Why no 50hp 4 strokes? 250 450...big gap.

jeffro503
Posts
27442
Joined
7/22/2007
Location
St Helens, OR US
I know that KTM and Husky produces a 350 , but it revs like a 250F and produces something like 56 HP or something like that. I also am not sure why they designed the motor to be like that? It produces 4500 rpm " More " than a 450 , and it produces most of that hp at the very peak of the rev's. I know their great bikes....just don't understand the reasoning behind the power curve?

250F - 40hp

450F - 55-60 hp

I always wondered why that gap is so big? Also seems like a logical gap to fill in the 4 stroke power range , wouldn't you think? A 50 hp - 210lbs - 220lbs 4 stroke sure seems like it would fit a lot of riders.
|
FWYT
Posts
3310
Joined
5/25/2014
Location
San Diego, CA US
3/7/2017 7:24pm
Jeffro.... 75+ HP easy---


"I ride the big fuckers.
You know ? Big ones.
The really big fuckers. Yeah."


"Vincent Black Shadow.
We're with the, uh, factory team."
machine
Posts
6405
Joined
1/5/2011
Location
Collettsville, NC US
3/7/2017 7:26pm
I agree, why not a 45-50 hp bike with the torque to go along with it, screw the high revers, they require too much maintenance and rebuild frequency. Us vets that make up most of the sales market, just don't (most of us) ride that way anymore.
kiwifan
Posts
9485
Joined
10/31/2009
Location
CA US
3/7/2017 7:27pm
I would be interested in a 50hp 350 that was more torquier than one with massive 450-like HP numbers...same stroke as a 450 but smaller bore maybe?

The Shop

Johnny Depp
Posts
6438
Joined
10/16/2014
Location
Buda, TX US
3/7/2017 7:28pm
Because you will lose on the starts?

I assume you mean a detuned 350? Depends on what you are after. Probably a great play and trail and practice bike, but not such a great race bike. I'm sure you are confused as to why the power curve is the way it is, but KTM spent years and big $ to develop what is now their top selling power plant size. You could always convert it to an EXC engine and have what you want.
motomike894
Posts
1497
Joined
9/6/2009
Location
Waterloo, IN US
3/7/2017 7:28pm
Tm makes a 300 four stroke now I saw one of the magazines testing it.

I bet it's in that ballpark
kiwifan
Posts
9485
Joined
10/31/2009
Location
CA US
3/7/2017 7:39pm
Tm makes a 300 four stroke now I saw one of the magazines testing it.

I bet it's in that ballpark
that bike is around 46 HP, not quite there....
BobPA
Posts
8029
Joined
10/31/2013
Location
PA US
3/7/2017 7:42pm
kiwifan wrote:
I would be interested in a 50hp 350 that was more torquier than one with massive 450-like HP numbers...same stroke as a 450 but smaller bore...
I would be interested in a 50hp 350 that was more torquier than one with massive 450-like HP numbers...same stroke as a 450 but smaller bore maybe?
That would probably be an awesome woods bike. And every single vet rider would own one.
ML512
Posts
15464
Joined
12/28/2008
Location
Wildomar, CA US
Fantasy
54th
3/7/2017 7:52pm
jeffro503 wrote:
I know that KTM and Husky produces a 350 , but it revs like a 250F and produces something like 56 HP or something like that...
I know that KTM and Husky produces a 350 , but it revs like a 250F and produces something like 56 HP or something like that. I also am not sure why they designed the motor to be like that? It produces 4500 rpm " More " than a 450 , and it produces most of that hp at the very peak of the rev's. I know their great bikes....just don't understand the reasoning behind the power curve?

250F - 40hp

450F - 55-60 hp

I always wondered why that gap is so big? Also seems like a logical gap to fill in the 4 stroke power range , wouldn't you think? A 50 hp - 210lbs - 220lbs 4 stroke sure seems like it would fit a lot of riders.
I guess I'm a bit lost towards this, as the KTM 350 SX-F was originally in the 50hp range...but wasn't as popular being so "in the middle", thus the push for more power there. The 350 has been pushed more towards the bore and stroke balance of a 250F to make it easier to ride. If you went for more stroke and less bore, it would end up being more torque with less revs...but would gain more of the inertia feel of a 450. Part of what makes the 350 so much easier to ride than the 450 is the inertia the bike produces, or lack there-of when compared to a 450.
ML512
Posts
15464
Joined
12/28/2008
Location
Wildomar, CA US
Fantasy
54th
3/7/2017 7:54pm
Jeffro, the other thing to think about is you're comparing HP numbers at different RPMs. If you were to compare the HP a 350 makes at the same RPM that a 450 makes its peak HP, you'd likely find a number which you're looking for. Lastly, HP is the speed at which work is done, the higher the RPM the more power you'll see. In many senses, your power discussion would be better described or compared using torque figures.
3/7/2017 7:55pm
How close would a tune, exhaust, race fuel, and valve work get you to 50?

