Messages

31

General Two Stroke Talk / mxa 2t vs 4t

« on: March 13, 2013, 08:24:48 AM »

People seem to regard MXA as the ''defender of the 2 stroke".

Well, no, they vacillate with the wind / trends of the time.

IF they were serious, they would include 250 2ts in the Full, 250 MX Shoot Outs. Tell the manufacturers, if they object to that comparison, to pull their heads in. That is, if they have the balls to do that.

Show full rev range dyno charts, not refer to the KTM250SX as having 19HP more than the 250F at 8K, and calling that the midrange for the 2502t - when it's basically at / near it's top end. It has 49.77HP at 8500, the F has 42.88 at 13500. The 4ts will be soon at the door of a 2t, in HP - I'd be surprised if the factory KTMs are not approaching those levels, now. And Moto 3, is going to bring a lot more development to the 4ts. Pricey Engines, though.

They then describe the 250SX as having no low end whatsoever. What a load of crap.

I never pay much attention to the 'common' dyno chart - they mean little in real life.

MXA needs to take a leaf out of their own book - recently, on their site, with testing of a few mods on a bike, they did dyno runs at various throttle openings / revs, then compared the increases / or loss at those throttle setting / revs, then showed How much of a percentage increase / decrease that mod made at those various points. Showing that a 2 / 5 / 10 / "whatever" HP increase at certain throttle / rev settings, Can be a Big difference. Costly to do, yes, but the way it should be done, by the ''worlds best / biggest, MX Magazine".

And, they Should take the very few minutes, to try different PV Springs and pre-load effects. It makes a heck of a difference, so much so that the 250 2t will be damn near as good as hooking up on hard / slippery ground as a 250F - whilst Still having much more power, much earlier.

So, while they still do not include 'like' displacement bikes in Full shootouts, and they don't cut the crap and show  various engines operating rev ranges as they are, they continue to reinforce / create BS.

32

General Two Stroke Talk / The Truth

« on: March 10, 2013, 11:54:34 PM »

The Key thing about that article, is that it was printed / published in a Mainstream Newspaper .

When have you seen this sort of thing in the LA Times, Washington Post, NY Times / your major cities Newspapers / News Sites?

That there are inaccuracies - is disappointing, and, sadly, to be expected these days. 'Journalists' should make an effort to get it right, it's their job to get facts straight.  " title="Roll Eyes" class="smiley">

But, look at the inaccuracies / mistakes made here on this thread by posters. It happens.

As for the street RS125 - well, look to what is replacing it. A bloody 4t 125. I'd rather ride a learner spec RS125 (and they are not much fun - compared to derestricted ones), than the RSV125 (I think it strangely has the 'V' designation?).

Aprilia, bear as much responsibility as Honda in the demise of 2ts, especially in Road Racing, as I've pointed out many times. Bastards, equally. 

I wish I had the unallocated money to snaffle the last of the RS125 Road Bikes. A mate has snaffled nearly every last version of Sports 2ts, over the space of near 30 years - as well as numerous 4t Superbikes. He's recently wheeled a 'last of the line' RS125 into his workshop / gallery. Bottomless pockets can sometimes be put to good uses.

33

General Two Stroke Talk / MXA: ASK THE MXPERTS: OKAY GENIUSES, SOLVE THIS PROBLEM

« on: March 07, 2013, 12:34:58 PM »

The AMA long ago stepped away from the majority of Racing. AMA Pro, with Road Racing, Motocross, (DCs mob only run it, under contract to AMA Pro /DMG) Flat Track and ATV MX and Hillclimb, are owned by Daytona Motor Group - The France family's company.

The AMA still 'owns' SX, but Feld have control over it - effective ownership till the contract expires, I think around 2020?

That they've stuffed American Road Racing is not new.

The 636 has to carry 20lbs over a 600.

So, 375lbs as against 355lbs. A 675 Triumph Triple, has to carry just 5lbs over a 600cc 4. The Ducati 848 /Corsa 848, has the same weight limit as the 636 Kawi. And there are other, bigger capacity bikes with specific weights in the same class.

