OzVMX Forum

Clubroom => Bike Talk => Topic started by: Tex on September 24, 2014, 09:42:46 am

Title: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Tex on September 24, 2014, 09:42:46 am
Not VMX related but I thought this press release might be of interest to some...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

19 September 2014: Melbourne, Victoria

Williams Event Management and Motorcycling Australia have discussed 250cc two-stroke compliance for the MX2 and MXD classes in 2015.

After much consultation, the 250 two-strokes will be back next year, with a number of new regulations set on the machines.

There have been some noted concerns about parity, and WEM has worked together with the MA Motocross Commission to make adjustments.

For the 2015 MX Nationals, the following will be put in place as reflected in the series Supplementary Regulation.

• The 250cc two-strokes will be eligible with certain restrictions.

• The bike must remain in stock trim from the intake manifold to the exhaust port, and all engine parts between those to points and must be OEM for that year model.

• Intake manifold from the rubber boot where the carburetors clamp is and there is no porting or headwork allowed.

• For those looking to change swish an extra base gasket will be allowed.

• There are no restrictions on pipes or mufflers other than the fact that they must meet the Noise rules.

• An MA Technical representative will be checking engines across the series, and MA will have a head barrel and piston from each manufacturer to compare with.

• Any bikes, found to be modified will be excluded from the results of the day’s competition
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Nathan S on September 24, 2014, 09:57:31 am
WTF is "swish"? Says something about the quality of the administration, even if it is just a typo (ditto "between those to points" and "intake manifold from the rubber boot where the carburetors clamp is and there is no porting or headwork allowed" and "all engine parts between those to points and must be OEM for that year model.").

There are holes to drive a truck through. Is there a KTM HardPart cylinder head for the 250SX, for example?






Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: XC83 on September 24, 2014, 10:08:18 am
Interestingly a 4 stroke boast anchor :) won the championship this year.

So if a good 2 stroke rider wins, they will tear down the engine at the end of the day, get the calipers out and measure the barrel porting against a std item. Wont that be fun! (presumably after Yamaha I mean a four stroke team protests)

I hear that a lot of people are pretty tired of the high costs involved in maintaining the 250F motors and hence the switch back to 2 strokes - not really power related, just that 'dad' can rebuild the thing cheaply.

Long live the 2 stroke.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: evo550 on September 24, 2014, 10:54:24 am
So a 250 fourstroke can have unlimited work done to the motor without question, but a two stroke of the same capacity is weighed down with restrictions.
It just get worse and worse...
Does that mean no aftermarket heads or cranks??
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: FourstrokeForever on September 24, 2014, 11:42:11 am
I don't know why they don't just introduce a 250 2st class. The cynic in assumes that it's probably because the manufacturers will sell less 250F's....
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: KTM47 on September 24, 2014, 11:51:15 am
I'm not surprised this has occurred.  Towards the end of the series Luke Arbon on a Husky was running rings around everyone and the under 19 class was being won by 2 strokes too.

In the past it wasn't a problem because the riders on the 2 strokes were privateers.  This year some better riders with factory support started to race them.

The facts are a 4 stroke will never match a 2 stroke for power unless they are revved twice as much.  Honda tried this in the 500cc GPs and still couldn't match a 500 2 stroke.

Anyway AMA and the FIM don't permit 250 s strokes in the 250 class because they both know they would play havoc with the 4 strokes and unless Honda wants it to occur it won't.

Nathan "I thought you knew everything"?  The swish is the shape of the head (combustion chamber). It was common to change this shape when we were forced to use unleaded fuel.

Please note

Quote  • An MA Technical representative will be checking engines across the series, and MA will have a head barrel and piston from each manufacturer to compare with. Unquote.

There is a pretty good chance this person will be Peter Doyle

Also don't google it Swish is a US indie band.

Yes I would love to see 2 strokes come back, but until the manufacturers other than KTM, Husky etc take them seriously they probably won't.  They like selling parts for those noisy smelly 4 strokes.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: bigk on September 24, 2014, 11:53:12 am
What a crock of shit. Just more rules for rules sake. 4t's are supposedly easier to ride faster for longer aren't they? The manufacturers are claiming similar horse power figures, so why handicap someone who wants to ride a 2t & has some sponsorship or cash to improve his bike? 
K
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: mainline on September 24, 2014, 11:59:12 am
Nathan "I thought you knew everything"?  The swish is the shape of the head (combustion chamber). It was common to change this shape when we were forced to use unleaded fuel.

Don't you mean Squish?
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: KTM47 on September 24, 2014, 12:04:00 pm
I don't know why they don't just introduce a 250 2st class. The cynic in assumes that it's probably because the manufacturers will sell less 250F's....

If you have ever had anything to do with running a current National rounds you will know that there isn't room for any more classes without going to two day meetings.

