I feel that 2 strokes are more light, nimble and loose where 4 strokes are tight and heavy but very powerful. A 2 stroke is more fun on a trail for me because it feels free. 4 strokes have engine braking which some people prefer, but doesn't allow you to coast as much and requires partial throttle most of the time. Then most of all, the smell and sound of a 2 stroke is amazing with that big shiny pipe. 4 strokes though, they have presence with a big motor filling the frame and a large slip on pipe. Still, at the end of the day its all about personal preference.
2 strokes are more forgiving when running them over any sort of jump where I find if I'm not perfect with the throttle running a thumper I tend to nose dive.... A lot!!
It's about personal preference, but that's also about maintenance. I'm not afraid of valves, timing and all that stuff. I've figured this out a long time ago. But I often feel chained to my bike with all the maintenance. Why should I spend an hour checking valve clearance when there is a system which doesn't require checking and adjusting valves at all? Why should I spend my time changing oil that often when there is a system where the engine always works on fresh oil? Why should getting to the spark plug be that complex when there is a system where it's within your arm reach? Four strokes are the way to go for serious competition, but for us, hobby riders who don't have a mechanic fixing stuff for them, 2-stroke is the way to go.
@@mansfd I'm glad that someone else experiences that I've just switched to a 450 and unless I'm hard on the gas it nosedives whereas with the 2 banger if I'm tired i can coast and still send it
@@mansfd i used to have a 300exc before (from Aus) incredibly perfect for single trail and hills where i used to live but now i live in the north west of aus essentially desert riding so I got the 450. Just gotta get used to it haha
Right on, Kyle! Having one ( or more!) of each is the best. Figure out what kind of terrain you like best and get the appropriate bike. Select the best tool for the job. For rough country the 2 stroke rules. Look at what the world’s best extreme enduro riders choose. For bigger loops, more open terrain, and faster speeds the 4 strokes rule because of more high speed stability and much longer fuel range. My favorite combo is a 300 2 stroke and a 500 4 stroke. Pretty much covers anything I want to ride. Thanks for sharing your informed opinions and beautiful riding venues. Cheers!
Love your videos Kyle. Your style of presenting is great. Your perspective is upbeat and fun to listen to. Being a long time dirt bike rider (35 years worth) I love both. I can ride anything with 2 wheels and a motor and have fun. It is my opinion the 4T's excel in the faster terrain, sand, and moto tracks. The 2T's are better in tight twisties and knarly single track (like what you seem to ride the most). Years ago I had a 1998 KTM 380exc. It was great for most any terrain but was the best when I needed to do slow trail work. 4T's flame out easier, overheat easier, feel bigger, and wear you out sooner. However, they bring a big grin to my face when I roll deep into the throttle in open terrain. I can't get enough of the high revs. For that reason I tilt towards the big 4T's. I still run a 2008 KTM 505xcf. Maybe at some time in the future I can buy one of those $9k-$10k tpi 2T's if the wife will let me!! Keep the awesome vids coming! P.S. Most new riders just need to buy an old good condition Honda XR250 ride it for one full season and then go buy a newer 4T or 2T. Cracks me up when I see newer riders on some tight steep rocky single track trail trying to ride a newer 450 /250 4T motorcross bike wondering what is going on!
You said it perfectly at the beginning . Your comparing DIRT BIKES and the key word is FUN ! It doesn't matter which one you prefer I dare you to NOT have FUN on either one ! Any bike you ride should and will put a smile ear to ear on ya face and that's what matters !!!
4-stroke for the wide open rides and for the times you need a plate to slab it to the next trail head. Two-strokes for those tight technical trails in the woods. You truly need one of each in order to have a tool for all jobs.
I Absolutely agree 100% , And thats coming from a two and four stroke owner, I have always defined them as a wild bronco (2 smoke) and an elephant (4 stroke)
You literally said nothing to help a person who is trying to buy one or the other. We can’t all afford both. Not to mention you did not discuss the different types of maintenance. The reason you like a certain bike in a certain situation. Thanks for nothing. Sweet bikes though.
