[Radbuster]

I'd say no to the WR250F engine.

Why? Because it wouldn't open up the 250F market in the meantime untill they finish an in-house engine. Why? Because then people would buy the Yami because of dealer network, resale value, aftermarket stuff, etc. They should hold on tightly to their cash and not waste their time on this one. Why? Because it distracts them from the real goal: to provide a 4-t version of their present successful offering. The 2-strokes are moving and bringing in the money.

Who are GG's paying, customers and what do they (we) want?
-A bike that excels in the tight, nasty stuff and every component on the bike is carefully chosen and tuned perfectly for exactly this use. Forget the rest. This also plays on the trials bike company line.
-A reliable bike. The company image does not have the goodwill of Honda who could put out 100's of thousands of CRFs that were expensive wrecks in short order. Only their brainwashed followers blinded by love can forgive them. Soichiro Honda would turn in his grave if he found out.

Market strategy: niches left by larger competitors.

Alternative bikes to beat or at least be #2:
Husaberg FE450, next-generation BMW 450X with a frame that works, Husky TE310, Husky WR300 2-t, KTM 400, KTM 250F (can't bother with all the letters).

Fact: for tight woods work a 250F is ok but just barely. A 450F is a burden. Hmmm.. What could there be in the middle? A purpose-built size for this use?

So what is a 4-t version of their present successful offering? A suggestion:
-Present chasis.
-An engine that can also be used in the trials lineup.
-350cc with state of tune for 100 hour top-end service intervals.
-EFI.
-Innovative engine with reduced and centralized rotating mass (yes, the side valve if it can be made to work and that they have put so much work into.
-Rugged, salty, ISDE, ride every day, put-it-away-wet reliability.
-e-start (but plugable as was stated).
-lightweight battery not high-up in the chassis.
-Auto-clutch option from the factory.
-94db exhaust that works well. Let Leo Vince or Akrapovic develop it.
-PRE-PRODUCTION TESTING. Set it up from the start to it's best potential. I'm sick of developing setup for the manufacturers. Someone already got well paid for this job. If they can't do it, find someone who will. And get the message to the suppliers exactly how the parts are to be configured.
-$500 under a WR250F but already set up for racing out of the box.

What bike would you want to bring to your weekend race?

Or a 350 big bore 2-stroke and to hell with it! :-)