If they pay for it fine, but in the long run why bother with failed 150 4 strokes? There is a reason why the kx85/100 and the yz85 still exist. And imagine that, a European 85 class for the youth, not only can Honda help support it but so can every god damn obscure company that are currently hiding in some shed across Europe..
I think we are missing something here. This class isn't replacing the EMX 85 class. It is in addition to it. Those kids with MONEY will probably run both classes.
And here's something else: It doesn't matter if the Honda explodes (and it won't). It's covered. These are essentially Rental Bikes, and you don't get to take it home until the end of the season. You don't get to tinker on it or add performance parts. It is really not like a one-make series like the FIA Renault Cup. It is more like the Barber Dodge series; Arrive and Drive. Being that way, it doesn't matter if Honda - the program owner - uses XR's or XL's, CRF's or CR's. Everyone will eat the same turd.
TMKIWI, I agree with you that there must be a place for riders to race all brands against each other - and there is; EMX85. No benefit is given to color (unless it is red and thumps, then it can be 150cc). I also have no love for The Evil Empire (Honda). I think the point that is getting everyone riled up but no one as mentioned is that it is getting top billing even though it is a bottom rung class. The opportunity to run on a GP weekend, on a GP track, in front of GP sponsors and scouts would be worth the entry fee.
For you American's that don't follow the sport across the pond, each country in Europe has a "National Series". It is kind of like a "State Championship" in America. Places like California, Texas and Florida have a meaningful State Championship but most of the other states have a "Regional Championship". In Europe, even a small country like Portugal or Belgium will have a National Championship. The next level up in America is the " AMA National Amateur Championship" (i.e. Loretta Lynn's). Europe however, has a UEM European championship series called EMX. EMX classes include the 65, 85, 125, 250, Open, Women's and Veteran's. The 125 class has an age limit (I think 17) while the 250 and open classes are open to both 2 and 4 strokes. The top of the wrung in America is the AMA (FIM) Pro Series while the rest of the World has the FIM World Championship.
Having this "Support Class" run with the big dogs diminishes the importance of the European UEM Series.
Finally, this has nothing to do with Communism. It is just a marketing ploy (Capitalist) that uses a Monopoly (Capitalist) to showcase their product that just so happens to provide Opportunity (Capitalist) to young riders and uses their massive Influence (Capitalist) in the sport to get a top level venue.
