700 SM shares the 693 cubic centimeter single cylinder with the Husqvarna 701 and KTM 690 SMC-R. Although the engine is now a little outdated and recently had to relinquish its title as the most powerful production single cylinder in the world to Ducati, it is still the largest and has the most torque, so it is damn impressive. Once you get used to the somewhat rough engine running and know in which rev range you have to move the single cylinder to get it going, there's no stopping it. In combination with the standard quickshifter (incl. blipper) and the sharper Mode 2, the giant single can exploit its full potential.

Translation: The GASGAS Supermoto, known for its powerful 693cc single-cylinder engine shared with the Husqvarna 701 and KTM 690 SMC-R, continues to impress with its impressive torque and performance. Despite facing newer competition, this engine remains the largest and most potent in its class. With the addition of a standard quickshifter (including blipper) and the enhanced Mode 2, riders can fully unleash the potential of this mighty single-cylinder powerhouse.

The advanced electronics (including a quickshifter, cornering ABS, and lean angle-dependent traction control as standard) offer a fantastic platform for enjoying the GASGAS Supermoto safely, with full functionality available in mode 1.

The riding position of the GASGAS Supermoto is sporty and elevated, yet extremely upright and relaxed due to the high and wide handlebars. With the footrests positioned low, the knee angle provides a comfortable experience. However, the firm and narrow seat significantly reduces its suitability for long-distance rides. Endurance is key for a full day of riding on this bike.

The seat height of 898 mm on the GASGAS Supermoto may not suit everyone, but thanks to the short crotch arch length, a comfortable riding experience is possible for riders around 175 cm tall. At my height of 187 cm, I had no issues at all. Additionally, the visibility in traffic is outstanding.

One minor downside is the restricted storage space under the seat, which doesn't even provide enough room for a full, certified first-aid kit. Therefore, you will need to depend on luggage options from the accessories or a backpack to carry even the most essential items.

In real-world riding situations, mode 1, the softer setting, has shown to be the preferred option. It helps to prevent wheelies and stoppies, ensuring a safer experience. Thanks to the high-quality tires (Conti SM EVO), the lean angle-sensitive traction control only needs to intervene when pushed to the limit.

Experience the thrill of the GASGAS Supermoto as you escape the daily routine and hit the twists and turns. As soon as you hop on the 700SM on those narrow, winding roads, you'll realize that this motorcycle is tailor-made for this kind of ride. The combination of lightness and extreme agility in this vibrant red machine is truly exhilarating. The GASGAS is effortlessly flickable from one turn to the next, making every ride a pure delight. Its cast rims, lighter than those found on KTM and Husqvarna models with spoked rims, play a significant role in this agility. With the powerful engine braking of the large single-cylinder engine, I rarely find the need to use the brakes extensively. Instead, simply pushing the slim Supermoto further into a lean angle with the wide handlebars does the trick. Moreover, the GASGAS can be easily maneuvered and even leaned off to the side, thanks to the ample space provided by the seat for the rider to move around freely.

The suspension of the GASGAS Supermoto is fully adjustable and comes preset with a sporty and firm setting. Even with adjustments to the rebound and compression damping, the GASGAS maintains its sporty feel and may not provide the most comfort due to its long suspension travel. However, the suspension provides ample reserves for high-speed riding, ensuring stability even in fast corners.

In the United States, supermotos are not typically the first choice for sporty motorcycle enthusiasts. The market for high-performance bikes is much larger here compared to Europe, and even models that have been discontinued in Europe, like the Suzuki GSX-R 1000, can still be found and ridden here due to less strict emissions regulations. Many riders take advantage of this opportunity, so if you visit popular biker hangouts such as the renowned Rock Store on Mulholland Highway, you'll notice a higher number of bikes with full fairings, a sight uncommon in Europe. Riders clad in one-piece leather suits with scuffed knee sliders, evidence of their asphalt adventures, are often surprised when they learn that the GasGas 700SM has only half the power of their R1s and Fireblades. A supermoto or enduro bike with just under 700cc engine capacity is a rarity that leaves many Americans intrigued, as such models are not widely known in this region.

GasGas is still relatively unknown in the United States, and KTM is primarily known for its off-road motorcycles. Supermotos, like the GasGas Supermoto, are gaining popularity in urban areas due to their versatility and agility. Despite some misconceptions about supermoto riders, these bikes offer a thrilling riding experience for enthusiasts looking for a unique and exciting ride. I had the opportunity to test ride the GasGas Supermoto at a local dealer, and it definitely lived up to its reputation for being a lightweight, high-performance machine.