Techwatch: 2-strokes ain't done yet!

Published: 24 August 2023 Updated: 24 August 2023

It’s hard to talk about two-stroke engines these days without getting misty-eyed about the past. The smell, the sound, the incredible hit as they wind into the powerband; it’s a sensation that’s all but disappeared within modern road biking.

Yet in 2023, in a time of heavyweight emissions laws and incredibly tight standards on internal combustion engines, there is still some hope for the ring-adinging stroker, thanks to the Pierer Mobility Group (the Austrian powerhouse behind KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas).

The firm are now one of the only mainstream companies still pumping resources into two-stroke development, with a number of their MX and enduro models still powered by these designs, and plans to continue their refinement for as long as possible…

By Carl Stevens

Road Tester - Carl has worked within the industry as a motorcycling journalist for several titles since 2015, and has covered a host of new bike launches, events, and interviews since then. Although he may still looks fairly young, he’s been around the block for longer than he’d care to admit. Alongside his journalistic experience, Carl has been racing since 2012, spending many years at both a club and National level. A personal highlight of his came in the form of a British GP2 podium, at his first outing. Although Carl has a keen eye on sportsbikes, nakeds and anything that can be a bit naughty, his love of motorcycling covers everything from off-road and adventure, to cruisers and big customs. If it’s got two wheels and an engine, he’ll have a go.