Also a well tuned std 250 2 stroke will still be a match for a 250 4 stroke (even the worked ones).  But a 4 stroke is easier to ride so the four stroke can still match the 2 stroke over the full race distance.  Also the privateers will still choose the 2 strokes unless they are aligned with a manufacturer who doesn't sell them now.

"Don't you mean Squish?"  well there you go they are wrong.  I will email Peter.
Anyway what is said here will make no difference.  We are just pissing in the wind.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Nathan S on September 24, 2014, 03:45:11 pm
I wonder if the barrel KTM supplies as a reference part will be just like the one you buy over the counter from a KTM dealer?  ;)

Remember that RV on a KXF250 was the fastest rider at the MXdN a few years back.
I wonder how the Yamaha sponsored YZF250 riders would go on a YZ250 (without the F)?
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: SUZUKI311 on September 24, 2014, 04:29:47 pm
Having spent the year helping Riley Graham who rides in the MX2 class, on a KTM 250SX 2T I asked the relevant questions of Kevin Williams at the Coolum round.
Indeed, as stated, no modifications allowed at all to the Cylinder, head, crank, piston, reed assembly. I asked the question about the eligibility of running genuine KTM SXS parts, as they are OEM parts.
The quick answer is no, the parts must be as fitted to the 2015 OEM standard bike- off the showroom floor- and not from the KTM Hard E catalogue.
Mods allowed are intake before carb, carb, ignition, pipe and muffler. Fuel restrictions still apply as per this year. This does not worry me at all for next year, as someone commented, a stock 250 2T is still plenty competitive with a modified 4T, AND AT A QUARTER OF THE PRICE !
We spent bugger all on Rileys race bike this year compared to past years when he raced a 4T, with the cylinder only slightly cleaned up by Kevin Doyle, and a slightly modified head. Kev bored the carb to 39mm, and we ran a Pro Circuit pipe and R304 muffler-not the shorty though. All ran on VP ROO 100 race fuel with impressive results.
It is a boon to privateers like Riley who do it tough moneywise to be able to run a 2 stroke, and the entry list between the MX1 and MX2 classes proves the point. It is embarrassing when the entire field at the premier class of the premier MX championship in Australia (MX1) is struggling to get 25 riders to the gate. The MX2 class however has no such problems.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Davey Crocket on September 24, 2014, 05:19:08 pm
A young fella I've helped out for years came 2nd in the under 19's this year....Husky 250 2T....he won some decent money for a 17 year old, the 2T's have advantages at some tracks and the 4t's advantages at other tracks. Serco where winging the most and yet the still won the MX2 class on the 4 bomb.....those bikes have a full engine rebuild after every Nationals, that's a lot of money. The manufactures want to sell 4 bombs so put the pressure on people like Kevin Williams and MA to have things there own way.....BS really. KTM sales are going up 10% per year, there 4 bomb sales are going down 10% per year but 2T sales are up 20% giving a net growth of 10%.....the others will wake up soon. Rumour has it Honda has been playing with 2T's again. With KTM's you can order basically a "works" bike from the factory, are they going to stop that?...it would be wrong if they did. I hope Kevin Williams got plenty of extra money out of the manufacturers to be bought off.....because that's what it is.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: FourstrokeForever on September 24, 2014, 08:01:44 pm
I don't know why they don't just introduce a 250 2st class. The cynic in assumes that it's probably because the manufacturers will sell less 250F's....

If you have ever had anything to do with running a current National rounds you will know that there isn't room for any more classes without going to two day meetings.

Also a well tuned std 250 2 stroke will still be a match for a 250 4 stroke (even the worked ones).  But a 4 stroke is easier to ride so the four stroke can still match the 2 stroke over the full race distance.  Also the privateers will still choose the 2 strokes unless they are aligned with a manufacturer who doesn't sell them now.

I have had a bit to do with modern MX while you ask.....and yes, there is plenty of room for another class UNLESS the same 4ST riders want to compete on the 2 smokes as well
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Lozza on September 24, 2014, 09:46:48 pm
Can already see 10 ways around those rules and as with all rule changes, drive development off in areas never thought of before, the end result is usualy a faster bike/kart/car. Then you can expect the 'engine development freeze' rule.
Only problem is the development you can't see is very expensive
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: KTM47 on September 25, 2014, 10:06:09 am
I don't know why they don't just introduce a 250 2st class. The cynic in assumes that it's probably because the manufacturers will sell less 250F's....

If you have ever had anything to do with running a current National rounds you will know that there isn't room for any more classes without going to two day meetings.

Also a well tuned std 250 2 stroke will still be a match for a 250 4 stroke (even the worked ones).  But a 4 stroke is easier to ride so the four stroke can still match the 2 stroke over the full race distance.  Also the privateers will still choose the 2 strokes unless they are aligned with a manufacturer who doesn't sell them now.

