Stealing a Ride on The Bike That KILLED the 2 Stroke! 

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4 stroke will never replace the fun factor of a 2 stroke

No one is saying how in good shape is this bike, it's 22 years old and looks brand new, congrats for the owner.

Good info but wrong name . 250 vs 400 is wrong. This bike didn’t kill 2 strokes. Changing the rules did.

My first bike when I turned 18 was a YZ426F. I waited until my parents left town and bought one and brought it home. My mom lost her shit, my dad smirked and was probably a little proud. That bike changed my life and led me down the road of motorcycles and I'm so grateful for it. That thing was an absolute monster!

*4 strokes tanked Motocross - the sport is flat lined and COST sky-rocketed*

250cc 2 stroke would be a more even match against the 400cc 4 stroke especially on that track with long straights.

The rules killed the 2 strokes not any 4 stoke. 2 strokes are cheaper and easier to maintain and more fun to ride.

"A certified two stroke killer".....against a 125. Crikey....

This is not a competition between the YZ400 vs a modern day two stroke, because the 2020 YZ125 is not modern. It is the same bike that it was in 2006. Why didn't you use a 2020 125sx or more accurately a 250SX?

“Up against a modern yz125” Well I don’t know if you can say that as the yz125 hasn’t received any updates since 2006 😂

Should have been a 250 smoker vs. 400

You can’t compare a 125 with a 400 hundred when clearly the 400 is going to be faster even if it is older

Why not a 250? This proved nothing.

2strokes ain’t dead 💨

2 stroke is still the king of enduro and always will be !

Hang on why did you do a 125 against a 400? That’s not even comparable, basically a 250 would’ve destroyed the 400 in this video lmao

I am a 2strokes guy . So much fun and cheaper braaaap

2 strokes are alive and well, I guess you never get out in the woods.

Awesome video man 😍 now it’s time to do a lap time comparison on a 250 2 stroke with the 400 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

Why did y'all compare lap times with the 125 that was pretty stupid should have used the two-fifty 2-stroke I mean wasn't that the class that the 400 was racing against totally ruin this video for me just with that one fact good information but poor comparison and I think you guys know that so I don't even get the point

When the four strokes came out. all of the sudden every idiot could ride a motorcycle.

What a shame to have music over that engine singing smh

I'll never stop riding a two stroke!

I was working for a Yamaha dealership selling bikes when this came out.... I remember half the store standing around the crate when the mechanic lifted the lid on it......our minds were blown

Here's an even funner fact: · Yamaha forced the change in regulations even after the FIM had already found the way to match 2-strokes and 4-strokes in World Enduro Championship. That championship originally had FIVE classes and those were 125cc 2-stroke, 250cc 4-stroke, 250cc 2-stroke, 350cc 4-stroke and Open (275 to 500cc 2-stroke and 400 to 650cc 4-stroke). For a couple of years there was a 6th class: 80cc 2-strokes (all classes were open for riders above 16-years-old, there were grown men riding those 80cc little rippers with a headlight!!!) Yamaha requested the middleweight 4-stroke class to turn into 400cc 4-stroke after they had done some testing, even before having raced the YZM400. The FIM accepted the change as the 350cc 4-stroke class was the least popular and they wanted to have "conceptual duels" in motocross, enduro and even MotoGp. The World Enduro Championship eventually turned to just 3 classes: E1 (lightweight), E2 (middleweight) and E3 (heavyweight). The matching concepts was cool but the FIM wasn't satisfied as they actually wanted 4-strokes to win the war. The 1st push allowed a limit of 430cc (YZ426F is the direct result of that) and eventually Honda stepped in asked for 450cc to end the war forever. To consider how fucking stupid the FIM was, we have to consider that Yamaha was winning MX3/Open class races for a couple of years with "big bore" Yamahas with the displacement bumped up to 476cc (1cc above the minimum requested, Honda UK built 480cc CRFs at 1 point). Yamaha showed with both Stefan Everts and Marnicq Bervoets how a 475cc 4-stroke dirtbike was literally faster than anything else in the World. OF COURSE 450CC 4-STROKE DIRTBIKES WOULD KILL THE 2-STROKES, YOU CORRUPT FUCKERS!!!

I agree with Nev on the ergonomics and seating position of the older bikes. They just felt so normal right off the bat. Personally I still can’t get used to the way the KTMs feel because to me it feels like the pegs are way too high and the seat is almost too flat feeling like you’re on top of the bike and about to fly off of it while the older bikes felt really secure. Basically the best way for me to put it is that the new bikes are like a bench seat in an old car where you feel vulnerable to flying off and the older bikes are like a heavily bolstered racing seat which makes you feel planted.

