Does anyone else miss 2 stroke sports bikes?
Discussion
It was cool to have a choice but in the end, the market decided for two strokes before the EU did. They had lost market share to four strokes continually throughout their life and even some great bikes like the Aprilia RS250 were unloved when they were freely available, being sold for a pittance compared to what they'd cost now.
NS400R said:
I think the realistic answer to the OP's question is no.
The last major hurrah for the 2 stroke sportsbike saw the RG500, RD500 & NS400. None of them sold many. Yamaha and Suzuki had to repaint them in Marlboro/Pepsi/Skoal colours just to get rid of them.
Back in 85, given the choice between an RG500 or the GSXR750, the 750 was the clear winner with good reason. Some countries declined to import the RG as sales would have been non existent.
I think this is the key point. There's the rose tinted nostalgia view that many share, and there are cold, hard driven facts identified by sales, or lack thereof. They were of their time and were great in their time but that time has passed.The last major hurrah for the 2 stroke sportsbike saw the RG500, RD500 & NS400. None of them sold many. Yamaha and Suzuki had to repaint them in Marlboro/Pepsi/Skoal colours just to get rid of them.
Back in 85, given the choice between an RG500 or the GSXR750, the 750 was the clear winner with good reason. Some countries declined to import the RG as sales would have been non existent.
NS400R said:
tvrolet said:
...on a trailer 
The 4-strokes got ridden all the way down...and back.
Pring-ting-ting-ting-ting
all in jest - your NS400 is a pretty stunning piece of kit.
?? You know I never ride a bike down. First class on the motorway - comfort, aircon dry etc. We need the car to return your fallen comrades to the UK The 4-strokes got ridden all the way down...and back.
Pring-ting-ting-ting-ting
all in jest - your NS400 is a pretty stunning piece of kit.
Still did brilliant 1,500 miles between riding the B500 and racing around Cortina on the NS. The petrol cost was horrific but the bike was faultless which is saying something for a 31 year old bike.
The difference between your NS400R and your 'Blade is that, even when the 400 was new, a tour to the Dolomites would have been a considerably bigger challenge.
black-k1 said:
I'd argue the "first class" description! If you think any car, especially towing a trailer, is first class on any road of a Euor tour, then you've got the wrong bike!
The difference between your NS400R and your 'Blade is that, even when the 400 was new, a tour to the Dolomites would have been a considerably bigger challenge.
Right tool for the job. Car for motorway, bike for the passes. And no, despite being elegible for SAGA holidays, I'm still not buying a BMW The difference between your NS400R and your 'Blade is that, even when the 400 was new, a tour to the Dolomites would have been a considerably bigger challenge.
But you're right. No-one in their right mind would tour on a stroker although Suzuki did try with that s
theap GT750 
Touring isn't their purpose in life anymore than it is the intended purpose of the 'blade. Both are fun rather than practical. But despite the limitations, the NS still proved remarkably up to the task of extended time in the saddle in the Dolomites over the week we were there.A Kawasaki S3 (400) or Honda NSR400 sounds very nice indeed, 3 cylinder two-strokes are certainly not objectionable to listen to unless they have crap exhausts.
They certainly sound 100 times better than the Harley that pulled away from the bike meet i went to this morning. Absolutely deafening via straight through exhausts and a fearsome racket at idle even. Just an unreal amount of decibels for the sake of it. V twins can sound incredible but done right. I loved the sound of my 900 Ducati Hailwood Replica way back when and also my 899 Panigale had a sweet and purposeful noise.
Many 2-strokes sound great. the 3s and 4s being the best.
They certainly sound 100 times better than the Harley that pulled away from the bike meet i went to this morning. Absolutely deafening via straight through exhausts and a fearsome racket at idle even. Just an unreal amount of decibels for the sake of it. V twins can sound incredible but done right. I loved the sound of my 900 Ducati Hailwood Replica way back when and also my 899 Panigale had a sweet and purposeful noise.
Many 2-strokes sound great. the 3s and 4s being the best.
NS400R said:
black-k1 said:
I'd argue the "first class" description! If you think any car, especially towing a trailer, is first class on any road of a Euor tour, then you've got the wrong bike!
The difference between your NS400R and your 'Blade is that, even when the 400 was new, a tour to the Dolomites would have been a considerably bigger challenge.
Right tool for the job. Car for motorway, bike for the passes. And no, despite being elegible for SAGA holidays, I'm still not buying a BMW The difference between your NS400R and your 'Blade is that, even when the 400 was new, a tour to the Dolomites would have been a considerably bigger challenge.