He has 4 other videos about it, going into more detail. But not many people are making this choice logically. You've really got to dip your toe in both, by taking a rip on a buddy's bike or whatever, and decide what feels better to you.
If you are a new rider get a 4 stroke, they have power but a 2 has a power band in it at a certain rpm the bike can almost be uncontrollable to a new rider, it's like flipping a nitrous oxide switch and boom you better hang on.
@@terrywilson1362 SOME 2-strokes are obnoxious like that. A lot of them are not. I learned to ride on 2-strokes and didn't have a bike with a noticeable powerband hit until my 4th bike. If you get caught off-guard by a KDX-200, the 4-stroke will not save you either.
It's simple. If you ride rough technical terrain in tight woods a 2 stroke is your best friend. Open atv trails & desert is where the 4 stroke lives. I'm a tight woods technical guy. I'd never ride a 4 stroke in that. But I'd never have a 2 stroke dual sport. You have to learn how to ride them. I never have as much fun on a 4 stroke, but I grew up on them.
@@terrywilson1362 you know powerbands are not parts .all combustion engines have them. it`s just a way of describing where your bike works best .the 4 strokes have a very broad powerband and a 2 stroke has a very narrow band width .where it works best *way up in the RPM`s " .
Exactly, when riding a 4 stroke it makes me feel like I am in the "BORED" room! 4 strokes are for when you want predictable, consistent, smooth riding. 2 strokes are for when you want exciting, adrenaline rushing OMG hold on for dear life let's do this till I run out of gas power! I have also ridden both quite a bit and I agree you need one of each to be really happy.
I live in Colorado and ride the mountains. The 2 stroke is more fun for that type of riding cause it's lighter and can lug better down low but don't say a 250 2stroke will pull your arms off more than a 4stroke. I have a 2012 kx450f that I've ridden on the track and mountains and its too much power for most mountain rides where the 2stroke is lighter and quick but not quite as much power. You have to stay in the powerband on the 2stroke to be near what the 4stroke is tractoring to the ground all the time where if you don't modulate the throttle on a 4stroke it'll kick your ass
When I had my 250 2015 Beta I tried KTM 450 from 2009. It was bullshit compared to 2 stroke. My 2 stroke was really snappy. However since 2012 with EFI KTM's its totally different story. I find 4 stroke faster so far and much better to ride with. I did a lap with KTM 2020 350 4T and then a lap with Beta 300 2 stroke... 4T all the way. Can't tell about tight single tracks.. I really can't find the excitement adrenaline rush in 2 stroke compared to 4 stroke. I want to ride smooth and stable and not to make mistakes. Yeah the noise and torque is nice but it won't make you ride better if it constantly skids around and makes it hard to ride. But thats what I feel like when I ride. I do not have any long experience with 4 stroke yet. Just test rides so far.
I was just having a bit of fun with my reply, like I said I have ridden both. I just prefer 2 strokes but when it is time to rebuild a motor the 2 strokes are less expensive. It really comes down to whatever you are used to riding and if you like it. Who cares what someone else says. Get out and have fun. 2 vs 4 will never be settled in my opinion.
@@bigblock428 no your right...2strokes are fun and light while my 4stroke is heavier and you can be lazy on it but you open it up and watch out it's holy crap fast. I have a 99 kx250, 03 yz250 and a 18 GasGas xc250 along with my kx450. Obviously I lean towards 2strokes especially when it comes to rebuilds too...gotta have options!
Hey Kyle Brotherson PLEASE READ I really like you as a person because you are an inspiration to me and I spend all my time watching your videos because you put a lot of effort into making them I really think that you are a awesome guy. All I want is to have a ktm xc 250 or husky te300i but my mother would never let me ride a motorbike but when I am on my mountain bike I always emagen that it is a ktm xc 250 2stroke screaming down the road I have always liked motorbikes since little and still do especially dirt bikes and adventure bikes. just wanted to let you know that you are doing a great job with making your videos and rideing KEEP IT UP!!! #GREAT CONTENT.
