Two Stroke Motocross » Editorial

Two Stroke IS Motocross

Charles Owens — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 17:46:46 +0000

The sport of Motocross is suffering, the fans are diminishing. Why? Four Strokes.

I’m sure many people will disagree with what I have to say, but most know where I am coming from.

Two Strokes are the heart and soul of Motocross, and EVERYONE that enjoys this sport should agree. Remember when going to races was actually fun? Last week’s SuperCross in Phoenix was lacking entertainment value to say the least. No racing happened, just a bunch of money hungry rider’s trying to get paid. Motocross is evolving into 2 wheeled NASCAR, don’t get me wrong I like almost any sort of racing. As long as it’s fun to watch. Four Strokes are boring to ride, boring to watch. How can MX be boring?? With a gate full of Two Strokes, racing happens. No way around it. It takes skill, determination, and a lot of heart.

The four strokes were designed for one thing, profit. Before the high rpm four strokes, the average rider could spend $150 and replace his top end. Or even spend a few hundred more for a complete engine rebuild. Now dealers are pushing these high-reving time bombs, and most consumers don’t know the actual cost of a rebuild until it’s too late. Dealers are making more money from repairs, than actual sales.
Very sad, we agree.

I am a HUGE fan of MotoCross, but I have pretty much lost interest in Pro Racing. TSM will do whatever we can to support our fans, the ones that know where MX came from. I’m not trying to get in a 2vs4 debate, we all know where it leads. I’m just expressing my opinions. I get e-mails from readers everyday, saying they just got back on a Two Stroke after being on a Four for a few years. What do they all say? “I forgot how much fun riding was!”, and my favorite “It’s so nice to not have to worry about the motor failing in mid-air.”
Four Strokes WILL kill the sport. Tracks are closing from noise, fans are getting tired of watching MowerCross, people can’t afford to fix thier bikes when they explode..

TSM’s plan is to focus on raising awareness, and giving fans a place to race the best bikes in the world. More and more Two Stroke events will be taking place over the next few years. For those that remember racing. The sound, the smell, the excitement! Check your local tracks for events and show your support!

One last note. Traction Control possibilites… That will make Pro MX even more exciting to watch… No Roost? No Skill? No Talent? Yeah. Let the good times roll!

Chad Reed’s thought on TC:

"Just got educated on this whole TC dealio:) let's just say there is endless possibilities. the AMA should just legalize it right now IMO..."

And we all heard Stewarts reply when asked about it..

"Uhh... Uhh..."

Two Stroke AMA Rule Change Petition

Charles Owens — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 16:11:54 +0000

Just a quick note from TSM.com

Some things in life need to happen, the AMA rule change is one of them.

It’s just a rule, who does it really hurt?

I speak with people all the time, from all over the country about the situation. Everyone agrees, the rule change would breathe life back into the 2 strokes and the sport of Motocross.

A lot of great local riders that can’t afford to race the 4 strokes would be back on the tracks, and supporting the sport!

A lot of tracks and riding area’s have been closed due to the 4 stroke noise.

No Good.

Without the rule change Proffesional Motocross will suffer.

Regardless of engine, they are still MX bikes on the track. That is still exciting to watch, right? Sure, exciting like.. Lawn Mower racing.

Let’s get Motocross back the way the way it should be!

Sign the Petition, and tell everyone to do the same!

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/review-ama-pro-racing-rule-change.html

Like us on facebook!

Four Strokes SUCK!!

JohnNicholas — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 20:29:06 +0000

The basic explanation of how the internal combustion engine works, is the process of SUCK-SQUEEZE-BANG-BLOW. Simple explanation for a somewhat complex marvel of mechanical ingenuity .

One this site we have mentioned the four-stroke started off SUCKING and we’re right! They do SUCK before anything else.

1. INTAKE (SUCK) When the piston descends in the cylinder it creates a vacuum (thus the term SUCK for this cycle). And an air/fuel mixture is drawn into the cylinder.

2. COMPRESSION (SQUEEZE) As the piston ascends, the air/fuel mixture is forced into the small chamber machined into the cylinder head. This compresses the mixture (SQUEEZE) until it occupies 1/8th to 1/11th of the volume.

3. IGNITION (BANG) The air/fuel mixture is ignited (BANG) by the spark plug just before the piston reaches the top of its stroke. The heat produced by combustion increases the pressure in the cylinder, pushing the piston down with great force.

4. EXHAUST (BLOW) As the piston approaches the bottom of its stroke, the exhaust valve begins opening and the pressure in the cylinder begins to force the gasses out around the valve. The ascent of the piston then forces nearly all the rest of the unburned gasses from the cylinder (BLOW). The cycle begins again as the exhaust valve closes, the intake valve opens and the piston begins descending and bringing a fresh charge of air and fuel into the combustion chamber.

Now you know the reason for the farting popping noise of high-revving four-stroke engines. (Is that the worst sound in the world?)

Of course this is all in jest, but many people on both sides of the two-stroke vs. four-stroke debate have many differing opinions on this subject. It brings out powerful feelings in many.

In addition there are mis-conceptions about this site and the stance that it should take in this debate.

Stand back, he's gonna blow!!

It seems that guys that love four-strokes hope this site dies a quick and/or painful death (well at least some of them do! LOL) And stops all the “propaganda” about how great two-strokes are.

It seems as there are some that have no sense of humor.. when we call their bikes lawn tractors ( a 450F is the same displacement as my Sears Riding mower!) or when we tell them they require a huge handi-cap (displacement advantage) in order to be competitive with a two-stroke they get upset and start calling people names.

Want some whine with that cheese?

Please go and get yourself a sense of humor…

At who's expense?