But you're right. No-one in their right mind would tour on a stroker although Suzuki did try with that s
theap GT750 Touring isn't their purpose in life anymore than it is the intended purpose of the 'blade. Both are fun rather than practical. But despite the limitations, the NS still proved remarkably up to the task of extended time in the saddle in the Dolomites over the week we were there.black-k1 said:
My point is that while touring is not the intended purpose for either, the 'Blade COULD tour if you wanted (Andy does fine on his S1000RR, James used his GSXR100 before he "grew up", and my brother happily used his RSV1000 for Old Gits tours. And let's not mention Nick Saunders and his R1). A 2 stroke sports bike would not really be up to the job, even if it wanted to be.
I'd disagree. It is probably better than the blade simply because of the riding position. The NS ain't practical but it is comfy courtesy of the sensible riding position (bars above the triple clamps) and a large fairing. It's reliable. No breakdowns in the 31 continuous years it has been on the road which you can't say for ze Germans . Fuel range is a concern and you need to carry oil. I put 2 litres in in Italy. An RD500 is more practical still with plenty of torque. Some might suggest the RD was a tourer... Don't get me wrong, they're absolutely the wrong tool for the job, but nowhere near as bad as you imagine.
NS400R said:
black-k1 said:
My point is that while touring is not the intended purpose for either, the 'Blade COULD tour if you wanted (Andy does fine on his S1000RR, James used his GSXR100 before he "grew up", and my brother happily used his RSV1000 for Old Gits tours. And let's not mention Nick Saunders and his R1). A 2 stroke sports bike would not really be up to the job, even if it wanted to be.
I'd disagree. It is probably better than the blade simply because of the riding position. The NS ain't practical but it is comfy courtesy of the sensible riding position (bars above the triple clamps) and a large fairing. It's reliable. No breakdowns in the 31 continuous years it has been on the road which you can't say for ze Germans . Fuel range is a concern and you need to carry oil. I put 2 litres in in Italy. An RD500 is more practical still with plenty of torque. Some might suggest the RD was a tourer... Don't get me wrong, they're absolutely the wrong tool for the job, but nowhere near as bad as you imagine.
When 2 stroke sports bikes were "all the rage", I went to Malta on a CX500. While most other UK registered bikes I saw on the trip were Guzzi's, BMWs, 'Wings etc., there were also some "sports bikes", like Honda CB750s/CB900s. There was even a Ducati near the South of France, but there were no 2 strokes! (And let's remember, the Guzzi Le Mans and the BMW R100S/RS were both sports bikes of the time, winning many endurance races).
While any bike can be made to do any job, I think modern 1000cc sports bikes can tour, but are just not the best tool for the job. 2 troke sports bike were so bad at it that nobody even tried.
black-k1 said:
You could be right but then neither of us really know as neither of us have actually toured on either a 'Blade or a NS400R
When 2 stroke sports bikes were "all the rage", I went to Malta on a CX500. While most other UK registered bikes I saw on the trip were Guzzi's, BMWs, 'Wings etc., there were also some "sports bikes", like Honda CB750s/CB900s. There was even a Ducati near the South of France, but there were no 2 strokes! (And let's remember, the Guzzi Le Mans and the BMW R100S/RS were both sports bikes of the time, winning many endurance races).
While any bike can be made to do any job, I think modern 1000cc sports bikes can tour, but are just not the best tool for the job. 2 troke sports bike were so bad at it that nobody even tried.
We're kind of (but not exclusively) back to how many were sold. 2 strokes were relatively uncommon, you were unlikely to see one touring. By the standards of the day, they were a poor choice, making them even less likely to be used. Because modern sportsbikes are so focussed, it isn't so clear cut. Trust me, the NS is more practical When 2 stroke sports bikes were "all the rage", I went to Malta on a CX500. While most other UK registered bikes I saw on the trip were Guzzi's, BMWs, 'Wings etc., there were also some "sports bikes", like Honda CB750s/CB900s. There was even a Ducati near the South of France, but there were no 2 strokes! (And let's remember, the Guzzi Le Mans and the BMW R100S/RS were both sports bikes of the time, winning many endurance races).
While any bike can be made to do any job, I think modern 1000cc sports bikes can tour, but are just not the best tool for the job. 2 troke sports bike were so bad at it that nobody even tried.
