CRF150R Supermoto Build
Mini Moto Assassin

Base Platform: 2018 Honda CRF150R
Application: Technical Supermoto Practice

This project involved a full chassis, braking, and engine reconfiguration to convert the CRF150R from a motocross platform into a purpose-built supermoto optimized for gokart circuits.

The Story

This wasn’t just a wheel swap. It was a purpose-driven transformation.

The CRF150R started life as a dirt weapon—light, sharp, aggressive. But gokart tracks demand something different. Precision. Braking stability. Instant direction changes. Controlled violence.

So the bike came apart completely.

The engine was stripped to cases. Every component inspected. Rebuilt with intention. Then refinished—black and bronze ceramic—because performance machines should look like performance machines. The chassis followed. Suspension travel shortened. Springs recalculated. Damping tuned for asphalt loads instead of dirt compliance. Geometry tightened. The stance lowered. It stopped being a motocross bike.

It became a scalpel.

The brake system was upgraded to match the new aggression—oversize rotor, Honda CRF450R dual piston front caliper, Yamaha R7 master cylinder, stainless lines. Lever feel is firm, immediate, confidence-inspiring. You can brake later. Deeper. Harder.

On sticky Shinko R003 tires and 12-inch wheels, it corners flat and fast. The power delivery from the rebuilt engine and FMF system hits strong off corners—perfect for kart track exit drives. At Bushnell Motorsports Park and Andersen Park, it proved itself. Stable under heavy braking. Fast direction changes. Competitive pace. It doesn’t just keep up—it pressures bigger bikes in tight sections.

What started as a 150cc dirt bike became a compact supermoto race tool.

Small displacement. Big presence. Built with purpose.

Technical Build Summary

Chassis & Rolling Assembly

Replaced OEM wheels with 12-inch solid supermoto wheels
Installed Shinko R003 slick tires for maximum mechanical grip on asphalt
Powder-coated frame and swingarm in Nardo Gray for durability and visual contrast

Suspension Development

Front forks internally modified:
- Reduced travel
- Increased spring rate
- Re-valved for firmer low- and mid-speed damping
Rear shock shortened and reworked for circuit geometry
- Internal spring rate optimized for asphalt load transfer
- Balanced front-to-rear weight bias for aggressive corner entry

The result is a lower center of gravity, reduced pitch under braking, and faster side-to-side transitions—critical for kart track dynamics.

Brake System Upgrade

Oversized front rotor
Dual-piston front caliper from CRF450R
Yamaha R7 front master cylinder
Stainless steel Galfer braided brake line

This setup delivers significantly improved lever feel, hydraulic consistency, and braking torque—allowing deep trail-braking into tight apexes without fade.

Engine Rebuild & Exhaust

Complete engine teardown and rebuild
Engine refinished in gloss black and burnt bronze ceramic coating
FMF full competition exhaust system installed

The ceramic coating improves heat management and durability, while the FMF system enhances throttle response and mid-to-top range output—ideal for short straight acceleration bursts between technical corners.

Final Finish

Full custom decal package by Senge Graphics
Integrated aesthetic theme: black, bronze, neon accents
Professional-grade assembly and detailing

Engine Finish Specification

The engine was refinished using Cerakote H-Series high-temperature ceramic coatings, selected for durability, chemical resistance, and thermal stability in high-RPM race conditions.

Coating System Used

Both are oven-cure ceramic coatings designed for extreme environments and offer: