2 Stroke vs 4 Stroke: What's The Deal Anyway?
2 stroke vs 4 stroke. Which one is better? Once upon a time there was a huge difference between the way a 4 stroke and a 2 stroke dirt bike performed. Two stroke motorcycles dominated the motocross and supercross classes because of their high performance and light weight. While the heavier, less nimble thumpers performed at their best in the enduro and trail circuits. Though, they still had to compete against the mad-men that were willing to strap themselves to a 500cc 2 stroke screamer. Well, since the YZ400F made its debut in 1997, when Doug Henry won the final supercross of the year in Las Vegas on one... things have changed dramatically. The fours have fast become the dominating force on any track or terrain. Why? Well it seems there are a number of debatable reasons. Their power to weight ratio is almost on par with the 2 strokes - and I simply mean in terms of how a 450cc four stroke is now a lot closer to the weight of a 250cc two stroke, but puts out a similar amount of speed and power. Back in the early 90's four strokes were heavy beasts and were considerably slower than the two's. With the new and improved 4-banger, many people find them easier to ride with their smooth, tractable power delivery. But on the other hand, a lot of riders don't actually want that. They want the thrill, noise and adrenalin of a powerband. So why are the 2 strokes disappearing? Some people believe (and blame) the format of the AMA, and large companies such as Honda have a heavy influence over why we are witnessing the decline of the popular two's. Is it fair that a 450cc four stroke is able to compete against a 250cc two stroke? It has also been said that another contributing factor to the 2 strokes decline is the pressure felt by government groups and lobbyists to phase them out because of the environmental damage they cause. But how much more pollution do they really put out compared to the 4's? It seems that the technology already exists to create a two stroke engine that is just as, if not more environmentally sound as a four stroke. To gain a deeper understanding of the way the two engines work, check out the mechanics of a
2 stroke
vs
4 stroke.
Is it really because of these environmental issues that the major bike manufacturers are putting little to no effort into the new two-tangers? How good or bad is this for you and I as riders? There is no doubt that the costs of maintaining a 4-banger are much higher than it's counterpart. Does that seem right to you? With modern technology shouldn't the bikes be more reliable and easier to maintain? And shouldn't we have a choice of what type of bike we prefer to ride? There is a lot of heated talk going on right now about this topic. Do these big bike manufacturers actually care about what the market place - its customers - want? If so, why is it that most of the Japanese companies aren't producing two-stroke's for adults anymore?
Click Here To Read About The Future Of Two Stroke Dirt Bikes
As you can see here... the difference between an ancient 1985 xr600 thumper and a modern '07 crf450 is huge! Not only are they far sexier now, but their handling, rideability and engine power are far superior too - but at a price.
Photo courtesy of
Honda
How much longer will the two stokers be around for? The hair raising Japanese 500cc weapons have already dropped off the production line... and now it seems only European manufacturers are bothering with 2 strokes. There is now a wide range of high performance four strokes available that offer you almost everything you've ever wanted from a dirt bike... if you can afford to maintain it. But don't think that the two stroke has its days numbered just yet. That familiar smell of burning two stroke mix and the tell-tale 'ting ting ting' of a two stoker may continue to resonate around the muddy fields of the world yet...
Got Something To Say About This Whole 2 Stroke vs 4 Stroke Thing?
Here's YOUR opportunity to let everyone else know what your views are on this developing topic. Where do you see the future for 2 strokes and/or 4 strokes? Are 4 strokes harder to maintain? If so, why? What style of riding is each one better for? Have you ridden two strokes for years and have now converted to a four stroke?
Accepted comments will be posted up as it's own page, so I am looking for something with more depth than 1 or 2 sentances.
Interesting Stuff Other Visitors Have Said...
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
I Prefer Two-Strokes
You get more power to weight ratio and more power period per cc with a 2-stroke compared to 4-strokes.
They are a simpler engine which makes for easier ...