One the other hand there are folks on the pro two-stroke side of things that are way over the top. These are the folks who spew hate towards anything four-stroke (usually while driving/owning many items that are four-stroke. Including, cars, pick-up trucks, lawn mowers, generators) Usually yelling at the top of their lungs, “four-strokes must die!”

Honestly both extremes of the debate are just that… extremes. No matter what those on the fringes believe, four-strokes are here to stay, at least for a while. The same goes for two-strokes. The news of the two-stroke’s impending death is highly exaggerated.

So we have folks on both sides of the debate, so where in this lexicon does the TSM web site fall? Well certainly not in the middle!!

Since the very beginning we have talked about displacement parity. Fair rules that can provide great racing for the racer and fan alike. An opportunity for two-strokes to be competitive with four-strokes.

The way the rules in pro racing stand right now, leaning heavily toward the four-stroke, the lowly two-stroke is considered a joke.

What no one has been able to explain reasonably is why do the four-strokes deserve welfare? There have been tons of rumors, here-say along with marketing hype has obliterated common sense.

Talk about emissions killing off two-strokes was big news for a while, now there is less talk about it. The four-strokes, while better than the old style two-strokes in this regard, still have a long way to go. Rumors have been running rampant on the subject of Direct Injection (not to be confused with Fuel Injection) which promises to turn the two-stroke to the better option for emissions.

Another by-product of the four-stroke “revolution” is the noise factor. Tracks are being shut down at an alarming rate due to noise. The exhaust note of the four-stroke carries much further than the two-stroke making enemies of anyone within a mile or less of a race track. The loud pipes appear to be in the name of “improved” performance.

No... really?

Back to the original question what is TSM’s stand on the two-stroke vs. four-stroke debate? To the disappointment of the crazed two-stroke fan, we do not “hate” four-strokes. These machines are absolutely perfect for some racers. They are easy to ride and will last a reasonably long time if kept in a mild state of tune. Although they would be much better if they install quieter exhaust systems!

Yes, four-strokes are cool bikes!

The technology that has brought them to the state they currently are in is pretty cool. Just compare any of the new four-stroke motocross machines to the four-strokes of the past, no comparison in weight, power or handling.

There is NO way four-strokes should enjoy a displacement advantage that is double or nearly double that of a two-stroke. Let’s be sensible, use a little logic here, there would be NO four-strokes in motocross if it were not for the displacement advantage.

So what are we saying? Eliminate the displacement advantage which will allow racers to make a choice. Whether that choice is a two-stroke or a four-stroke, a racers choice will be based on factors other than “well the rules are unfair so why should I ride a two-stroke and get beat?”

Currently there is a petition being circulated to amend the rules in Pro Motocross racing. We believe in this idea and feel that it will help in our quest to bring two-strokes back into Pro Racing. If you have not doe so please take a moment to add your voice to the masses. http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/38076.html

How long do I have to do this???

It has been made clear that none of the rule makers in Pro Motocross have any interest in equal displacement. So banging that drum over and over is a lost cause, at least at this time.

Our sport is shrinking. And seems to be doing so more and more every week. Instead of choosing motocross, potential new racers are deciding to invest their money in other sports. This does not bode well for the long term health of motocross.

The two-stroke vs. four-stroke debate is not the answer to all the sports woes and certainly will not fix all its problems. Something must be done to move our sport forward in growth.

Whether that means signing a petition, buying a two-stroke, starting a new series or one of millions of things that could be done.

Each one of us is responsible in the quest to improve our sport, turn it around into growth and health.

What are you going to do?

Motocross is Fun!!

JohnNicholas — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:19:07 +0000

“Try not….

…..do or do not,

……there is no try.”
Yoda – The Empire Strikes Back

Why are we all so passionate about motocross? What is it about motorcycles and racing that gets us all revved up?

It’s fun! It touches a part of our soul. Once you are exposed to it, motocross will be a part of your life forever.

How did it start for you?

My introduction to motocross, resulted in a life long passion for motorcycles and racing that has spanned many years and brought me many life-long friends.

While there are memories that fade, others have been repeated so often that your friends are sick of hearing them. What remains is the passion, fun and excitement that constitute this sport called motocross.

Most of us began our indoctrination into motocross with our very first bike. Everyone remembers that very first motorcycle. Mine was a Yamaha 90cc two-stroke twin street bike that cost me the princely sum of $75. which was found in the corner of a nearby warehouse. With that machine I learned how to ride and work on bikes.

That first machine was a taste of freedom and excitement. Everything in the world was right when I rode that bike.

Motocross racing and motorcycles are fun! Isn’t that the main reason we get excited when we get to ride, race or spectate? That X factor. That smile you can’t wipe off your face.

Is it just me or does everyone feel this way about motorcycles and racing?

BEWARE OF THE DARK SIDE

Yet the strange part is there seems to be some folks that don’t seem to feel the same way.

It’s difficult to understand when people are upset or angry about our great sport. For some reason they seem to look for the bad or negative in every area. The subject many who visit this site are interested in, is the 2 stroke vs. 4 stroke question.

As I’ve said many times, both types of motorcycles can be a blast to ride and race. By all means buy the one that makes you happiest. Then enjoy and savor every moment. As they say, different strokes for different folks.

So why is it when a positive article or news is published about two-strokes, unhappy, hateful people show up to criticize it? If they’re so happy with their life and bikes, what’s the reason for the constant barrage of negativity, name-calling and put-downs?

Honestly, if these folks said nothing, the article or story they are complaining about would quietly slide into obscurity. What’s the big deal?

Could it be that it strikes a nerve? Maybe about something they may deep down feel is wrong? We’ll certainly never know the answer to that, so we speculate.

It’s easier to tear down someone or something. Possibly these folks get some strange type of pleasure from it. Or they feel better about themselves because they put someone else down. It doesn’t require much brain power to find fault with everything around you.

