Two-stroke or four: progress driven by competition

Two-stroke or four: progress driven by competition

The rivalry between two-stroke and four-stroke motorbikes began in the early 20th century and picked up speed at the latest when the Scott Squirrel won the Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man in 1913. The surprise victory of the two-stroke Scott in the world's most important motorcycle race at the time spurred on the ambition of die-hard four-stroke champions. Over many decades, the efforts of both sides to optimise their models drove technical progress which above all benefited the drivers of both systems. Today the four-stroke engine is increasingly forcing out the two-stroke type, but the competition for dominance led to a whole range of technical, financial, tax-related and above all emotional arguments for and against the two systems. The motorcycle special show Two-Stroke or Four: A Tricky Dilemma invites visitors to discuss twelve pairs from six decades: the models Douglas EW and Scott Squirrel, BMW R 23 and TWN BD 250, Zündapp K 500 and DKW SB 500 A, Gilera 150 Rossa super and DKW RT 175 S, NSU Sportmax and Adler RS 250, Guzzi Galletto and Progress Strolch, Honda CL 125 and Yamaha YAS 1C, Morini Corsarino and Simson Star, Honda CB 750 Four and Suzuki GT 750 A, Yamaha XT 500 and Maico MC 500, Ducati Pantah 500 SL and Yamaha RD 350 as well as Petronas FP 1 and Suzuki RG 500.