Nothing Like A Two-Stroke
I love 2 strokes, and always will. I realize how much more efficient these modern 4-strokes are.
What for me would be the perfect 2-stroke dirt bike?...
Two Stroke Four Stroke... You Are Missing The Point!
It is just a matter of time both will be gone. Just look at the automotive industry. Only highly efficient computer controlled, low emission models remain....
Electric Starters Make All The Difference
I started on a 1990 KDX 200, a great 2 stroke bike. Top end was rebuilt once, before I got it and is still running great to this day. Sure it takes some ...
4 Strokes Are Far From Superior
2 strokes have the following advantages over 4 strokes...
- More power (Obviously, that's why 2 strokes specialize in a thing called powerband)
- Starts ...
Not Happy
I love 2 strokes, they are sooo much easier to maintain, more fun to ride and just all round great to have.
Im only 15 and I can do all the work on ...
Light Weight and ON the Pipe!
As far as Enduros and Hare Scambles go, the top guys are winning on 2-strokes. I myself race a 200 xcw and pass a lot of the 450's. I think they get lazy ...
Two Stroke Pre-mix And Cow Shit
The burning smell of premix is the single most defining essence of motocross. Without the smell and ting ting screaming noise, you might as well have ...
My First Race Bike - 1981 YZ465H 2-Stroke 5-Speed
The 4-strokes achieve their maximum power rating at a much higher rpm. My 465 put out 52 hp under 7'000 RPM, and only weighed in at 229lbs. In deep, soft ...
Limited Options
Man, without 125 two strokes that leaves nothing in between an 85cc and a 250cc. I know Honda makes the CRF150r, but it's little, like a pit bike. I ...
I Hate The Way Two Strokes Are Compared To Four Strokes
Is it just me, or is it that every time people compare the 2 strokes and the 4 strokes that they always compare it to the wrong bike. Take the CR500 for ...
4 Strokes Are For The Street
I ride a Kawaski KX 500. The power is unmatched by any 4stroke out there. I have kicked the shit out of many 450s, and 250s are no match for my 500. Don'...
2 Is Better Than 4
Valves, shims, springs, timing chains, two throttle cables, remove the gas tank to change a spark plug, 400.00 dollars for after market slip on pipes...
The ...
Two Strokes Are Better Here's Why
First off there is the simple power to weight issue. The above statement is incorrect, "not only is their power to weight ratio on par with the 2 strokes"...
Two Strokes Are WAY More Cost Effective!!!!
Two-stroke dirt bikes are much simpler, faster, and easier to maintain, and most of all cheaper for up & coming future MX / SX racers!
I think the ...
2 Stroke Reality
I think that the main reason 2 strokes didn't last long on the market is because the OEMS saw that there was way more $$$ in the maintenance of 4- strokes....
Save The 2-Strokes Please. It's Like Talking to a Brick Wall!
My friend always says that 2 strokes suck. Well my opinion is very different.
I don't know why but I have always gone with 2-strokes for some reason....
Un-biased
Now, the great two stroke versus 4 stroke battle...
Since I like 4 strokes and 2 strokes, I'm not going to prefer or endorse one or the other.
My ...
Two Strokes vs 4 Strokes
Well I'm 29 years young turning 30 in May. I've been riding two stroke 125's my whole life until a few years ago when I sold my 125 at age 26. I returned ...
It's Senseless To Argue - You're Missing The Point
Yea, it's a heated debate and always has been. I've ridden/raced 2-strokes for 20 years and now ride a thumper. Most young guys love to hate on em, (read ...
4 Strokes Are Better
4 strokes are ten times better than 2 strokers, these days more than ever. 4 strokes well exceed the 2 stroke power, especially in torque and overall ...
Big Business Does It Again
I really believe that the rise of the four stroke is due to two things.
1. All the manufacturers know that 4 strokes need more expensive maintenance ...
My Personal Preference and Why
I've had my fair share/goes on different motocross bikes, a following to name a few...
