Two Stroke Motocross » Stories

Nobody makes Two Strokes anymore? – MXA

Charles Owens — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 21:41:14 +0000

Another great article from MXA.

Why does MXA harp on two-strokes when Yamaha is the only Japanese manufacturer to make them?

Dear MXA,
MXA is the only magazine that even wastes time and space to test two-strokes anymore. Isn’t it obvious that the motorcycle manufacturers don’t make them anymore. Yamaha is the only Japanese two-stroke left. Give it up!

MXA is not telling you what to buy and we aren’t anti-four-stroke. We just want to see affordable motorcycles offered to the public (not to mention bikes that can be fixed in a garage by its owner for about one-fourth the cost of a four-stroke rebuild). If you don’t want a two-stroke, or have some schizoid fear of them, don’t buy one…but the motorcycle industry is rapidly pricing itself out of the budgets of the people who made this sport popular in the first place. And the costs aren’t just the initial investment in the machine, but also its upkeep, labor costs and parts bill. We test every bike made and you don’t have to be a high school graduate to see that the number of four-stroke tests and articles in MXA far outweigh the number of two-stroke stories. The interplay between the two types of engines seems to set people’s nerves on end…and they want to defend their $9000 purchase by trying to stop people from buying the other type.

The 2011 Suzuki RM250 sells for 2000 British Pounds less than the RM-Z450 in England. That is $3146 less.

Additionally, Yamaha is not the only manufacturer to still make two-strokes. Suzuki still manufactures the RM125 and RM250—but U.S. Suzuki does not import them. We have included pages from Suzuki of Great Britain showing that they sell the bikes. You can go to www.suzuki-gb.co.uk to see for yourself.

Also, Italian manufacturer TM and British-brand Maico have new American importers. And, you conveniently forgot KTM, who sells more two-strokes than any other manufacturer and might well be on its way to being the number one selling brand for offroad motorcycles in the near future.

At 4288 British Pounds, the 2011 RM250 is a bargain over the 6331 pound RM-Z250. The RM125 costs $3313 less than the 250 four-stroke in Great Britain.

Cedric Soubeyras – Let’s show some support! SoubeyrCross! #986

Charles Owens — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 02:42:03 +0000

As we all know Cedric was injured earlier this week practicing on the YZ 250, luckily nothing was broken.
It was unsure if he would be racing in Phoenix this weekend, but he will be riding through the pain!
Let’s show some support!
Everyone please share this wherever you can, and please comment!

Heres a new Compilation from ACMX Productions, featuring.. You got it.

New Graphics

Wind Power Comes To Motocross

Charles Owens — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 17:18:40 +0000

Motocross speedway and wind power – it’s a combination that doesn’t scream “natural fit,” but pairing the two is exactly what a Texas firm intends to do. In a press release, Here Enterprises said it had acquired Cycle Ranch, a 108-acre oak-strewn, red-dirt spread about 30 miles southeast of San Antonio with a 1.7-mile track. Here said it will develop wind-power resources at the site while also operating the speedway business.

CEO Mark Ryun said in a statement that the company’s strategy is “to co-locate wind energy facilities with commercial businesses in order to generate cash flow from the production of clean energy as well as from the businesses operating onsite.” Cycle Ranch is Here’s first acquisition in pursuit of this vision.

Cycle Ranch - Texas

Here didn’t go into details about the scope of its intended wind-power development, but on its website it says the wind arm of its operation – dubbed Wind Here – will use the technology of A&C Green Energy, a Dallas-based company that manufactures variable-pitch turbines for smaller scale wind-power generation. No doubt seeking to take advantage of government wind-power incentives, Here, noting that Texasis a leader in wind energy, envisions being involved in things like “eco parks” (nature trails, camping, sports and recreation); “Wind Plex” (racing parks like Cycle Ranch, amusement parks, water parks, etc.); “Windustrial Parks (industrial and commercial “green zones” powered by wind turbines); and even some plain old “Wind Farms.”

Source: Earth Techling

One way to Improvise

JohnNicholas — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 20:05:33 +0000

At the Burro Enduro this past weekend…. Paul found a rock which sheared off his throttle tube.

