MXA’S AMA RULE OF THE WEEK: COULD YOU LOSE 20 POUNDS?

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amaruleoftheweek

450 CLASS MINIMUM WEIGHT LIMITS

rules450classweightsIn the 450 class the minimum weight for a 250cc two-stroke is 212 pounds. The 2017 KTM 250SX actually comes in one pound under the weight limit, but different tires or tubes would make it legal. A 450 four-stroke can weigh as light as 220 pounds, with only the 2017 KTM 450SX getting close to that weight inproduction form (at 222 pounds). A stock Suzuki would have to lose 20 pounds to get to the minimum weight, while a Yamaha would need to lose 18 pounds, a Honda 13 pounds, a Kawasaki 11 pounds and a Husqvarna 4 pounds.

250 CLASS MINIMUM WEIGHT LIMITS

rules250classweightsIn the 250 class a 125cc two-stroke can legally hit the starting line at 194 pounds—which is within reach of a 2017 KTM, Yamaha YZ125 and Husqvarna TC125. A 250cc four-stroke can be as light as 212 pounds. Since the production 250 four-strokes varying from 218 pounds to 226 pounds, the teams would have to save as little as 6 pounds or as much as 14 pounds.

Minimum weights were added to the rule book back in the early 1970s to keep the Japanese manufacturers from building 187-pound 250s that Husqvarna, Ossa, Montesa, Maico, Bultaco, BSA and Greeves had no hope of matching. It was a Draconian rule to keep the European brands in the game. Weight limits were implemented under the guise of keeping costs down, but they were really put there to save the European brands.

 

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