350cc Race Quad, Will It Happen? Should It Happen?

After Mike Alessi’s exciting holeshots and moto win on KTM’s new 350SXF motocross bike, in my mind it begs the question. Should the quad world 350cc production race machines? Before you answer consider this.

I have always wondered for years now if there should be 250cc production race machines. If you want to read my complete opinion on these machines read THIS ARTICLE.  Now the biggest objection from people about 250cc machines is the (possible) lack of torque to propel a full sized race ATV effectively. My opinion is they have plenty of torque to do so.

Now that KTM has built a bike to legitimately compete in the premier (450) class that is only 350cc could the idea be translated to race ATVs as an entry level race class (ie. up to 350cc class). From the words of KTM , Stefan Everts (Europe’s Ricky Carmichael), and Mike Alessi, the idea behind

KTM’s new machine is simple; the reduction in displacement and horsepower is less fatiguing to a rider, especially in the late stages of a race. The bike is easier to manage by virtue of reduced power and weight.

It seems at this point that the idea is true, Mike Alessi was able to holeshot and win a moto on what some would call a “handicapped” machine. Mike Alessi has even said that the 450 (formerly on a Suzuki) definitely wears him out more to wards the end of the race (and he is one of the top out door riders in the class).  The concept is sound but it is yet to be seen if this will be true the whole season.

Now coming full circle.  Should the race ATV world have 350cc machines (or 250cc machines for that matter).  Would new racers want a 350cc machine?  And if so, which manufacturer would be the first to test the waters?

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