Part seven of the CR250 engine build.  Now that the bottom end is done, we can turn our attention to the top end. Top end segments include, cylinder and cylinder head prep, power valve installation and set-up, piston and rings, reed valve and carburetor.

This segment will cover power (or exhaust) valve installation.

MA released an Information Bulletin on February 23, 2010 with a rule change for the Pro Lites Classes run in Australia.

The previous rule allowed two strokes with the capacity of 100-150cc to compete against four-strokes with the capacity of 200-250cc. The new rule bulletin raises the capacity of the two-stroke machines up to 250cc.

Part six of CR250 engine build.  This is a short segment on the installation of the ignition components, countershaft sprocket, kickstart lever and ignition cover.

To install the stator plate, match the mark at the bottom of the plate to the casting mark on the case

Thousands of fans and enthusiasts flocked to the 13th annual running of the famous Hawkstone International. While many spectators would have expected the dull, relentless hum of four-strokes boring their ears, watchers were pleasantly surprised to find a few riders keeping the sweet sound of a two stroke in the air.

The sun-kissed track enjoyed a short break from the recent terrible weather and was therefore in perfect condition – rutting up where needed and staying smooth where not. The line up for MX1 saw 4 riders, Micheal Hughes, Daniel Arnold, Barry Turnbull and Danny Blakeley, mounting 250 stokers against the mighty 450. Both Daniel Arnold and Barry Turnball qualified high enough to make it into the Open/MX1 race. With the sun shining the riders lined the gate for the opening MX1 race. Aboard his Honda 250 Daniel managed a respectable 26th place with Barry Turnball placing in 29th.

Following a recent emergency operation on a twisted muscle, Maico Internationals Dunlop Maxima rider Neil Berry is gearing up for the season ahead on the new 320 M.M.X.

Part five of the CR250 engine build. This segment will cover the installation of the clutch pack, right side cover, power valve governor and water pump cover.

Before installing the power valve governor, coat the throwout balls and the rack with a 50/50 mixture of moly 60 grease and transmission oil. Place the 12mm plain washers on each end of the governor. Align the rack yoke with the bearing race on the governor and install as a unit in the right side center case.

HILLSDALE, Mich., (March 5, 2010) – Cobra is pleased to introduce today the world’s fastest young dirt bike racers – the members of the 2010 Cobra Race Team.

A new chapter in the “Cobra Generation” story begins to play out in the coming weeks at the first ever Daytona Amateur Supercross, Texas’ Lake Whitney Spring Classic and Oak Hill’s GNC Final, then continues on through the summer and fall at hallowed amateur MX racing grounds such as Vegas, Ponca City, Loretta Lynn’s, Branson and Gatorback – with a trip overseas for America’s top racers to join up and compete with Cobra’s top European stars against the world’s best mini cycle racers at the MX Masters (aka the Mini Des Nations).

The excitement continues to build leading up to the opening round of the UEM 125cc European Championship.

Photos of the Kawasaki 125cc two-stroke machines have been released. While the Kawasaki 125 two-strokes have not been distributed in the USA, they have been available in other countries. The unveiling of the remaining machines will be at the first round held on April 11 in Italy.

Lake Wales, Florida (March 2nd, 2010) In the XC2 division, Jason “UK7″ Thomas took advantage of the new rule, which allows 250 two-strokes to compete with 250 four-strokes in the Lites class this year, riding a Monster Energy/FAR Racing/ Andrews Cycles-backed YZ250 two-stroke to a first place finish in the division.

Last year’s champ Factory FMF/KTM Off-Road’s Kailub Russell went down in the first turn, but recovered to finish third, despite tearing the skin off his hand on the choppy course.

Q: FIRST AND FOREMOST, IS THE 2010 KTM 250SX BETTER THAN THE 2009 KTM 250SX?
A: Yes. KTM has a reputation for making constant upgrades to their bikes. The 2010 KTM 250SX does not obsolete the 2009 model, but it is incrementally better.

Q: WHAT DID KTM CHANGE ON THE 250SX FOR 2010?
A: KTM has more different models of dirt bikes than any other manufacturer. So when they make changes to a new model, the changes can be broken down into two types. First, there are the “brand-specific” changes. These are mods made to every bike in the 2010 KTM stable. Second, there are the “model-specific” changes. These changes are made specifically to the 150SX, 250SX, 250SXF, etc.