Still loved after all these years, the 2-Stroke Dirt Bike retains a loyal following even if just for the nostalgic factor.
Those were the days...
Known for its unique sound many humans verbalize as "braaap" (number of "As" used varies) the 2-stroke, affectionately called a "smoker," sells well and though mostly abandoned by pro racing, those who insist, the only way to ride involves mixing fuel and oil, can find competitive Motocross races that cater to riders who love the smell of premix in the morning because, of course, it smells like victory.
Still, a few bring their 2-stroke to the premier racing championship - even if mostly for attention - but those who qualify to compete alongside thunderous 4-strokes, have no chance of winning. That doesn't mean the 2-stroke dirt bike cannot compete. It just needs its own class! Free the smokers, some might say.
Simple to rebuild, jump off the gate power, lighter, cheaper and premix (who doesn't like mixing gas and hauling, well, you know?), the 2-stroke just might be the last best thing for racing and riding dirt bikes. MotoSport recently caught up with a 2-stroke fresh off a day at the track and getting pampered in the garage to talk about, of course, all things 2-strokes! This one identified as a Yamaha YZ125, KTM 250 SX, Honda CR250R, Suzuki RM250 and a Yamaha YZ250.
1. Hi, good morning. Good day at the track?
Yes! All revved up and still ready to go. Unlike the other one, my rider is done getting me prepped for the next ride day. No oil changes for me.
2. By other one, you mean a 4-stroke?
Yeah. You spend more time maintaining those things than you do riding. I'll never understand why people get a 4-stroke. Blech. What with their fancy mapping, touchy throttle response and constant need for fresh oil...
3. You need oil changes.
For my clutch. Hardly the same thing. 4-strokes need new clutches too.
4. OK, alright. Clearly, you don't like the 4-stroke.
I made Pro Motocross! Without me and my descendants, stick and ball sports would still be America's pastime. James Stewart on a 2-stroke or Tom Brady throwing underinflated footballs?
5. His prominence was quite a bit overinflated, no pun intended, compared to past greats of the gridiron, I'll give you that. But James crashed a lot.
Umm, not my fault. He probably should have tucked the front-end in.
6. I see you keep up with the sport.
I'm waiting for the powers-that-be to introduce a 2-stroke class and return my rightful place to national prominence. Tell me a 125 2-stroke National Championship would not put butts in seats. I'm talking on 2-stroke seats plus in stadiums around the country. The Outdoors would be madness, I tell you. We don't even have to race on Saturdays. Friday Night Lights would take on a whole new meaning. Braap on!
7. That was my next question. So, you like "braap" to describe your sound?
Yeah, it's cool. Pretty close too, at least in terms of what humans mimic. I also liken us to the sound of bees. You ever hear a full gate of 2-strokes? Probably not because my class was relegated to second class 20 years ago.
8. Who do you blame for that?
Hmmm. Not sure I should say.
9. You can still race. Some pros line up in the 250 and 450 classes.
Do they win?
10. No. But still...
They get more technologically advanced, I stay the same age.
11. Well, that's not exactly true. Manufacturers have implemented ECUs, better frame structures and suspension components and better overall suspension systems, just to name a few.
Fake news! Outside of the KTM Group, 2-strokes haven't evolved at all. Only KTM and Husky have fuel injected 2-strokes (ECU), while Yamaha and others are carbureted with CDI boxes instead of a ECU.
12. Relax! Moving on. You're also known as a "smoker" and for good reason. What do you say about all that smoke you emit.
Umm, you just pointed out all the so-called advancements made to my modern day units. Some of us do emit far less smoke than our grandfathers. But with all things remaining the same, volcanoes produce vastly more pollutants in a year than my entire class of bike has in 50 years. Give me a break. Such a stupid argument.
13. Why do you think the 2-stroke dirt bike continues in popularity?
Nothing has ever existed before us and nothing will exist after us. You cannot replicate greatness. We are what we are. Remember when cassettes replaced records, CDs replaced cassettes, streaming replaced CDs? Then people realized something was missing. Purity. Now everyone listens to records again. Oh, excuse me. Vinyl. A 12 year old wears a Rush shirt. What do they know about Rush? But they listen to the records. I mean vinyl. So people too want to ride a 2-stroke dirt bike. We are classic and raw. Just like Rush.
14. Does it bother you that you're no longer living in the Limelight?
Soap bubbles, soap bubbles. Everything has its heyday only to pop or dissipate into a tub full of dirty water. Vinyl is back. 2-strokes will be back. The difference? We never really went away.
15. You worried about electric dirt bikes?
4-strokes should be worried about electric dirt bikes. HA! What goes around, comes around.
16. I see you identify as a Yamaha YZ125, KTM 250 SX, Honda CR250R, Suzuki RM250 and a Yamaha YZ250. You can't really do that. You are what your manufacturer made you. For the record, what make, model and year are you?
Bro, I'm also a Husqvarna TE 250 and Beta 300 RR.
17. Is there anyone you want to thank? Just kidding, that's a dumb way to end a Q&A. Do you have any last words?
Don't bury me. I'm not dead.
