Yamaha’s recent tests have reportedly shown that (1) their still-developing four-stroke GP machine is already faster than their well-developed 500 two-stroke, and (2) the big four-stroke is not so hard on tires as expected.
Just as Yamaha taught us with the YZ400/426, four-stroke motocross machines, four-strokes are easier to ride than two-strokes, and they put the power down much better, as well. This latter point should mean GP four-strokes, despite more horsepower and torque than the 500 two-strokes, will be easier to ride and to control wheel spin. With the major factories likely to put their star riders on four-strokes next year, the two stroke era may be effectively done before the end of next season.
