DIRT NEWS

Model Year 2026 RR Race range a tad early this year, rather than waiting for the traditional October release. And yep, we are getting them here in NZ. So, what has changed? Easier to list what hasn’ t in the engine of the 250 two-stroke... It now shares the crankshaft and cylinder of the 300, so it runs a shorter stroke and larger bore than the previous model and has an all-new cylinder head that retains the twin-sparkplug configuration. For the extreme conditions, should one plug fail, the bike has the ability to continue running at a reduced output as the plugs are electronically separate. The life of the plugs is increased as the load is shared in normal conditions the twin-firing concept gives optimum burn, assisting the carburetion and efficiency. The gearbox on both the 250 and 300 have been updated to ensure better shifting, particularly the second to third gear movement. The smaller two-stroke models have and also had the gearbox and bearing update to make shifting in demanding situations slicker and smoother. The four-strokes get revised and improved engine mapping and all those top shelf components that last year’ s models had are confirmed in the MY26 range. November should see the new Betas land.

KIWI RIDER 91