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Westminster, MD
US
Edited Date/Time
6/5/2014 8:55pm
We never hear the end of it in motocross: Bring two-strokes back.
Whether they're die-hard fans of the '90s or shoestring budget weekend warriors, the supporters of the premix ponies have been relentlessly vocal in demanding provisions be taken in professional motocross to remove the disadvantages of racing a two-stroke. The experiment has been tried and tested in the amateur ranks (and more recently in the pro series in Canada and Australia), where 250 two-strokes are now allowed to race in the 250 class.
RELATED STORY
Watch: Ken De Dycker Ripping a 2-Stroke KTM
Initially, it may seem idiotically obvious for all 250 cc engines to race in the 250 class, however the smaller bore class is usually reserved for 250 four-strokes and 125 two-strokes. This was due to a rule created during the developmental stages of four-stroke technology to remove the disadvantage of racing a four-stroke against a two-stroke, the latter of which would theoretically produce double the power.
When whispers first came about of 250 two-strokes belonging with 250 four-strokes, we laughed it off as irrational drivel. It seemed wildly lopsided in favor of the two-stroke, and since most of the factories no longer produce them, it made no sense.
The major argument against, of course, is that we do not want to piss off the factories, because motocross would be really difficult if the big five up and decided to get into building Snuggies or Shake Weights. But let’s take stock of that scenario:
The five major factories are KTM, Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki, each an important piece of the puzzle that is motocross. KTM and Yamaha still produce two-strokes, so they would be thrilled at this idea. The Kawasaki and Honda 250 class efforts are two of the most elite, being of course the Pro Circuit Kawasaki and GEICO Honda juggernauts.
Here’s the thing – each of these teams would be on top even if two-strokes were on the gate, because that is just how good they are. Their bikes, riders, and budgets are world-class, and it would take a lot more than a 250 two-stroke to topple their reign, even at the hands of Red Bull KTM or Star Yamaha. So the remaining factory to have to worry about is Suzuki, but since Suzuki no longer has a 250 team, they should have nothing to get pissed off about in that class (in fact, Suzuki has repeatedly been rumored to be getting back into distributing 250 two-strokes).
And like we've already established, this idea has been put into place in Canada and Australia, and you know what? The 250 four-strokes are still very much competitive. In fact, in both countries, nearly all of the riders in the top five in the championship points at the end of the season raced four-strokes. It seems then, that the two-stroke presents no real advantage, beyond affordability. This is not a demand for change, just an observation of the facts.
Your move, motocross.
For the latest dirt on moto, follow Red Bull Moto Spy on Twitter.
Whether they're die-hard fans of the '90s or shoestring budget weekend warriors, the supporters of the premix ponies have been relentlessly vocal in demanding provisions be taken in professional motocross to remove the disadvantages of racing a two-stroke. The experiment has been tried and tested in the amateur ranks (and more recently in the pro series in Canada and Australia), where 250 two-strokes are now allowed to race in the 250 class.
RELATED STORY
Watch: Ken De Dycker Ripping a 2-Stroke KTM
Initially, it may seem idiotically obvious for all 250 cc engines to race in the 250 class, however the smaller bore class is usually reserved for 250 four-strokes and 125 two-strokes. This was due to a rule created during the developmental stages of four-stroke technology to remove the disadvantage of racing a four-stroke against a two-stroke, the latter of which would theoretically produce double the power.
When whispers first came about of 250 two-strokes belonging with 250 four-strokes, we laughed it off as irrational drivel. It seemed wildly lopsided in favor of the two-stroke, and since most of the factories no longer produce them, it made no sense.
The major argument against, of course, is that we do not want to piss off the factories, because motocross would be really difficult if the big five up and decided to get into building Snuggies or Shake Weights. But let’s take stock of that scenario:
The five major factories are KTM, Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki, each an important piece of the puzzle that is motocross. KTM and Yamaha still produce two-strokes, so they would be thrilled at this idea. The Kawasaki and Honda 250 class efforts are two of the most elite, being of course the Pro Circuit Kawasaki and GEICO Honda juggernauts.
Here’s the thing – each of these teams would be on top even if two-strokes were on the gate, because that is just how good they are. Their bikes, riders, and budgets are world-class, and it would take a lot more than a 250 two-stroke to topple their reign, even at the hands of Red Bull KTM or Star Yamaha. So the remaining factory to have to worry about is Suzuki, but since Suzuki no longer has a 250 team, they should have nothing to get pissed off about in that class (in fact, Suzuki has repeatedly been rumored to be getting back into distributing 250 two-strokes).
And like we've already established, this idea has been put into place in Canada and Australia, and you know what? The 250 four-strokes are still very much competitive. In fact, in both countries, nearly all of the riders in the top five in the championship points at the end of the season raced four-strokes. It seems then, that the two-stroke presents no real advantage, beyond affordability. This is not a demand for change, just an observation of the facts.
Your move, motocross.
For the latest dirt on moto, follow Red Bull Moto Spy on Twitter.
It would cause far to many erections lasting over 4 hours. That's just way too many boners at once.
The Shop
No.
Otherwise, it is true that 4 strokes are more expensive (especially to repair), heavier, etc, so why more or less everybody still ride 4 strokes ? I think we can blame each others, nobody would have bought 4 strokes, then the 2 strokes would still rule.
These new helmets with mouth guards are way more expensive than open faced ones...they are ruining the sport!
I can't afford a jet....Should I complain until they bring back the Wright Brothers plane?
Pit Row
Racing for a $10 trophy is some serious stuff, I guess?
My old 2S (not T) used to require a lot more maintenance than the new 4 strokes do.
You don't see a 10 year old driving a car around the Daytona or Indy track....
http://www.redbull.com/us/en/motorsports/offroad/stories/1331630258198/…
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