I have had a bit to do with modern MX while you ask.....and yes, there is plenty of room for another class UNLESS the same 4ST riders want to compete on the 2 smokes as well

Having a separate 250 2 stroke class doesn't solve things it just takes half the grid away from the MX2.  I'm sure WEM would prefer to keep the 250 2 strokes in there.  If there was room for another class and without cutting back on practice and the current breaks I believe the only extra class that should be considered is a 125 2 stroke class.

Also the Press Release RE the 250 2 strokes appears to come from WEM, I could not find it on the MA website.  So any criticism of the wording should be aimed at WEM.  I'm sure MA will tidy it up before next year.

Also these proposed restrictions make it even cheaper for the 2 stroke riders.  The 4 stroke riders will still try to get even more power at the expense of reliability.

The only other thing I have got to say is  KTM and Husqvarna and maybe Yamaha when are you going to make a 400cc 2 stroke?
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: cr4ever on September 25, 2014, 10:57:45 am
http://motocrossactionmag.com/news/new-rule-250-two-strokes-are-too-fast-for-250-four-strokes

Read what they have to say in  the USA....interesting!
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: KTM47 on September 25, 2014, 02:09:20 pm
How great is that!!!!!

We just need a 400cc 2 stroke now to flog those noisy, smelly, expensive 450 4 strokes

Bring back the 2 strokes!!!!!!!!
[/b]
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: bishboy on September 25, 2014, 03:33:25 pm
If I read the rules right, and I must admit it was only a quick read, in MX1 there is nothing stopping you riding a 255cc or larger two stroke. 

So you could put a 500cc two stroke engine in a 450f frame and race against the 450 four strokes?

Is this right or did I not read far enough down the page??
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: 80-85 husky on September 25, 2014, 03:42:23 pm
a kato 300 will sort a 450 out so whats the issue??
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: evo550 on September 25, 2014, 03:56:46 pm
If I read the rules right, and I must admit it was only a quick read, in MX1 there is nothing stopping you riding a 255cc or larger two stroke. 

So you could put a 500cc two stroke engine in a 450f frame and race against the 450 four strokes?

Is this right or did I not read far enough down the page??

You read right...
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Nathan S on September 25, 2014, 04:36:08 pm
I'd love to see a 300 2T up with the 450Fs, but its not gonna happen with any useful regularity.

Apart from modern 450Fs being faster and easier to ride across the average of all possible conditions, the manufacturers are paying the best riders to ride 4-strokes - so the top tier riders are already on 4Ts. The only time you'll see a 2T up there is if you had a talented up-and-comer on a properly sorted bike, and the conditions were just right - it would be awesome to see, but its not going to be a long term, sustainable thing.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: 80-85 husky on September 25, 2014, 05:50:22 pm
i think that's the way of it Nathan, the big four have gone green with 4 banger push from the 1990's and not much will bring them back other than real smack in the face sales figures. kato and husky etc with their 2 bangers have that sown up....
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Momus on September 25, 2014, 05:50:43 pm
I saw young Joel Milosevic on his TM300 hand it to a lot of 450 4 strokes at the MX Nationals round in Swan Hill in June.
Came 9th for the day.

He qualified 4th at Raymond Terrace the next round and came in 10th overall.

I predict a 2 stroke will win the 250 MX National Championship next year.


Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: KTM47 on September 25, 2014, 08:55:13 pm
If I read the rules right, and I must admit it was only a quick read, in MX1 there is nothing stopping you riding a 255cc or larger two stroke. 

So you could put a 500cc two stroke engine in a 450f frame and race against the 450 four strokes?

Is this right or did I not read far enough down the page??

No you read it wrong.  The upper limit in the Aust MX & SX Championships  450cc.  So a 500cc 2 stroke is too big and anyway the last of the 500cc 2 strokes were too powerful.  The last 2 stroke to win a 500cc World Championship was a 360 KTM.  So something around 400cc would work.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: evo550 on September 25, 2014, 08:58:27 pm
i think that's the way of it Nathan, the big four have gone green with 4 banger push from the 1990's and not much will bring them back other than real smack in the face sales figures. kato and husky etc with their 2 bangers have that sown up....
The manufacturers would like us to think the 4 t push is for the enviroment, but it's B.S.
The real reason is the spare parts gravy train and regular( annual or bi annual) bike up grades required for the four stroke racer.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: evo550 on September 25, 2014, 09:01:16 pm
If I read the rules right, and I must admit it was only a quick read, in MX1 there is nothing stopping you riding a 255cc or larger two stroke. 

So you could put a 500cc two stroke engine in a 450f frame and race against the 450 four strokes?

Is this right or did I not read far enough down the page??

