Posts
1692
Joined
5/9/2011
Location
AU
Edited Date/Time
6/12/2014 3:58pm
Kawasaki have quashed rumours of a full size 2 stroke line up for 2015
Can you give us your thoughts on the resurgence of two-stroke machinery of late?
It’s certainly been a hot topic. Obviously there’s a place for two-strokes. There were some rumours going around that even Kawasaki was bringing back two-strokes into the mix, but I can tell you categorically we’re not. That’s been discussed. People obviously took some comments out of context at some stage but that’s all okay. With the resurgence of two-strokes in that regard, well, maybe it’s a cost factor, maybe it’s an operational factor, we’re not too sure. The promoter and brands have all had some discussions and you’ll probably see a separation of the two-strokes in the 250s going forward.
http://www.motoonline.com.au/2014/06/10/industry-insight-kawasaki-motors-robert-walker/
So not only are Kawasaki not bringing in a two stroke line but it looks like the mfg's that stopped building 2 strokes are now complaining that they are getting beaten by them.
I think promoters of mx series worldwide need to get together and sort out a capacity that works. I have known from when I raced my 250sx against 250f's that people would complain. If mx were done in a time trial format I think everyone would be on a four stroke, but the fact is, the advantage the 250 2 strokes have off the line carries through the rest of the race.
If KTM were to build a 200 sx I think that would be a pretty fair comparison to a 250f
Can you give us your thoughts on the resurgence of two-stroke machinery of late?
It’s certainly been a hot topic. Obviously there’s a place for two-strokes. There were some rumours going around that even Kawasaki was bringing back two-strokes into the mix, but I can tell you categorically we’re not. That’s been discussed. People obviously took some comments out of context at some stage but that’s all okay. With the resurgence of two-strokes in that regard, well, maybe it’s a cost factor, maybe it’s an operational factor, we’re not too sure. The promoter and brands have all had some discussions and you’ll probably see a separation of the two-strokes in the 250s going forward.
http://www.motoonline.com.au/2014/06/10/industry-insight-kawasaki-motors-robert-walker/
So not only are Kawasaki not bringing in a two stroke line but it looks like the mfg's that stopped building 2 strokes are now complaining that they are getting beaten by them.
I think promoters of mx series worldwide need to get together and sort out a capacity that works. I have known from when I raced my 250sx against 250f's that people would complain. If mx were done in a time trial format I think everyone would be on a four stroke, but the fact is, the advantage the 250 2 strokes have off the line carries through the rest of the race.
If KTM were to build a 200 sx I think that would be a pretty fair comparison to a 250f
Will be interesting
Pretty much Husqvarna and KTM the two manufactures that are supporting riders on two strokes in both under 19s and MX2, only rider with support for a 250F is Long in MX2 who is currently out of action so only one rider gaining support on a 250F.
Kawasaki have no lites program, Suzuki just two bikes supported with raceline, Honda only have three bikes supported, (Cachia and the two Wilson racing bikes) Yamaha with Serco Yamaha.
If the two strokes are dropped, I am sure KTM and Husqvarna are not going to pull their support from the class, the riders just jump over to four strokes, Kawi may come back?
So would be fair to say the actual factory support would be the same or slightly better.
As for the privateers that might make a difference, but like every year in Aus, the numbers are still slowly dropping the class as the year goes on, I don't think bike cost is everything when keeping full gates in Aus, finding the funding for privateers to travel across this huge country for 10 rounds is a massive factor.
The other solution could be a new class, maybe drop the MXD class back to a four round rookies class for under 17s then introduce a "MX3" class for 250 two strokes and 350 Four strokes, full championship status and get back to the old days of three championship classes.
The Shop
"Maybe it's a cost factor, maybe it's an operational factor, we're not too sure." Really? They're that stupid that they really don't get it, or they just don't want to admit the truth? Give me a break.
Kawasaki is not listed as a sponsor but all the other manufactures are, , http://www.mxnationals.com.au/about-mxn/sponsors/
i think their are too many rounds, and that makes if difficult for the priviteers, but the two half series has not seemed to have made a difference,
I wrote an article about the two v four debate that is in the current issue of Dirt Action, spoke to pretty much everyone to capture their thoughts on it, from the MX commission chair, Kevin, a couple of manufactures that were willing to discuss the topic and some top and lower ranked privateers on both two and four strokes.
A lot of different opinions.
The option is there for people that want to buy them and race them.
So Kawasaki and Honda don't want to build them, go buy another colour!
They must wanna separate them because the 4T riders don't like the sound of a 2T.
[ahead of them]
What pisses me off is how they insult our intelligence when they make claims such as the one about not understanding the 2stroke resurgence. That and inferring that they are collectively working to ban them from racing in the class that they belong in, because their 250 foopter is at a power disadvantage to a 20 year old 250 2stroke of any color. They know their product js inferior so their solution is to strongarm the sanctioning bodies into forcing an unfair displacement advantage.
Stick it up your ass, Kawasaki. The resurgence of the 2stroke is the best thing to happen to this sport in the last 15 years and they just want to put a stop to it.
Not too far fetched to think manufacturers that no longer make 2 strokes would have the same opinion. A 250 2 stroke in the hands of the elite riders would be too much of an advantage over 4 stroke 250's.
Pit Row
Even pros have attested to the fact that they can go faster on a 4-stroke of equal displacement. So, there's no reason to eliminate/ handicap the 2-stroke.
The 125 has 15 hours
The 250 has 22 hours
The 250F has 3.3 hours
Can you guess which one I have to force my 13 yr old son to practice on. Could give a shit about Kawasaki bringing back 2strokes but there is something to be said about their increasing popularity.
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