2 stroke or 4? - KCSR

cbr_954 · 2014-06-06, 11:07 AM

I had a blast all week on my boss's 4 wheeler out in the dirt roads and mountain trails in Arkansas with my gf. I got her to learn to drive the 4 wheeler and I'm wanting to move up to a dirt bike.

The 4 wheeler is a 4 stroke and does great, fires right up and never said no no matter what I threw at it. It's a honda 400ex.

I wanna get a dirt bike but not sure if I want 2strole or 4.

I love how reliable this 400ex is, but I keep hearing 4 strokes are more expensive in the long run and require more maintenance?

And 2 strokes require rebuilding more often but it's much simpler to do and cheaper.

I've rode plenty of street bikes, but never had as much fun as I have on dirt roads and trails. Help me pick a good bike lol

I keep looking at 2 stroke crf250's and 4stroke crf450

Karlen · 2014-06-06, 12:23 PM

Why is this even a question. Get a 250 2 stroke.

cbr_954 · 2014-06-06, 12:27 PM

That's what I've been looking for the most. Just wanted more opinions besides the biased shit I've read online.

cbr_954 · 2014-06-06, 12:29 PM

Why do I keep seeing 250's that are four stroke?

How can I tell the difference by just looking at pics if the add doesn't specify?

Karlen · 2014-06-06, 12:33 PM

Fatty pipe = 2 stroke

I'm fairly certain if the model name has F on the end it's 4, and maybe R is 2. Also not many companies make 2 anymore, Yamaha and KTM are two I know.

Karlen · 2014-06-06, 12:36 PM

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/mcy/4491664246.html

cbr_954 · 2014-06-06, 01:13 PM

I think I messaged that guy and he don't have a title. I was looking for one with a title to register it and drive it around town.

Idk I I could put street tires on oem wheels, the warp 9 wheels are expensive as shit.

brveagle · 2014-06-06, 01:42 PM

I don't know if you are in a different state, if so, forgive me.

But you will not be able to buy a dirtbike and aquire a plate for it. They will all be for offroad use only. Now if you pick up a "dual sport" aka a dirtbike with certain streetbike features enough to make it legal. Aka a dr, klx, etc. In modern years, there has not been any 2 stroke dual sports. Obviously this varies per state.

Also crf250 is a four stroke. Drop the f for a 2 stroke. i.e. Cr250, Rm250, yz250.

cbr_954 · 2014-06-06, 01:51 PM

I was under the impression I could register any bike as long as it had lights, blinkers and a speedo. I haven't looked up kits for a 250, but I know they make plenty of light kits for the 450.

I live in Kansas, I want the dirt bike mostly for when I go to Arkansas, but would like to be able to drive it around town here if I wanted to. Otherwise I can't justify spending 2k + on something id only ride a few times a year.

cbr_954 · 2014-06-08, 10:09 AM

I've decided to go with a 4 stroke. Less shit to deal with when I go riding.

Next question, anyone hear of or have any problems with the newer fuel injected bikes? I almost rather stuck with a carb because if I can't I know many people who could help me he it going if I have fuel issues.

newguy99 · 2014-06-08, 10:46 AM

I have an 09 rmz 450, it's fuel injected and runs like a champ. I have run the piss out it and would recommend fuel injection to anyone. With regular maintenance you should have any problems, first thing I'd do get a manual and do all the proper maintenance.

As far as getting a 2 stroke registered for street use, you'll either need to "know" someone, or put a 2 stroke engine into a frame that's already been titled for street use.

I would look for a newer bike 09 and up, as fuel injection came out for most bikes in 08 and fixed alot of problems from 08 to 09. Whatever bike your looking for I would just do a quick Google search with the bikes name and the word "problems" with it. Nine times out of ten you'll find a thread where someone is looking to buy the same bike and asks for common problems. Lots of good info can be in those forums, and lead you toward what your specifically looking for.