No you read it wrong.  The upper limit in the Aust MX & SX Championships  450cc.  So a 500cc 2 stroke is too big and anyway the last of the 500cc 2 strokes were too powerful.  The last 2 stroke to win a 500cc World Championship was a 360 KTM.  So something around 400cc would work.
Reads MX1 class 255cc and over, no limit.
SX1 has 450 limit
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Lozza on September 25, 2014, 11:47:06 pm
Problem with big bore 2T engine is the bigger the bore gets(compared to stroke) the less efficient the cylinder gets where a 4T with a big bore and short stroke will have a lot of valve area and breathe very well. Same as a 125cc 4T would never compete with a 54 x 54.5mm 2T 125cc.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: KTM47 on September 26, 2014, 08:23:16 am
If I read the rules right, and I must admit it was only a quick read, in MX1 there is nothing stopping you riding a 255cc or larger two stroke. 

So you could put a 500cc two stroke engine in a 450f frame and race against the 450 four strokes?

Is this right or did I not read far enough down the page??

No you read it wrong.  The upper limit in the Aust MX & SX Championships  450cc.  So a 500cc 2 stroke is too big and anyway the last of the 500cc 2 strokes were too powerful.  The last 2 stroke to win a 500cc World Championship was a 360 KTM.  So something around 400cc would work.
Reads MX1 class 255cc and over, no limit.
SX1 has 450 limit

Yes you are right.  So it is another rule they have changed.  450 was the upper limit in 2013.

Anyway with the tracks today a 500  stroke would be too much.  Maybe on a sand track with the right rider.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: FourstrokeForever on September 26, 2014, 08:26:29 am
i think that's the way of it Nathan, the big four have gone green with 4 banger push from the 1990's and not much will bring them back other than real smack in the face sales figures. kato and husky etc with their 2 bangers have that sown up....
The manufacturers would like us to think the 4 t push is for the enviroment, but it's B.S.
The real reason is the spare parts gravy train and regular( annual or bi annual) bike up grades required for the four stroke racer.

^^^^^^^That's about the sum of it in one post^^^^^^
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Davey Crocket on September 26, 2014, 08:50:47 am
Talking to a few people who's kids ride the 250 4 bombs hard is when they get to 50 hours sell them and buy a new one. Yamaha recommends a timing chain replacement every 10 hours on there 4 bombs. The "green " aspect of 4 bombs does not exist as they have no emission control type devices to limit there pollution to the environment. We even got a new pollutant in motocross thanks to them.....NOISE. And that one is what is causing the most damage to our sport. Where's the manufacturers responsibility here? Darryll King won the NZ 250 championship a couple of years ago on a Yamaha YZ 2 T.....smoked all the kiddies.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Slakewell on September 26, 2014, 09:26:22 am
Even KTM seem not willing to develop their 2 strokes just small changes. I'm hoping that the new 300 cc two stroke class at the GP's will start getting some factory attention.
We need the new generation to have fuel injection and electronic controls. Please give me a two stroke 400cc 55 HP auto gearbox 100 KG bike before I die.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Nathan S on September 26, 2014, 10:14:41 am
Husky 430AE with a bit of a diet... Made em more than 25 years ago...

I'm told that a 4T MX bike is very emissions unfriendly when you look at the entire range of gases is spits out - that its in the same league as a 2T MXer (slightly better, but not the comprehensive victory to the 4T that most people assume). Love to have that verified or disproven.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: evo550 on September 26, 2014, 11:59:36 am
Husky 430AE with a bit of a diet... Made em more than 25 years ago...

I'm told that a 4T MX bike is very emissions unfriendly when you look at the entire range of gases is spits out - that its in the same league as a 2T MXer (slightly better, but not the comprehensive victory to the 4T that most people assume). Love to have that verified or disproven.
..not to mention the built in "throw away" life span of them.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Nathan S on September 26, 2014, 12:07:26 pm
I know of three CRF250s that have blown big ends under 50 hours.
Buggers the cases too, of course.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: 80-85 husky on September 26, 2014, 12:54:21 pm
Servicing them by the books is expensive and if you are racing, they need that level of servicing. they will go a long way without servicing under normal riding conditions but to stay at the pointy end of competition, you just cant afford not to spend the $$

compared to an 86 XR or TT the new 4t's are awesome!! but there are XR and TT's that are still running with minimal work other than oil and filters and occasional valve checks.

blow up a twoie and for the cost of a couple of 4t services, you can renew the entire engine!
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Slakewell on September 26, 2014, 02:19:02 pm
The YZ gets new plastic this year. I wonder if it retro fits my 09 model

(http://liveimages.motoring.com.au/motoring/general/editorial/ge4963827724341186626.jpg?height=700&aspect=FitWithinNoPad&width=1050)
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Nathan S on September 26, 2014, 02:27:53 pm
Yes it does. I think the new version looks awful - lamb dressed up as mutton dressing up as lamb.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: yamaico on September 26, 2014, 07:18:55 pm
We even got a new pollutant in motocross thanks to them.....NOISE. And that one is what is causing the most damage to our sport. Where's the manufacturers responsibility here?

