News
What is happening in the world of Two Stroke Motocross? Find out here.
July 22, 2008
This was found on the Moto Talk message board and has been copied without any editing.
"As found on a friend's webpage:
QUOTE:
The cost of racing will drive out the people that make our sport so good.
Just look at nascar. How in the heck would you ever go pro in that? Buy your own car like Ricky's? No. Try dirt track? No. Car racing has almost become reserved for the rich of wallet, not the most talented. Hell, I would LOVE to race cars, or shifter carts, or some sort of 4 wheeled vehicle, but I just plain can't afford to.
Here is the motocross story, before it goes extinct.
First came the four strokes.
Yeay for more usable power!
Yeayfor no more fouled plugs!
Yeay for no more premix!
Yeay for no more religious top end rebuilds!
But should we say:
Yeay for 2000 dollar engine rebuilds?
Yeay for heavier bikes?
Yeay for 5000 dollar mod bikes?
Yeay for increased part wear (tires, chains, sprockets)?
Yeay for more expensive purchase prices?
Yeay for the "neutral only start" routine?
Yeay for the death of the used bike market?
With the introduction of the four stroke in to main stream racing, you bought a lot more for each bike.
Valves (originally titanium)
Cams
Cool pistons
Oil pumps
Titanium exhausts
Carburetors with fuel squirter's (accelerator pump).
The four stroke is a technical marvel, but think for a second:
Which bike requires more of a tuning knowledge? I feel the two stroke is magnanimously cooler when you look at the actual science behind the tuning.
Four strokes: more air in, higher revs, more power out.
The two stroke is a constant balance between power and ride ability.
Four strokes were great when Yamaha released them. They required almost ZERO maintenance, and were easy to go fast on for everyone. People no longer had to ride on the pipe, and the gap between beginner to novice to intermediate closed substantially.
But then came the problems (although I would like to say leave Yamaha out of it). When bikes blew up, they BLEW UP! (Ready, Inhale!) Now, a new crank was needed when the piston abruptly stopped moving from the valves sticking open because a 5 dollar valve keeper got loose requiring a new cylinder combined with a new head because the valve destroyed it (Phew! exhale!). Oil starvation required new cams and heads, sometimes a piston, and don't count out a crank after you fix the aforementioned problems because the effects of oil starvation weren't present during the rebuild. After a new reciprocating assembly, your transmission goes out, because the root of your oil starvation problems are a 3 dollar crank seal.
Then the used bike dilemma surfaced. With a particular brand of bikes experiencing valve recession, when you bought a bike, it was only a matter of time.
TICK, TOCK, TICK, TOCK, BOOOM! There goes your brand "new" used bike.
People, realizing the problem, did a couple things. First, many completely serviced their "new" used bike, checking and often replacing every part necessary. Second, others bought new bikes only. Many raced a year, traded in, and raced another year, dumping off their used steed to some poor soul.
Of course, dealers were happy, they were selling an abundance of high mark up parts, and it wasn't their fault the bikes were breaking! They also got more shop business because the public were duped into thinking the four stroke is hard to work on. Manufacturers were happy, they were selling more new bikes than ever, and they were selling more parts than ever, in part because mags were all raving the how great four strokes were, and in part because the pros were slowly coming round to the four stroke.
The aftermarket was happy. Exhausts now coast upwards of a grand, motor mods over a grand, pistons two hundred, weird trinkets and triple clamps surfaced to make the four stroke handle better like the two stroke. With valve failures, the aftermarket could now offer "upgraded" parts to make the bike last longer.
So yeay. Yeay for a thriving bike economy, yeay for cool technology, and yeay for faster riders.
But not really. With EFI on the horizon, jetting is no longer know how and a 2 dollar jet or a free change of the needle position. Now a computer tuner is needed when you add an aftermarket exhaust or air filter, and even more sad is that the stock jetting can be wrong.
A computer science degree is needed to work the systems. Don't beleive me? Just read about how horrible the Suzuki is stock, and how much worse the problem is with a pipe. The tuners are easily 500 bucks. And the used bikes are REALLY in trouble. Now you may need a new injector, fuel pump or will think you do when a wire goes astray.