Any honest rider can appreciate both 2 and 4 strokes as they both have their ups and downs

The YZ400 didn't kill the two strokes, it didn't sell well enough to do that. The YZ400 proved that a Four stroke could be competitive and win races. The CRF450, killed the two sroke.

Bring a 250 2 stroke bike

sold my yz400f the other day, it is an absolute beast! btw there is an actual starting procedure on them, find TDC < pull compression lever < slowly push down kickstarter until you hear 3 clicks < release lever and let kickstarter get back up < kick start like you've never tried before. starts every time

I was there man! We didn't all go out and buy four strokes... It took a number of years- especially for the 250Fs to turn out. Most gates I was on we're a mix of 4-strokes and 2-strokes. I HATED the 426, btw. Because of that bike- I raced 2-strokes until 2005. THEN the sanctioning bodies started allowing us to race 250 2-strokes in the lites class ("250 A/B/C/D"). Many of us went out and bought more 250 2-strokes again after that. THAT was a dumb rule! Anyways, four strokes didn't become competitive in the smaller displacments for many years and a lot of us chose to race 125s when we jumped up to the big bikes. The four stroke was a must if you wanted to be competitive at national events, though.

Whaaa? A 125 vs a 400??? WTF

How about a modern 450 4 stroke v an old (90s) 500 2 stroke, and a modern 250 4 stroke v a 250 2 stroke.

I owned a 1999 yzf 400 in 2004 , hardly changed the oil and never shimmed the valves for about 3-4 yrs . Never missed a beat

I remember there used to be a claim rule anyone could claim a factory bike and buy it, it was only done once a cr250r from Honda back in the 70s the guy that won it gave it to cycle world and they tore it down to compair parts and nothing was the same as a stock bike, AMA did away with that claiming rule because Honda wouldn’t let Marty Smith bring and race his bike worry they would lose it, crazy times back in the 70s

2 stroke will always be king. Give me a 2007 CR 250 frame with a modified 98 engine anyday!!

2t never death

400 v 125? THATS not fair. The 2018 125 hasn't been improved for about 15 years. The 400 was raced in the 250 class, not the 125s!

I wish I never sold my yz400 when I had it I hated it but it was just such a unique bike hard to describe. I remember it feeling really heavy in the front and prone to head shake I always wanted a steering dampener for it. Another thing I remember was how it rode a wheelie unlike any other bike I’ve owned like the balance point was huge you had such margin for error I wouldn’t say I’m that great showing off with a wheelie every other bike I’ve owned I wouldn’t push my luck into the balance point sort of playing safe this bike I could ride a wheelie indefinitely lift in any gear shift through the gears, corner with it shift back down all with out dropping the wheel. Top speed (I’m pretty sure I had stock gearing can’t really remember so long ago) was 76mph off the rev limiter measured by a police radar sign on my street.

I rode a yz426 back in 2000 or 2001 my friends hated it haha, it was so darn loud , I swear that bike was so fast and perfect in the dunes with a paddle where 2 strokes can't handle

Its funny that yamaha made 4stroke that killed 2strokes and yamaha makes still 2 strokes and other japanese companies not

I saw the title and rolled my eyes, but then clicked on the video and I was like "Oh it these guys!" Awesome video. I never knew about them letting Yamaha and the others use WORKS bikes ....I mean really. If not for that............one can only wonder.

People seem to forget we chose 4 strokes they weren't forced on us. It's a much bigger Market than just dirt bikes. Two Strokes do not have the torque to move heavier machines like three four wheelers and side by sides. And they needed engines that can do it all.

I grew up racing 2 strokes and will always ride a 2 stroke more fun and easier to maintain...!

A 125 2T kept up to a 400 4T,a 250 2T would smoke it!

Thanks for this history. I raced two strokes in the 70s, then got married, college, kids, divorce, career, etc., and now on a four stroke after 45 years away. Taking me a long time to adjust to the power delivery, etc. but didn’t know how and when all this changed.

There are advantages to both. The weight used to be a big one but the 4 stroke isn’t that much heavier any longer. The 2 stroke needs the upper end rebuilt often, however the 4 stroke is expensive to rebuild when it finally needs one. As for performance it depends on what riding you do and where you ride. I’m a 4 stroke guy myself. I trail ride every weekend for about 80-100 miles. I love how quiet my bike is on those long rides. I also love how easy the maintenance is. That said the 2 strokes seem fun to ride. Both have their spot in this sport. Electric may take over the Mx scene one day but unless fattened technology takes a huge leap they’ll never break over into the enduro/trail world. The stamina just isn’t there with the batteries today.

Killed the 2-stroke??? ROFL!!!! I don't think so. In MY garage the 4 stroke sits while i ride my 2003 RM 250 and my 1999 KX 250.

