I have read in a couple of places that Polaris is going to stop making 2-stroke ATVs in 2001. Any truth to that?? :-(

Loyal

 

I hope not

 

I could see that for their utility line but I believe that that would be a bad move on their part for the sport machines.

With Kawasaki, Honda, and Yamaha all working on new two-stroke sport machines, that would leave Polaris with a minor disadvantage, but their 500 H.O. engine was created for a reason...

 

I don't think it is a decision that the manufacturer's are doing on their own initiative. So don't blame them-you can thank Slick Willie.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)is in the process of writing the first emmissions standards for ATVs and snowmobiles. The rules may be in place by September of 2000, with the focus on 2-stroke engines. The new rules could force manufacurers to redesign or replace the 2 stroke engine standard on snowmobiles and some ATVs. This could cause an increase in vehicle prices. The EPA says the OHV engines emit 25 percent as many hydrocarbons as all the nation's cars and trucks combined. There are 66 times the number of cars and trucks than ATVs and snowmobiles. Stricter legislation has already forced personal watercraft manufacturers to design and sell more environmentally-friendly boats. Some of these PWC cost $800 more than previous model years, and use a fuel-injection system that decreases emissions by 80%. With these new restrictions in the developmental stage, ATV and snowmobile manufacturers have been trying to develop new engine technology. Some manufacturers are hoping that the EPA sets "sensible" and achievable restrictions. The life of the 2-stroke carbureted powerplant is now in jeopardy. (From May 1999 ATV Magazine)

[This message has been edited by TxDoc2 (edited 12-26-1999).]

 

well txdoc the polaris's are fuel injected so u say that that reduces the emmisiosn by 80 % so y would polaris change there engine?

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96' Honda 300 4x4 93' Timberwolf 250 2x4

 

Not fuel injected, oil injected. Big difference.

 

This is true but i'm not sure about the year. 8 or 9 years ago some automobile manufaturers were working on 2 stroke engines for small cars because they are lighter and produce twice as many power strokes per revolution than a 4 stroke. These engines produced good power and were somewhat reliable but not nearly as clean burning as the 4 stroke engines. The EPA updates forced the research into early retirement. It is impossible to make a 2 stroke run effeciently enough to meet EPA standards that are getting stricker each year or so. Superchargers, multiple spark plugs per cylinder and special exhuast designs were some of the things implimented. The result will be a 2 stroke that would exceed a 4 stroke in price.

Chris Picciotto
99 Scrambler 500