No problem…. a couple of twigs and use of the index finger as way to raise the twigs thereby raising the rpms…

Now that’s getting it done…

KTM Supermoto two-stroke

JohnNicholas — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:05:40 +0000

Hans from the Netherlands sent these photos of his four-stroke killer KTM 380 Supermoto machine. This bike is a beautiful example of a race machine that is well prepared and race ready.

This amazing machine is currently being offered for sale. Here are the specs.

KTM 380
Unique opportunity for lovers of fast bikes:

The Supermoto is downright new. Suspension prepared for SMR. Moto Master remmerij and master cylinder. Haan Wheels. Spes Doma exhaust with silencer. This engine is completely overhauled in Hannamax and really anything new in there. After overhaul about 15 hours old. Natural killer 4 stroke.
Price 2.750, -

If you are interested in this machine, lease contact Hans through his web site. http://www.femonparts.nl/

The eye-popping Black Heart MX Yamaha YZ250.

Eric Sebastian — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 18:28:54 +0000

Motor + Suspension

There’s nothing wrong with a little extra horsepower, right? When it came to the powerplant, I decided to go for broke. The motor has extensive modifications from KB5 Industries out of Lebanon, PA (www.kb5ind.com) and boasts a throaty 2-stroke powerband like no other… It’s internal markings, are teamed up with full Pro Circuit Exhaust system (Works head-pipe, R304 Shorty silencer), Vortex Ignition, Boyesen Rad Valve intake, and Twin Air filter. Though I’m not allowed to specify the details of the build, it’s safe to say this bike rips like no other! At first impression, it pulls deep, right from the bottom through the powerband. But it doesn’t stop there… As per my request, both Brad and “Five” really hooked the motor up with a fire breathing top-end. Afterall that’s what 2-strokes are meant for right??

What better way to compliment the powerplant, then matching re-valved and re-sprung suspension? The Yamaha already offers amazing KYB components as a base, so it’s no wonder that the re-worked KB5 sticks handle everything – from short choppy breaking bumps, to the biggest hits on the track – all the while maintaining that plush, marshmallow like feel.

Swag

With a fresh box of white Acerbis plastic sitting here, taunting me… it was time to lay out a new design. I wanted to really set this bike apart from the pack. Because of my love for 2-strokes, bright colors, and innovative design, I wasn’t holding anything back… the end result? – An eye-popping, smack-you-in-the-face set of stickers that is sure to draw looks wherever it goes! After careful consideration, the graphics kit was decided to be listed for retail purchase to the general public on www.blackheartmx.com under the “Team Kits” section.

After applying the Black Heart MX Graphics, the RAD Mfg. wheelset arrived. These include Black Excel rims, anodized-blue RAD Hubs, teamed up with billet Nipples and stainless spokes. After bolting on these bad boys, it came to my attention how much these really complete the look of the bike.

Miscellaneous

A host of other bolt-on goodies from Gap Racing (www.gapracing.com) were ordered and installed shortly after… Such as the Boyesen Factory Racing ingnition cover, Works Connection radiator braces & skidplate, and RAD wave rotors front+rear (all of which are standard issue on my bikes). RG3 Triple-clamps grace the front end, along with Renthal Fat-bars, Renthal Kevlar Tapered Grips and un-altered levers and some tall seat foam, with black gripper cover. The drivetrain features anodized-blue Renthal rear sprocket driving a DID 520MX chain, with Michelin Tires front+rear.

Overview

Considering my passion for racing and design, this bike is a perfect mix of performance and style – and as it sits, my favorite of all time. Although I’m pleased at the moment, don’t expect me to stop pushing the bar anytime soon. Look for an even crazier setup in 2011 !

Eric Sebastian
Black Heart MX
Owner/Designer
www.blackheartmx.com
(570)339-2938

Transworld MX Confidential

JohnNicholas — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 21:57:48 +0000

The August issue of Transworld Motocross contains a very enlightening article. They posed 48 questions to 48 Pro Motocross Racers with the assurance that their anonymity was guaranteed. What followed was an eye opening set of questions and answers.

