Should be interesting. I wonder who's going to ride it. Suter MMX 500 two-stroke to make debut at TT 2016 - Bikesport News
I read that they are looking at signing two previous tt winners. 195hp and a weight of 127 kg its going to be an animal.
it IS an animal, makes a phani look tame. Theres been loads written on this bike espec in PB mag, and im impressed, even at the 80K asking price, (upgrades available!)
Can't wait to see this in action, amazing prospect and will be really interesting to see how they have used modern tech to tame the two stroke.
I know someone who has modified two stroke engine technology for racing. A guy I know, who owns a Ducati 748 actually did some Ducati design that was published in a bike magazine, he is a friend of the company owner Mark who lived not far from me... The company has seen consistent yearly growth and continues to expand in a competitive market. With continuous investment in high precision engineering technologies, the company outgrew its original premises in Kettering. In 2015 a move to larger modern high quality premises in Wellingborough became necessary to meet demand for high precision engineering services. Cougar RED Ltd has supported clients within automotive manufacturing, Formula 1, World Rally, MotoGP and British Superbike. In 2009 the company developed and manufactured a unique 2-stroke motorcycle race engine powered by Bio-Ethanol, it was seen as disruptive technology. The engine delivered more power, torque and significantly reduced exhaust toxins. The skills and knowledge of the company were proven when the engine went on to win at the 2009 MotoGP weekend.
That is a brave move to invest in a two stroke when everybody goes the other way. Bike sounds and looks amazing. Henk!!!
I'd buy a two stroke happily, I confess I am not too well informed but I think when the MX favored four strokes allowing double the capacity to race two strokes then banning them, an environmental move yes but a profitable one. Last time I checked the four stroke valves were pricey for competition, doing valve clearance checks having cams out Two strokes still have a place in my heart. Environmental impact that's the argument, I believe they can build them more ozone friendly now. I do wonder with cash for old car scheme, or electric cars how environmentally conscious this all is... manufacturing new cars, or batteries must have a carbon foot print what about diesels engines, industry, farming etc.. I still have some two stroke tools.
These bikes are lovely things indeed, but are they competitive against the bikes of McGuinness, Dunlop etc ? I assume it takes a massive wad of cash to develop the bikes up to the level that the sharp end of the field ride, and this is the sort of money only the big brands have, or is that not the case ?
I'm not going debate that Mr R. I know you know what you are talking about. I was generalising and from a nostalgia point of view which I appreciate is a little off topic. I likes the Two stroke road bikes and MX bikes. I am aware of two stroke (division one super karts) have top end rebuilds at every race meeting and cranks don't last long. I've known some of the drivers, and they spend money that I can't understand where it all goes. I believe they re ring a 2 stroke very frequently. Thing is, I can do that even at the track. I won't mess with my cam timing which is not standard on the GSXR, I leave that motor to the engine builder. My YZ250 was rebuilt by a MX race engine builder and it cost a fraction of my GSXR1000 Race engine to do. Although not directly comparable. I guess it would could cost more than a four stroke single through out the course of a season. I wonder if you were doing enduro for fun it might not stack up the same. One is easier to work on and less labour intensive and has different character. I'm not trying to prove one better than the other just being nostalgic. Our motors inline 4's are rebuilt every year, they recommend top and tail 1/2 way through the season. With Suzuki race parts support discount, just for rings and ti valves £800 ish vs £1500+ est RRP. I just had a crank in one GSXR engine. I think that bill was well over 2K with work balancing, shells, rods etc.... An engine rebuild at the end of the season can approach 4 > 5 K and that's after perhaps 10 race weekends and testing so it still adds up even without nice pistons and other fancy parts. One of the guys that has helped us, has worked with the 500 Moto Gp engines up to current versions and I know it's not all fun, they had different exhausts for different circuits and a pain to set up apparently. But what a bike! Like wise my 4 stoke inline four was previous built by a TT racer. Top spec motors often don't run a full season with lifed cranks (teams carrying a spare engine) lots of money spent. My No2 motor was built by someone else who's quite well known. I still love two strokes, nostalgia maybe... I don't like four stroke singles off road (not claiming to be a good rider) Also not saying it is wise to invest in development either, but I'd buy a new car to get to work and an old one for the weekends. Probably why I bought a 998 Ducati and the next bike will probably be twin shock and air cooled.
there is evidence that 2 strokes can be more powerful, lighter, less ozone offensive, and more efficient than a 4 stroke. Can you imagine the costs involved in changing your plant to produce 2 stroke engines? it will never happen, but, diesels were the in thing until the government changed their minds, so who knows.............
I spent a lot of time with the red bull 500 team when they ran Hopper and Garry McCoy and the bikes were pretty reliable. It used to break my heart to see all the end of life service parts go for destruction ( although Mats the Swedish parts guy in charge of disposal may have a complete bike ........ Allegedly).