So, they haven't bowed to Kawi - Kawi have no intentions of running an official Team in Daytona Supersports, at the moment.

That they so Pissed Off Honda, with their meddling in Road Racing, has made Honda incredibly determined to stand up against them with regards to the MX capacity rules. Feld having control over SX - the 'jewel in the crown' of MC Sports, adds to Hondas intransigence / power.

That's Honda's True Power - their influence with Feld, and their determination to not let DMG do them out of their favoured 'rules'.  They got gazumped in Road Racing - they'll not let that happen again in SX, and MX.

34

General Two Stroke Talk / CRF Redemption: The 500 Project Part 1

« on: March 03, 2013, 05:28:11 PM »

That picture of the broken cases of your 500 - the best advertisement for a decompression system you can find!

The type that Jar944 and others use, is a simple, cheap, no weld / bugger-all effort solution. My solution, is more expensive / involved.

Of course, you could be a 'hard man' and say "I don't need no frigging Decomp" - but your wallet will argue with you (especially if the breakage extends into the main case - if so, hopefully it can be welded / repaired - just pay a lot of attention to the correct alignment of the various shaft / bearing holes  ), and you'll also be ID'ing yourself as a bit of a Drongo. What's not to love about an easier to fire up bike?

Oh, a better KS lever stop on the foot peg, can help, as well.   

As for the WP area rot, Magnesium protected only by a bit of paint (if that) and water, especially under turbulence / cavitation - not a good idea. Yuck!

35

General Two Stroke Talk / I saw a good rumor about Honda on another website.

« on: March 03, 2013, 05:09:39 PM »

Yes, Honda Are a Four Stroke Company.

Yes, they Have used their influence to control racing class rules, and, through that influence, change the market, almost exclusively towards the Four Stroke.

Honda's Engineers, are their Engineers - they didn't have '2t specialists' in terms of career streams - they move their engineers constantly - they believe in multiple engineering skills. Yes, they'd keep Engineers in say, the 2t program for some time, but, unceremoniously, move them to something else.

I, for one, believe they will do All they can do, to stick to their "All Four Stroke, All The Time", ethos.

But, I hope that market pressure, changes that. As it did in the Seventies, with the massive Off Road explosion.

There could be a second version of that, if the potential markets of India, China and the ever growing South American Economies do just that - Grow. That of course, applies to Road Bikes, even more.

So many ignorant Westerners, think that the above mentioned markets will not be interested in Dirt Bikes - or just 'recreational motorcycles' in general. Well, as I've written on KTM Talk, with so many Millions of Millionaires, and Millions upon millions of new "middle class" people - if even a poofteenth, of a poofteenth of one percent of those people think Dirt Biking looks cool, there will be a market that utterly Dwarfs the "western market". And they have a Lot of land available, despite the Billions of people they have, as the population crowds into the cities.

Price, as always, will be a big factor, as will environmental cleanliness of production, and use will be an even bigger issue. A 2t will always have less materials used in their 'making', so, a cheaper engine is a given.

Who knows - Honda may well be 'forced' by market forces, to re-embrace 2t production. But you can guarantee they'll fight it.

As for power outputs - there's plenty to come from 4ts - just look at the power the Moto 3 bikes have, specifically Honda's, at a relatively low state of tune (a whole bucket load less than KTMs 2013 'purchasable' bike, though it it about 1/2 the price), but a lot more than current production MX250Fs. But, it's not particularly 'cheap power'. As Four Stroke power is Never cheap.They'll need something like the 'Holy Grail', a cheaper , more efficient induction train - such as the often pursued Rotary Valve. No guarantee it will be cheaper, of course ......

Here's a bit of wishful conspiracy theory for you - Honda, to get the 150F class at (some of) the GPs, agreed to bring back a 125 2t for the EMX125 class............ Even though I wrote it, I think it's BS. I'd say Luongo just shooftied a goodly wedge of money into an account on the 150F deal.