All for what? Did EFI really make the Suzuki better? No, it did horribly in the reviews. Did four strokes make the sport better? No, I see less and less riders every year at my local track, and it used to be packed, every practice. Now the track can barely stay afloat, and race turnouts are barely making three to a class.
Are riders truly faster? The clock may say so, but their skill would belay the numbers. Put em' on a two stroke, and weep. It is that sad. Don't feed into the B.S. EFI will only cost more in the long run, and it doesn't make more power.
Four strokes are killing the sport, and in five years, I will no longer have a local track. Hell, it's for sale as we speak.
My local track is Cycle Ranch, the BEST dirt in Texas, with one of the best layouts for true motocross, PERIOD. Don't beleive me, just ask the Alessi's, Heath Voss, Pastrana, the Hahn family, Sean Hackley, and many, many more. Dirt Rider calls it the hidden treasure in the south. And yet, the track is going under from lack of turn out.
I'm not blatantly saying buy a two stroke, but think twice before you get a four stroke.
To follow this up, I couldn't be any happier to be honest. I have friends who are sidelined indefinitely waiting for some money to fix what they have for racing and can't. Typically they have older bikes collecting dust that they never sold off and aren't fast enough to compete, but fun enough to ride for the time being. No more riding the trails and tracks alone."
Share this with some of your four stroke friends.
May 17, 2008
It seems that The General has been tied up with military maneuvers and has not been fulfilling his duties on this web site. Here is a backlog of news to get you all caught up.
First congratulations to Chad Reed on winning the 2008 AMA Supercross series. Here is a video of Chad Reed from better days.
Here is a video from Round Three of the British DEP 2-Stroke Championships. Courtesy of Vurb Moto. I'd go back to watching motocross if everyone was racing two strokes!
More Motocross Videos >>
How about a video of the testing of a YZ265 Big Bore. Hey great music.... AC/DC rules!
More Motocross Videos >>
Two Brothers Tim and Tom from out in the North West are some of the Two Stroke Militia's biggest fans. They went out to a WORCS race with this awesom banner. They even got Ty Davis to hold up one end of the banner.
Below are some photos of Dave Casselli who finished Third Overall and pulled the Holeshot on his Two Stroke.
Great Job Tim and Tom! You guys are the best!
April 7, 2008
This little news article is from MXA online.
Glen Helen National Preview: Two-Stroke Shocker
Don't Stash The Pre-Mix Just Yet!
At the Glen Helen 250/450 AMA National on May 24-25, there will be a pro class set aside specifically for two-strokes. The two-stroke pro race is by “invitation-only,” although any pro rider can apply to be accepted (but only 40 riders will get a chance to ride the complete AMA National track on the Saturday of timed qualifying--May 24)
.
For riders who wants to race the Glen Helen National track in front of the fans this is a great opportunity. There is no entry fee for accepted riders in the two-stroke challenge, but you have to apply in order to get a spot on the gate. Oh yeah, you will need a two-stroke (which any savvy pro can get his hands on with a little wheeling and dealing).
This is the first announcement of the request for invitation, so act fast. The two-stroke race will be sponsored by L.A. Sleeve and there will be a $2000 purse.
Riders interested should contact Glen Helen’s Lori Bryant at (909) 880-3090 or lori@glenhelen.com
April 4, 2008
People will do almost anything to support the two stroke, check out this very interesting video.
March 31, 2008
A great video sent in by Jarno in Finland. This is a wicked YZ144 and the kid can ride!
An awesome video about the new two stroke motors being built for boats and boating.
And yet another great video showing how the two stroke engine works. At least if you watch these two videos you can say that you know how the two stroke engine actually works. So many have no idea or just claim they know.
March 20, 2008
Why is there an circulating FMF ad on the front page of the Two Stroke Militia site?
First because the ads are super cool! Second because these ads are from 2008. See people besides us think that two stroke motocross bikes are cool.
