RC on the future of 2 strokes

easydoesit
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easydoesit
Edited Date/Time 9/8/2017 5:49am
RC was interviewed on Sunday during the MXGP race.
Long story short, he stated that he sees the door opening for some of the Japanese manufacturers getting back into the 2 stroke market.

Just to clarify, he didn't say it would be happening for sure. It was just his take on it.

Suzuki?
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MX Guy
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MX Guy 9/5/2017 1:17pm
9/5/2017 1:17pm Edited Date/Time 9/5/2017 1:18pm
Have we not all been saying that for like 10 years now?

Hopefully if they won't listen to us they'll listen to RC
IWreckALot
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IWreckALot 9/5/2017 1:22pm
9/5/2017 1:22pm
MX Guy wrote:
Have we not all been saying that for like 10 years now?

Hopefully if they won't listen to us they'll listen to RC
The japanese aren't so concerned with consumer demand as much as they are with what rolls around in their head.
peelout
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peelout 9/5/2017 1:24pm
9/5/2017 1:24pm
i think RC makes a really solid point here

The Shop

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HenryA
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HenryA 9/5/2017 1:26pm
9/5/2017 1:26pm
Haven't you heard? It's the new 92HP CR500!!!
mxb2
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mxb2 9/5/2017 1:31pm
9/5/2017 1:31pm
Quit buying used smokers off Craigslist.
rmoto003
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rmoto003 9/5/2017 1:42pm
9/5/2017 1:42pm
mxb2 wrote:
Quit buying used smokers off Craigslist.
Idk man, hard to pass on a roached out 2002 cr125 for only $3500
Thisusernameisavailable 9/5/2017 1:51pm
9/5/2017 1:51pm
Suzuki are working on something I hear:
An RMZ which has engine mounts designed so a two stroke engine will slot right in, no cutting, no welding. Just a 'kit' that'll allow you to swap it straight over.
VxeR
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VxeR 9/5/2017 1:52pm
9/5/2017 1:52pm
I don't care, Husky and Ktm are the best anyway
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Phillip_Lamb 9/5/2017 2:31pm
9/5/2017 2:31pm
easydoesit wrote:
RC was interviewed on Sunday during the MXGP race. Long story short, he stated that he sees the door opening for some of the Japanese manufacturers...
RC was interviewed on Sunday during the MXGP race.
Long story short, he stated that he sees the door opening for some of the Japanese manufacturers getting back into the 2 stroke market.

Just to clarify, he didn't say it would be happening for sure. It was just his take on it.

Suzuki?
its a solid statement. the sport is dying for some low cost race bikes to the point where used bikes are selling more than a new bike. 4 strokes are great but the average weekender is being pushed out by the cost of these bikes.

omalley
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omalley 9/5/2017 2:39pm
9/5/2017 2:39pm Edited Date/Time 9/5/2017 2:40pm
easydoesit wrote:
RC was interviewed on Sunday during the MXGP race. Long story short, he stated that he sees the door opening for some of the Japanese manufacturers...
RC was interviewed on Sunday during the MXGP race.
Long story short, he stated that he sees the door opening for some of the Japanese manufacturers getting back into the 2 stroke market.

Just to clarify, he didn't say it would be happening for sure. It was just his take on it.

Suzuki?
Phillip_Lamb wrote:
its a solid statement. the sport is dying for some low cost race bikes to the point where used bikes are selling more than a new...
its a solid statement. the sport is dying for some low cost race bikes to the point where used bikes are selling more than a new bike. 4 strokes are great but the average weekender is being pushed out by the cost of these bikes.

Yep. I remember when those who didn't have a commitment for a new 250 2-stroke in the late summer didn't get one that next model year as they were gone. Now you can find last year's (and in some cases, 2 year-old) leftovers at many shops. I never thought I'd see the day that an MX bike costs over 10K out the door.

I know in my own case, it caused me to do something I'd never have done 10 years ago-buy a used bike. When I decided to start riding again, I picked up a used 3rd gen CR250 for 2300. I'll have at most 3500 (4500 if I get crazy with suspension and engine mods) into it, and I'll have as much fun as if I went to the dealer and bought a new 450. Plus I'll have enough money for a bike for my son to start on, gear, etc.
PEPE001
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PEPE001 9/5/2017 3:07pm
9/5/2017 3:07pm
omalley wrote:
Yep. I remember when those who didn't have a commitment for a new 250 2-stroke in the late summer didn't get one that next model year...
Yep. I remember when those who didn't have a commitment for a new 250 2-stroke in the late summer didn't get one that next model year as they were gone. Now you can find last year's (and in some cases, 2 year-old) leftovers at many shops. I never thought I'd see the day that an MX bike costs over 10K out the door.

I know in my own case, it caused me to do something I'd never have done 10 years ago-buy a used bike. When I decided to start riding again, I picked up a used 3rd gen CR250 for 2300. I'll have at most 3500 (4500 if I get crazy with suspension and engine mods) into it, and I'll have as much fun as if I went to the dealer and bought a new 450. Plus I'll have enough money for a bike for my son to start on, gear, etc.
Thats the point!