On another tack - but dealing with 2ts: BMWs German Husky CEO, often referred to the 2T DFI Husky being developed.

Now, was / is that a BMW proprietry technology / development, or Husky?

 I'd think BMW's.

I'd be surprised if Pierer's (sp?) / Bajaj's Husky, has that tech as 'theirs'.  I could be wrong.

But, with BMW having openly referred to it, and their refocusing on their street bikes, and their stated aim of going for the mass transport / commuter bike market, albeit the 'higher' end of it, the DFI 2t looks to be the best of solutions. I'd prefer that, than for it to be part of the Husky sale, and have it 'disappear' from sight, in preference to a 'one solution fits all, KTM system'. Mind you, Pierer / whoever ends up being the real owner of Husky, may have thought / may find that the BM /Husky DFI is better than their version - if it's part of the sale package.

If Honda never gets back to 2ts - and, with their corporate ethos, that's the most obvious thing for them to keep to, well, they can rot in hell. And , hopefully, "suffer in their jocks". Right Royally.

36

General Two Stroke Talk / 2014 Maico's

« on: March 03, 2013, 12:41:27 PM »

I can assure they are not going to be $16k... And nobody has seen the new models, so how and why judge?
If you don't like them when they are released, you don't have to buy one.
We should be happy there is another 2T option coming back around.

Agreed,but the skepticism is understandable.

We are in a 'pro' 2 stroke Forum.

With, I'd say, quite a few older  blokes that have either owned Maicos, or competed against them. I, and I'm sure a few others here, can tick both boxes.

 It would be interesting to see the demographics of this site, by the way.

We 'pro' 2 stroke riders / owners / enthusiasts, have been served up a serious amount of 'stories', if not to say BS, with regards to Maico International, and their 'coming bikes', over the last few years. A large amount of 'goodwill' has been used up.

Many of us have seen that it's been held up by legal matters - but with so much I've read, they were legal matters that could have been avoided. By doing things right, and 'due diligence' on part of people making claims to ownership. All while making big claims as to 'innovations'.

So, many stand back now, with a heavy load of skepticism, BUT, a hell of a lot of hope.

So, please keep us informed of progress Charles - keeping things to yourself, will do no one any good - agreed to 'embargoes' are perfectly understandable / legitimate things you Have to honour, of course. Make sure you reveal any 'obligations' you may have to Maico International - such as the aforementioned information embargo dates, AND any 'perks' you are given, such as free travel to an event. A good journalist / site owner Should be up front and provide full disclosure of such things, to maintain their credibility. I apologize in advance, if this offends - I'd hope, it comes under the old saw of "teach your Grandma to suck eggs". Which I tend to use on fools, know-alls and BS artists.

As I've written all along - I await Maicos re-emergence, over and above the small 'production' done by others such as Koestler (sp?)

I really hope this is not another disappointment in the making.

I wish Maico International well, and hope that the BS has stopped. Please keep us Accurately Informed, Charles.

There are a fair few wankers who joyously knock OSSA - but, they've got into production, with Entirely New Bikes, in record time - selling their Trials Bikes and the Explorer. The Enduro, is, so far, only a few months behind the initial debut date - down to have been for Feb /March 2013, from the very get go. People seem illiterate, when it comes to the original time frame given. The last I read, limited production is a few months behind.

I see delays in the OSSA Enduro, being more due to OSSA having to concentrate on their Trials and Explorer production - money makers that they need to meet the demand for, and not restrict production of to get the Enduro bikes out. I'd not be surprised to see some further delay to the Enduro bike release - due to production limitations.   But that economic reality, would seem to be something beyond most peoples understanding, too. Blokes like Chilly, thinking they are 'clever' in knocking OSSA, whilst not seeming to see their success in starting back up, and getting modern 2ts made, and Sold. And, they are EFI - something that many, seem to still think "can't ever work" - Absolute F***ing Drongos. It's funny - I don't seem to see Chilly getting stuck into KTM for just sitting on their arses and pumping out basically the same 2 2t engine modules, since around 1997 /98. But, it has to be acknowledged, that KTM Have said All Along, that their 'new 2ts', would not appear before they Have to appear, to meet regulations. I hope, they'll appear a bit earlier than that, due to competition from other new 2ts, that take sales from them

37

General Two Stroke Talk / 2014 Maico''''''''s

« on: February 28, 2013, 07:56:33 AM »

Is there a Date for the reveal?