Another thing I would look for is proper fitment of the bike. I don't know how much you weigh or how tall you are, but having a proper suspension setup (for the riding you plan on ie. Mx, trails and such) is the difference between being able to ride all day and worn out after 20 minutes. The weight of the bike plays a factor as well, if your a bigger guy then you'll be fine. If your a smaller framed guy like me it can be a pain to lug around all day.

The key is maintaining the bike and it'll run forever.

Billy Mild · 2014-06-08, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karlen

Why is this even a question. Get a 250 2 stroke.

Get the 2 stroke or be a fgt.

cbr_954 · 2014-06-09, 06:12 AM

I'm 6'2" and 250lbs. Yea that's the first thing I did with my cbr was get a manual and do all the maintenance it recomends. Thanks for the help

Guess I'll be a fgt on a 4 stroke

Billy Mild · 2014-06-09, 07:51 AM

If you can't tell I'm a huge 2 stroke nut. Like most of the people like me out there as long as I can find a 2 stroke to buy and ride, I will.

cbr_954 · 2014-06-09, 07:55 AM

I would much prefer a 2 stroke, I live the sound and crazy power band. But with my limited knowledge I think I stick to something that requires less work and maintenance.

RiskyRick · 2014-06-09, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbr_954

I would much prefer a 2 stroke, I live the sound and crazy power band. But with my limited knowledge I think I stick to something that requires less work and maintenance.

2-stroke does = less work and maintenance. Keeping a 2-stroke tip top is a hell of a lot cheaper than messing with a 4-stroke. And if you pop it, it's cheap to rebuild instead of being more than the bike's worth.

cbr_954 · 2014-06-09, 10:19 AM

2 stroke I have to deal with fouled plugs and mixing gas and a bunch of other shit.

A 4 stroke as long as it's well maintained will be fine for a while. The 400ex I was on last week never said no to anything I threw at it, drove that thing aroun for hours on end, mud, rain, trails, hills it never gave up.

cbr_954 · 2014-06-09, 10:21 AM

Ps: I doubt I'd be able to haul ass full open throttle on a 450 where I plan to ride, lol. I doubt id pop it unless I get screwed with a fucked one I didn't notice when purchasing.

brveagle · 2014-06-09, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbr_954

2 stroke I have to deal with fouled plugs and mixing gas and a bunch of other shit.

.

If mixing gas is too complicated for you, then i'd recommend you get a 4 stroke quad.

cbr_954 · 2014-06-09, 10:28 AM

Already have a 4 stroke quad I ride when I want. I want a dirt bike I can follow my gf with while she's on the quad.

Complicated? No. But definitely not as easy as pumping gas and go.

Billy Mild · 2014-06-09, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbr_954

2 stroke I have to deal with fouled plugs and mixing gas and a bunch of other shit.

A 4 stroke as long as it's well maintained will be fine for a while. The 400ex I was on last week never said no to anything I threw at it, drove that thing aroun for hours on end, mud, rain, trails, hills it never gave up.

2 strokes usually do require less maintenance when good oil is used and mix at the right ratio's. At even a 32:1 gas oil mixture you will foul a plug once in a while. What kills plugs is running to rich of an oil mixture and a lot of idling. Doing trail riding you shouldn't be idling much. Most bikes now require a 50:1 oil mixture which doesn't foul plugs often.

My buddy had a KTM 200 EXc and he raced every weekend. He threw new rings in it 1 time. It wasn't low on compression he just wanted to make sure the bike was in tip top shape for his final race. The cylinder looked brand new. He runs bean oil in this bike and has never had an issue. That bike was a 2004.

#justsaying

2 stroke rebuild is $200. 4 stroke rebuild=Thousands of dollars.

RiskyRick · 2014-06-09, 12:31 PM

4-strokes aren't just a gas-and-go situation. They add a bunch of small, expensive wear items as any high-strung motor does. Parts won't just break from abuse, as any and all run time is abusive to this type of motor.

Mixing gas takes 30 seconds out of your ride time, and unless you put around and let it idle, fouled plugs are a non issue unless your carb is jetted way off.