Dead right Davey. I have lived at the base of Mt Kembla for over twenty years and in the days before those shitbox self destructing four strokes came along the only way you knew that there was a race meeting on at the old Mt Kembla track was you could see a bit of dust in the air. Now you get that bloody drone, that will eventually see the end of the track. I've got some land not far away where I'm going to live when I get my house built where I've got enough room for a small track but, apart from XR75's and a couple of posties, there won't be a single 4T there, that's for sure.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: KTM47 on September 27, 2014, 08:59:02 am
Noise isn't a new pollutant the four strokes have just perfected it.

The manufacturers are the ones to blame.

Even right from the word go the 4 strokes were louder.  When they were first introduced a standard 4 stroke was 102 DBA and the 2 stroke was 98 DBA.

Even now they cheat.  They retard the spark in neutral so when you do a noise test it is quieter than when it is running on the track. It is time to get serious.  Make the manufacturers make them quieter and make the riders run the standard mufflers, for two and four stroke.  The so called performance exhausts that are sold in Australia just make more noise.

Also the sound from four strokes carries further than two strokes.  Fog horns put out a lower note for a reason because it carries further.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: 80-85 husky on September 27, 2014, 03:17:18 pm
up near my last house was a popular riding area...all weekend blllaaaat brraaaap bloody 4strokes... once in a blue moon you might hear a twoie if the wind was blowing in the right direction, seriously quieter than pooh bangers.

when I was racing the 2000 kato 250 2/, it was called the stealth bomber as it was so quiet, the 450 riders didn't know I was there till they saw my front wheel on the inside as I passed em. it was box stock in the muffler, just repacked with steel wool.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: KTM47 on September 27, 2014, 03:40:05 pm
Severals year ago (around the time the YZ400F was introduced), the old bastard who lived over the back at Tivoli Raceway (He's gone now RIP Lenny).

Anyway he told me the noise has become worse over the past few months.  I didn't tell him why.  Bloody modern four stroke (the older ones aren't as bad).

He also didn't like commentators who did Darryl Eastlake impersonations.  We had one commentator who shouted into the mic.  But everyone likes it he would say. Well I f@#$en don't and I can't understand you.

Anyway noise and dust are the two biggest problems MX has.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: KTM47 on September 27, 2014, 04:08:33 pm
Even KTM seem not willing to develop their 2 strokes just small changes. I'm hoping that the new 300 cc two stroke class at the GP's will start getting some factory attention.
We need the new generation to have fuel injection and electronic controls. Please give me a two stroke 400cc 55 HP auto gearbox 100 KG bike before I die.

Apparently KTM have been developing their 2 strokes and by default Husqvarna.  That is what has created the problem.  With the KTMs etc getting better and faster riders willing to race them they have started to dominate the 4 strokes.  Yes I know a 4 stroke won, but apparently they have to spend a lot to do that.

Also the Yamaha 2 strokes can't match the KTMs etc.  You only have to look at KTM's 65s and 85s too see they are better. Kawasaki has improved their 85 but that is about it.

So really it is better if KTM don't make them any better.  They will be cheaper to run that way.

So long live the 2 stroke and welcome back.  Too all you 4 stroke riders learn to ride harder and stop whinging 
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Lozza on September 27, 2014, 04:59:34 pm
Only real 2T engine development now is with superkarts.  Check out Modena engines or Roland Holzer on fb
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: the stig on September 27, 2014, 08:02:38 pm
Only real 2T engine development now is with superkarts.  Check out Modena engines or Roland Holzer on fb

    There is a lot of progress  in 2t outboard motors  as far as emission and fuel injection goes...

    The stig
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: KTM47 on September 27, 2014, 08:08:52 pm
Hopefully someone can develop them enough to get them back into the Californian market.  That is where the problem started and the 4 stroke took hold.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Nathan S on September 27, 2014, 08:22:41 pm
Noise isn't a new pollutant the four strokes have just perfected it.

The manufacturers are the ones to blame.

Even right from the word go the 4 strokes were louder.  When they were first introduced a standard 4 stroke was 102 DBA and the 2 stroke was 98 DBA.

Even now they cheat.  They retard the spark in neutral so when you do a noise test it is quieter than when it is running on the track. It is time to get serious.  Make the manufacturers make them quieter and make the riders run the standard mufflers, for two and four stroke.  The so called performance exhausts that are sold in Australia just make more noise.