Suzuki DRZ 400, Honda's CR-F, Honda CR 500, Kawasaki KX 85 (when ...
Two Strokes Are Affordable And Reliable
Two points to make. To re-build the top-end on a 2 stroke, with machining is going to cost you around 200 bucks and you can install it yourself. Additionally ...
Two Strokers... RULE
I am an avid outdoors person and care about our environment. However, when it comes down to governmental regulation on our 2 strokes and phasing them ...
4 Strokes Are As Good As 2-Strokes
They are perfect for the newer dirt bike riders. They have higher torque than 2 strokes and they have twice the fuel economy and yet still have a smoother ...
4 Strokes Are The Future - Like It or Not.
For the average rider maintenance is not an issue for 4 strokers. I've owned them now for a while and have really done nothing to my 4 stroke. This maintenance ...
4 Strokes Win Hands Down
Four strokes are definitely better! I'm not putting the 2's down but 4 strokes are powerhouses. Not only do they have speed but they have power. 2 strokes ...
2 Strokes and 4 Strokes Are Good For Their Own Reasons
Not rated yet
I feel the phasing out is simple (sorry little conspiracy theory here) PARTS ! The head has approx 1000% more parts, machining and specialized labour ...
4-Strokes Should Stay And So Should 2-Strokes
Not rated yet
I think yes keep the 2 strokes alive, that way people won't get sick of the 4 strokes. Come on people use your heads... if they ban 2-strokes and everybody ...
If Four Strokes Are So Much Better Then..
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... Why is it that most, not all, but most of the FMX riders are still on 250cc two strokes? Travis Pastrana still rides a RM for most of his stunts ...
It All Makes No Sense
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I race a 2004 CR85R and it annihilates the class I'm in. There's no point even being in it. It keeps up with 250 4-stroke racing bikes.
I mean if yer ...
Two Strokes Are Way Better Because Of Everything
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Well, I've ridden 2 strokes all my life but now these so called "better 4 strokes" are being produced that aren't worth s%#t. They are way more expensive,...
NiMH - X
Not rated yet
I reckon that before the next fifty years has passed you won't see two or four strokes... you will have high current, high power output, electric powered ...
Financially Unable To Ride
Not rated yet
Hi, I have just read your 2 vs 4 stroke dirt bike article. How great it is to read a comparison test by someone who knows what they r talking about & who ...
2 Stroke Over 4 Stroke Any Day
Not rated yet
Hi I'm Josh.
I'd like to have my 2 cents about this topic. I ride a 99 Suzuki RM (2-stroke obviously) and I love it, it goes so hard I got no complaints....
2 Strokes Are The Best, Because of This..
Not rated yet
2 strokes are easy to maintain.
- Compared to a 4 stroke, the modern 2 strokes have nickel plated cylinders, which wears out the ring instead of the ...
Two Stroke Future
Not rated yet
A 2 stroke produces power every revolution making it vastly more efficient than a four stroke that needs two revolutions to do the same thing. All ...
On The Pipe And Loving It!
Not rated yet
Having ridden a small fleet of two and four stroke dirt bikes over the years I just keep finding myself coming back to the excitement of the two stroke ...
Compare Apples to Apples
Not rated yet
250cc to 250cc two stroke wins hands down, for now. This is the way it is, but most likely will not always be. Can a four stroke be simple, cheap, dependable ...
2 Strokes All The Way
Not rated yet
Think about it... 4 strokes are a pain to rebuild because of all the valve timing. A 2 stroke you just pull off the jug and everything is uncomplicated ...
They Are Both Good.
Not rated yet
I like them both, Hey I ride them both!! Dirt bikes are just awesome period. 4 stroke or 2 stroke doesn't matter. Just get a dirt bike.
- Ha! I love ...
2 Stroke All The Way
Not rated yet
After growing up from a young kid to an adult riding a 2 stroke, I always thought they were the only true motocross bike to have. Then came the 400f, the ...