Two big thumbs up to "Little D" and the folks over at FMF for supporting two strokes. Stay tuned, they are working on some new two stroke stuff that will blow you away!
Support those that support us.
March 15, 2008
Here is a great video of Jeremy McGrath and Travis Pastrana training a few years back. Listen to TP ring out his RM125 before hitting the triple. Good Stuff!
This next video is from a Dutch Supercross. Check out the racer on the Italian TM125 hand it to all the 250F's. Go two strokes!
This last video is of the 2008 introduction of the KTM 125SX and 144SX at Glen Helen. Check out how easily these bikes get through the corners. It is great to see them turn the bikes in the air.
March 3, 2008
Just found this video from the Atlanta Supercross of Ricky Carmichael doing a few hot laps. This is an amatuer video so the quality is not like broadcast, but it is awesome to see and to hear the crowd go wild!
March 2, 2008
In the April '08 issue of Transworld Motocross they do a shootout of the Suzuki motocross bike line up. The 450F vs. 250F vs. 250 Two Stroke.
While the three test riders picked the 450F over the 250 Two-stroke all agreed that the 250 Two Stroke was the most fun to ride. But the lap times were very close, it's just that the 450F is a bit easier to ride with it's displacement advantage.
With many tracks adopting the AMA's new rule of 250F vs. 250 Two-Stroke there will be a changeover to more Two-Strokes. That will be a great day!
February 29, 2008
Found this great quote in Racer X.
"Man, I love two-strokes." David Vuillemin RacerX April '08
I never get tired of hearing how wonderful a 125 two stroke sounds. Watch, listen and enjoy.
February 24, 2008
Breaking news!! RC does a hot lap at the Atlanta Supercross with a Two Stroke!!! Braaaaap!!
Photo by - TOE
Photo by - level
RC can ride any bike that he wants to and he chooses to ride his two stroke. How awesome is that?
Will be adding more photos if I find any!
February 23, 2008
Here are a couple of great videos of great two strokes being ridden hard. Anyone else love that sound?
The first video is of Bubba from a few years ago... just look at the way he throws that 125 around. Just amazing!
This video is of a guy in Holland racing his CR500 in the sand, man is that bike FAST!
February 17, 2008
Here is a great video from the 1982 San Diego Supercross race.
An interesting letter to MXA.
Dear MXA,
Have you dyno tested the KTM 144SX? Have you compared it to the KTM 125SX? Have you tested it against 250 four-strokes?
Yes, yes and yes. Where the 125SX has a smooth, linear and road racy powerband, the 2008 KTM 144SX powerband is much chunkier off the bottom and through the middle. Torque is up two foot-pounds from 6000 rpm to 10,000 rpm (and one foot-pound until sign-off).
A more telling comparison is between the torque of the 125SX (17.8 ft-lb), 144SX (18.9 ft-lb) and 250SXF four-stroke (19.2 ft-lb). The 144SX closes the torque gap, which is what four-strokes use to get hooked up better than two-strokes. The 144SX’s additional torque is more important on the track than its horsepower figures.
The horsepower numbers favor the 144SX over the 125SX (and over the 250SXF also). The 2008 KTM 144SX tops 40 horsepower at peak (which is about 300 rpm lower and two horsepower more than the 125SX’s peak). Best of all the 144SX makes as much as three horsepower more than the 125SX in the meat of the powerband.
If we were going to choose a 125 two-stroke to race against 250 four-strokes we would choose a big bore. The extra horsepower and torque (especially the torque) make the 144 a better bike to go up against four-strokes.
Do we think it will beat a250 four-stroke? We’ve seen guys on weak RM125’s win Vet races against riders on 450s. So, anything can happen. The 144 can beat them when used to its fullest. It will definitely beat a 125.
February 7, 2008
It definitely turned out to be a perfect riding day at Glen Helen Motocross track on Feb.5th 2008!