For the "weekend warriors" a 2 stroke even used is more than enough.

I have both but think of selling my 4 stroke, needs a lot of service compared to a 2 stroke.
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kiwifan 9/5/2017 3:21pm
9/5/2017 3:21pm Edited Date/Time 9/5/2017 3:22pm
I am not sure that producing 2 strokes will suddenly revloutionise the sales and sport participation.

Also manufacturers are only going to produce them if they make money out of them, sorry but that is how a business is run, you dont produce something to not make money on it (esp. when it comes to Japanese manufactures).

It would be difficult getting sales off the Beta, Gas Gas, KTM, Husky, Serco, etc manufacturers.... unless it is a bike that would compete with those bikes, to compete with those bikes requires a lot of R&D, to re-coup that R&D costs then the bikes need to be sold in volume....sorry not trying to be a neo sayer, just putting some reality and thought in perhaps why it wont happen.

JWACK
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JWACK 9/5/2017 3:49pm
9/5/2017 3:49pm
I waited to see if suzuki was putting out a new smoker for 18 before spending my money. It didn't happen even though the rumors were strong. Oh well, I bought an 18 Honda.
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Falcon 9/5/2017 3:58pm
9/5/2017 3:58pm
I'm slowly coming to the realization that I may never buy a new bike again. The manufacturers pushed me right out of the market with 4-strokes. Don't want one, definitely don't need one. I'll just keep rebuilding my '06 YZ250.
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Brent 9/5/2017 3:59pm
9/5/2017 3:59pm
Honda stated at one point they would NEVER re enter the two stroke engine market for USA products.

JWACK
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JWACK 9/5/2017 4:08pm
9/5/2017 4:08pm
VxeR wrote:
I don't care, Husky and Ktm are the best anyway
Superdave19 wrote:
THIS ^^
I respectfully disagree. Good but Not the best for me. I just couldn't get comfortable on my 16 350.. It would do weird things at weird times.

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kong0036
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kong0036 9/5/2017 4:09pm
9/5/2017 4:09pm
The racing in the 250 2 stroke class would be closer and a lot better. And probably less injuries
mxb2
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mxb2 9/5/2017 4:12pm
9/5/2017 4:12pm
mxb2 wrote:
Quit buying used smokers off Craigslist.
rmoto003 wrote:
Idk man, hard to pass on a roached out 2002 cr125 for only $3500
True, but that's exactly reason Honda, Suzuki, kawy aren't gonna bring back 2 strokes. Why not support the other brands that make current bikes.
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TW85 9/5/2017 4:24pm
9/5/2017 4:24pm
Thisusernameisavailable wrote:
Suzuki are working on something I hear: An RMZ which has engine mounts designed so a two stroke engine will slot right in, no cutting, no...
Suzuki are working on something I hear:
An RMZ which has engine mounts designed so a two stroke engine will slot right in, no cutting, no welding. Just a 'kit' that'll allow you to swap it straight over.
I'm not real picky with brands but Suzuki is a product I'm just not interested in owning BUT if they make a 250f I can easily swap back and forth to a 125 they have my money. Practice with the 125 engine and race with the 250f.

I'd pay a $2000 premium over the other 250f's for this.
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FGR01 9/5/2017 4:40pm
9/5/2017 4:40pm
To save everyone the trouble, I ran your post through the Vitard 2-stroke Taliban decoder: "RC is coming out of retirement next year to smoke all these pussies on the brand new RM250-AF 2-stoke that Suzuki has been developing in secret. Stamp it."
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yzjs7 9/5/2017 4:46pm
9/5/2017 4:46pm
If it wasn't for my 2 stroke I wouldn't be able to afford riding every weekend.
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ML512 9/5/2017 4:46pm
9/5/2017 4:46pm
Thisusernameisavailable wrote:
Suzuki are working on something I hear: An RMZ which has engine mounts designed so a two stroke engine will slot right in, no cutting, no...
Suzuki are working on something I hear:
An RMZ which has engine mounts designed so a two stroke engine will slot right in, no cutting, no welding. Just a 'kit' that'll allow you to swap it straight over.
TW85 wrote:
I'm not real picky with brands but Suzuki is a product I'm just not interested in owning BUT if they make a 250f I can easily...
I'm not real picky with brands but Suzuki is a product I'm just not interested in owning BUT if they make a 250f I can easily swap back and forth to a 125 they have my money. Practice with the 125 engine and race with the 250f.

I'd pay a $2000 premium over the other 250f's for this.
Which would need different suspension settings and spring rates to work properly...and wouldn't feel that great as a 125 due to the frame flex, or lack there-of it would need for the 125. You'd also have to swap the ECU and take all the EFI four-stroke electronics out every time you want to swap. Even the airbox/airboot would need to be swapped to optimize each engine. Fuel tank would need a conversion to go between fuel pump and petcock.
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burn1986 9/5/2017 4:51pm
9/5/2017 4:51pm
mxb2 wrote:
Quit buying used smokers off Craigslist.
Why not?
jock
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jock 9/5/2017 5:10pm
9/5/2017 5:10pm
Thisusernameisavailable wrote:
Suzuki are working on something I hear: An RMZ which has engine mounts designed so a two stroke engine will slot right in, no cutting, no...
Suzuki are working on something I hear:
An RMZ which has engine mounts designed so a two stroke engine will slot right in, no cutting, no welding. Just a 'kit' that'll allow you to swap it straight over.
TW85 wrote:
I'm not real picky with brands but Suzuki is a product I'm just not interested in owning BUT if they make a 250f I can easily...
I'm not real picky with brands but Suzuki is a product I'm just not interested in owning BUT if they make a 250f I can easily swap back and forth to a 125 they have my money. Practice with the 125 engine and race with the 250f.