“I don’t believe it..” Luke

“That is why you fail” Yoda

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU

Personally, I enjoy having fun and looking at the positive side of life. If I’m unhappy with something, I’ll either attempt to make changes or make a positive suggestion. Of course there are some things you can change and others you can’t, but complaining, bitching and whining does little or nothing for anyone.

How can we ensure that we always have fun? Well you could ignore the folks saying nasty negative stuff. In fact that would be a fabulous start. Certainly by giving them any feedback when they write or say something outrageous, just encourages them to do more. So what do you think is the best way to handle people like this?

A much more satisfying question is to ask is, what makes motocross fun for you?

Here are a few of my ideas/suggestions. Please add yours below.

It’s a blast to make motocross bike sounds! What better way to express something cool that happened when you were riding, then to make motorcycle sounds? Whenever I tell a bench racing story there is that familiar braaap, waaaaap or wahhh – wahhh – wahhhh to pepper the telling of the battles or excursions. It’s so much fun! It adds to the story and makes people smile or laugh.

Another fun thing I do is watch Pro racers very closely. How do they approach or tackle different obstacles. My personal favorite is turns. It really highlights a racers true abilities, fitness and throttle control. Nice stuff.

On top of the list is the ultimate, going riding with a bunch of buddies on your favorite dirt bike. Life just doesn’t get better than that.

So go out and ride whatever bike makes you happy.

Oh yeah…… don’t forget to smile!

Motocross Media and the Two Stroke

JohnNicholas — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 14:37:28 +0000

Over the past few months many interviews with the Super Stars of Motocross seem to contain a question about two-strokes. Of course asking them what their thoughts are about them. Kind of a loaded question.

As an example, here is one that was posted on Vital MX by MXEditor – Sean Goulart where he interviewed James Stewart at the Fuel TV Studios in NYC.

James... not having fun... lol

MXN: Do you ever still ride a two-stroke, just for fun?

JAMES STEWART: I rode the ones at my ride day, the two-strokes, and it’s just not…it’s just not there anymore you know? The new 450′s, like especially the Yamaha, are so good it’s hard to really want to ride a two-stroke for fun, the only thing that’s cool is the sound. I had one I rode at the ride days but I almost got smoked by a few dudes when I was riding a 250 two-stroke, so I said nah just gotta give it up, I just have to.

Of course this started a flurry of posts from all sides of the debate. If you would like to see for yourself check out this link – http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/MotoRelated,20/Interview-with-James-Stewart-talks-about-2strokes-family-and-Bubbas-World,900676

Now let’s take a step back and think about something here. Are we asking the wrong people the wrong question?

How about some yummy veggie burgers??

How about a couple of hypotheticals. Do you think a cattle rancher would suggest you become a vegetarian? How about your typical MD, do you think he’ll send you over to an alternative medical practitioner? Would a died-in-the-wool Oil man recommend that you use alternative energy?

The answer to all these questions is easy, they wouldn’t. Even if in their heart of hearts they believe in those alternative solutions.

Which begs the question, why? It’s really pretty simple actually, they have a vested interest in their current paradigm. Are they wrong to not recommend what they may believe in? Well no, that’s how they make their living. Why would they suggest you do something that would affect their livelihood?

Now lets get back to our MX Superstar, here’s a guy that gets paid a considerable amount of money to race a machine that his employer pays him to race. It would be IMPOSSIBLE for them to say publicly that they prefer something other than what they are paid to endorse. That would be professional suicide.

Personally, I would never expect these guys to state an endorsement for the two-stroke.

Let’s look at the reasons behind journalists asking this question.

They are reading the same forums, sites, magazines as all of us. The word on the “street” is two-strokes for motocross. The dealer showroom floors are crowded with leftover four-stroke machines. There are a bunch in the warehouses as well. The manufacturers four-stroke wonder bikes are currently selling for a fraction of the Suggested List Price.

For sale... cheap!

On the other hand, try to locate a brand new two-stroke at a dealer. You have to start searching dealers far and wide in order to even locate one in stock! Not only that, but the dealer realizes he has a “hot” commodity and can actually make a profit by selling a motocross bike (something that doesn’t happen very often) so the price is firm and usually very close to retail. All this even though in some cases, the two-stroke is a “dated” machine with very few technological updates.

So these well meaning journalists think that the best person to ask about two-strokes is the MX Superstars, the guys who are paid to sell four-strokes to the public. Does anyone else see the folly in this thinking? Sure the journalist is happy because it sparks the debate again and if there is anything that MX fans are passionate about it’s the two-stroke vs. four-stroke debate. Many more people read their stuff and the magazine, website or media outlet is happy because more readers see their ads.

The funny thing is that at least in the case of the Stewart interview, the journalist “defended” James by saying that he was very sincere when he said it, so it must be true. My illusion is that even if James loves the two-stroke and would love to be able to race it, he would be very sincere about telling a journalist that he prefers the four-stroke.

And I don’t blame him. He is being paid to sell the bikes that Yamaha wants to promote and sell. Come on!

Is this enough? How about this much more?

Do you really think it’s that hard to be sincere, if you are being paid say $500,000. per year (purposely stated low) to ride a motorcycle? It’d be easy. Anyone could do it. Those that say they couldn’t or wouldn’t have not been in that position. It’s easy to say you’d do the right thing when it’s not your career on the line.

Which now brings us full circle, why is this question asked of someone when the answer will be no?

There is one reason… the tide is truly changing. More and more of the family-oriented, rank and file motocross racers are choosing what works best for them. And many of them are choosing the two-stroke.

This is big business and there are tremendous profits to be made or lost here. The manufacturers are hurting, the dealers are hurting and there’s a lot of product that racers just aren’t interested in buying. The marketing hype has run it’s course and has now slammed directly into reality.