Dear Kyle, i have to admit that I like your vids. Most worthy! I agree with all that you say. We all know that most bikes nowadays are worthy and capable but for me it's about longetivity and reliability. Because i own a 2007 ktm 450exc(which I adore) with 110.000kms on the clock and 2,144hrs with minor repairs. 2ts today have become complicated so someone who's considering on a 2t should think well ,concerning on maintenance!
Two strokes are no more complicated than before really, I mean there is electric start, not that complicated, and fuel injection on select models. Really when you get into fuel Injection is not overly complicate either, and can make owning a two stroke easier for those people who don't like tuning a carb. And with offering from lectron, even carbureted bikes can go with little to no tuning. I can still do a top end rebuild on a modern two stroke easily in my garage with little to no experience and basic knowledge of how the engine works. Just the way I look at it though.
@@jakethelittlesnake6258 Just skip the fuel injection models. The only reason they've appeared is Euro 4 regulation, which is non-sense for motorcycles anyhow, let alone enduro motorcycles. TPI is not beneficial for the rider and no way is it beneficial for the planet.
@@jakethelittlesnake6258 Maybe while it works, yes. But if it breaks down I've no idea what to do with it. I think TPI kills the whole idea of a 2-stroke, like being repairable by an average Joe on his lap. It's no longer the case.
@@nestserau But what Im saying, unless you have a computer problem, fuel injection is not that hard to work on, its honestly really simple. I will agree adding more computers to something will complicate it but as far as being able to work on the anything else, having fuel injection isnt gonna make anything to much harder. and it still is a simple two stoke, just instead of a carb there is injectors there.
that clip at the end. That was shortly after the top end rebuild where the tolerances weren't right and the engine seized right after you let off wasn't it?? :)
I feel like a 4 makes you be a better rider, getting use to the weight of the bike the clutch the power, a 2 you have that gigantic pipe in the front getting smashed every time you lay it down on that side, a 4 you're going to go further on a tank of gas less engine maintenance and it doesn't really cost that much to rebuild as often as you have to do it which depending on how you ride and take care of bike maybe once the whole time you own the bike, of course this is my opinion and I ride a 4 stroke, 2019 yz250fx
Great analogy of the differences that I agree with wholeheartedly. I got 2 four strokes in the garage (Yamaha 250 & Beta 450) and 2 two strokes (Beta 300 & TE250i) Life’s short, gotta run with both styles of Bikes for riding in different areas. Great Video!!
I am about to turn 40 but Man I know the feeling. I can’t stop riding my 96 RM 250. I could definitely go out and buy another bike. But it’s still one of the sweetest bikes I have. now don’t get me wrong I’ve got a lot of money put in it but man I love it. I’ve had it for almost 13 years now. I have a 98 CR 500 and it’s fixed up really nice but I almost never ride it.
Just found your channel and love it and I'm right there with you but I'm older so it's now 4 stroke for me the energy you put into a 2 is what you get out it a more symbiot relationship clutch work throttle work oh so important but satisfying,dont get old 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍👍
Remember Scotty on Star Trek screaming "use the right tool for the right job!"? That... There's something to be said for big-bore 4-stroke racing and the wonder that is engine braking combined with extremely controllable throttle, and then there's lugging a gear higher when needed. Dealing with fast transitions from speed to rutted turns is its true calling. 4-strokes also allows for throttle based pitch control while airborne. Then there's the lightness of a 2-stroke in hard enduro to be able to coax that light bike through repositioning enroute. The 2-stroke feels like you can blast over an obstacle without as much mass to control, it just feels that way. Then you ping the rev-limiter on a 450MX bike down the straightaway and start to lean while chopping the throttle and the braking draws that rear out on that flat-track turn while the inside leg outriggers as you skid control squeezing the outside leg. Feels like a skidding a super downhill skidding turn. You need MX suspension for MX tracks, it's just that way. I have to explain why I have 3 bikes, because unfortunately I can't race and train everything on the one. It'd make life less complicated if I could.