Its okay but next time pls get a 250 2s and a 500 2s in the game. Got a 426 a few years ago. Pain in the ass to start when hot.

This is a great episode and thank you for taking the time to doctor up such a great specimen of veteran knowledge of these bikes.

I see all these comments about how a 250 smoker can kill a 450f. But James Stewart himself said "If you can't beat a 250 2 stroke with a 450f you should quit riding!". Lol I don't know about you all, but JS7 was one of the best to ever ride either type of bike. The fact is the 450f today is far superior in every way. With that said, I wish the 2 stroke was still made by all the brands. Having options is great. Some riders love that raw 2 stroke feel. Some like the more predictable 4 stroke feel. Nothing wrong with either. A better rider will beat a poor rider on any bike. 99% of the entire sport is rider skill and fitness. Pick your poison and rip it up.

Make it fair guys, 250cc 4 vs 250cc 2 stroke lol, let’s see who wins then.

Race the same engine sizes of 2 stroke and 4 stroke

Thanx yuo just gave me incentive to put my yzed 400 basket case back together !!!

My first bike was a yz426, it was a terrible bike to learn on. It was a beast and hard to turn. I'm not a track rider, so I was using it on trails. It sucked for that, but that's not the bikes fault. I sold the it and bought a 2 stroke. I was instantly riding better, the old 426 was holding me back.

Emmissions is what is killing the 2stroke world. Also, if u have to be 2ce as big to be able to beat a 2stroke, well i dont think u beat anything. 2stroke all the way baby lol

It was emissions that killed the 2strokes 4 strokes sound like a wet fart were as 2strokes sound like a bike should end ov

2 strokes are better, and why compare a 125 2 stroke against a 400 4 Stroke, could you imagine a 400 2 stroke against a 400 4 stroke, 2 stroke would kill it.

2stroke was never killed by any 4stroke. Imagine being so weak that you have to compete against smaller size bikes. Like heavy weights having to fight in light weight class and then saying the heavy weights won the war over the light weight fighters. The only thing that killed 2strokes was: Two- left the market because could not meet steadily-tightening EPA standards for vehicle exhaust emissions.

125 sx 2 stroke kill the 400

Kinda of wish that bike wasn’t invented

love this argument. people always say 4 strokes have more power and are faster but seem to forget that the motor is twice the size. the 2 stroke is a superior bike and motor.

I've never subscribed to a channel after watching just 7 minutes of 1 video. You're fantastic dude!

Would still rather have a yz125 or yz250 and yes I have had 4 strokes, the 2 strokes are just more fun.

Well, first of all the test is already biased if it was racing against our modern-day to stroke it would still be racing against a 250 not a 125? That 400 raced against 250 2 Strokes not 125 2 Strokes it's only fair if you redo the test with a 250 2 stroke I'm just being honest the test seems a little biased at this point I haven't seen the entire video I'm only at 7 minutes and 16 seconds but I just figured I'd give you my input before watching the whole video. I don't know it doesn't seem like a fair comparison. Literally, the only way a 4-stroke wins against a 2-stroke is by doubling the cc's.?. In what world is that considered Fair? Let's go to the superbike races you can ride a 600 and I'll ride 1000 .?. You think the judges of be okay with that if Marquez races 1000 against 600? I highly doubt it and that's my point it's not right never was and if we're all being honest with one another it's the truth. I am glad they developed the four stroke further. I do honestly, really like the new bikes. However, I'm not convinced it was entirely Fair how they got there. And to compare a 400 4 stroke to a 125 2 stroke is literally night and day you cannot compare the two it's totally different in my opinion. Anyway good video I guess just not crazy for the bike that is being put up against the 400

Such a fun video. Thank you. It allowed me to re-live my childhood. I think we'll see some of these getting full-builds really soon.

Great video - I just don't see how you can compare the YZ125 to the YZ400F. The fact that the 125 basically performed just as well, proves 2 stroke dominance!

Put a modern rider on an old 500 two stroke and 99% of them wouldn’t even be able to start it let alone ride it fast. Can a 4 stroke beat a 2 stroke ? NO , what if we make the engine 3 times the size of the 2 stroke ? Still NO 😂😂😂.

That pos didn't kill anything. Haha

2 stroke vs 4 stroke battle is ridiculous Their both have advantages and disadvantages. Use the one that fits your needs and that's it.

You know why 4stroke took over!!?? Because a majority of riders cant handle a 2stroke.