The annual Motocross Action/Dirt Bike Magazine Ride Day in SoCal this past Tues. was an awesome fun day of ridin’, throwin’ some bull and racin’ around on one of the most challenging National MX tracks in the US. Challenging is an understatement from an old MX’er from the East Coast!…
The track scared me more than a little, with its huge hill climb elevation changes and high speed straights!
A pleasant surprise was the large amount of riders on new Two-Stroke machines.
Yes… YZ’s KTM’s and RM Suzukis were there in force and racing the track with a vengeance trying to hold off the loud 4-stroke menace!
Maybe there IS a chance at some wacky TSC… (Two Stroke Comeback!)
As I negotiated the track at almost unbelievable speeds (unbelievable I could balance going that slow is what I mean), on a new YZ 250, I was having a blast fanning the clutch and hearing that great sound from that strong running ultimate two stroke MX missile. I really didn’t mind getting out of the way for the fast boys…. on their RM 85’s!
The very accommodating MXA/Dirtbike crew and Head Honcho publisher Roland Hinz were all in attendance along with some famous motorcycle notables and great industry people. Among the guests included past MX champion Gary Jones, 2007 ISDT Champ KTM Rider Kurt Caselli, 1980’s MX star Andy Jefferson and of course BSA Chuck “Feets” Minert all were seen having some fun and eatin’ a lot of carrot cake at lunch!
At the end of that perfect ridin day, I even heard from a few guys who have 4–strokes say they loved that 2008 YZ 250 (which a lot of people rode and tried to break with no success.) Those super smart riders stated it was more fun to ride fast then their cumbersome 450’s !
It did make me shed a tear as I packed my gear…..
January 27, 2008
Find out all the details on the 2008 2 Stroke British Championships here http://www.2strokebritishchampionship.co.uk/
Here is a video of Mark "Easty" Eastwood talking about his choice of racing a two-stroke against all the four-strokes. Some awesome race footage of him passing four-strokes. Check it out.
Here is an awesome video of a Justin Barcia interview with some racing on his Honda CR125 two-stroke. Unfortunately I can not get the video into this page so you have to visit this site to see the video.
Here are a few of the new 125 Two Strokes that are available for 2008. You see if the big four decide to stop making two strokes other manufacturers will build them.
2008 KTM 125SX
2008 Husqvarna CR125
2008 TM125
January 20, 2008
Two huge thumbs up for FMF Racing for running these new ads in Dirt Rider and Dirt Bike magazines. If you need any hop-up stuff for your two stroke please support FMF.
Eric Brown found the following ad and passed it onto the TSM. It seems that two-strokes have been banned before!
1947 Scott Flying Squirrel.
John Bull Factory works bike.One of the few known to survive.So dominating were these motorcycles--they were banned from racing in their day.600 twin//two stroke//water cooled//dual pull brakes//front air suspension.Capable of speeds close to 100 MPH.This example is a former museum bike from Wales in concours condition.Runs as exceptional as it looks.
Wanted to trade for GOLD or precious metals bearing scrap..IE...PLATINUM//PALLADIUM ETC.Will also consider high end semi-conductor tools that are certified.
Here is a great video from the 1960s British Invitational Motocross Race at Canada Heights in Kent featuring Dave Bickers, Jeff Smith, Vic Eastwood etc.
January 19,2008
I found this photo on the www.socalotmx.org website and it was posted on the message board by user KTM111. That looks really expensive to fix!
January 15, 2008
Two Stroke Militia Supercross Super Banner Contest !
Yes, the Two Stroke Militia will sponsor a Super Banner Contest for Two Stroke Lovers to show the world that we love two strokes...and want them back in pro racing!
The contest will cover all the Supercross races beginning with the Anaheim Throwback Race on January 19, 2008 and continuing through the season finale in Vegas on May 3, 2008. We will collect all the photos of the banners and award the Grand Prize at the end of the series.
It’s easy to get involved! Just create a banner that says something positive (and cool of course) about two stroke motocross bikes and include the Two Stroke Militia name prominently and win the Grand Prize of $100.00 CASH. All you need to do is make a banner, bed sheet size or bigger! Take a photo of you and your friends holding it up at a Supercross race, then e-mail the photo to
thegeneral@twostrokemilitia.com
In addition there will be prizes for the most creative and largest banners. These will be products donated by our generous sponsors.
