New for 2008: 450cc Four Stroke Spec Class

[BadBoyRR]

Isn't that pretty much Supermoto?
would be kind of redundant, don't you think?

Not really, super-motard includes dirt sections and jumps. I sincerely doubt that backing it in motard style is the fastest way around a track like Black Hawk. Then again, why not? It's not like there are an abundance of places to race larger motard's. In the mid-west anyway...   

If it just the semantics of the bike style thats a problem,  pick any model that one would not have to buy a new big buck bike every year or throw tons of money at to be competitive and I'm in!   

[ecumike]

Ha, there is already a spec class, with similar bikes that showcases rider ability... call the 125GP class.   

"pick any model that one would not have to buy a new big buck bike every year or throw tons of money at to be competitive and I'm in! "

Answers that question also.  98s + are all competitive.

[BadBoyRR]

OK, I forgot to mention torque and bikes that someone over 5'2" and 150 lbs can ride without looking like a monkey fornicating with a football.

Not to mention, 2-smokes suck....

[Burt Munro]

Ha, there is already a spec class, with similar bikes that showcases rider ability... call the 125GP class.  

"pick any model that one would not have to buy a new big buck bike every year or throw tons of money at to be competitive and I'm in! "

Answers that question also.  98s + are all competitive.

And not to mention that Gp125's are not readily available.

And add in the fact that there are at least 6 manufacturers that produce bikes ready for this spec class.

And the limited life expectancy for anything with a 2 stroke motor due to emission standards.

[resurection]

Life expectancy?
you should look into cost per hour life expectancy on 450's
Without the dust of off road they may last a little longer!
a 450 single making 60hp in race setup will not last as long as an sv650 making 70hp....
Check out the total hours on mx 450's before rebuild is recommended and the news is not good .I don't think cost is good news either.

[Burt Munro]

Resurrection,

You misread my post......

I said life expectancy due to emission restrictions.

Meaning how much longer will the government let us run anything with a 2 stroke motor.   Not how durable the engines are.

[resurection]

Ok I cant argue with that .
But I am concerned with people thinking 450's will be cheep,
They will require much service in this new form of use .They were built for high hp per cc and motocross lightweight

[ecumike]

OK, I forgot to mention torque and bikes that someone over 5'2" and 150 lbs can ride without looking like a monkey fornicating with a football.

Not to mention, 2-smokes suck....

Ha, at 5'2" 150, you're already at an advantage.  That's pretty good for a 125 rider.

[BadBoyRR]

How many pistons do you carry around for your chain saw bike?
How many times a weekend do you pull the head?
How much do you spend on spares and maintenance? 

Aside from the fact that no 125's are readily available and will not get any manufacturer support, I would say that they are in the same ballpark regarding maintenance cost. The four strokes come out way ahead in ease of ownership though.

I would rather freshen up the motor two or three times a season at home than play the tuning game with two strokes.

I never want to spend my weekend wrenching in the pits again. 

Four strokes rule!

   

[tzracer]

How many pistons do you carry around for your chain saw bike?
How many times a weekend do you pull the head?
How much do you spend on spares and maintenance? 

Aside from the fact that no 125's are readily available and will not get any manufacturer support, I would say that they are in the same ballpark regarding maintenance cost. The four strokes come out way ahead in ease of ownership though.

I would rather freshen up the motor two or three times a season at home than play the tuning game with two strokes.

I never want to spend my weekend wrenching in the pits again. 

Four strokes rule!

   

I carry one piston with me. One spare cylinder also.

Currently a piston lasts 600 miles for me, re ring at 300 miles, crank 1000 to 1200 miles. I don't pull the head very often, but I can do it in less than 5 minutes, less than 10 total to reinstall including fill with water. I spend less than $750 per season on parts, probably closer to $650 (if I buy a new crank, can be rebuilt). So per season, 1 crank, 2 pistons, 4 rings. I do very little work at the track. I can jet in about 5 minutes.

My SV was more expensive. But I went through my SV every year, new bearings, pistons, rings, valves (at least reground then checked), valve job.

125 tires are $230 a set and will last several weekends.

The numbers I have heard for freshening a 450 for motocross, was running $1000+.

[resurection]

HA man I wont disagree on two stroke virtues.Simplicity is the way to go .
Stand your ground on weight to hp ratio.
If not for the tree hugers two stroke technology would rain supreme.Direct injection would shut up all nay Sayers!!

[tzracer]

Evinrude E-tec. It is possible to make clean burning 2 strokes.