joy to the world, new 2 strokes come

[JohnnyO]

I'm not sure of those other changes bahnzy, I work at a ktm/husaberg dealership and am only aware of the things I mentioned but the only way we found out about the different pistons was when we were rebuilding one.

[VMX247]

Another writeup on the KTM250 .
Both have contiual improvement and the 2012 years end outcome will be interesting results for the market .. 
Roger DeC still in the Orange seat this coming year ?

http://www.dirtrider.com/reviews/motocross/141_1102_2011_ktm_250_xc_first_test/viewall.html

[b490]

If you ride a modern 250 or 300 2 stroke they are really the grunt kings on the steep trails, you can use the torque on the edge of the power band, rather than have explosive wheel spin and flame outs

You don't  have to convince me ,........ been on them for the past 15 (or so) years .
Maximum ride time, minimal hassle ,........ when compared to modern 4str grenades
Only  normal maintenance / consumables  & a piston kit every 2/3 years  ...... too easy
 

Regards ,
               Steve
 

[Marc.com]

You don't  have to convince me ,........ been on them for the past 15 (or so) years .
Maximum ride time, minimal hassle ,........ when compared to modern 4str grenades  

This CRF engine is on Trade Me at the moment, comes with optional HRC oversize crank case breather 

[Hoony]

shit doesn't look like much is salvageable there Marc !

[SUZUKI311]

Aah Hoony, you missed the obvious.... along with the grenade cases there will be a good CRF chassis just begging for the spare CR500 motor you have lurking some where....

[oldyzman]

On the subject of late model 2 strokes. I have had the pleasure of owning a 300exce 08. after approx 3000k's i pulled the top end off it, to fiind that the bore still looks great, cross haching all good no nip marks and the bike runs like new in any case. After writing the part number of the piston,  I put it all back togeather and still  all good. The question is should i put another piston in it and give it a light hone, or just leave well enough alone. Its only a social ride bike, but i tend to give it a bit...
Brett

[BAHNZY]

On the subject of late model 2 strokes. I have had the pleasure of owning a 300exce 08. after approx 3000k's i pulled the top end off it, to fiind that the bore still looks great, cross haching all good no nip marks and the bike runs like new in any case. After writing the part number of the piston,  I put it all back togeather and still  all good. The question is should i put another piston in it and give it a light hone, or just leave well enough alone. Its only a social ride bike, but i tend to give it a bit...
Brett

(My View)
At 3000 km's put a piston in it before it cracks the web off it and it will cost you a bomb. A hint with Katoh's, if you don’t have to pull the head off, don’t. As they get on in life there has been more than the odd owner that has struggled to get the head to reseal onto the barrel after it has been removed. If it isn’t leaking and it doesn’t need to come off then don’t take it off.
As you have already checked the piston to see what grade it is, the other point to make sure is that you measure the best part of what’s left of your base gasket as they are selective fit. A good KTM dealer will ask you what thickness gasket is fitted, a not so good dealer will give you what’s on the shelf.

[Marc.com]

Aah Hoony, you missed the obvious.... along with the grenade cases there will be a good CRF chassis just begging for the spare CR500 motor you have lurking some where....

Try finding a spare CR500 motor these days for a reasonable price, been a few too many CRF450s needing new engines.

[EML]

The story I got years ago was that the 2 strokes with power valve and water jackets and pumps were almost as hard to rebuild as a 4 banger so that's why everyone went that way.
I guess the newer gen 4strokes are very highly strung and need lots of TLC.

I also figured that it was time for the 2smokers to make a come-back as that will give the kiddies a new focus and they will dump their CRFs etc... like --because they are sooo yesterday