What about Joël Smets in the 500cc class in the early 90’s I know the class was dying but unfortunately the kx and cr 500’s we’re starting to fall behind the new generation 4 bangers

To all of the word mincing nay sayers: Doug Henry (on the 400) killed all of the competition (on 2-smokers), and everyone was allowed the same rules. Also, there have been many instances of the best 125 (or 'lights') rider going faster than the best 250 (or 450) riders, on any given Sunday (or Saturday, as it tends to be now days). But I would have liked to see this comparison include a 250 2-stroke, since that was the actual direct competition. Either way, even without full industry support... 2-strokes are alive and well! BRrrraaaAAAPP!!

This is really a well done video! Can you please explain the rationale for putting it up against a 125? Even in 97 these bikes were in totally different classes

The fact that it was less than 1 second between the 125 and the (possibly only one in the us, new condition) 400 proves that 4 stroke isn't a 2 stroke killer and needs a ton of handicap to even be competitive.

Bahahaha shows how good a 125 with a good rider is 🤣🤣🤣🤣

2 strokes rule

2 strokes rule. There I said it and it feels amazing.

I think what this shows is that the ability of the machines is very comparable (within these parameters). The ability of the rider is what counts, at that point. In this case, the same rider was able to achieve damn near the exact same results (on 2 machines that are not the same, but are made to do the same job). Nice Cagiva, BTW!

Someone for all that's holy. Please do a video with a 2t a 4t of the same cc. Then we will.see.who owns who. If you put a 500cc 2t up against a 450 the 2t still wins

This is bothering me so much that I had to make another comment why did you make such hype and make such a crappy video to put a 125 2 stroke against a 400 4 stroke the class the 400 was meant to race against was 250 2 stroke

I find it interesting that he said “a handy little coincidence for the boys in blue” when in reality, the YZM400F raced by Doug Henry (other than it’s debut at the _Hangtown Classic_ where it matched it’s teammates’; Ezra Lusk’s YZ250 & the YZ125 of Kevin Windham), in every other appearance on the track it sported the mid-to-late 1980’s Yamaha colors; primary color white, secondary color red...) Anyways, this may be the bike that laid the groundwork to killing the 250cc 2-Stroke, but the bike that really killed 2-Strokes was James Stewart’s KX250F after he started dominating the outdoors with it...but in an open class race, one of those Service Honda KX500’s where a tuned 2004 KX500 motor is put into the chassis of a tricked out KX250F chassis...would fucking DOMINATE...the only problem is that it’s BLATANTLY NOT PRODUCTION BASED

And now 4 strokes are getting Motorcross tracks around the nation shut down because their noise is more obtrusive than two strokes.

Bought 2017 yz450f. I will never go back to a 2 stroke. Fire breathing dragon.

Don’t think any 4 stroke could make me smile as much as my 250 2 stroke

they'll have to pry my 2-stroke from my cold dead hands some day...lol

That was only a 125 that hasn't changed much since 2005. The 125 still barely lost. A 250 2 stroke would've won. This bike itself wasn't enough to kill the two stroke.

A particular motorcycle didn’t kill off the 2 stroke motorcycles, the EPA did that just like the EPA killed off 2 stroke boat motors.

Your comment about the popping of the yzf was a 426 issue. You also needed to time the accelerator pump squirt on the FCR39 carb or it would bog. The 426 had a jerky powerband and was a real bear to start when they got hot. I had a yz400f and buddy had a yz426f and remember that the 400 just was way easier to ride with a smooth powerband. The 426 had a harder hit but didn't really help you on the track. 20 years have passed but that's what I remember. Also had a 98 yz250 at the same time. Sold 'em both to get the button on my '01 ktm 520exc which still sits in my garage.

The 426 is even faster I still ride one and love it...I have no problems keeping up with the newer bikes...sure would like the new suspension and brakes though 🤷🏼‍♂️

killer video guys but as far as im concerned a 4 stroke will always be inferior compared to a 2 stroke.

The thick smoke and ping of the pipe on your Hodaka Combat Wombat will never be replaced by any four stroke.

For those who read between the lines, it took a $500,000 400cc 4 stroke to beat a $10,000 250cc 2 stroke. Makes me wonder what a talented rider could achieve on a 400cc 2 stroke. The manufacturers and dealers love 4 strokes coz a rebuild will cost thousands while a 2 stroke costs a few hundred. We got scammed.

most 2 strokes i ride feel very much alive

You can beat a 4-stroke everytime on a 2-stroke if you can ride it.

The 426 is always super hard to start. I felt his pain when he was kicking it over and over.

Literally everyone here rides 2 stroke and just clicked to put our foots down XD

"A grown man on a 125cc kid's bike is just as fast as the YZ400F", should be the title of this video.

I have a feeling the 2 strokes will make a comeback. They weren't even perfected and they just stopped making them.