Also the sound from four strokes carries further than two strokes.  Fog horns put out a lower note for a reason because it carries further.

There's also the fact that low/bass sounds have more energy in them, so they travel further.
It's the same as when you hear a car stereo - you hear the "doof doof doof" way before you hear any of the higher notes.

The real answer is a mix of trackside and off-site noise testing. Off-site noise testing measures when the noise is actually an issue for nearby residents, trackside identifies which bike(s) are creating the problem.

Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Lozza on September 27, 2014, 09:36:33 pm
Only real 2T engine development now is with superkarts.  Check out Modena engines or Roland Holzer on fb

    There is a lot of progress  in 2t outboard motors  as far as emission and fuel injection goes...

    The stig

Snowmobiles as well it's refining what is already existing engines with electronics though. Karts have some real innovations whats not been done before along with the Freetech 50 Cup
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: SUZUKI311 on September 28, 2014, 08:57:19 am
Even though the Yamaha is basically a 2005 design, Errol Willis still managed to qualify at regularly in the top half a dozen at this years MX Nationals on board one. This year the class was so deep in talent, that pretty much where you started you finished, and Errol had several good finishes on board the YZ. From a friend who ran the KTM
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: SUZUKI311 on September 28, 2014, 09:00:20 am
Whoops, wrong button. From a friend who ran the CHOICE KTM lites team for a few years, he told me that he was told by a VERY reliable source, KTM have had a fuel injected version of a 2 stroke EXC for some time now, working out the bugs etc.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: evo550 on September 28, 2014, 01:33:13 pm
The chairman of KTM has openly spoken about them in a interview I read recently.
He described it as being dearer, heavier, far more complex with high maintenance and in it's current form the bike could not be rebuilt by the average punter. Basically all of the things that make 2t's appealing have been lost, so until they can do injection and retain all the 2t advantages ( or they are regulated to) the injection will sit on the shelf.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: 80-85 husky on September 28, 2014, 06:45:04 pm
husky were at the sharp end of developing an injected 2oie and the hot poop was 2015 for a 350cc injected 2/ putting out close to 500 cc power in a very useable range. maybe why kato snapped them up to keep the lid on that!
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: KTM47 on September 29, 2014, 09:02:16 am
While I'm sure a Yamaha could be made competitive against the current KTM and Huskys the change WEM is making would not permit modifications to do so.  Maybe the Yamahas will need some leeway or maybe Yamaha would introduce a up graded race kit that could be approved.

It is interesting I watched the MX of Nations last night on Eurosport.

1st France
2nd Belgium
3rd USA
4th GB  (same points as USA)

AUS were around 7th I not sure if they stayed there.  Reedy crashed at start final moto.

Anyway the 250 4/-s were up with the 450s at the starts.  I wonder how competitive a 300 2/- would be.

 
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: KTM47 on September 29, 2014, 10:30:02 am
Australia finished 14th.  Both Reed and Moss didn't finish final moto.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: bigk on September 29, 2014, 01:39:20 pm
Fuel injection etc may be ok for closed course competitions where you car & lap top are close by but not on a trail/enduro bike. My 2t enduro is fast, smooth, extremely civilized & very easy to ride (not swapping for a 4t anytime soon). It is reliable & piss easy to work on, not sure what benefits FI could give it. As a new bike dealer I remember a few "glitches" with the first lot of FI four strokes & guys having to leave them in the bush or ride home @ 5kph in limp mode. The resulting phone call was never pleasant & the importers basically said that's how it is, suck it up.
K
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: KTM47 on September 29, 2014, 03:09:53 pm
That is the price you pay for technology.

I think keep the two strokes simple, that is what makes them great.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Lozza on September 29, 2014, 11:07:16 pm
I very much doubt KTM has an injected 300. Most adventure bikes now are injected with good reliablity and they were mapped badly and erratic when first released but that's in the past.

To show how bad the rules are written it makes no reference to what models this applies to,one could fit a 2000 model engine (they haven't changed that much) and say it was as modified back in the day.   
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: KTM47 on September 30, 2014, 08:40:26 am
The proposed restrictions to my knowledge are for the Aust MX Championships only.  I'm sure the wording that has been released will be refined more.  The wording that has been released I think has come from WEM.

I watched the final round of the MX Nationals on the weekend on Speed.  The 2 strokes were better in the sand.  I haven't been able to compare lap times against the 450s.  But that may not mean much because the better riders are in the MX1 class.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: MaxPower on October 05, 2014, 11:45:41 pm
If the answer is in the past 4 pages and I missed it I apologize, in these restrictions, are the 250 2 strokes to retain the stock ignition? Not that there are many options to switch them ,there are a few. It could be looked at as riders will have to look in other areas to gain power
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: KTM47 on October 06, 2014, 03:24:19 pm
At the Conondale Cup just run yesterday, Yamaha rider Jay Wilson rode a 2015 YZ 250 2/- in the Open All Powers and a YZ 250F in the 250 class.  He said he did it to prove that the 250 2/- should be in the 450 class.