I agree, the correct tool for the job!! I own fourteen two strokes, and ONE four stroke, KLX-450-R the four strokesare heavier, and there nothing like the older ones, like XR's
Would you consider selling one of your 2 strokes. I’ve been saving for years and just can’t find one in my price range. I want a 125 that will last me a few years at least that I don’t have to worry about tearing up 😂. But I don’t want to spend a whole lot. Anyway if you would consider it, please comment
Im Old School, 59..Heros , Roger Decoster Brad Lackey, Tony Dee later Marty Smith. I thought Bob Hannah was a punk...; )... Raced my Brand New 1975 RM250 when I was 15, Its the smell and sound of the two stroke, In my day It was the only ride, Nowadays the stupid fart sound of the 4..Two strokes rule and awaken the senses of what the radical, sick, and twisted minds of Dirt Riders create and express when they are riding.. the power band of the 2 becomes a part of you..I still ride a KX500 but this body cant do it justice anymore...I have fun and thats the bottom line I know the advantages of the big 4s but I just love the smells and sound of my 2... just sayin
2 stroke for the gnar. 4 stroke for a hard dual sport. For me It’s a 500 exc for dual sport and a kdx 200 for gnar. I’m excited for this beta 200 review
So funny. A was a four-stroker and now I ride a 300 2t... The truth is that I sometimes miss my 4t and I sometimes don't. So if I could afford it, I'd have both.
I’ve never ridden a two stroke I like the idea of something lighter then I currently have I enjoy the features of the four stroke on 4 to 5 day overnight trips
I agree 100%, I own two four strokes and one two stroke and I use them for different types of riding; however, my KX250 is the one that reminds me I'm still alive! That's why I like two strokes the most.
They require much more work to ride. Lots of shifting. I have raced and won championships on a KTM 150, but when I moved to a KTM 350, it was a game changer. I ride the 150 for fun and practice, but race the 350.
@@jfuqua72 I have had my best results and most fun on a KTM 150, I struggled on a 300 4t. I love small bores, wouldn't go back! To me shifting and revving is all part of the fun.
I love riding my 2 stroke like the feeling more only problem i have is i mainly trail ride with my brother and dad and they both have 4 strokes so i can't ride as far as them because I run out of gas twice as fast
@@717Chris I'd personally go with whatever you guys are comfortable with. For the gas with a 2 stroke u can always buy an aftermarket gas tank to hold a few more gallons and get a lot more out if a single ride if that's an issue for you like it was me.
I think what your saying is... for the terrain you personally ride and have fun in the 2 stroke fits the bill like most of us off road riders. The 4 stroke is a bit gurthy and extra for tight single track. It has its purpose in flat out open 5th gear terrain, high elevation the big bike suits terrain that needs more power. Here in Colorado when I’m up at 11,000 plus feet I wish I had a tuned up 450 4 stroke because of the power loss and change in elevation (no jetting) in the long run you should own both because you can ride whatever 1 accordingly
I just picked up a CRF450l and I love that bike but eventually I want a 250 two stroke bike as well. I'm just to the point where I want both vs trying to figure out which one is the best because neither one is the best at everything
I'm a old school 2-stroke guy going back to the 1980s. I had a few 4-stroke bikes and a ATV for awhile and never really cared for them. Something about a Yamaha YZ 2-stroke that gets the blood pumping. If it wasn't for the EPA and dogooders 4-stroke dirt/motocross bikes wouldn't even exist. In 1998 the AMA started allowing 450cc 4-stroke bikes to compete against 250cc 2-stroke bikes. That should tell you something right there. On average a 2-stroke bike makes at least 30% more power of the same displacement 4-stroke bike. I can attest first hand to that when my 1980 Yamaha YZ80 "bumblebee" 80cc 2-stroke would lay the smack down on larger displacement 100cc and 125cc 4-stroke enduro or "trail bikes with ease. I haven't had a bike of any kind since 2008 when I sold my Harley road bike. I have been very temped and thinking about getting a newer 2-stroke Yamaha YZ-125 or a KTM 125 just to play around with and rip around on. I want a explosive power band that has instant power. When riding off-road and on dirt the last thing you want is a heavy and boggy 4-stroke dirt bike. Also the 2-strokes are far simpler with less parts and are both a lot easier and cheaper to fix than their 4-stroke equivalents.
