How about a small introduction of yourself to the readers of Supermoto Central?
My name is Shawn West aka weston22s. I'm 29 yrs old and I live in Bloomington, Indiana.
How did you get into supermoto and what do you find so great about it?
About 3 yrs ago I saw Mark Burkhart riding one in the xgames and it looked fun. It's more fun to ride in tight corners than a heavy sport bike because it's lighter and you have more control.
When and how did the idea for this project originated? What was your inspiration?
I originally had an 03 and 07 yzf450 supermoto. About 4 months ago I sold one to get a fuel injected Aprilia SXV 550. I was on the supermoto junkie forum and came across a picture of Scott Burney's SXV 550. He gave me the name of the person who made his graphics and it started from there. He has helped me throughout the entire build.
What’s was the base for your project?
It all started with a stock 2008 SXV 550.
Can you tell us in short how the build went? Did you have any big problems or did it all went smooth?
It was way more in depth than I originally thought. This particular project has been much more difficult than the yamaha's I've built. I had some problems but some of the guys from the aprilia forum and Scott Burney helped me along the way.
What do you use your bike for? Do you ride it on the street or just take it to the track once in a while?
Track
Is this your first supermoto project or did you also build other supermoto bikes?
This is my fourth project.
Do you have any plans for another supermoto project in the future?
Not for awhile. I want to be able to enjoy this one.
Have you got any tips or advice for people that want to start a project like this?
Take your time and do it right the first time. Don't be afraid to ask questions. And have an understanding wife. :)
Thanks: Danelle West (my wife), Scott Burney (Team Independent Racing), Stuart (Alice Racing).
Mods:
VDB SPECIAL RACE MAPPED ECU FOR ASYMETRICAL THROTTLE BODIES VERY HARD TO GET
VDB ENGINE HARNESS
VDB ARROW TI EXHAUST
VDB SWING ARM AND KNUCKLE
VDB STEP SEAT
VDB ASYMETRICAL THROTTLE BODIES
RACE TECH FRONT FORK INTERNALS FOR SUPERMOTO RACING
RACE TECH REAR SHOCK WITH ALICE RACING BLADDER
CUSTOM ONE OFF TRI STAR 14MM TRIPLE CLAMPS
BREMBO 4 PISTON RADIAL CALIPER
BREMBO 13MM RADIAL MASTER CYLINDER
QTM-CUSTOM BRAIDED BRAKE LINE
BRAKING 320MM WAVE FRONT ROTOR
BRAKING REAR WAVE ROTOR
PRO TAPER BLACK HENRY/REED BEND HANDLE BARS
CYCRA SUPERMOTO HAND GUARDS WITH LOW PROFILE SHIELDS
FRO SYSTEMS BLACK BILLET FUEL CAP
ALICE RACING CARBON FIBER UNDER SEAT EXHAUST SHIELD
ALICE RACING CARBON KEVLAR REAR MUD FLAP
SUPERMOTO ENGINEERING FORK SLIDERS
SUPERMOTO ENGINEERING SWING ARM SLIDERS
SUPERMOTO ENGINEERING PEG SLIDERS
SUPERMOTO ENGINEERING HANDLE BAR SLIDERS
MOTO BITS RED SILICONE COOLANT HOSES
ADIGE SLIPPER CLUTCH
ADIGE CLUTCH COVER
VORTEX SPROCKETS
CUSTOM R-R OVERSIZED BELLY PAN
17X5.50 BLACK MARCHESINI REAR WHEEL
17X3.50 BLACK MARCHESINI FRONT WHEEL
MICHELIN PILIOT SUPERMOTO GROOVED SLICKS
CUSTOM TEAM INDEPENDENT RACING GRAPHICS
Shawn is looking for sponsors for 2010 if you are interested please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.and we will get you in touch.
