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125 2-STROKES ON THE DYNO: THE WRAP

We simply accomplished our 2024 125 two-stroke shootout and it was a head scratcher. Two years in the past we in contrast the then-new 2022 Yamaha YZ125 with the GasGas MC125. The GasGas was sooner, lighter and dealt with virtually in addition to the Yamaha. They had been the very same value on the time, so the GasGas was a straightforward winner. In the 2 mannequin years which have passed by since then, the KTM 125SX, Husqvarna TC125 and the GasGas have all been up to date with electrical begin, throttle-body gas injection and digital powervalves. Now, the Yamaha is the one which’s unchanged. 

The very last thing we do in every shootout is take the bikes to the dyno. We don’t need check riders to know the numbers earlier than they supply their opinions. Usually, the dyno merely helps their seat-of-the-pants impression. But, that’s not precisely what occurred this time. Virtually all of the check riders felt the brand new variations of the Austrian bikes had misplaced energy–which was true. They additionally felt the Yamaha was the brand new horsepower champ on high–which wasn’t true.

PEAK POWER
Husqvarna TC125: 37.02 hp @11,430 rpm
GasGas MC125: 36.51 hp @11,530 rpm
KTM 125SX: 35.94 hp @11,430 rpm
Yamaha YZ125: 35.78 hp @11,670 rpm

PEAK TORQUE
Husqvarna TC125: 17.18 lb-ft @10,950 rpm
GasGas MC125: 16.91 lb-ft @11,060 rpm
KTM 125SX: 16.88 lb-ft @10,960 rpm
Yamaha YZ125: 16.47 lb-ft @10,940 rpm

As you may see from the Pro Circuit dyno, the height horsepower of all 4 bikes is comparable. There’s solely a 1 ¼ hp distinction between the strongest and the weakest on high. Before the height, nevertheless, the Yamaha lags behind the others. Sean Lipanovich, Mark Tilley, Carson Brown and Jared Hicks all felt the Yamaha was the strongest within the center. The Yamaha feels that means as a result of it has the least flywheel impact and essentially the most free-revving engine. The new Austrian motors with their throttle physique gas injection have a extra enduro-bike really feel and don’t reply effectively to clutch work. We contemplate the dyno an attention-grabbing instrument, however not the ultimate decide on something. How did all of them stack up on the monitor? The full check will seem within the April, 2024 print version of Dirt Bike.

GET PAID TO RACE!

Photo: Align Media

More producers have introduced contingency applications for 2024. Last month Kawasaki introduced a program that’s a giant step up from the previous. A Loretta Lynn’s Amateur nationwide Championship is price $2000 in lots of lessons. For a GNCC XC1 Pro win, the payout is $10,000. A 450 Pro win in NGPC will earn $6000. Most of the bigger A lessons pays $1000 to the winner in main off-road collection, with $300 going to the winner in smaller lessons.

Honda’s program pays $1500  for a win on the Loretta Lynn’s Amateur nationals. On the off-road facet, it’s price $7500 for a GNCC Pro win and $400 to many A category winners..

This week, KTM joined the listing with 7 million in choices. Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National Championship pays out $1000for a win in lots of lessons. In off highway racing, a GNCC XC-1 Pro class win pays $5000. Most of the opposite excessive profile off-road races (NH&H, NGPC, NEPG) pays $2500 for a professional win. The particular person lessons pay round $300 for a win. Husqvarna has additionally introduced a $7 million contingency program with comparable payouts to KTM’s. Pros will get a debit card whereas the amateurs will get a vendor debit card.

GLENDALE SUPERCROSS

See you there!

–Ron Lawson
Motorsport

Mini Says Fun Performance Cars Won’t Die In The Electric Era

John Cooper Works was introduced in 2002 as a dealer option for the new Mini Cooper, offering performance upgrades like a new exhaust and a remapped ECU. Recently, Mini’s JCW badge has become its full-on performance sub-brand, similar to BMW M, and it is set to continue even in the electric era.

Vice President of Mini Americas, Mike Peyton, and Global Head of Mini Product, Christian Wehner, are both firmly committed to retaining JCW as Mini embraces electrification.

2024 Mini Cooper Electric

Christian Wehner emphasizes the importance of JCW and the objective of introducing John Cooper Works into the electric era. Mike Peyton echoes this sentiment, hinting at the development of more performance-oriented EVs under JCW.

However, maintaining the trademark “go-kart” driving experience of Mini poses a challenge for JCW EVs due to the added weight of battery packs. Wehner explains that the focus is not solely on acceleration but on striking the right balance between power and agility.

“All electric cars have good acceleration,” he says, “but do all of these electric cars deliver go-kart fun? Definitely not. Because other things come into play, the weight of the car, the steering of the car, how it feels to sit in the car.”

2024 Mini Cooper Electric

Chris Sutton acknowledges the challenge of maintaining the distinct Mini driving experience in JCW EVs, highlighting the importance of finding the right balance to uphold the Mini brand’s identity.

While the arrival of JCW EVs signals the shift towards electrification, it does not mark the end of gas engines yet. Wehner explains that until the BMW Group achieves 50 percent electrification by 2030, the company will continue producing four combustion engines alongside four electric motors for upcoming JCW cars.

Mike Peyton notes that with the growing demand for gasoline JCWs, the transition to full electrification is still several years away, particularly in North America.

2024 Mini Cooper Electric

While it is known that manual Minis with combustion engines are on the decline, there is a possibility of offering manual options for JCW EVs. Chris Sutton expresses consideration for maintaining the manual experience in the context of electrification.