Should 250cc two-strokes be allowed in MX2?
You can not avoid it. In the MXGP, AMA Supercross and the AMA Nationals, the four-strokes rule the roost. But worldwide debate has arisen about whether or not 250cc two-strokes should be allowed in a class with 250F engines.
The statement has proponents and opponents. In the European EMX250 Championship, the Italian Fantic's ride everyone together and that causes sour reactions among the competition. A 250cc two-stroke would be unfair because they put out more power than a four-stroke. However, that statement is somewhat superficial and deserves some explanation.
Does a 250cc two-stroke have more power than a four-stroke?
Purely theoretical? Definitely. A two-stroke engine produces work with each downward movement of the piston. This is in contrast to a four-stroke engine, where the piston produces work with every second downward movement. More layers of work means more power. Basta! However, there are a few important nuances to make. The powerband of a two-stroke is a lot less wide than that of a four-stroke. A wider powerband has a lot of advantages if, for example, you accelerates out of a bend.
The four-stroke machines also seem to have been significantly developed, so that the lower power is negligible, especially with the factory bikes. The technology of electronic injection is also a major advantage for a four-stroke. In motocross we will not see injection on a two-stroke for the time being, although it is available.
Another nuance we must make is that of Nicholas Lapucci's age. At 250 years old, he is about the oldest participant in the EMX22, while most of his competitors are 4 to 5 years younger. That gives a distorted picture. Lapucci might as well be at the front of this championship on board a 250F.
250cc is 250cc!
Then there are the FIM rules. In the EMX250, 250cc two-strokes are allowed to race against 250cc four-strokes. However, in the MX2 class this rule does not apply. Two-strokes are allowed there, but they may only have a maximum cylinder capacity of 125cc. Suppose Lapucci were to switch to the MX2 next year, he would have to switch to a 250F if he wanted to get results.
In Canada and Australia, the rules have now been changed in such a way that 250cc two-strokes are allowed in the series with 250cc four-strokes. 250cc is 250cc regardless of the technology used. Discussions about a possible change in regulations are ongoing in the US, but the outcome is uncertain.
In a recent video, David Pingree gives his opinion on this topic. He believes that the two-strokes deserve their place in the same class because they are so much cheaper to purchase and maintain. And that is certainly a boost for a sport that is under pressure worldwide. The fact that Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki do not produce two-strokes is no obstacle, they will continue to race with four-stroke technology. Do you have your own opinion on this subject? Leave a comment below this post.
Photos: KTM, GasGas and Fantic
Tekst: Danny Hermans
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