One of the Jap manufacturers ought to wake up and start building trail-freindly versions of their 250 2 stroke MX bikes
They did, and stopped right at the millenium cusp. Well, everyone but honda. Yamaha had the WR, and that went 4-stroke in '98 w/ the new 400
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
. Suzuki had the RMX, and I think that stopped in '99 to never be replaced by a 4-stroke(yet). Kawi never did a MX-based enduro, but they already had one of the most sought after enduro bikes out there...KDX! And....they still make it, fortunately. Basically I think the jap enduro's just never sold. KTM/misc euros really ate into their market, and had 'better' machines. Take my WR for example. Yamaha half-assed it. They threw a lighting coil(no lights!), FWW, poorly designed large tank/seat, and Wide trans into a YZ250. No porting differences or susp valving difference. Stock this bike is almost a nightmare on the trails only saved by the wide trans and throttle control. They took off in the desert as no one cared about the lights or ergos, it would trail ride, but would still SHRED the sand and had a nearly 90mph top speed while having a granny first. I guess maybe if Yami/Zook build better enduro bikes they may have sold more of them. When the WR went 4-stoke they finally started adorning it w/ proper mods, but it has that sucky 4-stroke mill
![Mr. Green :mrgreen:](./images/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif)
But....It sells. I think MX conversions outnumber just about anything in the enduro/HS/GNCC arena though...Followed by KTM....Followed by the KDX. Depending on where you live swap the conversion/KTM in those standings.
I've yet to ride one (really don't want to), but it's no suprise that the 'racing' 4-strokes have no bottom. I'm sure the WR's are a touch better than the YZ/RMZ/KXF w/ the wide trans, and different cam but it makes since why. You can't build a high-rpm 4-stroke and retain tons of bottom. A 2-stroke shines here with the invention of the powervalve--without it you can't build a 2-stroke like that either! The 4-stroke equivelant is variable valve timing, and got forbid if they add that **** to a bike you will never be able to work on it--Kinda acts like a variable camshaft. Think of a MX 4-stroke as a drag car....Take a small block car that runs 9's/10's and swap the 4000+ RPM converter out for a stock unit. It will never go anywhere unless it manages to spin the tires to free up the load. Why? Because it will have no bottom--it's torque peak will be something like at 75% of it's RPM range, and will have less power at 1500RPM than it did stock. These bike motors are no different. Thay are made to run wide open at the necessary sacrifice of bottom end.
Damn the EPA! Just think if they didn't mess w/ the 2-strokes. We would be getting all the newest 2-stroke technology. I don't know about you, but I'd kill for a rotary valved, direct injection, power valved, 2-cycle enduro bike! How does right-off-idleXR400-like bottom w/ factory 250 like top-end sound? How about never jetting again, and gaining fuel economy while making more usable power?
![prayer :prayer:](./images/smilies/icon_pray.gif)
Jet ski's have it, ouboards have it, well, there you have it...
Sorry, I guess I hijacked this thread w/ my 4-stroke bashing.