Kirk Gibbs was 1 to 2 secs and lap faster than Jay on the 250 2/- , but wasn't really pushed also, he won.  Jay was second on the 250 2/- and battling with 450s and therefore pushing hard.

Jay also easily won the 250 class on the 4/-, but was never pushed and was 1 to 2 seconds slower than the 250 2/-.

My conclusion from this.  While a 250 2/- is marginally better than the 4/- it isn't a match for the 450 4/-.  I think all three bikes could probably lap at a similar lap time, but the 250 & 450 4/-s could probably maintain the lap times better.

Just another note there were more 250 2/-s in the 250 classes than 4/-s.

I think to force the 250 2/-s out of the 250 class and into the 450 class would be a bad move.  I think the more riders move to 2/-s the better.

There was also a 125 class.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Nathan S on October 07, 2014, 12:24:07 pm
I very much doubt KTM has an injected 300. Most adventure bikes now are injected with good reliablity and they were mapped badly and erratic when first released but that's in the past.

Various reports from KTM say that they have a direct injected 2T that is pretty much ready to go, but it makes the whole bike as heavy and complex (and presumably as unreliable) as a 4T, so there's little point.


Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Lozza on October 07, 2014, 01:22:51 pm
I have only seen the same report rehashed since about 08 or so. Direct injection isn't the way to go for packaging and replacing the carby does nothing for emissions.

Even a overbored and/or stroked 250 would need every trick in the book thrown at it to compete with a full house 450F. Main thing would be electronics to tame the power.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Simo63 on October 07, 2014, 01:26:37 pm
At the Conondale Cup just run yesterday, Yamaha rider Jay Wilson rode a 2015 YZ 250 2/- in the Open All Powers and a YZ 250F in the 250 class.  He said he did it to prove that the 250 2/- should be in the 450 class.

And what he was really saying then was he was instructed by his Yamaha Managers to ride it as hard as he could in the 450 class to try and prove their point .....  ::) ::)

Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: JohnnyO on October 07, 2014, 02:09:48 pm
The Jap manufacturers don't want 250 2t's beating their 250f's because they either don't sell them or have pumped all their development into 4 strokes.
The privateers love them because they can afford to race the series without a major sponsor or rich daddy.. The result is competitive privateers and big fields in the 250 class.
The promoter should leave the rules as they are and eventually the Japs will have to start producing new 250 2t's again if they want to keep winning..
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Nathan S on October 07, 2014, 02:14:08 pm
The problem is that if the 2Ts are regularly winning then at least Honda/Kawasaki/Suzuki (and probably Yamaha) will probably simply withdraw their support.
This is a bad outcome for WEM, so he'll do whatever it takes to keep them happy.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Slakewell on October 07, 2014, 02:14:12 pm
What happen to the Ossa?

(http://www.enduro360.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Ossa-Enduro-300i_2-Befurious.com_.jpg)
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Nathan S on October 07, 2014, 02:17:29 pm
The aborted it. Supposedly because it was too economically risky in the post-GFC world.
But there's a good chance that it simply didn't work as promised. The number of revisions they've had on their trials bike's EFI says that an EFI 2T isn't as easy as it sounds...

They were supposed to be making enduro bikes with (carb'd) GasGas motors instead, but that seems to have died quietly.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Slakewell on October 07, 2014, 02:20:31 pm
Speaking with someone who actually worked in the KTM R&D department the biggest thing with FI on 2T was cost.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: JohnnyO on October 07, 2014, 03:23:04 pm
The problem is that if the 2Ts are regularly winning then at least Honda/Kawasaki/Suzuki (and probably Yamaha) will probably simply withdraw their support.
This is a bad outcome for WEM, so he'll do whatever it takes to keep them happy.
Probably.. And its that kind of pressure from the factories that killed the 2t in the first place
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: KTM47 on October 07, 2014, 04:59:55 pm
The Jap manufacturers don't want 250 2t's beating their 250f's because they either don't sell them or have pumped all their development into 4 strokes.
The privateers love them because they can afford to race the series without a major sponsor or rich daddy.. The result is competitive privateers and big fields in the 250 class.
The promoter should leave the rules as they are and eventually the Japs will have to start producing new 250 2t's again if they want to keep winning..

That is exactly it privateers can't afford to run 250 4/-s at the front.  It will all come back to Honda, if they decide they want to build 2/-s again they will come back.  It is interesting the 85cc/150cc class is now mainly KTMs and Huskys.  The Honda 150 4/-s appear to be outclassed too.

