“I’m an absolute two-stroke nut” – 20 Questions with double MotoGP champion Casey Stoner
Casey Stoner. The name itself evokes images of effortless speed, sublime control, and a raw, almost untamed talent on a motorcycle. The double MotoGP world champion, known for his candidness and often contrarian views, remains a fascinating figure in the world of motorcycle racing. While his MotoGP career was relatively short-lived, his impact was profound, leaving fans and pundits alike debating his “what ifs” and marveling at his sheer brilliance.
Beyond the Grand Prix circuits, Stoner has always harbored a deep passion for motorcycles, a passion that extends far beyond the four-stroke beasts he tamed in MotoGP. In a recent, albeit hypothetical, “20 Questions” style interview, we delve into the mind of the retired champion, exploring his enduring love for two-stroke machines and gaining insights into the man behind the legend.
**1. Casey, thanks for taking the time. Let’s cut straight to the chase. You’ve famously said you’re an “absolute two-stroke nut.” What is it about two-stroke engines that captivates you so much?**
**(Stoner, with a wry smile):** It’s the raw aggression, isn’t it? The instant hit of power, the smell, the sound. There’s a simplicity to them, a directness that you don’t get with a four-stroke. It’s like a wild animal you have to control, and when you get it right, there’s nothing quite like it. The powerband, the scream as it comes on pipe… it’s intoxicating.
**2. You rode four-strokes for your entire MotoGP career. Do you ever wish you had the chance to compete at the highest level on a modern two-stroke, perhaps in the 500cc era?**
**(Stoner, a thoughtful pause):** That’s a tough one. I came into the GP paddock just as the 500s were fading out. Part of me wishes I could have experienced that era, the sheer brutality of those bikes. But honestly, the bikes I rode in MotoGP were incredible machines, pushing the boundaries of technology. I don’t dwell on “what ifs” too much. I was fortunate to ride some of the best bikes in the world, regardless of the engine configuration.
**3. What was your first experience with a two-stroke motorcycle? Do you remember it vividly?**
**(Stoner, a nostalgic glint in his eye):** Oh, absolutely. It was a little Honda QR50, a tiny thing. I must have been about four or five. It was my dad’s, and I remember the smell of the exhaust and the sound of the engine. It was the beginning of everything for me, that little bike. It ignited something in me that’s never gone away.
**4. Do you own any two-stroke motorcycles now? If so, what are they?**
**(Stoner, a broad grin):** Do I?! I’ve got a few. A couple of old dirt bikes, a Yamaha YZ250 and a Kawasaki KX250. And I recently got my hands on a beautiful Honda RS250R, the old GP bikes. That’s a special one. It’s a piece of history, and the engineering in those things, even from decades ago, is remarkable.
**5. What’s the most challenging aspect of riding a high-performance two-stroke compared to a modern four-stroke?**
**(Stoner):** The power delivery, without a doubt. It’s so peaky. You have to be incredibly precise with the throttle and the clutch. If you drop out of the powerband, you’re dead in the water. You’re constantly working the gearbox, trying to keep the engine singing. It’s a much more physically demanding ride in that sense. With a four-stroke, you have a much broader spread of power, more forgiving.
**6. And what’s the most rewarding aspect?**
**(Stoner):** When you get it *right*. When you nail the gear changes, keep the engine on the pipe, and the bike just rockets out of a corner. There’s a feeling of connection, of being in tune with the machine, that’s hard to replicate. It’s a constant dance, and when the steps are perfect, it’s exhilarating.
**7. Are there any specific two-stroke riders from history who you particularly admire?**
**(Stoner):** So many. Kevin Schwantz was a legend, his style was incredible. Mick Doohan, of course, five world titles on the 500. And Wayne Rainey, his smooth, precise style. They were all masters of controlling those wild machines. You learn so much just by watching them.
**8. The sound of a two-stroke is iconic. What’s your favorite two-stroke engine note?**
**(Stoner, closing his eyes for a moment):** Oh, the sound of a full grid of 500s on the start line, or coming down the main straight. That high-pitched scream, the smell of the race fuel… it sends shivers down your spine. But individually, I love the sound of the old Honda NSR500, the V4. It had a unique bark.
**9. The environmental concerns around two-stroke engines are well-documented. Do you think there’s a future for two-stroke technology, perhaps with advancements in emissions control?**
**(Stoner):** It’s a difficult one. Emissions are a big issue, and rightly so. I’m not an engineer, so I can’t say for sure. But I hope there’s a way to keep them alive, perhaps in niche applications or with significant technological advancements. There’s a passion for them that shouldn’t be allowed to die out completely. Maybe not for mass-produced road bikes, but for competition or enthusiasts, hopefully.
