How Near the Optimum in High-Speed Two-Stroke Engines?

An account is given of the author's experiences in designing and developing small 2-stroke cycle engines. These have covered a wide range of performance requirements, from the “chore horse” used for chain saws and similar duties, to engines for boats, road-going motorcycles, and cars, through to engines for the specialized purpose of motorcycle Grand Prix racing. The latter must be capable of specific power in the region of 300 bhp/1 to be competitive.