ASK THE MXPERTS: NOT THE TWO-STROKE SAVIORS

On Apr 22, 2015 Last updated Apr 25, 2015

Jody’s KTM 350SXF. Gadzooks, it’s a four-stroke!

Dear MXA,
Over the years, MXA has continually lobbied for the return of the simple, inexpensive and easy-to-work-on two-stroke. MXA even says that the modern four-stroke is a “bloated leviathan,” complex, expensive and impossible to work on. But, in every issue I see tests of expensive four-strokes taking center stage, and even Jody Weisel, the savior of the two-stroke, built a complex, expensive and impossible to work on KTM 350 four-stroke (and added $3700 in aftermarket goodies to it). Will the real Jody Weisel please stand up!

We are not sure that you fully understand what motorcycle magazines do or who we serve. We test motorcycles for motorcycle racers. We are not a two-stroke magazine, not a four-stroke magazine, but a magazine for the education and edification of readers whose main interest is in modern motocross machinery. We may personally believe that our sport would be in a better place if the AMA had never forced two-strokes to compete with major handicaps, but that doesn’t mean we can ignore the people who own, race and love four-strokes.

Jody’s KTM 250SX. Gadzooks, it’s a two-stroke.

MXA tests every bike made. Last year we tested 54 motorcycles. If we only tested two-strokes, we could finish all of our testing responsibilities in one issues (and go on vacation). We appreciate that you are loyal to two-strokes, but Jody’s KTM 350SXF four-stroke project bike wasn’t for you. It was for owners of KTM 350SXFs who could benefit from the information. On the other hand, savior or not, Jody’s KTM 250SX two-stroke project bike (shown above) just might be your cup of tea.

NK SFS air-suspended triple clamps.

As for the cost, MXA rarely worries about the budget of a project bike for one simple reason: we want to cover as many mods as possible to allow motocross racers to learn about what options are available and what they do. Not everyone will buy $750 SFS air triple clamps, but shouldn’t the readers see that they are available and make the financial choice for themselves?