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I just think it will be interesting to watch the manufacturers these next few years... They all fell over themselves trying to copy Honda and the Aliminium frame, will they turn their engines around too?!?!
The 450 is the biggest equalizer that this sport has ever seen. No one on the line is out motored. I have no problems with the two stroke but I don't want to hand an advantage back to the OEMs or the deep pocket teams with a rule that is bad for the sport.
Let the two strokes go unlimited, but keep the displacement at 450cc for the four stokes.
You've also got the hate towards 4 stroke noise, which I know has definitely been more of an issue... I just heard a dude ride past my house on a WR450 and it was loud as a Harley under throttle... No one likes that, not even most of the gear heads...
You know one thing that I always thought was kinda interesting... Remember RC and everyone else saying when you move up to the 250 you have to be careful and respect the bike etc... Well, the bikes now are more powerful...
I understand and agree that the 450s have leveled the playing field motor wise, but it hasn't made a guy who was 20th before be 5th now... You know what I mean... The PC guys are still winning, Chad, James, the Ryans, etc, they are still the best guys... But are more people riding now? Not so sure... It's not because of one thing... but still...
I know MXA said they were quicker on a AFCR500 than the 450 but can't remember if they said it was harder etc... and then really, would the pros change? Probably not...
Would it be nice to have a choice... Yes it would...
Will we get it if the manufacturers are hurting like they tell us... Probably not...
I'm just holding onto a slim hope that the 350 brings the balance back to centre and the 2 strokes get some development...
if nothing else, I thought it was interesting when the 4 strokes first came in, because they had their disadvantages so it was kinda level, it was a comparison... Like knowing McClaren are quicker than Red Bull in a straight line but Red Bull have a better chassis package... You know?
As far as the 350 goes, i don't think it is going to make anything easier on the two strokes.
Four strokes still have an advantage right now, and that's a fact, but as said above with KTM still developing the two stroke and the positive rumours we have been hearing, I think your "slim hope" may be worth hanging on to.
Was like a national out there today: Alessi, Metcalfe, Rattray, Searle, Lieb, Golden...
There goes the 350 aint fast enough theory!!! Who woulda thunk it?!?!
Adamdf, my ride is a 2006 300EXC and it is brillant... I've set it up for MX but left the road going gear on, as it is easy to drop... Great bike mate, cant stop smiling everytime I ride... It's just got a PC pipe and silencer and it'll handle 450s no worries...
Kudo's KTM I wish the other guys were that in tune to the racers that choose to run their bikes like KTM does.....think about this what if the 350 is that sucessful that MA is winnign races left and righ then if he was on a Japanese brand noone could get teh parts except for him but with KTM's sxsf kits for the 350 if a rider chooses to race it he will have the same works level engine components as their factory racers. That will motivate a lot of privateers to ride them hands down......
no more taking it to yotur local engine guy for a hi comp piston and port job that won't get them much at all but the SXSF kit they have just as much of a shot as MA does. If I was a professional racer common sense would sway me to the KTM 350
Pit Row
Peak power is less important than a long spread of very high power. Heck, you can juice up a YZ/RM/SX250 to put out the same peak power as a 450 and you're still going to get killed on hills, in long starts and anyplace that you can't keep the engine churning at the perfect RPM. Also, cornering speed isn't much good if you're getting blocked in corners and out-dragged on the straights.
There's no replacement for displacement. Remember John Dowd on the 520? Holeshots all over the place.
As an amateur, I'd love to get a 350; as a very top-level National rider, not so much.
With disadvantages like that.....
Its a drag race. Pretty simple. Power to weight ratio. Keep the engine at peak power and bang the gears.
Lot's of cash will be spent and the bikes will become less reliable.
Those who have the deepest pockets will have the fastest bikes.
Leave the 450s alone and let the two strokes run unlimited displacement, and unlimited chassis.
We need to level the playing field and keep racing as economical as possible.
Oh, here's a shock for you: You wouldn't want RC's bike! For you to ride that bike at normal human speed, it would smash your face in!
KTM 250SXF / 350SXF at Glen Helen Saturday during the REM Races
Post a reply to: The KTM350SX-F