I reckon it would cost a pretty penny, but it's not like the option isn't there. It's all about how you want to spend your money.

A 2017 FC250 makes 44.38HP, throw in a Full Factory 4.1/Yosh, VP, a head job, and you're probably right at 50HP.
gjbruny
Posts
559
Joined
1/14/2012
Location
Spokane, WA US
3/7/2017 8:03pm Edited Date/Time 3/7/2017 8:14pm
i've had a '13 350 and now have a '17350 (with a '15 300xc in between the two as well as an '09 300xc before the '13 350) and to be totally honest, it doesn't give up that much to the 450s with the exception of the very bottom end. mid was (on the '13) very close to as strong as a buddy's '14 crf450 and as strong or stronger up top.... weaker off the bottom but not by a ton. the '17 is close to that same CRF off the bottom with the exception of right off idle (doesn't have that throbby feeling of the CRF way down in the revs), mid feels as strong or stronger and top is noticeably stronger.

another buddy has an '15 rmz450. the '17 350 is noticeably softer right off idle and a little softer off the bottom. in the mid it is also a little weaker. top end feels as good or better than the yellow bike.

these are not just my opinions but also the opinions of the owners of the red and yellow bikes. the friend that owns the zook has a deposit on a '17 husky 350


don't ride the 350 as high in the revs and it does exactly what you are asking..... its is literally right in between a 250 and 450..... and that "extra 4500rpm" is what makes the bike feel like it has a power band that is twice as wide as most other bikes. it is crazy how long that bike will pull for and literally never falls on its face till it hits the rev limiter (something i don't find often).


don't tell me you are already unhappy with that 125 of yours.... if you wanted 50hp without 13,500rpm you should have bought the quarter liter smoker. Tongue (though the 350 will make 50hp further down in the revs than thirteen and a half k)
BobPA
Posts
8029
Joined
10/31/2013
Location
PA US
3/7/2017 8:04pm
How close would a tune, exhaust, race fuel, and valve work get you to 50? I reckon it would cost a pretty penny, but it's not...
How close would a tune, exhaust, race fuel, and valve work get you to 50?

I reckon it would cost a pretty penny, but it's not like the option isn't there. It's all about how you want to spend your money.

A 2017 FC250 makes 44.38HP, throw in a Full Factory 4.1/Yosh, VP, a head job, and you're probably right at 50HP.
50hp @ a metric shit ton of RPM.
gjbruny
Posts
559
Joined
1/14/2012
Location
Spokane, WA US
3/7/2017 8:09pm Edited Date/Time 3/7/2017 8:10pm
forgot to add that the beta 350 makes close to 50hp at what feels like much less than 13,500.... having said that, it feels lethargic compared to the pumpkin. has that XCF-W feel to it.
jeffro503
Posts
27442
Joined
7/22/2007
Location
St Helens, OR US
3/7/2017 10:34pm
jeffro503 wrote:
I know that KTM and Husky produces a 350 , but it revs like a 250F and produces something like 56 HP or something like that...
I know that KTM and Husky produces a 350 , but it revs like a 250F and produces something like 56 HP or something like that. I also am not sure why they designed the motor to be like that? It produces 4500 rpm " More " than a 450 , and it produces most of that hp at the very peak of the rev's. I know their great bikes....just don't understand the reasoning behind the power curve?

250F - 40hp

450F - 55-60 hp

I always wondered why that gap is so big? Also seems like a logical gap to fill in the 4 stroke power range , wouldn't you think? A 50 hp - 210lbs - 220lbs 4 stroke sure seems like it would fit a lot of riders.
ML512 wrote:
I guess I'm a bit lost towards this, as the KTM 350 SX-F was originally in the 50hp range...but wasn't as popular being so "in the...
I guess I'm a bit lost towards this, as the KTM 350 SX-F was originally in the 50hp range...but wasn't as popular being so "in the middle", thus the push for more power there. The 350 has been pushed more towards the bore and stroke balance of a 250F to make it easier to ride. If you went for more stroke and less bore, it would end up being more torque with less revs...but would gain more of the inertia feel of a 450. Part of what makes the 350 so much easier to ride than the 450 is the inertia the bike produces, or lack there-of when compared to a 450.
I get what you're saying on this. But originally the first 350's were quite a bit heavier and the power curve seemed to be nothing but top end type power. I haven't had a chance to throw a leg over a 16' - 17' KTM or Husky yet. The last 350 I rode I believe was a 2012...I think? I didn't care for that bike at all , as it felt like a big , wide , slow and heavy tank. I think these newer ones have shaved off quite a bit of weight compared to that 2012 I rode.