You love two strokes so how about showing it off on world wide television!
Now what are you waiting for?....Start planning your winning banner strategy before it’s too late !
January 13, 2008
It seems that DV12 has been working on a bike for himself. It's a 2006 Suzuki RM250 "RC Replica". Cool bike.
January 10, 2008
The news out of Florida is that new Factory Connection Honda Star Justin Barcia was setting lap times on his old CR125 2-stroke the same as the pro 250F class in the FL. winter nationals last week!
Go Justin Go!
January 9, 2008
Eric Brown wrote to say that Dirt Bike magazine is having an online poll about who is killing the Two Stroke. Please drop by their site and vote in the poll.
http://www.dirtbikemagazine.com
CASELLI WINS E3 CLASS AT SIX DAYS!
(11/19/2007)
American World Trophy team star Kurt Caselli claimed the victory in the E3 class in La Serena, Chile. In addition, Caselli finished second overall in the individual standings. Though disappointed that third place was all he could come up with in the final E3 moto behind Finland's Marko Tarkkala and Sweden's Patrik Wicksell, Caselli said, "For sure it's the best I've ever done, [but] I'm glad to be done with it.
Team USA's Women's trio knew they simply had to finish to easily hold onto the sizeable lead they'd built since first setting off on Day One. France's Ludivine Puy battled her way past Germany's Heike Petrick to win the final Women's moto. Nicole Bradford would lead the American Women's World Cup team members with her fourth place in the moto followed by Amanda Mastin and Lacy Jones.
Kurt Caselli on his Two Stroke KTM
I think a shout needs to go out to the team of Adam Thissen/Robert Underwood who placed second overall in the Nevada 300 on their Service Honda CR500.
As reported in the Jan. issue of Dirt Bike magazine.
Congratulations are in order and continued success is wished upon them.
Thanks,
Curt Ringgenberg
January 7, 2008
A bad two stroke rider.
January 1, 2008
Happy New Year to all the Two Stroke Faithful. This is the year to prove to the world how great the mighty Two Stroke really is.
Check out this awesome video of Robbie Madison jumping his Service Honda CR500AF.
December 23, 2007
KTM released this awesome press release two days ago. More good news for the Two Stroke faithful.
KTM Welcomes FIM changes in Motocross Regulations
KTM that is always "Ready to Race" has welcomed the just released changes to the FIM Regulations with company officials agreeing that they cover important areas of development that will make a positive impact on the MX racing circuits in coming years.
Stefan Pierer CEO of KTM said he viewed the new regulations as an excellent way forward for the sport of Motocross and would help to guarantee its future in a responsible 21st century context.
As well as a number of decisions already taken, KTM is also very positive about another regulation that is still under discussion but which will probably be finalised shortly. It concerns the reduction of the larger MX1 bikes down to 350 cc.
Stefan Everts, team boss of KTM’s factory team and 10-times MX World Champion is particularly positive about this prospect, saying: “This is definitely a very good move. With development of the latest technology, I am sure that riders will in fact be able to go quicker on a bike less than 450 cc. These will be lighter and more fluid machines that are also better suited to the current track layouts. This is valid beyond the Grand Prix racing scene and it will be excellent for amateur and hobby riders. The 450 cc bike is much too powerful for a amateur.” Everts said he hoped the proposed regulation would come into effect as soon as possible to allow manufacturers to start working on an alternative displacement bike as soon as possible.”
Heinz Kinigadner, twice 250 cc Motocross World Champion and KTM Motorsport consultant emphasised that to move to give equal status and importance to both 2- and 4-stroke machines was an excellent way forward.
“It is very good that the two stroke will now have a fairer chance in competition, in fact this is also made possible thanks to the enormous development in four-stroke technology in recent years. Two-stroke machines are an economical alternative for amateurs and beginners and this change in the regulations will provide a strong basis for the sport to further advance.”