**10. Beyond the engine itself, what other aspects of two-stroke motorcycles appeal to you? The chassis, the handling?**
**(Stoner):** The lightness. Those old GP bikes were incredibly light compared to modern MotoGP machines. That makes them so agile and responsive. You can really throw them around. The chassis technology was also evolving rapidly in the 500 era, and you can see the lineage in modern bikes.
**11. Have you ever considered building or restoring a two-stroke motorcycle yourself?**
**(Stoner):** I’m not much of a mechanic myself, I leave that to the experts! But I love watching the restoration process. Seeing an old, worn-out bike brought back to life is amazing. I’m happy to ride them and appreciate the engineering.
**12. If you could ride any two-stroke motorcycle from history, what would it be and why?**
**(Stoner):** Probably Mick Doohan’s 1997 Honda NSR500. That bike was legendary, the one he dominated on. To experience that level of power and control on a bike that was so dominant in its era would be something special.
**13. You’ve mentioned the “raw aggression” of two-strokes. Do you think riding two-strokes in your early career helped develop your incredible feel for the bike?**
**(Stoner):** Absolutely. You have to be so sensitive to what the bike is doing, especially in the wet. The power comes on so abruptly, and you’re constantly feeling for grip. It teaches you precision and how to react instantly to the bike’s feedback. I think that foundation definitely helped me when I moved to four-strokes.
**14. The smell of a two-stroke is quite distinctive. Does it evoke any particular memories for you?**
**(Stoner):** Definitely. It takes me back to my childhood, to the dirt tracks and the smell of race day. It’s a nostalgic smell for anyone who grew up around two-stroke bikes. It’s part of the experience.
**15. Do you think modern riders are missing out on something by not having the opportunity to race two-strokes at a high level?**
**(Stoner):** Perhaps. They’re missing out on that specific challenge, that need for absolute precision and control. But modern bikes have their own challenges, of course. The level of competition is incredibly high, and the technology is mind-blowing. Every era has its own demands on the rider.
**16. You’ve been involved in testing and development since retiring from MotoGP. Have you ever worked on any two-stroke projects?**
**(Stoner):** Not in a professional capacity, no. My testing has been focused on the current generation of MotoGP bikes. But I’m always interested in two-stroke technology and what’s being done in that space, even if it’s on a smaller scale.
**17. What’s the biggest misconception people have about two-stroke motorcycles?**
**(Stoner):** Probably that they’re just unreliable, smoky old machines. While some older bikes might fit that description, the high-performance two-strokes, especially the race bikes, were incredibly sophisticated machines for their time. They were at the cutting edge of technology.
**18. If you were introducing someone new to motorcycles, would you recommend starting on a two-stroke or a four-stroke?**
**(Stoner):** For a complete beginner, probably a small four-stroke. They’re generally more forgiving and easier to learn on. A two-stroke requires a bit more finesse and understanding of the engine characteristics. But for someone with a bit of experience, a small two-stroke dirt bike can be a fantastic way to learn bike control.
**19. Is there a particular two-stroke race or moment from history that stands out to you?**
**(Stoner):** So many! Kevin Schwantz’s victory at Assen in 1991, that last lap battle with Wayne Rainey, was incredible. Mick Doohan’s comeback after his injury and his dominance in the late 90s was also inspiring. The whole 500cc era was just full of legendary battles.
**20. Finally, Casey, what is it about two-strokes that you think will ensure their legacy continues to inspire riders and enthusiasts for years to come?**
**(Stoner):** It’s the purity of it. The raw power, the sound, the challenge. It’s a connection to a different era of racing, a time when the bikes were arguably more demanding and the riders had to wrestle them into submission. They represent a certain spirit, a wildness, that will always appeal to people who are passionate about motorcycles. They’re not just machines; they’re a feeling, an experience. And that’s why I’ll always be an absolute two-stroke nut.
Casey Stoner’s passion for two-stroke motorcycles is palpable. It’s a reminder that even at the pinnacle of four-stroke racing, the allure of these simpler, yet more challenging, machines remains strong. His insights offer a glimpse into the mind of a champion who appreciates the history and the raw excitement of motorcycling in all its forms. While the roar of a modern MotoGP bike is undeniably impressive, for Casey Stoner, the high-pitched scream of a two-stroke will always hold a special place in his heart.