I'd pay a $2000 premium over the other 250f's for this.
ML512 wrote:
Which would need different suspension settings and spring rates to work properly...and wouldn't feel that great as a 125 due to the frame flex, or lack...
Which would need different suspension settings and spring rates to work properly...and wouldn't feel that great as a 125 due to the frame flex, or lack there-of it would need for the 125. You'd also have to swap the ECU and take all the EFI four-stroke electronics out every time you want to swap. Even the airbox/airboot would need to be swapped to optimize each engine. Fuel tank would need a conversion to go between fuel pump and petcock.
ML, this thread had so much hope until you came along and screwed it up with facts. Laughing
mxb2
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mxb2 9/5/2017 5:18pm
9/5/2017 5:18pm
mxb2 wrote:
Quit buying used smokers off Craigslist.
burn1986 wrote:
Why not?
Because it's a business for Honda, Suzuki, kawasaki.to make money. Not watch guys spend $2k on used bikes. They will just sit in the showroom with the other bikes. If you were Honda would you produce a new smoker, knowing guys buy 2k bikes off Craigslist. Basic business
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jeffro503 9/5/2017 5:59pm
9/5/2017 5:59pm
TW85 wrote:
I'm not real picky with brands but Suzuki is a product I'm just not interested in owning BUT if they make a 250f I can easily...
I'm not real picky with brands but Suzuki is a product I'm just not interested in owning BUT if they make a 250f I can easily swap back and forth to a 125 they have my money. Practice with the 125 engine and race with the 250f.

I'd pay a $2000 premium over the other 250f's for this.
ML512 wrote:
Which would need different suspension settings and spring rates to work properly...and wouldn't feel that great as a 125 due to the frame flex, or lack...
Which would need different suspension settings and spring rates to work properly...and wouldn't feel that great as a 125 due to the frame flex, or lack there-of it would need for the 125. You'd also have to swap the ECU and take all the EFI four-stroke electronics out every time you want to swap. Even the airbox/airboot would need to be swapped to optimize each engine. Fuel tank would need a conversion to go between fuel pump and petcock.
jock wrote:
ML, this thread had so much hope until you came along and screwed it up with facts. Laughing
I don't think that's what TW85 was saying. He was saying practice on a 125 and race a 250F.....which just so happens to be a very popular choice for many rider / racers out there.

My plans are changing a bit. I love practicing on my Husky 125 as I think ( I know ) it makes me ride my 250 2 stroke better. BUT.....this next season I think I'm switching it up a bit and sell the 125. Play ride and practice on my RM to keep the aggression levels up....and race a 350F.
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FTB 9/5/2017 6:04pm
9/5/2017 6:04pm
jeffro503 wrote:
I don't think that's what TW85 was saying. He was saying practice on a 125 and race a 250F.....which just so happens to be a very...
I don't think that's what TW85 was saying. He was saying practice on a 125 and race a 250F.....which just so happens to be a very popular choice for many rider / racers out there.

My plans are changing a bit. I love practicing on my Husky 125 as I think ( I know ) it makes me ride my 250 2 stroke better. BUT.....this next season I think I'm switching it up a bit and sell the 125. Play ride and practice on my RM to keep the aggression levels up....and race a 350F.
Like going from chocolate to boiled lollies.
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jeffro503 9/5/2017 6:06pm
9/5/2017 6:06pm
mxb2 wrote:
Quit buying used smokers off Craigslist.
burn1986 wrote:
Why not?
mxb2 wrote:
Because it's a business for Honda, Suzuki, kawasaki.to make money. Not watch guys spend $2k on used bikes. They will just sit in the showroom with...
Because it's a business for Honda, Suzuki, kawasaki.to make money. Not watch guys spend $2k on used bikes. They will just sit in the showroom with the other bikes. If you were Honda would you produce a new smoker, knowing guys buy 2k bikes off Craigslist. Basic business
I wouldn't be to sure on that...but you could be right Billy. I know a lot of guys on here look through a pretty narrow window on this subject. Some forget that not all these 2 strokes are for moto.....look at the off-road part of it. It's a sea of Orange and white out there. KTM and Husky are making a killing in that arena.

Now for moto.....every year since I came back ( 6 years ago ) the 2 stroke 125 / 250's at practice days....have filled up any where from 20 - 40% of the riders there. Just this summer alone....I've been blown away with how many 2 strokes are out there. Lots of older Jap 2 strokes....but the orange and white ones are really starting to show a presence.

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