Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
2 stroke or 4 stroke 2 stroke or 4 stroke
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Nov 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: London
Posts: 11
2 stroke or 4 stroke
Sorry to ask this - I realise it is probably a matter of preference and there will be two schools of thought, but I was wondering if anyone could give me their views on a choice I have.

I want to buy a bike for riding both on and off-road and have found two bikes that interest me.

The first is a Honda XR 250cc and the other is a Yamaha DT 200cc. They both look in good condition and seem to ride well. The 4 stroke Honda is twice the price of the 2 stroke Yamaha, but both are affordable.

I am new to off-road bikes, so would appreciate any advice.

Thanks in advance.

Tom
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: atlanta , georgia
Posts: 45
I would go with a 4 stroke.A 4 stroke is more reliable.A 4 stroke motor will last for ever if properly maintaned.I know when i used to have 2 stroke dirtbikes as a kid i would have to rebuild it every 2 years or so.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Nov 2009
electric_monk's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Waterford, Ireland
Posts: 310
4 stroke..
__________________
The electric monk always has faith.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 58
I vote 2 stroke because everyone that rides off-road should have owned at least one 2 stroke. An added bonus is they are very simple and very easy to work on adding to your wrenching skills. I also prefer 2 stroke outboard motors. Even though it is a small 2 stroke it will have far better power than the 4 stroke. Having said this I have 2) 4 stroke dual sports just cause they are gas and go. Owned a DT360 back in the early 70's and it was one of the best bikes I have ever owned (40+ bikes).
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Dorset UK
Posts: 395
+ 1 on wot he said.....

2 stroke is so much simpler, lighter & fun in a smaller bike. No valves to gap and less to wear/break.

4 stroke more popular, due to "global warming" spin!!!!

Pays yer money & takes your choice.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Nov 2009
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
Owned 2 and 4 stroke, my vote will always go with 4 stroke.
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
It's what you are used to. Personally I'd take an MZ anywhere for the reasons described above. You just don't get 23HP from a 290cc 4-stroke with that sort of simplicity. Once they start with power valves and assorted gubbins I walk away mind.

If you have to ask the 4-stroke is probably the safer bet.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 26 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Cambridge UK
Posts: 107
If you just want a quick blast off road at weekends you will get more power/cc (nearly double usually) from a 2 stroke but the trade off is a narrow power band and probably harder to go quick on for a novice.
If you want to go any distance I would say 4 stroke every time as they are more reliable.
A four stroke will work out cheaper to run as they are much more ecomomical and you don`t have to fork out for 2T oil which is VERY expensive for the decent stuff (which you should always use).
The only real way to find out what suits you is to try both.
__________________
This old world keeps spinning round, it`s a wonder tall trees ain`t laying down.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 26 Nov 2009
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Thumbs up
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkShelley View Post
If you just want a quick blast off road at weekends you will get more power/cc (nearly double usually) from a 2 stroke but the trade off is a narrow power band and probably harder to go quick on for a novice.
four stroke will work out cheaper to run as they are much more ecomomical and you don`t have to fork out for 2T oil which is VERY expensive for the decent stuff (which you should always use).
The only real way to find out what suits you is to try both.
Two strokes don't necessarily have a narrow power band. It's all in how they are tunes. Granted, it's easy to tune a two-smoke for stonkin' power over a small rev range so thats what is often done, but all the top trials bikes used to be two-smoke in less politically correct days BECAUSE you could tune them for wide power bands and torque as well.

I've made my mind up years ago and I'm just waitning for the duck to line up. We are riding 2004 model TS185ER Suzuki two-strokes, for their simple design, reliability and pretty good fuel consumption. They are still making these bikes from 1978.

Regards

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 26 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Scotland
Posts: 28
It depends on what you want it for. 2 strokes can be amazing fun 'cos of the power/weight ratio. For pure fun 2 strokes used to be the best.. More recently tho 4 stroke bikes have been made lighter and more responsive so a moto x 4 stroke bike can be pure joy too..

If you want to ride really, really hard for a short while, have a great time and then spend a week fixing your bike, get a 2 stroke.

If you want to cruise about, ride a little bit hard for a while, still have a great time and then have to carry out regular maintenance on your bike, get a 4 stroke.

I've got an XR. They are bomb-proof if you look after them. Get the XR.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 27 Nov 2009
yuma simon's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Yuma, Arizona, USA
Posts: 548
Since you want to go on and off road, it seems the leaning would be towards the xr. To be honest, I am not familiar with the Yamaha as we don't really have 2-strokes for riding in the U.S. like we had in the past, but if it is a dual sport like that Suzuki that Nigel Marx had a link to, then it should be okay.

4-strokes are proverbial "gas and go" machines, while 2-strokes will require the 2-stroke oil mix.

Ride both and see which will suit you better.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 27 Nov 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: London
Posts: 11
Great advice
Thanks to everyone for their comments, they have really helped.

I think, given that I want it for dual purpose and am a novice at off-road riding, I will probably go for the 4 stroke. I can see though that with some more experience in both riding and mechanics, the 2 stroke could be a lot of fun though. Perhaps one for the future.

Cheers

Tom
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 27 Nov 2009
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
Quote:
Originally Posted by solomonfurious View Post
Thanks to everyone for their comments, they have really helped.

I think, given that I want it for dual purpose and am a novice at off-road riding, I will probably go for the 4 stroke. I can see though that with some more experience in both riding and mechanics, the 2 stroke could be a lot of fun though. Perhaps one for the future.

Cheers

Tom
You're conclusion sounds 'spot-on'
Although I prefer 4 strokes, 2 strokes can be fun, a 220KDX Kawasaki I had never made me ride quicker, it just got me to the accident quicker!
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 27 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Wait for the day your desmo-demonic valve shims need changing. I'll be out making blue smoke

Andy
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Stroke recognition ChrisC Staying Healthy on the Road 12 6 Feb 2009 23:56
Anyone ever done a trip on a 2-stroke?? PocketHead Equipment Reviews 23 5 Dec 2008 12:13
2 stroke touring Neil Which Bike? 11 15 Nov 2008 02:12
2 stroke mixture? kevinhancock750 Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 5 9 Apr 2007 07:30
GP-shift for a 2-stroke... tomtom KTM Tech 0 3 Oct 2006 03:48

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:56.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top