Is it possible that the manufacturers “suggest” that the journalists bring up the two-stroke question? We’ll never know, but it’s possible.

And for those on the four-stroke side of the fence, I’m not spouting conspiracy theories here, just asking questions and pointing out the blatantly obvious.

You make the choice....

The question needs to move away from the Super Stars and come back to the person you see when you look in a mirror. What’s best for you?

You know, if that answer is a four-stroke, hey that’s great. I wish you the very best. For some people that is the best machine for them. This is not about killing the four-stroke or taking them away from the people that believe in them.

It’s purely about choice. Two Stroke racers want a choice. They want to choose what’s best for them.

Unfortunately, that choice has been taken away, first by lopsided rules. Then because of flagging sales figures, some manufacturers stopped importing two-strokes. Now with the tide shifting, there is a shortage of new two-strokes.

The moral of the story? Much of the motocross media has a vested interest in the business. Don’t buy into the marketing hype, make up your own mind based on your experience and what you think is best for you.

Keep the rubber side down.

Handicapping and the Four-Stroke

JohnNicholas — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:03:46 +0000

Over the past few years the media seems to have coined new terms to apply to two-stroke motocross machines. When the two-stroke is mentioned words like vintage and nostalgic seem to pop up. Everywhere from message board users to Ralph Sheehan and Jeff Emig on Speed Channel seem to have gotten the “memo”.

How can this be?

Well, it appears to be a slight-of-hand marketing trick. A way to discredit the two-stroke further. An easy way to make it look like if you care about two-strokes, you live in the past. It’s a simple and effective way to bulldoze the two-stroke fan and to ignore reality.

So what can I do about it?

Simple, use the word “handicap” every-time you speak about four-strokes in motocross.

What exactly is a handicap and why is it used?

According to Wikipedia;

Handicapping, in sport and games, is the practice of assigning advantage through scoring compensation or other advantage given to different contestants to equalize the chances of winning. The word also applies to the various methods by which the advantage is calculated. In principle, a more experienced player is disadvantaged in order to make it possible for a less experienced player to participate in the game or sport whilst maintaining fairness. Handicapping also refers to the various methods by which spectators can predict and quantify the results of a sporting match. [1]

According to FIM and AMA rules, this is equal displacement!

Obviously the four-stroke required an enormous handicap in order to be competitive with the lighter, faster two-stroke motocross machines. The current FIM and AMA rules allow the 250cc four-stroke a DOUBLE displacement advantage over the 125cc two-stroke and the 450cc four-stroke has an 85% displacement advantage over the 250cc two-stroke.

Is it better or is it just bigger? Ummmm… it’s just bigger!!

When the rule was first introduced, it actually worked decently, the bigger four-strokes were almost equal to the two-strokes. But as racers, engineers and tuners learned to extract additional horsepower from the four-stroke and the rule changes continued to take away every advantage from the two-stroke, it turned motocross into a four-stroke only sport.

Yet every single time the fact of the displacement advantage is brought up to a four-stroke proponent, it is promptly ignored, sidestepped or whined about. Usually a litany of how “unfair” it would be for the machines to be of equal displacement soon follows.

As has been written on this site before, for over 72 years the rules of motocross have been displacement based. The engine type was decided by which machine was faster. In the earliest years of motocross the four-stroke ruled. As the technology advanced the two-stroke came to prominence and began to be the machine of choice. The change came about because technology advanced for the two-strokes and the four-stroke were unable to keep up. A choice made from competition alone.

Unfortunately Pro Racing rules in AMA SX/MX events and FIM MX GP’s allow a huge handicap for the four-stroke, which makes it difficult if not impossible for two-stroke machines to compete. Two-stroke fans are told to stop living in the past and to get over it, the four-stroke is the best machine for motocross.

The only way to battle this absurd rule is to knock away at the supposed superiority of the four-stroke, by pointing out the blatantly obvious. Four-strokes require a HANDICAP to be competitive.

Just think of all the fun you can have by sharing this fact with your four-stroke brethren..

Do your four-stroke friends need these?

When they ask you, “Why are you riding that old technology two-stroke?” You can casually reply, “Why do you need such a huge handicap to compete? “

At every opportunity, mention that the four-strokes are handicapped. There is no need to do this in a mean or combative way, in fact it will work much better if you say it casually, in the course of conversation (read bench racing) It will become a splinter in the mind of the four-stroke “revolutionaries” and start to wear on them after a while.

Then instead of thinking they are on a superior, technologically advanced machines, they will discover that they are on old technology with pretty graphics. A case of the emperor’s new clothes. The only way they can compete is to “cheat”.

So just add the word “handicap” to your vocabulary. It’s simple and easy. But even better than that it’s fun to do!

Enjoy the races!

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handicapping

Special thanks to Chris2T for posting the idea of handicapping on the Two Stroke Motocross forum. To see the original forum post please click this link. http://twostrokemotocross.com/forum/index.php/topic,237.0.html

Two Strokes and Attitude…

JohnNicholas — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:46:17 +0000

When I woke up, the thought “how can we gather more support for the two-stroke”, ran through my sleepy brain.

While it’s true that Two Stroke Motocross.com is not entirely responsible for the shift happening in motocross as we speak, the tide is changing. I hope in some way that the stories, articles, tests and press releases published on TSM have helped.

More racers are switching to two strokes on their own in what appears to be ever increasing numbers. The comments, feedback and e-mail received at the TSM headquarters support this growth. It’s happening in many parts of the USA and the world. This is great news.

Debate, debate, bebate, why don't we all just go riding?

What I’ve noticed over the past few years is that there are rabid fans on each side of the equation. Which leads to those same fans thinking that the only way to get the other side to switch over is to convince them the other side is wrong.

Worse yet some think the only way to approach the issue is to equate it with a war or fight. They call out the others, say stupid or mean things and generally just cause problems for everyone. This does nothing but upset everyone.

