The Crossroads
The other day I was reminded of a mistake that we've all made--or had to make--as riders.
The reminder came when I rode a YZ125 and got to re-experience all the nice things about two-strokes: the lightness, the distinctive bark, the agile handling. Yet it's obvious: we are still moving further and further toward a world devoid of premix.
But as much as some of us bemoan the loss of the two-stroke, I feel like only a few of us are really putting our money where our mouths are. I'll admit, it's hard: two-strokes are down on power to their four-stroke classmates these days, and choosing one over a thumper is a hard choice for a serious racer. Those few extra ponies that a four-stroke puts out* are hard to resist when you're looking for a competitive edge.
But it occurred to me awhile back that I am not really in need of those extra ponies anymore. Since I've stopped racing regularly, my main concern is having fun as opposed to winning races. And it's hard to beat a two-stroke when it comes to just having fun. So bearing that in mind, I've been looking lately for a way to trade in my 450 for a 250 two-stroke.
I love my 450, but today a 250 would suit me in a lot of ways: the cheaper and easier rebuilds, the extra fun during freeride sessions, the lessened fatigue on my forearms down the longer straights. But the main reason I want a 250 is because I feel like it may be my last chance to own one. I think that if I--and a decent number of other guys like me--don't buy the current generation of two-strokes (slim as their ranks are,) they won't be around for another generation. And I really don't want to see that happen.
Still, it may. But if it does, I'd like to be able to say I fought the tide for a couple more years.
*In case you're new to motocross, two-strokes are actually significantly more powerful than four-strokes, but they are currently pitted against four-strokes that have as much as twice their displacement.