The 50hp 4 stroke question was just that...a question. I wasn't sure why they produced a motor package like that. I have a couple friends with 16' KTM 350's , but I haven't ridden one yet. They still feel wide , even compared to the Husky to me though.

@gjBruny....No I am not sick of the 125 , as I just picked it up Saturday and haven't been able to even ride it yet. And....my plan is to still get the TC 250. I just couldn't get one through motosports at this time. Who knows , I may not be able to wait until August for a 2018....I may get a 17' from a different shop if I feel I need one right now. Or spend most of the summer re-learning the 125's again. I change my mind 3 times a week.
jeffro503
Posts
27442
Joined
7/22/2007
Location
St Helens, OR US
3/7/2017 10:38pm
gjbruny wrote:
i've had a '13 350 and now have a '17350 (with a '15 300xc in between the two as well as an '09 300xc before the...
i've had a '13 350 and now have a '17350 (with a '15 300xc in between the two as well as an '09 300xc before the '13 350) and to be totally honest, it doesn't give up that much to the 450s with the exception of the very bottom end. mid was (on the '13) very close to as strong as a buddy's '14 crf450 and as strong or stronger up top.... weaker off the bottom but not by a ton. the '17 is close to that same CRF off the bottom with the exception of right off idle (doesn't have that throbby feeling of the CRF way down in the revs), mid feels as strong or stronger and top is noticeably stronger.

another buddy has an '15 rmz450. the '17 350 is noticeably softer right off idle and a little softer off the bottom. in the mid it is also a little weaker. top end feels as good or better than the yellow bike.

these are not just my opinions but also the opinions of the owners of the red and yellow bikes. the friend that owns the zook has a deposit on a '17 husky 350


don't ride the 350 as high in the revs and it does exactly what you are asking..... its is literally right in between a 250 and 450..... and that "extra 4500rpm" is what makes the bike feel like it has a power band that is twice as wide as most other bikes. it is crazy how long that bike will pull for and literally never falls on its face till it hits the rev limiter (something i don't find often).


don't tell me you are already unhappy with that 125 of yours.... if you wanted 50hp without 13,500rpm you should have bought the quarter liter smoker. Tongue (though the 350 will make 50hp further down in the revs than thirteen and a half k)
Btw....thank you for that awesome reply as well! And to the rest of you guys....thanks! I was just really curious because I hadn't ridden a new 350 yet.
gjbruny
Posts
559
Joined
1/14/2012
Location
Spokane, WA US
3/7/2017 10:50pm Edited Date/Time 3/7/2017 10:52pm
jeffro503 wrote:
I get what you're saying on this. But originally the first 350's were quite a bit heavier and the power curve seemed to be nothing but...
I get what you're saying on this. But originally the first 350's were quite a bit heavier and the power curve seemed to be nothing but top end type power. I haven't had a chance to throw a leg over a 16' - 17' KTM or Husky yet. The last 350 I rode I believe was a 2012...I think? I didn't care for that bike at all , as it felt like a big , wide , slow and heavy tank. I think these newer ones have shaved off quite a bit of weight compared to that 2012 I rode.

The 50hp 4 stroke question was just that...a question. I wasn't sure why they produced a motor package like that. I have a couple friends with 16' KTM 350's , but I haven't ridden one yet. They still feel wide , even compared to the Husky to me though.

@gjBruny....No I am not sick of the 125 , as I just picked it up Saturday and haven't been able to even ride it yet. And....my plan is to still get the TC 250. I just couldn't get one through motosports at this time. Who knows , I may not be able to wait until August for a 2018....I may get a 17' from a different shop if I feel I need one right now. Or spend most of the summer re-learning the 125's again. I change my mind 3 times a week.
nah i was just razz'n ya.... i read your deal with the 250 and think you made a great choice. a 125 is about as much fun as a guy can have on 2 wheels. i have a mint '02 KX125 that i built for my nephew.... i think i ride it more than he does. been thinking about buying an 1/8th liter pumpkin as an addition to the 350.