Is Ignorance Bliss?
Not rated yet
Four strokes seem to be dominating all "small" gas power sources that used to be 2 stroke by default. This isn't only true for bikes, of course; there ...
Two Stroke Rules!
Not rated yet
Being an old git (over 40) I've been plugging round on a KXf 250, following my 13 year old no brain, no fear son on his KX125. This has resulted in me ...
Two Stroke vs Four Stroke, Differences and Similarities
Not rated yet
Four strokes don't have a power band like a two stroke so you don't have to worry about the power band kicking in and slinging an inexperienced rider on ...
A Thrill to Ride and Own.
Not rated yet
I love the way a two stroke feels when you hit the powerband. It's just an all around adrenaline rush. They sound way better and more pipey than the fours ...
The Two Stroke will Never Die Completely
Not rated yet
Even if Zeus were to descend from the clouds tomorrow and declare that all two-stroke engines must cease production for the remainder of time, lest the ...
Four Stroke Maintenance Costs Make It Too Expensive To Ride
Not rated yet
My son started motox on an 85cc 2 stroke. He then followed the natural progression, 125cc - 250cc 2t's. I used to do all the maintenance myself. It ...
Displacement
Not rated yet
I am always amused by the younger generation, myself being 41 yo, that they always compare a 250 cc two stroke against a 450 cc four stroke. If a comparison ...
Good News For 2-stroke fans!
Not rated yet
I was surfing the web just the other day, researching the new Maico dirt bikes that are now being built back in Germany in limited numbers. Supposedly ...
Two Strokes Are Better... Way Better
Not rated yet
I'll get right to the point.
1. The environment problem is a load of crap. I mean seriously, how much pollution does any dirt bike engine put out?
2....
No Comparison
Not rated yet
Let me preface this by saying that I am not a dirt bike kind of guy. When I was younger, I learned to ride on a 4 stroke Honda 90cc road bike. As I got ...
You Can't Blame The Manufacturers...
Not rated yet
To be honest I considered a 450 over my 250 2-stroke. But I'm a part-time casual track rider and enjoy hitting the local sand dunes.
People are jumping ...
Banning of 2 Strokes - Bollicks
Not rated yet
I think it is absolutely ridiculous about the banning of 2 strokes over environmental issues, as it is so minimal compared to the pollution in even just ...
Two Strokes Sound Good And Go Hard
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I've only owned two 4 stroke motorbikes in my life. One was a 1980 Honda XL125 and the other was a 1983 Suzuki DR125
The 2 strokes I've owned have ...
Two Strokes Rule
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The whole environmentalist rationale for eliminating 2-strokes is total BS. There are already clean-burning 2-strokes, and even if they weren't, the amount ...
2 Strokes Are More Popular
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I have a 4 stroke dirt bike and I go to dirt tracks a lot. There's no one with 4 strokes. Everyone has got 2 strokes and the noise is crazy! But I seem ...
Two Strokes - More Power & Simpler To Work On
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I like 2 strokes a heck of a lot more than the sordid old 4 strokes. I mean the 4's are OK if you're not dead in the ol' bike nut. But for all of us ...
WIMPS
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What I hate is all of these wimps. I think the big four need to start making big bore 2 strokes again.
The first bike I ever rode was a KX500 and ...
Personal Choice
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I started riding 2 strokes all the way up to a Suzuki RM 250. They are without a doubt, serious horse power on any track. For a beginner it will spit ...
2 Strokes Are The Bomb!
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Nothing else compares to the sound and performance that comes out of a two stroke dirt bike. They're super-tough, light, easy to work on, and a lot cheaper ...
2 Strokes Dominate
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I really find it hard to believe how the big four can steer away from 2 strokes. I mean, it's like they don't even relate to us. Have they never ridden ...
Two Strokes All The Way.
Not rated yet
I hate the way they're dying out. Ive tried riding four strokes, but for me they just don't have anything on the feel, smell, sound and sense of raw power ...
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