I have a question for you, if you truly believed that you knew the correct answer to a question and someone started yelling at you, calling you names, telling you that your stupid, would you listen to them? Would they have any chance of influencing your decision?

My illusion is that you would consider them crazy, write them off and attempt to get away as soon as possible.

Do people run from you because you seem crazy?

What am I getting at? Using the golden rule “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” when talking with people who have differing opinions than you.

Of course the idiom “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar” is helpful to keep in mind as well. This saying has been around for years, lets look at the definition of this phrase to break down what it actually means.

“It is easier to persuade people if you use polite arguments and flattery than if you are confrontational.”

This is a simple easy way to remember how to talk to others respectfully. This can go a long way in helping you to get what you want or to help others to see your point of view. Realize that you may not change their mind or get them to agree with you, but they will listen.

A positive attitude goes a long way.

How can we apply these thoughts and ideas for showing others that the two-stroke is a viable machine in motocross?

When speaking with four-stroke fans or writing posts on message boards, stay respectful and speak about what you are doing, not what they are doing wrong. Calling them out and saying they’re wrong, will only make our job increasingly difficult. Worse yet they will close their mind to the idea of two-strokes.

When you talk to these folks with respect and just point out that you want fair rules and are willing to talk about it, you can move mountains. If you create anger or animosity it’s impossible to even talk, how can you expect to create solutions together?

Be nice!

Jump for joy about two-strokes!

Next, please buy a two-stroke for yourself if you don’t already own one. Then show up at the races and do your best. When you come off the track make sure that you have an ear-to-ear grin for all to see. Remember to effuse “Man that was so much fun!” “When’s the next moto?”

Next is to share those stories of fun and excitement with others. Whether that’s with your buddies at the race track, in the neighborhood, on message boards or forums every little story helps the overall shift in people’s opinions.

If you’re interested in having your story published on this site, please feel free to use the contact form above to contact me and we’ll work something out to get your story out to the world. The one thought to consider here is that you don’t necessarily have to win your class, just that you compete and have fun on your two-stroke.

Mail your two-stroke stories...

Each and every story helps. These articles about real people racing, riding and switching to two-stroke do much more than you can imagine. It plants a seed in the mind of those around you, “Hey, maybe I should look at the two-strokes.”

For those you might be saying, sure your telling us to go out and do this stuff, but what are you going to do?

Glad you asked!

Along with a few friends we are going to jump into the fray and get some much needed publicity for the two-stroke.

Question: How can you reach out to the greatest number of motocross fans?
Answer: Compete in the Pro Nationals using a two-stroke!

Yes, you’ve heard it right, rip out those ear plugs needed for the four-strokes, the sound of a 250cc two stroke will be echoing across hills throughout parts of the USA. Watch out for us at the AMA 450F Outdoor Nationals!

Instead of waiting and bemoaning rules that may never change, we’ve decided that the best plan is to race. Competing with a 250cc two-stroke against the 450F race machines of the big factories.

It appears this idea has struck a chord, this past week we were interviewed for Dirt Rider magazine. They have expressed interest in testing our machine for a possible feature article. How cool is that? Special thanks to Pete Peterson and Damian Ercole at Dirt Rider.

This is our new logo for the project.

You know what’s bizarre? Most everyone we’ve spoken to thinks this is a great idea! Including some die-hard four-stroke racers. How crazy is that?

Now many folks are asking what they can do to help. We received offers that we find to be absolutely amazing. It’s hard to put into words just how grateful we are for everything.

While we promise is to do our very best at the races, we feel it’s important to share with our fans and supporters the fun, excitement and joy of motocross racing. We’ll do this in an up close and personal fashion.

Stay tuned for more information soon!

Thank you for your support.

Happy New Year!

JohnNicholas — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:45:26 +0000

To start off 2010 with a bang, I wanted to say a big thank you to each and every reader of this site. Your support over the past year has been an inspiration. I am truly grateful.

It’s exciting discovering and meeting so many people from all over the world, all with a love of two strokes.

Two-stroke supporters have been in the minority for quite a few years now, fortunately the tide seems to be shifting. Any of us could guess the reasons for this change, but the good news is that more are joining our ranks everyday.

With this introductory editorial for 2010, I wanted to outline what we’re focusing on for the year ahead.

EDUCATION IS KEY

Education is the key.

On the top of the list is patience and understanding. Mostly for those who can not or do not see things the way that we do. They have had years of “brainwashing” from magazines, listening to marketing hype and conversations with friends that believe the four-stroke revolution ballyhoo. These guys need an education more than our criticism.

They have been conditioned to believe that a displacement advantage for four-strokes is not only fair, but a revolution. While most of us see it for what it truly is, an aberration of what used to be fair rules. The new rules have been created to profit a certain segment of the motocross industry, plain and simple.

Many of the four-stroke believers are rabidly opposed to equal displacement, claiming it’s not fair. Unfortunately, they fail to question the reasons that the rule was passed in the first place. Nor do they take into consideration that in the early 1970′s, when the rules were equal displacement, the two-strokes beat the four-strokes fair and square.

As I said before, they need some education and a chance to make up their own mind about it. Forcing them or telling them they are wrong only serves to entrench them more deeply into their opinions and makes it that much more challenging for them to see the light.

One of the issues that two-stroke supporters need to realize is that there will be four-stroke folks that will never switch. They love four-strokes for

Try to do better than this! LOL

many of their own deeply held reasons and will fight to keep them. Think about it, there is really no convincing a believer that they are wrong. Imagine the experience in reverse. Would someone be able to convince you to give up your two-stroke to race a four-stroke? My guess is no.

When dealing with these folks, have some compassion and understanding. If you want to make a change, just do it! Go out and buy a two-stroke motocross bike.

