GYTR Yamaha's top contender in 2012 has been team newcomer Sam Martin, currently fourth in the standings. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

Riders competing aboard two-strokes in the MXD (Under 19s) category of the Monster Energy MX Nationals are in danger of limiting their development, according to GYTR Yamaha team manager Scott Bishop.

Bishop is concerned that those riding two-strokes are in it for short-term benefits, missing vital experience on four-stroke machinery that will likely be required when they reach the professional ranks.

The MXD class this year is currently led by KTM four-stroke contender Dylan Long, but the two-strokes of Kayne Lamont and Dylan Leary have also claimed round wins in 2012, sitting in positions two and three respectively after four rounds.

Bishop’s lead rider, Sam Martin, is currently fourth in the standings on a YZ250F.

“I’m certainly not against two-strokes, as my generation grew up riding them,” Bishop said. “But I just don’t know what the long-term gain is by riding two-strokes instead of four-strokes.

“At the moment most manufacturers are pushing four-strokes and that’s what all the major teams are running, so once a rider achieves success on a two-stroke, what are they going to do?
 Assuming all the riders what to be professional racers, they need to learn to ride a 250F well, then a 450F.

“I think riding a 250 two-stroke is a short-term gain, but I don’t see what the long-term benefit is to spending a lot of time on that bike.”

To check out MotoOnline.com.au’s exclusive debate on the battle of the strokes in MXD, click here to read The Point feature.