Dirt Action magazine just ran a lites bike test (250f and KTM150/YZ144). Some interesting comments came out of the test I'd like to share with you all. By the way a 4 stroke was declared the winner.
Test Conclusion KTM150/YZ144 - Roll on torque and better hook-up on acceleration - that's all that stops riders from pulling the same lap times as a 4 stroke. (my comment - fair enough conclusion and true but maybe a lack off 100cc has something to do with it, I'd love to see a CRF150 up against a KTM150 that would be fun!!)
Riders opinions on the 2 strokes;
KTM150
"This bike is so much fun. You forget just how good it is to ride a well set-up two-stroke and really get stuck into it. It makes great power, steers well and just feels like it wants to be raced. Every kid should ride a two-stroke at some point in their careers" CU
"This little bike was a complete shock and is so cool to ride. In the hands of a light guy on the right track, I reckon this thing would do some damage" JM
"It makes enough bottom-end that I didn't need to clutch it much, which is awesome for a small two-stroke. I also like the way it felt so light and nimble around the track and I could muscle it if I had to" BC
YZ144
"This is the sort of bike you just want to have in the shed for fun days. If I wasn't racing I'd be back on one of these, purely for the fun factor. It screams, turns and sounds unreal and still gets around the track bloody fast. The cheaper and easier maintenance is also a huge bonus" BF
"Awesome everything; couldn't fault it. The engine is so strong when kept in the mid and the bike is so light it could be whipped around and pointed and moved in the air so easily. the brakes are great, the riding position is great and it was easily the most enjoyable bike of the day for me" JM
"CU was out on the KTM150 while I was on the 144 and I just couldn't help but wanna race him. Thats what this bike did for me. I just wanted to ride it as fast as I could, whip it as hard as I could over the jumps and try to scrape the bars in every turn" NC
Sounds like they all had a blast on the two-strokes!!
Finally the magazines take on two versus four;
"Let's answer the question of all time: two versus four-stroke? We polled every rider on the test day and the answer was always the same, almost to the word; "If I was buying a bike to just have fun, I would take the two-stroke. If I am buying a bike to win races , it has to be a four-stroke" The real answer to this question has already been answered by you. The public lapped up the four-stroke from its introduction, as sales of two-strokes ground to a halt. People power has spoken.
What the four-stroke has going for it is the latest technology, more power over a wider area, more stable handling, better hook-up, more aftermarket accessories and a better resale value. Put simply, it is an easier bike to ride faster.
In the two-stroke corner, the fun factor, lightness of bike, lower cost of running and simplicity of design all make it a worthwhile proposition. They are still great fun and a good rider will do similar lap times- it's just that you will always will be coming from behind.
In 2010, the lites class will even allow 250cc two-strokes to compete against the 250cc four-strokes and it will be interesting to see how things pan out, although my lunch money is still on the four-banger."
Phew that was long winded. Thats an Aussie magazines view.