Just another thing, how much support do the manufacturers give riders in the 250 class anyway?

Please let them pull the limited support and let the true privateers have some glory.

Just another point we need a clubman 125 class too.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: KTM47 on October 07, 2014, 05:33:38 pm
The problem is that if the 2Ts are regularly winning then at least Honda/Kawasaki/Suzuki (and probably Yamaha) will probably simply withdraw their support.
This is a bad outcome for WEM, so he'll do whatever it takes to keep them happy.

Wrong!!!!!!!!

Since the 250 2/-s have become competitive for privateers the rider numbers in the 250 class has gone up.  If the distributors withdraw their support, those riders would probably switch to 2/-s GREAT!!!!!!.  Forcing the 250 2/-s into the 450 class would eventually see some riders stop doing the Nationals.

I think WEM wants them there.  This is just my opinion based on reasonable information.

Just another point Jay Wilson was having trouble making one particular jump comfortably at Conondale were the 450s were doing it easily.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Nathan S on October 07, 2014, 08:03:09 pm
Surely the manufacturers are a big deal in terms of the money and image they bring - and surely that's particularly important to WEM?

Any professional promoter will be do what makes the most money - and rider numbers are only part of that equation. Further, politics could easily extend beyond the 250 class and into the 450s...

I agree that wha'ts good for the privateers is generally what's good for the sport - but this is professional sport, which is more about money than sport...
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: evo550 on October 07, 2014, 09:11:46 pm
I very much doubt KTM has an injected 300. Most adventure bikes now are injected with good reliablity and they were mapped badly and erratic when first released but that's in the past.

Various reports from KTM say that they have a direct injected 2T that is pretty much ready to go, but it makes the whole bike as heavy and complex (and presumably as unreliable) as a 4T, so there's little point.

Yep, they have openly admited it in transmoto and ADB
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: JohnnyO on October 07, 2014, 09:26:55 pm
A couple or years ago when I was working in a KTM workshop Rob Twyerould the head honcho technical guy at KTM Australia told us KTM had an injected 2 stroke ready to go but the market wasn't ready for it yet.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: BultacoMacca on October 07, 2014, 10:45:50 pm
In the USA though you might still be able to buy a two stroke in California, you are limited to when and where you can ride them, and it looks like you have to 'register' them.

So if the manufacturers still see California as one of their biggest market sales areas, they may be reluctant to go back to developing anything 2t.

And don't forget that Australia's sales market usually doesn't factor much into Japanese overall sales considerations.

Web page for California regulations:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/offroad/ofhwymc.htm (http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/offroad/ofhwymc.htm)

Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Lozza on October 07, 2014, 11:39:42 pm
How come we have not even seen a spy pic or first hand ride reports of the mysterious injected KTM? Cost of EFI, I can buy an Ecotrons kit for $500 so the hardware/software is not expensive, if you want direct injection you have to pay Orbital or Ficht royalties as they hold most of the patents regarding direct injection or you have to develop your own system from scratch.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: 80-85 husky on October 09, 2014, 04:31:43 pm
I see injection as a drop dead issue. its seen to be reliable but if it stops in the bush or a "sensor" fails your knackered. same as water cooling its fab, but spear a radiator and your done.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Racer X on October 10, 2014, 04:21:05 pm
In the USA though you might still be able to buy a two stroke in California, you are limited to when and where you can ride them, and it looks like you have to 'register' them.

So if the manufacturers still see California as one of their biggest market sales areas, they may be reluctant to go back to developing anything 2t.

And don't forget that Australia's sales market usually doesn't factor much into Japanese overall sales considerations.

Web page for California regulations:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/offroad/ofhwymc.htm (http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/offroad/ofhwymc.htm)
Ever been to L.A. the polution is discusting? I can see where the 4t push comes from.
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: huskibul on October 10, 2014, 07:26:28 pm
   You'd have to think a 99.9+ % of a city's  pollution would be from 4 strokes -  millions of Car's/trucks & bus's  ??? dont think a few two bangers will turn that around
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Nathan S on October 10, 2014, 07:51:43 pm
California did have a rule which specifically prohibited any sort of oil in the combustion chamber. It killed the Mazda rotary there for a while, even though they consume less oil than, say, a Gen3 Chev... The issue was the the Mazda (like an auto lube 2T) deliberately injected some oil.

That said, you could buy an RX-8 so maybe they eventually realised that proscriptive rules are dumb?
Title: Re: Two-strokes set to continue at MX Nationals in 2015 (not VMX)
Post by: Lozza on May 22, 2015, 09:47:43 am
Some reports out of Holland have a new 125cc engine with 70hp reving to 30,000 rpm and 80% less emissions. A few people have seen it running and apparently the technology is very simple. Look up Mcd Twist Ryger Engines on FB.