2 stroke vs. 4 stroke...

Larry Gude

Larry Gude

Strung Out
...pros and cons for a dirt bike? I fell in love with the KX 500 2's and, as I understand it, there are no more new 2's; all gone to 4.

I ride nearly every day, but short rides. Mostly fields and trails and some MX track.

My question is the day to day maint/repair. I don't wanna be working on it all the time or tinkering all the time. Is there a clear 'better' for my type of riding?

:buddies:
 
T

toppick08

Guest
Larry Gude said:
...pros and cons for a dirt bike? I fell in love with the KX 500 2's and, as I understand it, there are no more new 2's; all gone to 4.

I ride nearly every day, but short rides. Mostly fields and trails and some MX track.

My question is the day to day maint/repair. I don't wanna be working on it all the time or tinkering all the time. Is there a clear 'better' for my type of riding?

:buddies:
Click to expand...

:gossip:

pm clevalley.....bet he can help....:yay:
 
Softballkid

Softballkid

No Longer the Kid
From my short experience with this matter, and from talking to others, if you want less M&R, you want a 4 stroke. My 4-wheeler is a 4 stroke, and I have only had it apart when I first bought it to go through everything, and and then when I bought some new stuff for it (snow plow, wench) to run the wiring.

As far as maint., I have basically only needed to change the oil, the spark plug, small things of that nature, it is a 2001, and seems to hold up well. now I don't ride it as much as I used to, but when I was going just about every weekend, it was normally a "lets see what this bad boy can do" type of riding.

As for dirt bikes, I have never owned one, but have had a good number of friends who have. From what I remember, and talking to one of them about it a little bit ago, 2 stroke - you'll have it apart all the time. 4 stroke - regular wear and tear, not to much maint. required.
 
F

FiredUp

New Member
Larry Gude said:
...pros and cons for a dirt bike? I fell in love with the KX 500 2's and, as I understand it, there are no more new 2's; all gone to 4.

I ride nearly every day, but short rides. Mostly fields and trails and some MX track.

My question is the day to day maint/repair. I don't wanna be working on it all the time or tinkering all the time. Is there a clear 'better' for my type of riding?

:buddies:
Click to expand...

All we have is 4strokes and we aren't too into maint.
My advice is keep your filter clean, real clean and stay stock - don't get sucked into all those magazine articles - there a bunch of crap most of the time. Basic's are still basics and that's that. Many people modify there bike and then the trouble begins.
 
F

FiredUp

New Member
Larry Gude said:
Yeah, that's the basic over view I get but I am wondering if lots of short rides exacerbates the difference or makes it a closer deal?
Click to expand...

What bikes specificly are you thinking about riding?
Are you talking 450 or 250?
What type of rider are you?
 
Larry Gude

Larry Gude

Strung Out
FiredUp said:
What bikes specificly are you thinking about riding?
Are you talking 450 or 250?
What type of rider are you?
Click to expand...

I'm a noob and have a CRF 230F and I ride it a little bit nearly every day, unless it's snow or ice in which case I go to the four wheelers. I get on the Honda, choke it, and ride probably 10 minutes or so, go do some work, get back on it, etc, etc with only heavier trail riding on the weekends and I'm getting into MX a little bit with a view to just being competent and get around the track, a little jumping, not serious comp.

I rode an older KX 500, 2 stroke, over the Holidays and that is what I want. That is where my heart lies, but it may simply be impractical for day to day. Which means it will have to be the second bike! :lol:

So, is riding a 2 stroke just a little bit all the time going to be problematic? I mean, I'm not sure I can even get the KX started when it's cold whereas the CRF started when we had that really cold snap.

:buddies:
 
F

FiredUp

New Member
I have a CRF 230L GREAT bike and super reliable. I would stick with that for now - the 500 is a relic and so bumbly. If you are just starting out I can't imagine being on a 500. Once you get your confidence up maybe get a 250 - if your a big guy a 450. BUt a 450 in tight woods can be frustrating.
230 will be way more user friendly and I think you will be happier regarding the maint issues.

thats my thought.
 
huntr1

huntr1

.
Larry Gude said:
...pros and cons for a dirt bike? I fell in love with the KX 500 2's and, as I understand it, there are no more new 2's; all gone to 4.

I ride nearly every day, but short rides. Mostly fields and trails and some MX track.

My question is the day to day maint/repair. I don't wanna be working on it all the time or tinkering all the time. Is there a clear 'better' for my type of riding?

:buddies:
Click to expand...
4 stroke = less maint, less smell, less work, more fun.
 
GWguy

GWguy

*
4-stroke has a better low-end torque, smoother. If you use it infrequently, the only real added maint may be a more frequent oil change, or fuel maint, which amounts to adding fuel stabilizer.
 
dustin

dustin

UAIOE
Get what you like! Maintenance isnt that tough on a 2-stroke, however it is more often. Just be prepared to shell out cash for a top end kit every now and then. You could even run different plugs depending on the riding you are doing.
 
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