The 800cc rule is set in stone(s), and while we may not all be happy about it every team is forced to live with it. That being said, I (along with others in moto-journalism) have concerns that the required development costs may leave some of the not-so-well financed teams uncompetitive or not even on the grid. So, I have an idea. Bear with me, it is truly nuts.

In the transition seasons of 2001 to 2002, there were a mix of 2 and 4-strokes on track, but the clear winners in the end were the 4-strokes just as the manufacturers intended. The purported reason for the switch amongst many was that large displacement 2-strokes were essentially dinosaurs. Not a single major manufacturer sold a 500cc two-stroke sport bike. In fact, there hadn’t been one sold in years. Sure, there were plenty of 125 and 250cc 2-stroke sport bikes, but those were phasing out as well. Emissions standards were one part, but so was reliability and power delivery. There were lots of reasons.

So here is my proposal: 4-stroke 800cc? No problem. 2-stroke 500cc? Ditto. This could be fun. Really, Really fun.

Stop laughing. I’m serious. Or partly serious.

Much like 2002, 2006-2007 will be a transitional year, with some teams making the grade and some falling by the wayside. Who will get help from which factory? Can those manufacturers make enough engines (and chassis) to support the satellite teams? Will some miracle come from Dorna to force / cajole / demand satellite team conformance and make the grids full?

I don’t know, and can’t say. My crystal ball is murky and dim these days, but it does still smell of castor oil, and that gives me some hope.

There is zero doubt in my mind that Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and others have hermetically sealed 225Hp two-stroke engines hidden away in temperature controlled caverns in Japan. It’s time to re-release Godzilla and let the old play with the new again. I think it would be a fair fight, and I’ll bet I’m not alone in this. Imagine the WAAAAAP of the 500cc two-strokes wailing against the incessant whining of an 20k RPM 800cc four-stroke. What could be better, I ask you?

Are you with me? Talk about it here.

-jim

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