Kawasaki ...Return of the 2 Stroke

Supercross Round #3 450SX Highlights

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BREAKING NEWS! KAWASAKI IS BRINGING BACK THE KX TWO-STROKE

On Jan 25, 2025 Last updated Jan 25, 2025

BREAKING NEWS! KAWASAKI IS BRINGING BACK THE KX TWO-STROKE

The Kawasaki KX two-stroke returns! Saturday, January 25th, just before everything kicks off at the Anaheim 2 Supercross, Kawasaki shares an abbreviated press release showing countless comments asking for a two-stroke model, and then Kawasaki replies, “We heard you” with a two-stroke revving up in the background.

Kawasaki last produced the KX125 in 2006, and the KX250 in 2007. Now, almost 20 years later, Kawasaki is developing another two-stroke. Does this mean they’ll have to change the name for their four-strokes back to KX250F and KX450F? We think so!

Currently, the details are slim, but we are pleasantly surprised by Kawasaki’s decisions here. In the world we live in now, we thought it would be more likely for Kawasaki to produce an electric bike, rather than a two-stroke.

This could be Kawasaki’s smartest move in a long time. The two-stroke market is alive and well. With prices going up everywhere due to inflation, consumers are craving tw0-strokes because they’re more affordable to maintain and more fun to ride. Since we don’t have photos of their new bike yet, let’s take a look back at Kawasaki’s two-strokes of the past. We don’t expect they’ll be resurrecting an old steel frame for their new two-stroke, it’s more likely they’ll go the platform-sharing route and fit a two-stroke engine into their current KX250/KX450 chassis

Cooper Webb Ready to Race!

Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha racer Cooper Webb on winning the 2019 and 2021 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, as well as placing runner-up in the championship in both 2020 and 2024.

“I think if I’m ever in a championship, I can stay in it.”

Welcome to the 2025 edition of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship where 450SX class veteran Cooper Webb has already posted up spirited and fighting fourth and third place finishes at the opening two rounds of the series.

“Yeah, I think the sport is evolving and changing and as we know, there is a fast group of guys right now between us and the generation that has been around the last ten years and the new bucks like Jett Lawrence and Chase Sexton and Hunter Lawrence and all of them,” explained Webb of going up against the newest and latest wave of prodigiously talented, championship-motivated 450cc supercross pilots. “But yeah, and with that being said, I do feel like that over seventeen rounds, I feel that I have shown that over the last six or seven years that I can be in it right to the very end. You know whether being a two-time champion, or being the runner-up twice, yeah, I might get written off some times, but I do know that over seventeen rounds that I’m going to be in the championship fight, for sure.”

And above all, Cooper Webb is there to take on the world’s best stadium motocross racers and win 450SX main events.

 

Webb had to hold off his old rival Ken Roczen to hang on for a San Diego podium.Align Media

“100 percent I’m there to win. 100-percent,” declared Webb. “It’s tough, right? Like you said, there are so many good guys now. I recently looked at all the statistics and there are five AMA Supercross champions on the line, so it’s no joke. It’s not easy by any means. I’m 29 years old, so I am definitely at a point now where I’m getting to be the veteran of the class, but I’m definitely here to win. That’s why I line up every year to go and try win supercross. Even after being injured and getting second in the championship in 2024, I still believe winning is a valid goal and that I can still do it.”

The "It's coming out both ends but I'm about to lead this main event and get a podium anyway." face.Align Media

Webb continued on to weigh-in on his to key competitors thus far in 2025, namely Jett Lawrence and veteran Eli Tomac.

“I mean as a racer, it’s not great to get beat, right? You definitely hate getting beat. In San Diego they were, by far, the best two guys out there and they put on a show, for sure. Obviously being Eli’s teammate and racing against Eli my whole career, it’s cool to see [the win] for him. I think it just shows that us wily veterans can still give it to the kids, right? From a team perspective, it was cool to see Eli do what he did. I’m not surprised. We all know how good Eli is and how good he can be. Same with Jett. We have just got to be better and try to bridge that gap and come into Anaheim 2 and hopefully be more in the mix. I love racing Anaheim. We’ve done it forever and there are just good vibes there for me. Yeah, we’ve had a good week. Like I said, I was a little bit under the weather, but now I was able to have a good day riding yesterday and I’m kind of feeling back to normal. I know what we need to work on. I think we saw in San Diego that those guys had a lot of speed, so we dialed that in this week. We focused on getting a little faster and we’ll see if it pays off at Anaheim.”

Now in his second season with the Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha 450cc organization, Webb is thrilled with the race team and what they have all achieved thus far.

