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 on par with the 2 strokes - and I simply mean in terms of how a 450cc four stroke is almost as light as a 250cc two stroke, but now 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.

Other people believe (and blame) that the format of the AMA has 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?

The other 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. To understand why these concerns exist, check out the mechanics of a 2 stroke vs 4 stroke.

It is partly because of these environmental issues that the major bike manufacturers are putting less effort into the new two-tangers, and channeling their energies into their more eco-friendly four stroke motorcycle engines.

But is this good for you and I? There is no doubt that the costs of maintaining a 4-banger are much higher than it's counterpart... and people are not happy about it!

So, in the very near future you may not have the option of buying a brand new two stroke. You will have a wide range of high performance four strokes that will give you everything you've ever wanted from a dirt bike... if you can afford to maintain it. And that familiar smell of burning two stroke mix and the tell-tale 'ting ting ting' of a two stoker? Well, that may just end up nothing but a sweet memory...

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.

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

2 Strokes Dominate 
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 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....

Two Strokes All The Way.  
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 ...

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....

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 ...

	Enter your search termsSubmit search form
	Web www.dirt-bike-tips-and-pics.com

From 2 Stroke vs 4 Stroke Page to Dirt Bike Gear