If there is, I missed it.

It would be nice to know, so we can start ticking off the days, awaiting, hopefully, a Big Bit of Joy (as a former Maico owner).

I'm trying my best to be optimistic, we've been waiting a while, so I really hope it's worth the wait.

I'd love to have Maico in the mix for my money, amongst the, what I hope to be, quite a few new 2ts that will appear soon. Well, one, the Beta, already has 'landed'. Hopefully, the Maico will be a new bike, not just a re-hashed '86. Though, a "very, Very Thoroughly" modernized '86 would still be a great bike, that might get the  'new 2t money'  that's burning a hole in my bank account.

38

General Two Stroke Talk / name this rippa

« on: February 21, 2013, 05:29:23 AM »

Coffee as usual. Moissev rode CZ's and when they never turned up for one GP KTM lent him a bike, tolerated for a while then forbiden.

Complete and utter BS.  " title="Roll Eyes" class="smiley">

He rode KTMs to his World Championships.

Learn a bit more about our sport than you think you know - don't put out incorrect information like  "for one GP KTM lent him a bike". Absolutely wrong.

39

General Two Stroke Talk / stewart says bring 2 strokes back

« on: February 20, 2013, 03:08:18 PM »

He even sounded sincere about it.

The best response was Nic Weys.

40

General Two Stroke Talk / name this rippa

« on: February 20, 2013, 02:28:22 PM »

Correct but I'll have to deduct  half a point for not mentioning Moissev was forbiden to ride KTM's and was only allowed to ride CZ's and Jawa's. Another Russian rider Vicktor Arbeckov defeated Joel Robert at the height of his powers. I'll have to check if Martijn Stehouwer has finished his blog on racing behind the Iron Curtain, concentrates on road racing but some very interesting stories.

What the hell have you been drinking?

GM Won his World Championships on KTMs.

It was only after he had done so, that the Politburo decided he had to try to win on a CZ.

And there, went a glorious career.........

Oh, by the way, there is now a 'push' on for a GP to return to Namur - by the city itself. Though, the very lowest part of the track, has now a street with modern houses on the lower side - where you'd see the riders turn right, with a hay bailed / wood wall protected stone wall of the fortress, often used as a berm.

I was lucky enough to get to races at Namur a few times - the last being 2006. On the way back down to Switzerland after last years MX Des Nations, we made the effort to go down to Namur, and check things out. There is now a childcare centre just past the ornamental bridge they went under, and jogged to the left, just about right where the fence for the Kindergarten is now. So, what's another thing to slam into at full throttle, at Namur............

Somehow, I think Luongo will find a way to veto a GP there, or, some modern riders and teams will not want to go. As much as I love the place, it's bloody dangerous - like the IOM TT , or Irish Real Roads Racing, is to Moto GP. Perhaps, we might see a GP there, or just a dirty great big "International" Race, just after the GP season and MX Des Nations.

41

General Two Stroke Talk / name this rippa

« on: February 19, 2013, 11:05:57 AM »

I don't think a multi time World Champion is obscure : Gennady (sp?) Moisseev

And, as RacerX has corrected (research / revision seemed to be needed), certainly not DeCoster - Sylvain Geboers - who, ironically IS also in the many years later picture with Joel, and Roger. Gaston, was a hell of a bloke.

42

General Two Stroke Talk / help,help im sick

« on: February 13, 2013, 09:28:23 AM »

Go to MXA's site, and you'll see in a couple of REM / Basher's Mid week reports, a KTM SX / KX500 special they are testing, for a future article in the mag.

Looks good.

