Kick Up Dust: The Ultimate $400 Supermoto Escape in SoCal
If you’re looking for the most bang-for-your-buck adrenaline fix in Southern California, stop scrolling. We recently spent a day at SoCal Supermoto School, and it might just be the best kept secret for riders looking to bridge the gap between street and dirt without breaking the bank.
Based at Apex Raceway in Perris, California, this school offers a turnkey experience that’s rare in the industry. For less than $400, you get a Suzuki DR-Z400SM, all the necessary motorcycle gear, lunch, and coaching from a staff. Whether you’re a veteran street rider or a total novice to the dirt, the “vibe” here is about low-pressure fun and high-intensity seat time.
The day starts with dirt sections—a strategic choice by the school to get riders comfortable with changing traction levels immediately. You’ll be tossing the tried-and-true Suzuki DR-Z400SM or the newer DR-Z4SM around a course that blends technical asphalt corners with flowy “vet-style” dirt sections. The bikes might be the “old dogs” of the industry, but with Dunlop Sportmax Q5/Q5S tires, they are incredibly capable tools for learning how to slide, wheelie, and navigate a closed course safely.
With no traffic, no pedestrians, and a “zen-like” coaching style that puts you at ease, it’s the perfect primer for anyone curious about track days or off-road riding. You’ll leave with more seat time than you can physically handle, a new t-shirt, and likely a permanent grin.