nothing sounds like a pissed off 125. not sure if you made it to washougal this last summer but that 125 race brought back so many memories. crowd was louder at the start of that race than any race i think i have ever been to.... don't think i have ever seen a crown with as many wall to wall smiles either when those bikes were screaming around the track.
jeffro503
Posts
27442
Joined
7/22/2007
Location
St Helens, OR US
3/7/2017 11:42pm
jeffro503 wrote:
I get what you're saying on this. But originally the first 350's were quite a bit heavier and the power curve seemed to be nothing but...
I get what you're saying on this. But originally the first 350's were quite a bit heavier and the power curve seemed to be nothing but top end type power. I haven't had a chance to throw a leg over a 16' - 17' KTM or Husky yet. The last 350 I rode I believe was a 2012...I think? I didn't care for that bike at all , as it felt like a big , wide , slow and heavy tank. I think these newer ones have shaved off quite a bit of weight compared to that 2012 I rode.

The 50hp 4 stroke question was just that...a question. I wasn't sure why they produced a motor package like that. I have a couple friends with 16' KTM 350's , but I haven't ridden one yet. They still feel wide , even compared to the Husky to me though.

@gjBruny....No I am not sick of the 125 , as I just picked it up Saturday and haven't been able to even ride it yet. And....my plan is to still get the TC 250. I just couldn't get one through motosports at this time. Who knows , I may not be able to wait until August for a 2018....I may get a 17' from a different shop if I feel I need one right now. Or spend most of the summer re-learning the 125's again. I change my mind 3 times a week.
gjbruny wrote:
nah i was just razz'n ya.... i read your deal with the 250 and think you made a great choice. a 125 is about as much...
nah i was just razz'n ya.... i read your deal with the 250 and think you made a great choice. a 125 is about as much fun as a guy can have on 2 wheels. i have a mint '02 KX125 that i built for my nephew.... i think i ride it more than he does. been thinking about buying an 1/8th liter pumpkin as an addition to the 350.

nothing sounds like a pissed off 125. not sure if you made it to washougal this last summer but that 125 race brought back so many memories. crowd was louder at the start of that race than any race i think i have ever been to.... don't think i have ever seen a crown with as many wall to wall smiles either when those bikes were screaming around the track.
Oh man! Yeah that 125 race was freakin' awesome! Carson Brown killed them , but dang Pingree , Tedesco and Austin Black all put on a great race!
tek14
Posts
4592
Joined
1/26/2014
Location
Vantaa FI
3/8/2017 1:53am
KTM 2018 2-stroke Di 300cc.
mingham97
Posts
854
Joined
7/16/2013
Location
AU
3/8/2017 2:08am
Maybe they should do it like boats???? 10hp 20hp 30hp 40hp 50hp 60hp maybe even a 70hp class too while we're at it
Acidreamer
Posts
1794
Joined
8/25/2015
Location
Mansfield, OH US
3/8/2017 2:32am
Vitals 450 shootout has the 17 kx450 at 49hp... i think most stock 450s older than like 2014 are around 50hp. I dont see why a 50hp class of bikes is needed. 250 2 strokes can get there with a couple mods
hellion
Posts
1035
Joined
12/19/2009
Location
Westfield, MA US
3/8/2017 3:26am
I loved the original YZ400f motor, but the I also loved my Full Floater. Were they as good as I remember, or were they just better than everything else before them so they get remembered fondly?
To me though, I seem to agree. I don't want the power of a modern 450 and a 250f is not enough, and KTM's 350 is just tuned the opposite of the way I'd want it. I guess that's why my 250 two stroke is the perfect answer to this question.
Bearuno
Posts
4146
Joined
6/28/2014
Location
AU
3/8/2017 4:15am
Basically, they are damned if they do have a 50HP 4t.

The first KTM 350s, were around the 50HP mark. Not good enough, it was deemed. And it wasn't, given that it was a rev box with not enough down in the rev range where the average buyer of them wanted to ride. Now they seem to have a accepted (among tests/ dynos)level of around 56/ 58 HP at, of course, fairly high revs. That's what smaller 4ts depend on, Revs, More Revs, and Effing More Revs.

The KTM 350 is not a particularly short stroke engine, at, somewhere around 58/ 58.2mm stroke. I honestly thought they, KTM, might end up bringing them to the 400 level. Hasn't happened, and they've kept that marked distinction between the 350 'screamer', and the now very light weight 450. They cover most bases with those two.

