Posts
4485
Joined
9/21/2011
Location
Sacramento, CA
US
Ted722
2/18/2015 10:15am
2/18/2015 10:15am
Edited Date/Time
2/19/2015 9:32am
Surprised KTM doesn't offer a higher displacement 2-stroke. If they could make / sell a 350-400cc 2-stroke with today's technology that would be a fun scoot to ride no doubt.
A 2016 KTM 350 2-stroke (not just an overbore)...c'mon Big Orange...let's do this!
Here's a little discussion on that front. It'll never happen as long as the AMA still makes the rules, but with the FIM's influence who knows. As we've seen in other examples with the FIM and KTM's prominent role in World GP...there's a possibility the displacement rules could change.
If they change it at the GP level, it would eventually role down to the AMA. It would be great for the sport and re-inject (pun intended) life and variety into the series'. Would love to hear a 350cc 2-stroke going over a big triple indoors. Heck, look at TP199 at the straight rythym with an "old" CR500 motor wedged between the frame rails.
http://motocrossactionmag.com/home-page/ask-the-mxperts-a-common-sense-…
A 2016 KTM 350 2-stroke (not just an overbore)...c'mon Big Orange...let's do this!
Here's a little discussion on that front. It'll never happen as long as the AMA still makes the rules, but with the FIM's influence who knows. As we've seen in other examples with the FIM and KTM's prominent role in World GP...there's a possibility the displacement rules could change.
If they change it at the GP level, it would eventually role down to the AMA. It would be great for the sport and re-inject (pun intended) life and variety into the series'. Would love to hear a 350cc 2-stroke going over a big triple indoors. Heck, look at TP199 at the straight rythym with an "old" CR500 motor wedged between the frame rails.
http://motocrossactionmag.com/home-page/ask-the-mxperts-a-common-sense-…
There's no replacement for displacement even on the 2-stroke. The CR500 I have has a bucket load more torque than my 250 and, if ridden properly, could lay waist to the 250 on certain tracks, off-road trails, or hillclimbs.
So, whatever bubble I'm in, I like choices. And not just for racing. Throw a paddle on it and hit Pismo, race or practice on a motocross track, race or practice on a Cross Country loop, or slap some 17-inch slicks on for super-moto.
A higher displacement current 2-stroke would be a nice option to have. KTM has done a good job of thinking out of the box. Time for that thinking to make this wish come true.
The Shop
I think.
I could maybe include my '01 KX327 (bore 74mm / stroke 76mm), but it was tuned for off-road and worked outstanding in that application.
I still think if you tried a properly tuned SX 300 you'd be pleasantly surprised, maybe even amazed.
I sometimes miss that KX-500. I go to Loretta Lynns and ride trials sometimes There is some fast stuff I'd like to ride on the ol KX.
Closest four stroke I have ridden to the KX was a Berg 570 and a Berg 550.
No fancy DI needed, just a carbed modern technology big bore KTM based on the 250SX. I did bore and stroke my own 250SX and got it up to 314cc but I think a factory built big bore is just a better solution.
The 300 cylinders (only 293cc), well I'm just not in love with that powerband and I actually prefer the stock 250cc powerband. I've ridden many different 300s and they are usually flat up top and violent on the bottom. Neither condition is condusive to fast lap times.
My 314cc engine was the fastest by a solid 3hp that Lectron ever had on their dyno (they had removed a fully build overbored YZ450F 15 minutes earlier). But the overall package, while great to ride, isn't 100% right. Mainly the transmission gears were chosen for the entirely different powerband of a stock 250SX. 2nd gear is completely useless and too short for the track. With my style I'm topped out about 2/3 of the way thru the really tight turn. And I don't have quite enough bark to pull 3rd out of the tightest sandy turns with authority and 450Fs wil pull me a slight bit cause they use 2nd. Someday I might install an XC 300 2nd gear in to the bike to get 2nd a little taller. BUt I'd rather just go plunk down $9K for a factory built big bore 2 stroke.
Post a reply to: C'mon Big Orange!