It's your choice, just be aware that 4-strokes aren't really a more reliable bike. The move to 4-strokes was for broader power and more tractability, not because they are cheaper or more dependable by any means.

Billy Mild · 2014-06-09, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiskyRick

4-strokes aren't just a gas-and-go situation. They add a bunch of small, expensive wear items as any high-strung motor does. Parts won't just break from abuse, as any and all run time is abusive to this type of motor.

Mixing gas takes 30 seconds out of your ride time, and unless you put around and let it idle, fouled plugs are a non issue unless your carb is jetted way off.

It's your choice, just be aware that 4-strokes aren't really a more reliable bike. The move to 4-strokes was for broader power and more tractability, not because they are cheaper or more dependable by any means.

Actually the move to 4 strokes was because of the EPA. Haha

Karlen · 2014-06-09, 02:38 PM

Why do they allow 2 strokes still then?

RiskyRick · 2014-06-09, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billy Mild

Actually the move to 4 strokes was because of the EPA. Haha

You're right in regards to road vehicles, but not offroad.

2014-06-06, 11:07 AM	#1
cbr_954 Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 15,963 Post Thanks / Like Thanks (Given): 258 Thanks (Received): 105 Likes (Given): 2126 Likes (Received): 685 Dislikes (Given): 62 Dislikes (Received): 66	2 stroke or 4? I had a blast all week on my boss's 4 wheeler out in the dirt roads and mountain trails in Arkansas with my gf. I got her to learn to drive the 4 wheeler and I'm wanting to move up to a dirt bike. The 4 wheeler is a 4 stroke and does great, fires right up and never said no no matter what I threw at it. It's a honda 400ex. I wanna get a dirt bike but not sure if I want 2strole or 4. I love how reliable this 400ex is, but I keep hearing 4 strokes are more expensive in the long run and require more maintenance? And 2 strokes require rebuilding more often but it's much simpler to do and cheaper. I've rode plenty of street bikes, but never had as much fun as I have on dirt roads and trails. Help me pick a good bike lol I keep looking at 2 stroke crf250's and 4stroke crf450

2014-06-08, 10:09 AM	#10
cbr_954 Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 15,963 Post Thanks / Like Thanks (Given): 258 Thanks (Received): 105 Likes (Given): 2126 Likes (Received): 685 Dislikes (Given): 62 Dislikes (Received): 66	I've decided to go with a 4 stroke. Less shit to deal with when I go riding. Next question, anyone hear of or have any problems with the newer fuel injected bikes? I almost rather stuck with a carb because if I can't I know many people who could help me he it going if I have fuel issues. Last edited by cbr_954; 2014-06-08 at 11:17 AM..

2014-06-09, 07:51 AM	#14
Billy Mild Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Pevely, MO Posts: 6,174 Post Thanks / Like Thanks (Given): 120 Thanks (Received): 75 Likes (Given): 2629 Likes (Received): 594 Dislikes (Given): 85 Dislikes (Received): 33	If you can't tell I'm a huge 2 stroke nut. Like most of the people like me out there as long as I can find a 2 stroke to buy and ride, I will. __________________ 1991 Corvette ZR-1 #1599 of 2,044 airlid mod 2016 RAM 1500-Roll coal 1986 Yamaha RZ350-blown up 1971 Yamaha AT1c-In the middle of restoration

2014-06-06, 12:27 PM	#3
cbr_954 Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 15,963 Post Thanks / Like Thanks (Given): 258 Thanks (Received): 105 Likes (Given): 2126 Likes (Received): 685 Dislikes (Given): 62 Dislikes (Received): 66	That's what I've been looking for the most. Just wanted more opinions besides the biased shit I've read online.

2014-06-06, 12:29 PM	#4
cbr_954 Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 15,963 Post Thanks / Like Thanks (Given): 258 Thanks (Received): 105 Likes (Given): 2126 Likes (Received): 685 Dislikes (Given): 62 Dislikes (Received): 66	Why do I keep seeing 250's that are four stroke? How can I tell the difference by just looking at pics if the add doesn't specify?

