Sparkplug #3

It's pretty clear that 4-strokes have taken over the world of motocross. And I am actually okay with it. The truth is, they are in fact easier to ride AND they pollute less than the alternative. Yet at the same time, it's sad to see the 2-strokes slowly disappear.

I mentioned in an earlier article something about how the smell of 2-stroke exhaust is one of those things that makes motocross addictive. We even find chainsaws and weedeaters somehow strangely appealing when they emit that oil-burning aroma. But the gases that account for the smell are the same gases that our fouling up our air, no two-ways about it. I'm not saying that 2-stroke motorcycles are the cause of air pollution, but I recognize the fact that the unburned hydrocarbons are contributing to the problem. I am proud that we motocrossers are doing our part by our acceptance of 4-strokes.

Not that the thumpers don't bring their own brand of problems, noise pollution being at the top of the list. And the low frequency vibes generated by these bikes travel farther than 2-stroke tunes, so they're heard farther away... not a good thing for racetrack owners when it comes to maintaining the peace with the neighbors. But the noise problem can be mitigated, for the most part, with proper silencing and strictly-enforced sound limits. I'm all for saving our hearing.

This is the thing, though: what's next? While 4-strokes are better for the environment, there are other issues at hand, most notably the dwindling supply of fossil fuels. The Japanese automakers have wholeheartedly embraced hybrid power technology, marketing cars and now SUVs that get their motivation from smaller engines supplemented with electric motors. These hybrids are now best-sellers, and I imagine that we're maybe 24 to 36 months away from seeing Honda sell a hybrid-powered Gold Wing. If that happens, will hybrid MX bikes be next?

I happen to be a proponent of the electric MX bike concept. Sure, there have been some attempts at marketing such a thing already, like these bikes at Synergy EV, Inc. And even Segway got into the act, developing a prototype quad that balances itself, so even a total spode can hold a wheelie until the batteries run out of juice. The biggest problem with these bikes, though, has been run time; typically they run down within an hour. A hybrid solution would neatly circumvent that problem.

So how about it, Honda? How about a hybrid CRF, that features one of your run-forever 110cc 4-stroke motors, backed up by a high-output electic spooler that gives the machine performance comparable to the current 450? Can you do it?

If you do, I'll buy one.