Pit Beirer, KTM Offroad Sport Director spoke about the decision to allow young riders only to compete on two-stroke machines.
“To restrict all young competitors to riding two-stroke is a very important milestone in the sport. First I am convinced that a rider who learns to completely master a 2-stroke machine can ride any motorcycle in the future. Second, this is the only possibility for financing new riders into the sport. Thirdly, maintaining the bike and the fun factor for young guys is an enormous advantage.”
On the subject of the requirement to cut back on noise, KTM’s international Motorsport Director Winni Kerschhaggl also said it was “in the interest of the future of our sport for the noise level to go down dramatically”.
“Motocross as on outdoor sport can only go forward if we behave respectfully towards other people, especially in Europe, where our possibilities to ride are already limited. Of course cutting back on noise is more important for practice racks than it is for the World Championship. But as GP racing functions as a role model for the entire sport, it is essential that factory teams go ahead and set a good example. “
Kerschhaggl also said that regarding the pending decision concerning the displacement for MX1 that he hoped that FIM would follow the proposal of MotoGP promoters Youthstream for the 350 cc option.
“Since the MXoN it has been proven that 450’s are no longer the fastest bikes and manufacturers have started thinking about alternative displacements. It will be very helpful for us manufacturers if we get a clear direction from the FIM. It is even more important that promoters are provided with a class that is going to deliver exciting racing!”
Stefan Pierer CEO of KTM, AECM president and representative of the European Motorcycle Industry said: “I welcome the farsighted and courageous decisions that have been made by FIM. I am convinced that by putting these steps into place, and above all by reducing the exhaust noise, that this is important and necessary for the future of Motocross sports. I particularly welcome the new regulations for the two-stroke motorcycles because this creates attractive economic circumstances for young riders and for amateur sport, thus making it possible to further develop this market segment.”
December 18, 2007
Check out this awesome video from Fox. RC riding a Two Stroke at his practice track and a great interview.
December 16, 2007
Finally the definitive difference between a Two Stroke and a Four Stroke. Right here for all to see!
December 11, 2007
Here is a cool video of RC practicing at his private Supercross track in 2006. Does anyone else miss this sound?
December 10, 2007
Look what we found!!
Simon Cudby Photo
This is a photo from this week. The rider on the left is Ivan Tedesco and the rider on the right is Ricky Carmichael.
The odd thing about this photo is that RC is on a two stroke RM250! Here's a guy that could chose whatever bike he wants and he is on his two stroke. The message boards are going crazy over this one!
December 6, 2007
Four Stroke fanatics telling you that the cost of maintaining their bikes is cheaper than your Two Stroke? Well here's an article from Dirt Bike Magazine from June 2006.
They love Four Stroke Motocrossers, but they did a great comparision on the cost differences. There are some great photos of grenaded four strokes. Read Reality Check.
December 5, 2007
The Two Stroke Militia has discovered why so many four stroke riders hate two strokes. Here is the exclusive video. This is what they look like when they race a two stroke.
This video is of David Vuillemin goon riding, but we have seen many "fast" guys that rode like this! It's pretty funny!
Here is a letter to Ping on RacerX online about the U.S. Open.
Ping,
I was wondering what you thought of "The Rock" laying the wood to Emig and Huffman while riding an out dated two stroke at the U.S. Open?, and If I remember right those boys in Alaska handicapped you with an out dated two stroke ( a 125 no less) when on assignment and you laid the wood to them as well.
Could this mean that real men still do indeed prefer and excel on these machines? Please elaborate.
Still smoking in CT,
Brian
Dear Brian,
I was impressed with Mike’s win in Las Vegas. Not only did the guy kick ass on a bike that is widely considered antiquated but he did it with a little bit of winter weight around the mid-section as well. Fro and Huff Daddy are both built like Screech from Saved By the Bell and it was nice for the fat kids to get a win, you know?
Now, I don’t want to start ranting here about the death of two strokes (I’ve done that about a million times) but I will say that we all turned our backs on a bike that was lighter, more reliable, cheaper (to buy and maintain) and made twice the power that a four stroke of equal size can make.