I tend to use the NS for general TT marshalling rather than anything else as it is relatively versatile, even with the trouble and strife on the back. And it can howl over the mountain 
I'm going to have to come to Spain on the stroker just to prove a point now, aren't I
I loved my 2 strokes. Started on a Simson 50, much piss taking from my mates until they saw it going past them with 3 inches off he downpipe and a 70 kit. RG125 then 250, converted to ypvs, sack that was. Flirted with an RG500 but a mates GPZ600 was actually no slower, the noise though. Raced a few TZ250’s, spondon with a 92 engine which handled brilliantly but was weak on power, 96, which some hated, I loved. Kit copy barrels, held off the 600’s on most tracks. Then the 2001 TZ, all kit parts, absolute weapon.
Always fancied an RS Aprilia, and never had an RS 250 Honda, prices are daft now though. 10 years ago we almost bought a NSR500VF, kick myself for not doing so. Totally out of reach now.
Always fancied an RS Aprilia, and never had an RS 250 Honda, prices are daft now though. 10 years ago we almost bought a NSR500VF, kick myself for not doing so. Totally out of reach now.
black-k1 said:
NS400R said:
black-k1 said:
My point is that while touring is not the intended purpose for either, the 'Blade COULD tour if you wanted (Andy does fine on his S1000RR, James used his GSXR100 before he "grew up", and my brother happily used his RSV1000 for Old Gits tours. And let's not mention Nick Saunders and his R1). A 2 stroke sports bike would not really be up to the job, even if it wanted to be.
I'd disagree. It is probably better than the blade simply because of the riding position. The NS ain't practical but it is comfy courtesy of the sensible riding position (bars above the triple clamps) and a large fairing. It's reliable. No breakdowns in the 31 continuous years it has been on the road which you can't say for ze Germans . Fuel range is a concern and you need to carry oil. I put 2 litres in in Italy. An RD500 is more practical still with plenty of torque. Some might suggest the RD was a tourer... Don't get me wrong, they're absolutely the wrong tool for the job, but nowhere near as bad as you imagine.
When 2 stroke sports bikes were "all the rage", I went to Malta on a CX500. While most other UK registered bikes I saw on the trip were Guzzi's, BMWs, 'Wings etc., there were also some "sports bikes", like Honda CB750s/CB900s. There was even a Ducati near the South of France, but there were no 2 strokes! (And let's remember, the Guzzi Le Mans and the BMW R100S/RS were both sports bikes of the time, winning many endurance races).
While any bike can be made to do any job, I think modern 1000cc sports bikes can tour, but are just not the best tool for the job. 2 troke sports bike were so bad at it that nobody even tried.
Your memory is a little different to mine ...have a look at any old clips of big bike meets home and abroad from back in the day and there where plenty of folks over at Assen or the Bol on their RDs , KHs and what have you...
We only tended to own one bike back then and that had to do everything...
If you know the scene a little , you’d know plenty of folk are out there touring on their 2 strokes every Summer , my friend just sent me this , he’s on his way back from Germany at the mo on his GT750...
One of my other friends is riding his 350LC to Portugal at the moment from Bedfordshire...the 2 T tour is still very much a thing...
black-k1 said:
NS400R said:
black-k1 said:
My point is that while touring is not the intended purpose for either, the 'Blade COULD tour if you wanted (Andy does fine on his S1000RR, James used his GSXR100 before he "grew up", and my brother happily used his RSV1000 for Old Gits tours. And let's not mention Nick Saunders and his R1). A 2 stroke sports bike would not really be up to the job, even if it wanted to be.
I'd disagree. It is probably better than the blade simply because of the riding position. The NS ain't practical but it is comfy courtesy of the sensible riding position (bars above the triple clamps) and a large fairing. It's reliable. No breakdowns in the 31 continuous years it has been on the road which you can't say for ze Germans . Fuel range is a concern and you need to carry oil. I put 2 litres in in Italy. An RD500 is more practical still with plenty of torque. Some might suggest the RD was a tourer... Don't get me wrong, they're absolutely the wrong tool for the job, but nowhere near as bad as you imagine.
When 2 stroke sports bikes were "all the rage", I went to Malta on a CX500. While most other UK registered bikes I saw on the trip were Guzzi's, BMWs, 'Wings etc., there were also some "sports bikes", like Honda CB750s/CB900s. There was even a Ducati near the South of France, but there were no 2 strokes! (And let's remember, the Guzzi Le Mans and the BMW R100S/RS were both sports bikes of the time, winning many endurance races).
While any bike can be made to do any job, I think modern 1000cc sports bikes can tour, but are just not the best tool for the job. 2 troke sports bike were so bad at it that nobody even tried.
120 miles between fuel stops isn't bad either. Only problem was a puncture outside of Paris on the return journey.
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