“Yes, it has been incredible, man. Obviously, starting my career with the Star Racing Monster Energy Yamaha team was amazing. We had a lot of success in the 250 class. They were in a position where they didn’t have a 450 team at the time, so we all know how it kind of went from there. To be able to come back last year and us get second in the series and win a bunch of races and to be on the podium a lot was a really good showing. To be back, it feels like a family for me. I’ve known all those people there for over ten years now. I’m stoked that it happened. Now it’s our second year on the team and I’m more comfortable and kind of know the bike and I know the team personnel a little bit better. I’m trying to get better. It has been a great thing for me. We do our thing in Tallahassee at the GOAT Farm and it works really well for me. I’m excited for the future. As many good racers that we have now, it makes you step up, right? It’s one of things that I still feel at age 29 that I’m able to get better. Each day I go to the track with the intention to get better. I still have that drive and that will to want to go win races, so as long as I have that, I’m going to give it my all and let that be the goal.”

Currently fourth in 2025 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship points and only a handful of marks out of the lead, Webb is totally content to lurk in the shadows to see what comes next for the championship leaders.

“I’m kind of always under the radar and I’m never really talked about a lot and I’m just kind of doing my own thing. And yeah, maybe it is my riding style or my personality, I guess I’m not super glamorous and don’ t get the attention of the fans like Jett and Eli and Chase, but with that being said, I know my attributes and that’s kind of being a fighter and being a wily and experienced guy that leans on my racecraft and puts myself in good situations. We’ll continue to do that and stick to our gameplan. With the bike and the team and my training, everything is rock solid and I couldn’t be happier.”

And does Cooper Webb still feel like he has something to prove?

“I feel like I do. I think that is a good and bad thing, right? Obviously, I’ve accomplished everything and then some of what I set out to do as a kid. I think once you win, it becomes addicting, right? I definitely would love to try to be a three-time supercross champ before it’s all over. In my mind I believe I can and that’s what I’m going to set out to try and accomplish.”

Stefan Pierer steps down as KTM CEO

Rennie Scaysbrook | January 23, 2025

Stefan Pierer has officially stepped down as the CEO of KTM today. Below is the press release from KTM. We will have more on this story as it unfolds.

Mattighofen, January 23, 2025 – Stefan Pierer, CEO of KTM AG for many years, is handing over the management of the company to his Co-CEO Gottfried Neumeister. With this step, one of the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers is strategically positioning itself for the future. Pierer will continue to accompany the reorganization process as a member of the Executive Board with full commitment and will remain part of the KTM family.

Since taking over KTM in 1992, Stefan Pierer has built the company from a regional motorcycle manufacturer into a global brand with legendary status in the motorcycle industry. Today, for millions of fans, KTM stands for innovation, performance and a spirit of adventure like no other brand – values that will remain in focus under the new management.

Stefan Pierer (right) has handed control of KTM over to Gottfried Neumeister (left).

“For me, KTM was always more than just a company – it was and is a passion, a mission and a family. The decision to hand over the helm was not an easy one. I am deeply convinced that Gottfried Neumeister, with his strategic foresight and commitment, is the right choice to lead KTM into the future,” says Stefan Pierer.

Gottfried Neumeister brings extensive experience in corporate management, including many years as a board member of flyniki and DO &CO. He emphasizes: “Stefan Pierer has created a unique company that reflects the passion and pioneering spirit of all employees. I see it as my task to preserve this legacy and at the same time to break new ground. KTM stands for courage, innovation and passion – values that we will continue to live by and carry into the future. Together with our team, we will continue to strengthen KTM and set new standards to build the best motorcycles in the world.”

With the new management structure, KTM is ideally equipped to master the challenges of the future and continue its success story. The focus remains on innovation, performance and the continuous development of a motorcycle brand that inspires millions of fans worldwide. KTM remains focused on redefining the limits of what is possible on two wheels. The company will continue on its path with the same determination that has made it a global icon under the leadership of Stefan Pierer.

About Gottfried Neumeister

After completing his studies in international business administration at the University of Vienna, Gottfried Neumeister worked as a consultant at Siemens AG Austria. In 2003, he founded flyniki together with Niki Lauda and was responsible for the successful development of the aviation business (until its sale to Air Berlin). In 2012, Mr. Neumeister moved to DO &CO Aktiengesellschaft, where he held various positions on the Management Board, most recently (2021-2023) as Co-CEO. Gottfried Neumeister has been Co-CEO of PIERER Mobility AG and KTM AG since September 1, 2024. He has also been a member of the Executive Board of Pierer Industrie AG since January 1, 2025.