You don’t have to be Meriwether Lewis to see that we might have steered a bit off course here. Sure, the thumper is a little easier to ride in certain conditions but The Clapper was the easier way to turn a light on and off and we still figured out that it was lame. Think about it.
November 30, 2007
Well the AMA has finally done it. They changed the rules for 2008 Amatuer Motocross. What class do you want to race your two-stroke in now?
Proposal #59: Chapter 4, Section S, Paragraph 2A, Page 45: Complete class listing of approved amateur class structure for AMA Motocross events. All classes are approved for competition and promoters must advertise any classes
to be run. All classes must have a minimum wheel base of 53" (except Women’s class). All classes may be divided into A, B and C skill levels at the promoter’s discretion.
| CLASS NAME | DISPLACEMENT RULES |
| 125cc | 122cc - 125cc 2-Stroke |
| 250cc | 122cc - 250cc |
| Open | 122cc - Open cc |
| 14-24 | 122cc - Open cc |
| Plus 25 | 122cc - Open cc |
| Vet Plus 30 | 122cc - Open cc |
| Vet Plus 35 | 122cc - Open cc |
| Senior Plus 40 | 122cc - Open cc |
| Senior Plus 45 | 122cc - Open cc |
| Senior Plus 50 | 122cc - Open cc |
| Women (12+) | 99cc - 250cc |
These rules only affect local racing, not Loretta Lynn's Classes and not AMA Pro Racing.
An important positive note is that 125cc two-strokes do not have to race with 250F's. And you can now race your 250 Two Stroke against 250 Four Strokes.
This still falls short of what should be done, which is all classes across the board should be the same. Privateer Motocross races should not be at such a disadvantage, they should be allowed to race a 250 Two-Stroke in the "Lites" class.
For the full listing of the rules AMA Rule Book Update
November 29, 2007
In the January issue of Tranworld Motocross there is a small article on maintenance of your Four Stroke as suggested by the Sobe No Fear/Samsung/Honda Race Team. How much would this schedule cost? Four Stroke Maintenance
Checking through a Dirt Rider magazine from December of 2006 we found this article about the "Lites" class and the problems associated with it. Check it out.
Why "Lites" Are Really Less Filing
Does anyone else miss this sound? James Stewart is probably the best 125cc racer of all time. Just listen and watch.
November 17, 2007
Here is an awesome video of a KTM144 pulling a holeshot against a field of 250F's. You see it can be done! You can race two-stroke bikes competitively.
The next video is from a Motocross race in Belgium. Listen to the sound of the KTM 144's in this race. That is the true sound of motocross! Enjoy!
November 12, 2007
Check out this shootout between a 1981 Maico 490 and a 2003 KTM525. You'll be surprised by the winner! 490 vs. 525
New Maico's coming to the U.K.
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Maico, one of the most prestigious names in motocross history is back.
The much revered Maico name which holds almost iconic status within the motocross world for the legendary 400, 440, and 490 open class bikes of the 70's and early 80's which set the benchmark by which all other brands were judged, is alive and kicking and preparing to do battle on U.K. soil once more.
Maico was formed in the early 1930's, but after the almost Dallas like family feud between brothers Wilhelm and Otto Maisch, which was ultimately responsible for its downfall, the original company was declared bankrupt on the 10th of May 1983.
Now being hand made in its native Germany using high end products such as Reiger, H.G.S. and White power the extensive range of two stroke Motocross Enduro and Supermoto bikes are now gracing our shores through Bournemouth based importers Maico U.K who have recently secured the sole import rights for the new bikes.
The motocross range is headed by the phenomenal 500cc which weighs in at 3 K.G. less than Honda's 08 450 and pumps out a delightfully useable 67 B.H.P. (claimed) in standard form. Realising the revival of the two stroke, organisers of immensely popular D.E.P. race series added an open class to the list this year and with numerous other clubs following suit, the 500 Maico could once again prove to be the king of the big bore bikes.