  I just went back a page on postings, and saw the static pic had a thread already.

Here's an 'action'picture :

And the static picture originaly posted elsewhere:


Put a simple decomp on a 500, and they're childs play to start. As for the d***heads that scorn that, and feel you should be a 'hard man' to start a 500, I say, go **** yourself. The less effort / quicker to start my 500 is, leaves me more in my tank, for riding - plus you don't stress the cases / KS shaft. I use an tiny, Gas Gas lever as a KS lever, so I don't have to bend my non - bendy knees too far, during starting. You'd be lucky to turn the bike over with it, and you'd certainly break the pivot post (13mm, as against 19mm, if I recall correctly) in a few kicks, without the decomp.

43

General Two Stroke Talk / You call those Whoops??

« on: March 05, 2013, 03:07:30 AM »

There were lots of runaway victories during the 2 stroke days, 4t SX is hardly cruise control like many on here imply... I am not a big fan of the circus like vibe and much prefer the outdoors. But, I still watch because dirt bikes rule and there is no other bike racing option... This past weekend had some great racing and I look forward to more.

I couldn't agree more.

A few too many people here, tend to believe their own BS.

SX is a circus, it always has been. And there was a hell of a lot of "after you, Alfonso", racing, in the past. On 4ts, and 2ts.

Rose coloured glasses, seem to be worn, by too many. In the eighties, there was a bit of variation in winners. But, think of the McGrath era, for just one example of racing being , largely, a follow the leader, or, "oh no, I better move over for Jeremy" series.

It will always be a Circus. And, a bloody one. My best hope for it, and MX, is that idiot rules get changed, soon. More variation in bikes, without handicapping. It May never happen, It May happen, who knows?

 Stusmoke:

 "Are You (not) Entertained" , enough? - it was a less than subtley changed movie quote - reflecting on "spectators" tendency for blood lust, and carnage. And, it seems, that even here, a fair few, show those tendencies.

44

General Two Stroke Talk / You call those Whoops??

« on: March 04, 2013, 06:11:16 PM »

I saw some very good racing.

I am more than happy to see reasonable sized whoops, that I still saw blokes stuff up  in, Without getting pile driven into the ground. Jumps - all fine by me - plenty of air for the spectators that Have to see it.

A sand (though it looked the colour of gravel dust) section, a bit of a 'wall', step down that you could see blokes trying damned hard to keep low on, with few succeeding. There seemed to be a variation in the soil, too.

Plenty of crashes, for the idiots who want to see it happen, and no blokes coming through from the back with little opposition.

I liked the after event pictures that showed 4  very well 'worked in' ruts coming out of  a few corners - showed it wasn't a one lined track. A Rare thing in SX.

I guess I'm not a 'typical' SX fan. Well, I'm sure of that - Outdoors is what I prefer. I don't want to see blokes hammered into the ground, and runaway wins. We had 4 blokes within 40ft of each other, for quite a while, and good racing. Without the early pile up, in the 250s, we would have seen better racing there, as well, I think.

I hope that they can continue to deliver tracks, that the riders were pretty happy with, as well as most spectators, and industry types. We pay be turning a corner here, to better tracks for racing on.

There seems to be a few here who Really want to see the Gladiatorial side of SX. "Are You (not) Entertained" , enough?

45

General Two Stroke Talk / Local yamaha shop

« on: January 02, 2013, 05:05:47 PM »

Your buddy is either stupid, ignorant or both. Two strokes sell faster, blind freddy can see that.

I'd not argue with that, at times  .

Probably since bugger all are now produced as full sized bikes. Other than KTMs - the head of KTM has openly stated that the EXC 300 is their single, biggest selling model ( well, Austrian produced model - the  India produced 125 /200 Dukes would sell more, by now, just in India /Asia alone, I'd say) bike.

But, as I wrote, there are plenty of ways to interpret that "no 4ts on the showroom floor" type of statement.

And a lot of 4t 'Huggers', will think just the way as my mate said it. Mind you, He, was certainly saying it in a rather sarcastic tone.