RIP 2-strokes

[Speeddog]

Looks like the days are numbered:

http://www.motomatters.com/news/2010/06/01/125s_to_be_replaced_by_four_strokes_from.html

 :'(

[duccarlos]

Is this really a surprise? With Moto2 being successful so far, it was just a matter of time.

[zooom]

hell...just make the Moto3 out of what has been brewing and budding with the E-Grand Prix machines.....

[Drunken Monkey]

The class will be composed of 250cc four-stroke single cylinder machines, MCN reports, replacing the 125cc two-strokes currently being used.

SPROING.

Although personally, I was hoping for a bit more displacement, but as long as the power is in the ballpark of 33 HP, I'm all for it.

[fastwin]

I read that Roadracingworld.com article he was referring to. They had a lot of problems getting a 450cc four stroke to hold together for a USA sprint race distance. Can't remember if it was WERA or something else. I can only imagine the stress a 250cc four stroke engine would have in a World Championship Moto3 race distance. I really miss the 250GP bikes...

[Spidey]

SPROING.

Although personally, I was hoping for a bit more displacement, but as long as the power is in the ballpark of 33 HP, I'm all for it.

My carb'd Ninja 250 (with a somewhat built motor, granted) put out 34 HP.  You're looking at a lot more than that for these bikes.  Imagine 50-60 hp in a MotoGP race frame with a 4 stroke powerband.   SPROING!!!

I really hope they don't run thumpers though.  Despite the weight savings, they'll just come to pieces on the racetrack. 

[Speeddog]

250 single 4-stroke, unlimited tech?
IMO, somewhere between 40-50 HP, IE a bit less than 25% of a WSBK literbike.

But they'd be borderline grenades.
Same as if they're built-up 250 MX motors.

[Spidey]

Just brainstorming here, but mebbe they should make them ride with actual grenades underneath them?  Set to go off if you don't make a minimum time.  Or if you try to get off the bike and run away from it cuz you realize you're too slow.

That'd make the 125/Moto2 bump-n-grind look like tea-time.  It'd be awesome.

[fastwin]

Wonder if they will make them use spec 250 thumpers ala Moto2 motors? If so I wonder which company will land that contract. Whoever it is they will have a tough time cranking out enough power to make it interesting on the track and at the same time keeping them from grenading... speaking of grenades.

[zooom]

WELL...I think it might be possible to make a motor for this work...something with a double connecting rod for balance like the old Supermono....

[duccarlos]

Just brainstorming here, but mebbe they should make them ride with actual grenades underneath them?  Set to go off if you don't make a minimum time.  Or if you try to get off the bike and run away from it cuz you realize you're too slow.

That'd make the 125/Moto2 bump-n-grind look like tea-time.  It'd be awesome.

I prefer mini-guns attached to the back.