4 stroke class, weapon of choice?

[Bioflex]

As far as I know the 4 stroke class is run as per 85, so the bulk of bikes would likely be 78 to 84.

For those attend busy race meetings or even ride a 4 stroke themselves, is their a preferred bike, one that has a competitive edge over the opposition?
Is the KTM 4 stroke the only one made before 85 that manages a disc brake?

I know XR's and Can Am's made before this time ran drums as did the husky's. Not that a disc is everything but it would probably be a bigger advantage than anything else.

What are people generally riding in this class?

[Nathan S]

Not that I've ridden a 4-stroke KTM, but those early Euro discs were crap. I'd prefer a TT600 with the twin leader any day (any day when its not raining, at least).

The '84 XRs had the disc. Its easily the best brake of the bikes mentioned.

Locally, the class is a real mixed bag - Den's KTM, a couple of KLX250s, a TT250H (soon), Paul's "Kawasaki XT", Dan's XR500, the occasional HL500 replica, etc.

[LWC82PE]

Is the KTM 4 stroke the only one made before 85 that manages a disc brake?

84 XT600 has disc

also what about 83/84 XL600, i think they have disc Y/N

[Bioflex]

How are those XR 500's like to ride?
I've kinda been tempted by them, but the thought of throwing a bike that is more oafish and heavier than my XR600 over jumps is scary. The 600 I have is a bit newer (91 model) so I figured it would actually feel a bit better than the older 500's, could be wrong though.

The four strokes really do look like a mixed bag, surprised no one is running a Husky, they certainly look the best.

[Rossvickicampbell]

one of the guys over here is riding a TE 510 I think it is - certainly looks the goods!!!!

[firko]

I'll probably get run over by a truck for saying this but I find myself agreeing with Nathan . My choice would also be a TT600 Yamaha. I owned one for years and in that time thoroughly mistreated it yet it never, ever let me down. Sure they're heavy, but so is an XL Honda and the TT has the benefit of good suspension, good brakes and an engine that loves being hammered. You can do copious amounts of mods to the engine as well. My mate in the US Marsh Runyon had his out to nearly 800cc I believe. A couple of Aussies raced it while over there including (I think) this forums Yamaico and all reports were that it was a real weapon.

[VMX247]

one of the guys over here is riding a TE 510 I think it is - certainly looks the goods!!!!

Will let you know 100% after tomorrows Bridgetown Grass Track as the A Grader on this 510 will be giving his usual all !!
Besides our XL350 (cause its in our shed ) I'd say this Husky 510 would be the next choice for a throughbred 4 stroke       very nice thumper !!
cheers

[Ktm181]

As far as I know the 4 stroke class is run as per 85, so the bulk of bikes would likely be 78 to 84.

For those attend busy race meetings or even ride a 4 stroke themselves, is their a preferred bike, one that has a competitive edge over the opposition?
Is the KTM 4 stroke the only one made before 85 that manages a disc brake?

I know XR's and Can Am's made before this time ran drums as did the husky's. Not that a disc is everything but it would probably be a bigger advantage than anything else.

In my opinion, from back then, the ONLY bike that was competitive was a Husky, doesnt matter if CR/WR etc, '83-'84 were REALLY FAST, a pig to start when hot, but had heaps of power & handled well.  Expensive to maintain,ran hot as hell, but were bloody good for a 4 banger, even good for holeshots against 500 2st!

Kt

[NR555]

No question here.  My four stroke (and even VMX in general) weapon of choice would be a 78 CCM Works replica.  Almost an unfair advantage in 4 valve form.  A Maico 490 struggles to get near one of these off the start.  Sheer, tractable horsepower in a great chassis.

Here's the CCM man himself, Jimmy Aird, handing a bunch of two strokes a sound beating.  Take note of the acceleration out of the turns:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6NCiDt1bm8

If you've got a spare $30K, you can get a new one built for yourself.  This is why you don't see them anywhere!

[brent j]

And a bit of Jimmy Aird's talent wouldn't go amiss either

[NR555]

And a bit of Jimmy Aird's talent wouldn't go amiss either

No question there either!

[bazza]

pop over to Unzud and see Mr aird racing!!!

[Marc.com]

I'll probably get run over by a truck for saying this but I find myself agreeing with Nathan . My choice would also be a TT600 Yamaha. I owned one for years and in that time thoroughly mistreated it yet it never, ever let me down.

Yep normally my TT600 is the only one of my bikes that actually runs 100% of the time. Stone cold reliable, more grunt that a barnyard of pigs.

[shorelinemc]

well for pre 78 building a RM370 with a TT500 motor in it something different to HL/HUSKY/MAICO frames dont know if it will work or not

[head]

I am currently building a 82 XR500 motor in a YZ250L chassis. Its a tight squeeze, but I think it will be a good thing. Had a spare frame lying around.