There's really no way you can call modern 4 strokes boggy or heavy, the KTM 450s are making over 60 horsepower and weigh right around 220 pounds. That's 15 more horsepower, a wider powerband, a higher redline, a higher top speed and about the same weight as any modern 250 two stroke. People can try to babble about how I have twice the displacement of their 250 but it's hard to talk when they're eating my roost. Unless you get your hands on a 500 two stroke you'll never keep up with the 450s on any stock 2 stroke bike. Hell, the 450s even give the 500s a run for their money in drag races. Don't believe me just watch a few videos like "CR500 vs 450" or something like that.
@@JohnDoeEagle1 Just look up CR500 vs KTM450. Even with a 50cc advantage the 2 stroke loses from start to finish to the 4 stroke. So much for being sluggish and heavy. My math is fine, better than your ability admit being wrong.
@@harrypeterson9287 50cc bigger? It's twice the size.....250cc bigger. I've rode my Cousin's late 90's Kawasaki KX-250 2-stroke before too so you aren't going to BS me. It was insanely fast and could pull the front wheel on acceleration very easily without even trying. Also in AMA in 1998 they legalized 250cc 2-strokes to compete against 450cc 4-strokes. That I know for sure and remember.
I have a CRF 150r right now and it’s my first bike. I’m 14, 5ft 8 inches and 125 pounds and need a bigger bike but i don’t know if I should get a 125 2 stroke or 250 4 stroke. I’m a ok rider but not a great rider . I ride track mostly and I don’t know what would be good for me. It would really help to get your opinion! Thanks!
Not all of that is true. 2 strokes have less moving parts and tend to not need very much maintaining. Also tend to last longer. Also one is not easier than the other. A 125 2 stroke is the same size and power comparison to a 250 4 stroke. But 2 strokes are lighter and easier to maneuver and have far faster acceleration
I have a 2015 Husky FE350 and just picked up a 2020 Beta 200rr. I already have this internal struggle going on about which one to ride. Other people don't seem to get it. It's about picking the right tool for the job. I don't throw out my Crescent wrench because I got a shiny new pair of vise grips
I love them both. 4 strokes are smooth and have good power but are harder to control and keep momentum in the tight stuff. The engine braking makes woods riding much more intensive with braking and clutching and shifting. The 2 stroke is quicker in the tight stuff and the front end feels lighter and is easier to loft over logs and rocks. That said it's all preference, though I feel more people ride 4 strokes because there's more of them on the market and they would actually be faster on a 2 stroke. Yes, it does come down to skill though because your top gncc riders are blasting away and hauling ass on 4 strokes. If your a straight enduro guy you can't beat a 2 stroke for its luggability and flickability. If you're a trail rider and speed in all areas doesn't matter it's sort of a toss up to me. Motocross riding the 4 stroke is clearly more stable and has more tractable power.