Then take it out to race and compete. Many parts of the world have returned the rules to equal displacement in amateur competition. Please take advantage of these rules whenever possible. When you win races or do well, send a race report and/or photos to be published on this site. Your news is important to all two-stroke fans.

THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE
The biggest obstacle facing two-stroke supporters, is a lack of an outlet for good news about two-strokes. This site attempts to fill that need. We could use your help. When you find two-stroke news or stories, whether in your travels in the real world or on the Internet, please take a moment to send a note to us about it. It would be greatly appreciated.

It's so easy to be a critic, much more difficult to come up with new ideas and solutions.

THE YEAR AHEAD
For 2010 this site will become even more vocal in our criticism of the unfair rules. The truth is it’s easy to be a critic, but a more difficult to come up with ideas and solutions that can and will make a difference.

Here is an area where you will see some serious changes. Obviously, we will begin in small ways and grow as we gather steam and support.

WE NEED YOU!
The support we seek is you! You as excited fans at the race tracks, shouting your support of two-stroke racers that attempt to compete in the Pro Classes on two-strokes. Banners, signs, air horns (if they allow them) and any other form of support for these brave self-supported racers would go a long way towards making a shift in fan and industry recognition and sponsorship dollars.

If you know of such a brave racer attempting to compete against the big boys on “inferior” equipment, please ask that racer to contact me at this site. Let’s build support for them by posting their schedules so that two-stroke fans can attend those races to cheer for and encourage them on race day.

TSM TO SUPPORT PRO RACER
Moving forward in 2010, we will be supporting a racer to compete in the Pro class. With many details to be ironed out, more news will be released sometime in January. This is an area where fan support will be crucial to the success of the project. Whether it’s by supporting this project via donations, participating in contests held on this site, contacting our sponsors to say that you are a new customer of theirs because they supported this project and, of course, attending the events to cheer for our two-stroke hero.

Become a true fan of two-strokes. Photo by Rich Van Every

THE BIG 4 AND TWO STROKES
Many two-stroke supporters want to see the Big 4 get back to manufacturing two-strokes. There are many reasons for this, but mainly it’s because they’re the bikes we know and grew up with. Unfortunately the chances are slim that the Big 4 will shift away from the path they’ve chosen. In their collective mind it’s easier to attempt to convince the “hold outs” that they are wrong, then to make a favorable decision for two-stroke fans.

What that means is to be a two-stroke racer in the future, you may have to look to other manufacturers for current two strokes. Many smaller manufacturers exist that build current two-strokes and there will be more of them in the future. When the Big 4 finally see they’re losing market share by not providing two-stroke motocross bikes in their line-up, the possibility of building them in the future increases.

Some of us will have to try new machines and possibly move away from the Big 4 for the first time in our lives. This is a tough decision to make. The only suggestion I can give is to have an open mind and to try some of the other machines before making a decision.

PRO RACING SERIES FOR TWO STROKES
Next up, a new race series must be created. One to compete against the existing Pro Series. A series where fair rules are set. One in which the fans are treated to the best racing possible and the racers get paid properly for their efforts. These are the guys that are out there putting it all on the line for the fans. They deserve to be treated right.

An undertaking this huge will take some time and a great deal of effort to get off the ground. There are people who are working very hard to make this happen. They too will need our support. Mostly by being fans that attend these events and as racers competing in the series. As this project moves forward, updates will be posted on the site as they become available.

2010 is poised to be a great year for the two stroke. We are gaining ground and setting up for the pass. Stay on the gas!

Happy New Year to you and your family.

Sincerely,
John Nicholas

Want to Talk with Like Minded Two Stroke Fanatics? Try our New Forum

JohnNicholas — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:12:45 +0000

This web site has become a fun destination for those interested in what’s happening in the world of Two Strokes. For this I am eternally grateful. Thank you!

The one request that I have received quite often is, why don’t I start a forum. The reasons stated were to make it easier for the fans to talk about their passion for two strokes. And to share news and information between readers.

Honestly I was not really interested in taking this on, but with a little encouragement from of few regular readers the forum was born.

This forum is a little different than some of the current popular message boards on the web, in that we have very few rules. But the rules that we do have are very tough. Although I don’t think they are that hard to adhere to.

1 – RESPECT!! One of the most important rules that MUST be adhered to is respect. You are free to disagree, to have your own opinion, but under no circumstances will any name calling, slander or bullying be tolerated. Your post will be deleted, no questions asked.

2 – Leave the political commentaries to the thousands of other sites out in cyberspace.

That’s it. No other rules will be imposed.

This is an experiment and will be upgraded and changed to fit the needs of the board. We will learn together and make this one of the best boards on the Internet. I do want to hear your feedback and suggestions, so feel free to use the contact form at the top of the page.

The idea is to share news, ideas, thoughts, interesting tidbits and stories relating to two strokes. What could be more fun!

Enjoy!

http://twostrokemotocross.com/forum

Two Stroke Motocross.com: Questions Answered, Misconceptions Debunked.

JohnNicholas — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:23:50 +0000

During the past two years of this web sites existence, we have received a great deal of feedback, much has been extremely positive, with an out pouring of support. Thank you!

Not surprisingly some has been… well… not so good. Most of this negative feedback seems to come from those that don’t understand the nature, reason or the ideals this site is built upon. This article attempts to address those misunderstandings.

This is a web site devoted to the promotion of two-strokes in motocross racing. That’s kind of easy to understand when you read the name on the top of the page. But the doubters have quite a bit to say, some valid and worthy of a response. To date, we’ve answered each e-mail or comment individually, but have now decided to address the biggest misconceptions right here on the site.

While the chances are high that the doubters may never read this at all, I felt that it was important to share our philosophy and beliefs with you, our esteemed readers.

How do you like the new logo?

