i'd score them even on 'long term reliability' - the 4-stroke should win by rights

but the cost of parts for the 2-strokes is rock-bottom, and it is really very easy indeed to shove an entire new top-end on ....barrel, cylinder, head & piston can be changed in half an hour with ease...

and the 2-strokes balance on the bike better; sweeter handling when the road is slippery and yer fingers cold.....

you've got a hard, hard decision


I myself dearly wished to have a 4-stroke... but ended up buying a 2-stroke because of the sweet way they mount to the frame, and the fact of a manual clutch ...