2014-06-06, 01:13 PM	#7
cbr_954 Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 15,963 Post Thanks / Like Thanks (Given): 258 Thanks (Received): 105 Likes (Given): 2126 Likes (Received): 685 Dislikes (Given): 62 Dislikes (Received): 66	I think I messaged that guy and he don't have a title. I was looking for one with a title to register it and drive it around town. Idk I I could put street tires on oem wheels, the warp 9 wheels are expensive as shit.

2014-06-06, 01:51 PM	#9
cbr_954 Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 15,963 Post Thanks / Like Thanks (Given): 258 Thanks (Received): 105 Likes (Given): 2126 Likes (Received): 685 Dislikes (Given): 62 Dislikes (Received): 66	I was under the impression I could register any bike as long as it had lights, blinkers and a speedo. I haven't looked up kits for a 250, but I know they make plenty of light kits for the 450. I live in Kansas, I want the dirt bike mostly for when I go to Arkansas, but would like to be able to drive it around town here if I wanted to. Otherwise I can't justify spending 2k + on something id only ride a few times a year.

2014-06-09, 07:55 AM	#15
cbr_954 Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 15,963 Post Thanks / Like Thanks (Given): 258 Thanks (Received): 105 Likes (Given): 2126 Likes (Received): 685 Dislikes (Given): 62 Dislikes (Received): 66	I would much prefer a 2 stroke, I live the sound and crazy power band. But with my limited knowledge I think I stick to something that requires less work and maintenance.

2014-06-09, 10:19 AM	#17
cbr_954 Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 15,963 Post Thanks / Like Thanks (Given): 258 Thanks (Received): 105 Likes (Given): 2126 Likes (Received): 685 Dislikes (Given): 62 Dislikes (Received): 66	2 stroke I have to deal with fouled plugs and mixing gas and a bunch of other shit. A 4 stroke as long as it's well maintained will be fine for a while. The 400ex I was on last week never said no to anything I threw at it, drove that thing aroun for hours on end, mud, rain, trails, hills it never gave up.

2014-06-09, 10:21 AM	#18
cbr_954 Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 15,963 Post Thanks / Like Thanks (Given): 258 Thanks (Received): 105 Likes (Given): 2126 Likes (Received): 685 Dislikes (Given): 62 Dislikes (Received): 66	Ps: I doubt I'd be able to haul ass full open throttle on a 450 where I plan to ride, lol. I doubt id pop it unless I get screwed with a fucked one I didn't notice when purchasing.

2014-06-09, 10:28 AM	#20
cbr_954 Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 15,963 Post Thanks / Like Thanks (Given): 258 Thanks (Received): 105 Likes (Given): 2126 Likes (Received): 685 Dislikes (Given): 62 Dislikes (Received): 66	Already have a 4 stroke quad I ride when I want. I want a dirt bike I can follow my gf with while she's on the quad. Complicated? No. But definitely not as easy as pumping gas and go.

2014-06-09, 12:31 PM	#22
RiskyRick Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Sedalia, Mo Posts: 2,488 Post Thanks / Like Thanks (Given): 77 Thanks (Received): 59 Likes (Given): 466 Likes (Received): 386 Dislikes (Given): 51 Dislikes (Received): 19	4-strokes aren't just a gas-and-go situation. They add a bunch of small, expensive wear items as any high-strung motor does. Parts won't just break from abuse, as any and all run time is abusive to this type of motor. Mixing gas takes 30 seconds out of your ride time, and unless you put around and let it idle, fouled plugs are a non issue unless your carb is jetted way off. It's your choice, just be aware that 4-strokes aren't really a more reliable bike. The move to 4-strokes was for broader power and more tractability, not because they are cheaper or more dependable by any means.

2014-06-09, 02:38 PM	#24
Karlen Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Manhattan Posts: 32,552 Post Thanks / Like Thanks (Given): 887 Thanks (Received): 482 Likes (Given): 4078 Likes (Received): 4371 Dislikes (Given): 99 Dislikes (Received): 169	Why do they allow 2 strokes still then?