It's not just a lucky stroke!
By TMX Archives on 2nd Jul 09
WITH Austrian giant KTM once again confirming its commitment to two-stroke production T+MX editor JD joins-in and stands up for the strokers... INTERESTINGLY, we received a communication from the KTM factory this week stating the Austrian company's total commitment to producing two-stroke competition engines and equal commitment to their future development. As KTM stated in its press release, "...more than 20,000 customers opted for two-stroke comp bikes in the last financial year,” and I would think it fair to say that they can't all be wrong. I would also wager that there's the odd factory that will be echoing to the sound of gnashing teeth when they hear that KTM is shouting about this.
So, contrary to what some in the business would have you believe – the two-stroke is very definitely NOT dead!
KTM makes many good points in its press release pointing out the sheer saving in costs and efficiency of a two-stroke over a four-stroke, its inherant lighter weight and of course the savings to be made in running costs. It makes particular reference of the two-stroke in terms of getting new young riders started in the sport in the most cost-effective way.
And given the current financial climate the sport should be looking at every way possible in order to keep costs down – especially when it comes to attracting new riders.
KTM's press release by the way, despite what it may sound like, is not in any way anti four-stroke, as KTM is every bit as committed to the four-bangers – and it makes some stunners – it is simply making the point that there is a very genuine need, not to mention considerable demonstrable demand, for competitive two-stroke competition bikes.
Nowhere is this better illustrated than in the current trend for extreme enduros. All the top guys and most of the rest of the field opt for ‘smokers' when it comes to ‘choose your weapons'. It's not hard to understand why! When it comes to lightness and ease of handling a stroker is the natural choice. Taddy Blazusiak has his choice of the entire KTM range but when it comes to extraordinary events like Erzberg, or the rapidly growing Indoor extreme scene – he bags a stroker every time. As does anyone else who has a choice in the matter!
The booming hare and hounds scene is another area where two-strokes are very much in demand.
KTM is quite right to point out that the continued supply of light and simple two-strokes is absolutely crucial for the ongoing development and existence of the youth scene. Generations of youngsters have been brought-up on bikes that are (relatively) cheap to buy and cheap to run. Most riders can mechanic their own two-strokes but don't feel confident diving into a modern high-revving four-popper.
Of course, you can make an impressive list of the ‘Pros' of a modern four-stroke comp bike. They are awesome pieces of kit and many riders have found that they enjoy riding them, maybe go quicker on them and wouldn't want to swap them. No problem, that's what you call freedom of choice.
The fact remains though that the capacity classes in motocrosss – and yes I have said this many times although this does not make it any less true – have been deliberately fixed in order to stop the two-stroke being competitive. This, in my humble opinion, was simply wrong and again, it is my opinion, the powers-that-be bowed to the pressure of certain commercial organisations.
However, there are signs that the FIM has seen the error of its ways and for 2010 has implemented a class for 125cc two-strokes. Trials of course, despite an attempt instigated several years ago by the FIM to railroad the sport into four-stroke only mode by 2009, did the only thing it could do in the circumstances – and that was to continue to churn out two-strokes. Montesa – Honda owned – jumped immediately and the only Mont that has been available now for several years is the four-stroke Cota 250 4RT. It's a fine, quality bike – but it is very expensive these days.
Sherco and Beta both spent considerable time, effort and cash developing their own four-stroke motors but only as an option to the two-strokes that, quite frankly, without which their factories would close. End of.
Gas Gas also did the only thing they could do, continued to develop its lovely little strokers while instigating a very interesting variation on the four-stroke route. It began developing a side-valve four-stroke single which offers most of a two-stroke's simplicity and also keeps down the overall engine height and weight. The factory has of course displayed this bike several times at shows over the last couple of years and continues to develop the bike – extracting on-demand power from a side-valve is quite an ask – but surely this option will only be put into production should the factory absolutely have to. It is definitely a Plan B, but I'd like to see it happen...
But, overall I am happy to report that the two-stroke, despite several uncalled-for attempts on its life, is not only alive and well but very definitely kicking back...