To make it a bit more fun, after giving the results of each question in percentage format, they included a quote from one of the interview subjects.

A few of the questions that fans of this site would be interested in include;

Should 250cc two-strokes be allowed in the Lites Class?

Yes – 62%

No 38%

“Why not? It will make the die-hard two-stroke fans happy, and it will be more affordable for the privateers. I don’t think any of the top-level guys would race a two-stroke instead, though.”

Are four-strokes good or bad for the sport?

Good – 52%

Bad – 42%

No Opinion – 6%

“in this economy they are definitely bad. Who can afford to get into motocross when it costs nearly as much as the bike did to repair a blown engine?”

Please pick up this magazine to read the entire article. They cover everything from FMX, to 30 second board girls, whether the Pro racers read message boards and much much more! Get your copy today.

World’s Fastest Dirt Bike – Update from Bonneville

JohnNicholas — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:59:11 +0000

We finally managed to pull ourselves away from the salt and head back to Milwaukee. At least until next year! This year the BUB Speed Trials had a strong two-stroke presence. Everything from the W’sFDB to modern RS & TZ road bikes, classic RD’s, an ancient Yankee and even a CR500 powered ironing board. The W’sFDB saw just a nick over one twenty on the great white dyno. While the bike has gone faster, this is a new Bonneville best for us.

Ever notice how everything seems to fit better the first time you pack the van.

The midweek salt conditions were epic. When you are powered by a smooth running big bore and spinning on killer wheel bearings, there is nothing in the world like a top gear, wide open run across pool table smooth salt. (Wait till you see the video!) We are frequently told that the bike also sounds amazing on the pipe and we totally agree. By Thursday, however, things had really dried out and there was noticeable wheel spin at WFO. In both third and fourth gear!

The salt flat weather is crazy like nothing else! We saw monster thunderstorms charge toward us and then pound the mountains while skirting around. We were staying dry, but Thursday’s RAD graph looks like a big capital letter Q drawn by a third grader practicing their cursive handwriting. The Digatron really helped us figure out what the old timers seemed to be recognizing. We couldn’t quite get ahead of the curve, but at least we knew what we were chasing.

Mark and the World’sFastest Dirt Bike in 2010.

It doesn’t seem to matter if we are at a race or a Flying J parking lot, everyone that sees the W’sFDB has a KX500 story. At least half involve public humiliation and a few end in maiming, but the vast majority focus on winning! The latest was told while we were checking out of the motel in Utah. Hartmut Weidelich, one of the drivers for Lambky’s twin engine Vincent streamliner , originally started racing off-road sidecars in Germany. Even though he enjoys his work restoring and upgrading classic four stroke Brit bikes, Hartmut likes winning more. He explained that after running a couple of seasons powered by a heavy four stroke he fit a KX500 motor into their race hack and really started to win!

The BUB event is truly an international event and after a week of racing, Hartmut and Mark leave for home. One to Milwaukee and the other to Germany.

Included is a scanned copy of the article that was in the event program. A more detailed report and some action shots will follow as soon as the AMA publishes final results. I will also pass on a head’s up when the 2010 videos are posted. So as of today, there is a new 120.442 m.p.h. Bonneville time slip pinned on the board next to the 125.854 from Maxton. Remember if you can’t catch um, you can’t stop um!

This is a team effort and more about us can be found at www.wolbrinkrace.com. Thanks for helping us have fun on the salt…Spectro Oils, KX5 Power by Stewart, Cardboard Robot, Worldwide Bearings, Clarke Manufacturing, DeCal Works, Iris Moto Chains, Maier USA, Digatron, VP Racing Fuels, Glenn Curtiss Motorsportss, Independent Environmental, and Good Armstrong Training.

The 125 Grand Prix class becomes the 250cc four-stroke Moto3 class in 2012

JohnNicholas — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:09:50 +0000

MotoGP’s new rule change eliminates two-stroke Grand Prix road racing with the announcement that in 2012, the 125cc class will use 250cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke engines (with a maximum bore of 81mm). Tentatively to be called Moto 3.