In the simplest terms, our goal is to promote and support two strokes in motocross in a truthful and respectful manner. We provide an opportunity for alternate manufacturers to reach a wider market, enabling them to supply machines, parts and support for those interested in the two stroke. Two Stroke Motocross also provides a platform to share news, information and technology about these light, simple and powerful engines.

So in no particular order here are some of the biggest myths about this site.

Four-Strokes Suck!

The truth is that we don’t hate four-strokes. They can be great bikes. They allow beginners and vet racers to race without having to devote a great deal of riding time in order to be competitive. When they’re not pushed to extremes and maintained properly, they can last a very long time.

Whenever we speak about the difference in cost between the 2 and 4 on this site, we are referring to what it costs for fast, competitive racers to compete. When you attempt to race in the A or Pro level, it is imperative to hop up the machine. Otherwise you will be left behind. The 250F machines are the ones that need big bucks devoted to the engines in order to be competitive. When the bikes are tuned to the high level required to be competitive, the chances of catastrophic problems increase.

Obviously all race machines require regular maintenance. This goes without saying. But when a catastrophic problem does occur, it will cost you significantly more with a four-stroke. If you think about it reasonably for just a few moments, it’s easy to understand the reason, there are many more moving parts. Also, if your machine is hopped-up, that adds an additional level of expense.

Quote from SuperMoto Junkie "rolling chassis,got it cheap from a dude that blew two engines in as many months,its an 07 crf450."

The stories of four-stroke owners unable to repair their bikes because the cost to repair them is more than the bike is worth are too numerous to ignore. In fact, there are folks that make money by buying these machines at a deep discount from the frustrated owners. These guys usually fix them and sell them or part them out. Sometimes they used to create new generation two-stroke bikes with the latest chassis design.

The issue to consider is what happens to the guy that gets burned on his “technologically advanced” four-stroke? Does he quit racing altogether? The chances are very high that he does. He leaves motocross, never to return. So instead of building up the base of new racers, the four-stroke “revolution” is having the exact opposite effect. Less people are getting involved with motocross.

"Ohh Man! I have to make payments for how long?"

This is simple to understand. Take into account that many riders have to finance the purchase of their new bikes. Could you imagine what it’s like to own a broken machine that’s sitting in your garage and you still have to make payments on it? That would be the ultimate slap in the face!

To add insult to injury, the used market for four-strokes is is getting worse as folks discover that it’s almost impossible to know how long a used four-stroke will last.

Usually a rider will buy a bike, race it for a year or two, then sell the machine, using the cash from the sale to off-set the cost of the next new one. But in this used bike market, he can barely sell it for enough to cover the down payment, so now he has to finance a greater and greater amount of money.

The question is, how many 5 year or older four-strokes do you see at the track? There are very, very few of them. But when you look at the two strokes, you see machines that can be 10 or more years old. The truth is that it’s inexpensive to rebuild the two-stroke. Plus the resale on used two-strokes can be higher than newer model four-strokes.

Need proof?

My local used bike dealer sells used two strokes all the time. In fact he has a hard time not selling them! When he advertises a two-stroke for sale, he gets a bunch of calls and e-mails for them.

They have tried a few times to sell used four-strokes. There were almost no calls on them, even when they were priced much lower than comparable or even older two-strokes. In fact they could go weeks or months with no interest on the used four-strokes. The only way they do sell, is if the dealer drops the price to almost nothing. It’s so lopsided, that they now refuse to sell any used four-strokes.

Displacement Disadvantage

Why is it that every time displacement is brought up, it strikes fear into the four-stroke lovers? In fact, no one has ever really answered this question in a meaningful manner. Lot’s of hot air and subterfuge, but no real explanations.

Still, the 4-stroke supporters shout from the roof tops that their machines are more technologically advanced than the two-strokes.

While they look similar, the bigger one is usually faster.

While it may be true that they have been updated more recently than some of the two-stroke offerings, what they all seem to leave out is that they are double the displacement.

How can something twice as big be a better machine or more advanced? It just doesn’t make sense.

In auto racing, the catch phrase for years has been “there’s no replacement for displacement.” Why is this so often quoted? Because in almost every single case, a bigger displacement engine will be faster. Yes, there are some exceptions to this “rule”, but for the most part it holds true.

Then there are some that attempt to explain that because the two-stroke fires on every stroke and the four-stroke fires on every other stroke, that the four-stroke needs to be twice the displacement. This has no basis in either mechanical or engineering fact.

Then there are others that say that displacement doesn’t mean anything. That machine size doesn’t matter because certain racers, on certain days can use a 125cc machine to beat a 450F’s.

Sure if your name is Ricky Carmichael, Chad Reed or James Stewart and you’re racing someone that’s not as good, they could beat them while using a mini-bike. When these guys compete against each other though, then displacement means a great deal. These guys have the ability to race almost any size machine to it’s limits. Unlike most mortal racers where displacement does make a big difference.

The "technologically advanced" four-stroke engine was invented by German merchant and engineer Nikolaus August Otto in 1876. Photo of Gottleib Daimler who created the first motorcycle circa 1885.

What’s hard to understand is that for 72 years motocross was based on displacement, equal displacement. Until, in the early 1990′s, when a rule was set to allow the four-strokes a displacement advantage. Although it wasn’t until 1997 that Yamaha exploited the rule. Remember that the maiden championship series that the YZF400 four-stroke competed in, it won. Why wasn’t this rule abolished then and there?

No one really believed that the four-strokes were actually good enough to win all the time. Even with the almost double displacement advantage. This included most of the manufactures, the pro racers and the fans.

Because they had a huge displacement advantage people were drawn to them like bears to honey. Then like any new technology, the four-strokes improved dramatically until the horsepower exceeded the smaller two-strokes. Who wouldn’t want to have twice the displacement with a mellower power delivery? By 2004, there were virtually no two-strokes competing in Pro Motocross. How can this be fair?