More info at Maico U.K.
November 10, 2007
The third annual Winkstock event was held in upstate New York. This is some of what happened. Winkstock lll
November 5, 2007
The December issue of Dirt Rider has an impression of the new KTM 144. This really shows where the AMA's inconsistent rules have caused problems for the manufacturers. Last year the rule was that you could race a 144cc against the 250F's and now this year the AMA allowed an increase in the two stroke displacement to 153cc.
The manufacturers spend time, money and R&D all for what? Another unfair rule change?
Read a scan of the article here.
KTM 144 - Can KTM save the two-stroke?
What new changes will be made during the AMA meeting scheduled for November 17? As we understand it there are 5 or 6 different proposals under consideration.
To be fair the displacement rule must be even for both Two and Four Stroke Motocross bikes. This is similar to what they are moving towards in Europe and abroad. It makes sence and it's fair.
A important by product of this change would be to get rid of the stupid AMA class names. Motocross and Lites? How do you explain that to a new fan?
October 24, 2007
Take a look at one of the new Husqvarna models for 2008.
Could it be possible that smaller manufacturers will be the ones to support two-strokes even though the Japanese manufacturers seem to be dropping them?
How about the latest news from Buell. They have dropped the development of their dirt bike project, even though it was in the latest stages of development.
According to an interview with Jon Flickinger-Buell President & COO it seems that they are concerned that there will be a change in displacement soon. What rules will the AMA be changing next?
With any luck the AMA will adjust the displacement difference between the two & four stroke bikes to make it fair. We're not holding our breath that they will make it straight up as it should be.
You can read the entire interview here.
October 19, 2007
The more you look, the more you find! Some interesting news from Europe about Two Strokes.
First up is England, it seems that they have a Two Stroke National Series in place and they get big turnouts. The interesting part is that they only run four classes. Junior 125 and 250 and Expert 125 and 250.
Read about the first round here.
DEP 2 Stroke British Championship 2007
Second is all the way down in New Zealand. It seems that they have completely re-vamped their National Series and have new classifications.
- 125cc (only two strokes)
- 250cc (250s both 2 & 4)
- 450cc (450 class)
This sounds like a great setup that would enable fair competition for both Two Stroke and Four Stroke lovers.
We have posted links to a news article and a race report posted by a fan.
October 12, 2007
The following quote is from Cycle News.
"Mike LaRocco won the Past Champion’s Rematch, beating Jeff Emig and Damon Huffman. LaRocco looked particularly smooth on his Honda 250 two-stroke, while both Emig and Huffman elected to ride four-strokes."
Coming - November 3, 2007
The crisp rasp of two-stroke motocross bikes may be a faint echo in most places in the country but not at the 10th Annual VINTAGE IRON World Championships presented by Parts Unlimited, slated to take place at Glen Helen Raceway, San Bernardino Ca., November 3rd.
A full compliment of classes for two-stroke machines, old and new, will be offered and all will be competing on a natural-terrain-style course, well-suited for novice- to pro-level riders.
This year’s event will be run in conjunction with the Vet World Championships and will also feature the premier of “One Chance to Win,” a documentary of the 1975 500cc National Championship fight.
For pre-entries and more information go to: www.vintageiron.com
MXA November 2007
On page 106 there is a test between the 2008 KTM 125SX and the 144SX. The additional performance of the 144 over the 125 is amazing. Plus the Torque figures rival those of the 250 four stokes!
Page 146 there is a shootout of sorts between a Honda 2008 CRF450 and a 2001 CR500. The truth is that the 2001 CR500 was basically a warmed over 1992 model.
The amazing part of the comparision is how close the CR500 finished against an almost 15 year newer motocross bike. The CR500 did not win the comparision, but it was really close.
Our feeling is that a shootout between a 2008 Yamaha YZF250 and a 2008 Yamaha YZ250 would be much more interesting. Although it's not too hard to guess which would come out ahead.
Please read the Jody's Box this month because it talks about many of same ideas we have about motocross.