According to the Moto Matters web site;

The good news in that announcement is that the Grand Prix Commission is thinking seriously about how to prevent the class once again being dominated by a single manufacturer charging monopoly prices to selected teams for the best bikes…. The bad news is that as they stand, the suggested solutions are so woefully inadequate for their intended aim that they more likely to encourage manipulation rather than reduce it.

There is good reason to believe that there will be many more than three manufacturers wishing to supply engines to the Moto3 grid: I have personally been approached by two separate manufacturers currently working on a Moto3 engine, and I know of at least one other project currently underway. And these are new projects being set up by manufacturers not involved in MotoGP at the moment: As the current crop of Japanese manufacturers all already have experience building 250cc single-cylinder four-stroke motocross engines, there is every reason to believe that at least one, and probably two or three, will also start building a Moto3 engine.

MotoGP’s Technical Director Mike Webb explains that at the start of every season, the team managers drop by his office one by one and apologize for what they are about to inflict upon him, deliberately seeking out the boundaries of the rules as they stand. As we have discussed here before, the more rules that are drawn up, the more loopholes there are to slip through. Rules merely produce cheating at an exponential rate.

To read this entire article please go here http://motomatters.com

Former World Champion Wayne Gardner had this to say;

The confirmation that the 125cc grand prix class is set to become obsolete is a very sad development. For decades it’s been a great breeding ground for future talent and has produced many amazing champions.

… considering the class is going to be replaced by a 250cc four-stroke category. Slower, heavier and with less horsepower than the two-strokes they’ll be replacing, these new machines will also be a lot easier to ride, and this is my big problem. Like it or not, four-strokes do not promote or necessitate the development of rider precision. Skills like sharp throttle control and sensitive line selection are no longer as important because four-strokes lower the bar as far as accuracy is concerned.

Put simply, you can be less refined and still succeed. …. As a result, the riders that come up through the system will not be as good as the current generation, simply because they don’t need to be. Is this really the way we want to go? I just don’t know.

Now, I understand the move to four-strokes is partly about bringing costs down, but I’m not sure how this is going to happen. Afterall, you can’t get much cheaper or simpler than a 125cc GP bike. Make no mistake, four-strokes are not cheap, and you can bet that the costs of this new class will definitely rise.

After all the expense and drama of the four-stroke MotoGP experiment, I wouldn’t be all surprised to see the two-strokes make a triumphant return to the world championship arena one day. In fact, I’ll put money on it. The signs are already there.

Whichever way you cut it, the two-stroke is an ingenious design – light, simple, and the ability to produce a lot of power per capacity. And they’re cheap to run and easy to maintain.

If governing bodies are really serious about saving costs and running a sustainable race series, they may just have to go back to the future. I really believe the two-stroke will make a comeback and I can’t wait for the great sound of that high-pitched scream. I don’t know when it will happen, exactly, but you read it here first.

To read the entire story click here www.waynegardnerapproved.com

Here is another case of the Sanctioning body of a racing organization setting up rules that in the long run will be damaging to motorcycle racing sports as a whole.

Make your voice heard.

Devin Watson needs your help…

JohnNicholas — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 11:32:04 +0000

Our good friend and two-stroke National racer Devin Watson needs some help.

He wants to race at the Pala National on his YZ250, but he finds himself a bit low on funds to get to the race. He is a newly married young man, paying his own way.

At Washougal Devin almost got the two-stroke into the big show. He only missed qualifying by a very small margin. His best lap time was a 2:22 and he needed a 2:19 to make it in.

For those of you that have not experienced the cost of competing on the National level, let’s just say that even the smallest attempt is a very costly one. Just the entry fee alone for each National is $200.

If everyone that read this article sent a couple of dollars to help Devin out, it would be a huge help.

Here’s a chance to help out a two stroke brother. Let’s help get him to Pala.

Devin’s Paypal account is svlandscape@hotmail.com

Please remember that every little bit helps, even if it’s just a $10. – $5. or $2. donation. Every little bit can help. Plus then you could tell all your friends that you sponsor a National level racer!! How cool is that?

Thank you!