Honda, with their 'easy to use' policy, had their recent 450s around the 51/ 53 HP mark, according to most tests/dynos. They seemed to get crucified for being too mellow. I found them quite a lovely engine, for my Off Road use, bar the piss poor clutch, and their interminable bloody 'flame out' issues. How they didn't sort that out as std, is beyond me, but Honda do seem to be Masters of the fuck up.

It appears with the '17 450 they've got up into the El Bruto level, while still being a 'nice' engine - but still have a sus clutch and a bit of a 'burping' issue still. Que cera, cera......

As others above have said, the 50HP 250F is a reality for even the great unwashed, with the right Bikes and Money to splash about. But it's a delicate, expensive thing. Moto3 in GP Road Racing is showing that low / mid 5Os HP levels at reasonable rev levels can be achieved with 250fs, but it's never going to be cheap.

The company that would make a genuine , semi big capacity( as against just the overbored 250s that 300s are), modern 2T, could sell quite a few. It could be easy to use, easy to tune to be 'nastier' for those that want a 'hit', and reliable. But that, seems to be too logical a thing to do. A few brands have shown that there's sales success to be had, with Bikes that ostensibly have no class. I wish someone would be a bit brave(r) in their marketing. Then we really might have all bases covered.
downard254
Posts
4055
Joined
12/10/2012
Location
Bremen, OH US
3/8/2017 5:05am Edited Date/Time 3/8/2017 5:07am
Well, with engines being electronic now, it shouldn't be hard to manipulate the map to get what you want. They do this with big diesel engines today. Say for example a pair of Cummins ISM motors. One is programmed for 310 hp/ 1250 tq and another is rated at 410 hp/ 1450 tq. Both engines make peak hp/torque at the same rpm, but the computer program pulls back on the fuel/turbo boost to restrict/add fuel to get the curve you want. It's easier to manipulate with turbo motors, but they should be able to adjust the fuel flow/rpm setting to achieve what you want, unless motorcycle fuel injectors aren't sophisticated enough to allow for timed release. I could see the advantage to the 50 hp model. Less HP but same torque, it would be like riding an electric motor almost. The main problem there is probably even less people want a 50 HP 450 than want two strokes back. And if they aren't going to bring back the two stroke to it's former glory, then no way they're going to try and create a lesser HP 450. After all, if they did that, it would just escalate when someone gets beat and needs "just a little more HP". Very small market.

Oh yea, forgot, IMHO.

Edit: On a side note, I had a 1990 RM250 years ago that I had ported to provide much more bottom and midrange than stock, added a 12 oz. flywheel and that bike was the smoothest 250 I had ever ridden. Power and torque was so linear that it WAS like an electric motor. Wish I still had it.

3/8/2017 5:18am
How close would a tune, exhaust, race fuel, and valve work get you to 50? I reckon it would cost a pretty penny, but it's not...
How close would a tune, exhaust, race fuel, and valve work get you to 50?

I reckon it would cost a pretty penny, but it's not like the option isn't there. It's all about how you want to spend your money.

A 2017 FC250 makes 44.38HP, throw in a Full Factory 4.1/Yosh, VP, a head job, and you're probably right at 50HP.
I just want to be clear here, to know what I'd be in for. Would one be giving or receiving the head job?
UpTiTe
Posts
7761
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
CA US
Fantasy
4109th
3/8/2017 5:58am
How many of us actually need more than 40 hp?
JB 19
Posts
4205
Joined
3/8/2009
Location
Marion, OH US
3/8/2017 6:27am Edited Date/Time 3/8/2017 6:28am
The great thing about the current 350 is that is feels like a 250 in the corners, but has the power of a full blown works 250. It's basically a bike that would cost you like 20,000$ to build if you started with a 250. It weighs what a 250 does and handles like one.....and is electric start.

If you make it bigger like MXA has talked or more of a torque motor you may lose the magic that it has.

If you want 50hp just rev it to 11,500 instead of 13,000. Laughing
Forty
Posts
2807
Joined
7/27/2009
Location
Saint Paul, MN US
3/8/2017 7:22am
UpTiTe wrote:
How many of us actually need more than 40 hp?
Good question....I do not need more than 40hp, nearing 60 with many old injuries and fear in my heart I'm looking very hard for my last dirt bike and it will NOT be a 450.

I'm reading all I can on the 2017 yz250XF or yz 250X and transitioning into the off road / single track stuff and moving away from pure moto, maybe the occasional ride day.

I rode a 150sx on a tight indoor sx track last night and it may work also....

One thing I know, I've bought my last 450.

Post a reply to: Why no 50hp 4 strokes? 250 450...big gap.

The Latest