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Extensive look back at the Dakar Rally

Bike Highlights presented by Aramco

The 47th edition of the Dakar has set a date for the world’s rally-raiders in Saudi Arabia from 3 to 17 January.

Click on the link: https://youtu.be/zSzg_JAox30?si=jPAXMWyU8fCKvje2

Photographer – EDO BAUER

The Reeds – Behind the scenes at SX San Diego

With the Supercross season underway for the 2025 season, it wouldn’t feel right to not go and watch at least ONE of the races! Team Two Two headed to the West Coast to dial in Pace and Chad’s golf game thanks to @cobragolf. The next day we followed our Cali adventure by heading to Snapdragon Stadium to go down memory lane during the races… All in all, it was a perfect weekend seeing familiar faces and being in an environment we LOVE! Be sure to subscribe for more before we hit 100K!!

Welcome to TwoTwoTV! We’re the Reeds. Chad Reed is a multi-time supercross and motocross champion and the record holder for the most main event starts in AMA supercross history, with 265 starts! Ironically when Chad retired from racing, the kids decided to start. It’s a full circle movement for the Reed family. Join us as we navigate retirement and also starting again. We bring you on the journey as our kids learn with Chad and Ellie. Taking a fresh approach to coaching and learning with a major focus on fundamentals and solid foundations. Our hope is the viewers can also learn and be inspired as the kids strive for their own success in this great sport. We hope you enjoy the ride!

Viral Bug Hits Elite Athletes

Get Up, Get Down with the Sickness | Anderson, Webb, Hunter Lawrence and More Ill at San Diego

by Slaw DogJanuary 22, 2025, 6:00 am

It happens every year. Whether it’s due to coming off a grueling boot camp or going from isolation at the test tracks to suddenly being surrounded by thousands of people—from airports to autograph signings—sickness overtakes the Monster Energy AMA Supercross pits.

Some riders (THANK YOU TO THOSE SELECT FEW) talk about it. Others don’t. Well, San Diego brought the demons out.

Monster Energy/Star Racing Yamaha’s Cooper Webb had them coming out of both ends apparently, as he noted on Instagram following a third-place finish. “Battled some demons spraying out of both ends for the night show, but overall a solid night and it was nice to lead some laps again. The boys were pushing the pace up front.”

He wasn’t the only one.

Following a third-place finish at the season opener, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson struggled to a 13th in San Diego. After the race, the team press release cited that JA was dealing with an illness.

“My day was not the greatest, but I ended up qualifying sixth, which was pretty average. I finished third in my heat race, which was better than I expected since I am under the weather. I did not have a great start and then had some other issues in the main event. I’ve been sick this week and it got to me by the end of the night. My energy was fading and it showed the last couple laps of the main. I am happy to have made it out healthy and I’m looking forward to being healthier for next weekend.”

It wasn’t just Anderson or Webb either. Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence spoke about also dealing with an illness after a fifth-place finish.

“I had been struggling with my throat a bit during the week, and I thought it was more from the ashes and stuff from the fires [in Southern California]. I thought I was coming good, and then Friday night, it just got so bad. It was a really tough day. I’m feeling pretty sick and I have no energy, so I’m pretty happy to come out fifth. I did what I needed to do to make my night a little easier. It was a tough day at the office, but I’m just looking to get back to 100% as soon as I can.”

Apparently, Dylan Ferrandis, who finished ninth, was also sick. And those are just the ones we know about.

Should the Dragon’s Back Obstacle Return to Monster Energy AMA Supercross?

JS7 Was Mind Blowing! Manual an On-Off into a Dragon's Back 

This dragons back IMO, would be ideal to bring back to SX, compared to previous ones that have steep whoops and sharp backsides, seeing this one here, reminds me of what happened in FMX when we went from landings of death to giant downramps that fit the height and power of our bikes. 

There’s a couple points I want to make, the first, is how rolled each whoop is, second, the point I think Feld and the track builders can take away- the more dirt you have, the safer you can make the jumps.

In the beginning days of FMX, we jumped the craziest, razor backed, gopher pile landings, and if you weren’t hungover or high, you’d be nervous as hell to jump, let alone, think about doing tricks. 

When promoters stopped hoarding all the profits to themselves, and we got more dirt, jumps were bigger, landings were safe, air time was increased and what do you know, the sport began to blossom, tricks evolved like never before because we felt safer. 

I will bet a $1,000 that if the timing sections were bigger, corners built up, landings had big decks, the racing would improve, racing would get better and we could bring back obstacles like dragons backs and quads amongst others.