Two Stroke Motocross wants a level playing field – meaning equal displacement. If not equal displacement, let’s create a series that will allow two-strokes only or equal displacement racing.

Two Stroke Motocross is Biased Towards Two Strokes

Duhhh! Of course almost every article written on this site is about two-strokes, it is called Two Stroke Motocross. The reason that this site exists is that the mainstream media does not write very much about two-strokes. But the media receives most of it’s revenue from advertising. Guess who the largest advertisers are? Correct, the manufacturers of motorcycles. So what do they write about? The stuff that their advertisers sell and market. This is not a conspiracy, this is basic business.

Another example, is when the top stars of motocross are asked if they prefer two-strokes or four-strokes. Hmmm, let’s see, they’re being paid millions by a company to race the latest four-strokes that the company sells. What would you say? “No… I hate the piece of crap they make me ride, I rather race a two-stroke.” Hell no. If you were in their place you would say the same thing. It’s not a conspiracy, it’s the right thing to do.

Although as an interesting aside, it was fun to see James Stewart riding a two-stroke YZ250 during his ride days this year. While we’ll never know the reason that he did, it’s hard to imagine that Yamaha didn’t have another 450F for him to ride on these event days.

As for bias towards the two-stroke, we just tell it like it is. Every article we write is checked and researched to be sure that the information is true and factual. If we can’t confirm something is true or not, it will be noted that it is a rumor or that there is no conformation at the time the article was published. If the four-stroke is faster or is better in some way when compared to a two-stroke (of equal displacement) it will not be covered up or “edited” to make the two-stroke look better.

As an example, look at the Two Stroke Motocross article from a few weeks back. There was a video from Wildwood, New Jersey of a race between a 250 two-stroke and a bunch of 250 four-strokes. If you watch the video closely, you will notice that the two-stroke racer (Dakota Kessler) was going all out to beat the 250F’s. In no way was it a cake walk for him. He was successful because he was able to hang it all out and keep that old CR250 on the pipe. It was a terrific race and very exciting. It does show that equal displacement bikes can be raced head-to-head fairly. Well at least on that day and at that track.

Why Are There No Articles on SuperMoto? Quads? Freestyle? Road Racing? Etc.. On Two Stroke Motocross?

This is simple. While we love all forms of motorcycle racing and any instance where two-strokes are use in competition, our expertise is in motocross, so that’s the area we concentrate on. We are more than willing to publish articles about other forms of two-stroke competition. If you have news, information or stories that are meaningful or about new technology, please feel free to contact us and we’ll get it out there.

Too Freaking LOUD!

Sound issues. The loud and obnoxious sound of the four-stroke reminds regular folks (those that don’t like motorcycles) of Hell’s Angels. This is not an association that will help motocross to grow. In fact, it has done a great deal of damage to our sport. Riding areas and race tracks are being closed all over the world because of the noise. This issue must be dealt with in order for our sport to thrive.

Nostalgia

Seems that lot’s of detractors feel that only old guys want two-strokes. Supposedly, this is because two-strokes were the bikes “back in the day.” That might be true of some 30 somethings, but certainly not of everyone.

"I miss the good old days."

It’s not just the old guys that want two-strokes. The truth is many of the older guys prefer the four-stroke, because it’s easier to ride/race. In fact, if you are old enough (in your 40′s or older) you remember when motocross (scrambles at that time) consisted mostly of four-strokes. In which case, you’re probably more likely to buy a four-stroke.

Instead of guessing what others are interested in or what they are thinking, do what we do, ask the racers that you see at the track. In this way we made a discovery, the tide is turning. More and more racers are switching to two-strokes.

Some of the older guys are extremely interested in technology for motocross and are the first to adapt to new things. Although they realize when it actually is an advance and not just a marketing catch phrase. Most want whatever bike that best suits them, utilizing the newest technology available to them.

While all this debate between the two-stroke and four-stroke rages on, the truth is that in 10 or 20 years there may be something that is even better. As long as it is better and not a step backwards, it will be adopted by the masses.

News Flash! Some young people actually prefer two-strokes. Go figure.

Comments

"Go ahead... make my day."

Here is where we claim a home town advantage. When someone attempts to comment using lies, slander or saying stupid stuff, it gets deleted. This does not happen often and when it does an e-mail is sent to the “offending” writer, asking them to re-write it without the offending material.

You do not have to agree with everything written on this site, in fact if you know differently, we want to hear about it. This can be done in a respectful manner and should include facts. This site is not a free-for-all with no rules.

There are many sites that have forums that allow just about anything. They end up being “ruled” by bullies and know-it-alls. It appears that whenever someone could contribute to the spread of ideas, if these precious few disagree, they bully, call names and make fun of the new person until they just stop posting.

This site is a safe place to spread ideas, comment, disagree, or talk about the future. Just act like a mature adult. We have 15 year olds that understand this and act like adults. It can be done!

Conclusion

This site exists because people like you are interested enough to visit the site in your search for news and information about two-strokes. Why is this even possible? Because there is so little information all in one place about this subject.

Two Stroke Superhero? Well... not quite.

We do our best to bring you worthy and timely information about two-strokes.

The truth is that no matter what is written on this site, if you disagree and your mind is made up, nothing written here will change your opinion. But that is not what this site is all about. No one can ever change your mind except you.

We’re here to learn about what is happening in the world of two-strokes, to examine ways to promote them and to encourage the riders that choose two-strokes. Two strokes are a viable alternative and there is support out there.

If you love two strokes, the way you can make a difference is to buy one. Whether they are new or used. From a major manufacturer or one of the smaller manufacturers. Buy the bike you feel is best for you. Go do it.

Thank you for reading!