...got both, but only ride the gg 300 2T lately. 1. It feels lighter and more manageable. 2. The small bore provides good traction, but makes plenty of power when I need it. ...loving it!!! 😍
I mainly do hair scramble style riding, but sometimes do enduro and/or motocross. But I also want something that can comfortably ride to and from trails via street without using too much fuel. I basically want a regular dirt bike with the luxury of the street if need be (5-30 minutes max at a time on the street) without using too much fuel, not a dedicated street bike. I can’t decide between a wr250f or yz250x concerted to street
Lol, I'm a 4 stroke guy, but I can't pull off that suit thang. I have a 300ktm buddy I ride single track with, every now and again I get to ride his 300, I love it(almost a perfect tool), but he doesn't like a 350, 450 or 500 on single track, so we dont switch often enough In a better world for me, I need a 200lb 300xc(get busy ktm) for local single track, and my buddy needs a fe350 plated so we can ride the T1 tour of Idaho together! 😁😁😁
@@DirtBikeChannel haha going through old comments? quarantine must be taking its toll. I'm just busting balls but 14 years is a long time. Polish those old girls and tellem thanks.
Two strokes are easier to ride in tight stuff at least the smaller displacement bikes are . A 450 is an open bike just like a 500 two stroke is and they are harder to ride in tight stuff as well. In low traction situations dry hardpack flat corners i prefer the 4 stroke. Sand and loam the two stroke gets on top of way better 4 strokes plow in soft stuff.
I'm soo stuck between getting a ktm 150sx or a 250 four stroke. 65% of my riding will be motocross tracks and the other 35% will be offroad/trails. I had yz85 when I was 14 years old and loved it (22 now, took a 7 year break from riding) so i have the basics down but I can't decide what I want. From what I hear, 4 strokes are smoother, get traction better, easier to control, and are more controllable when you hit jumps but the maintenance is extremely expensive (but not as frequent as a 2 stroke) and they are a good bit heavier A 150sx would be much lighter and really fun for tearing around and gets up to speed but isn't gonna have that smooth delivery and traction a 4 stroke can provide. And although they require maintenance more frequently it is much cheaper to get them serviced. I know how to work on bikes to an extent (adjustments, installing plastics, bars, accessories etc.), but engine work is something I wouldn't trust myself with and I would take it somewhere to get it tuned up and I know the price of labor on a 4 stroke when it comes to top/bottom end rebuilds and valve adjustments can be pretty high. If I'm wrong on anything in my comment please correct me and let me know what you think by helping this indecisive internet stranger pick out a bike once and for all. I also wanna say thank you to this channel. I was gonna buy merch off amazon but screw that. I will definitely buy my strap downs, socks, shirts and whatever other accessories I need from you because you have given me and others amazing information. Thank you!
Hello, i'm thinking of getting a thermostat (getting low temps on my bike the way I ride, hard to get it higher than 60ºC) on my AJP PR5, but dont know how to do it.... Do I really need a Bypass line or just the thermostat will it burn the water pump without the bypass ? Wish someone can help me.
I made the exact same swap about a month ago... except Husky versions. I absolutely loved my FE501 but it was a tank in tight singletrack. Still getting used to the TE300 but it's coming along.
I race a 4 stroke on the track, I find it better on the track, but I also own a ktm 250 2 stroke which I prefer much more in the trails such good fun in the trails!!!
The tighter, slower and more technical 2t, fast ,flowy, mx , dual sport 4t every time. Rode the newest 4t I have ever ridden, 17 ktm 350 excw- and it was pretty amazing, turns and felt as light as my 05 300 xcw and power was everywhere in the rpm range. Very impressive date, but I dont want to be stuck with the bill come rebuild or repair time on that motor.
It won't be that more expensive than 2 stroke. In a long run they will both go for same price range... maybe little more for 4T. 2 stroke has come long way and can go almost for same length with 1 piston as 4 stroke. But the fuel usage, oil, combined with less hours til maintenance it will be in same price category. Constant Valve clearence adjusting is a myth and most won't even need adjusting til piston change. Ride what you like and don't worry about rebuilds... Its an expensive hobby anyway.
