4 Stroke Pros and Cons

Hi5 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-04-2009, 04:15 AM

Looking to build a another bike but I'm deciding if I should give a 4 stroke motor a try. I know they are about $200 more but to all you 4 Stroke Vets, is it worth it? If so, what motor? I'm leaning towards the Honda motor simply because.....ITS A HONDA. Even they're lawn mowers are effecient. So.....

Lets hear some pros and cons about the motor or any 4 Stroke motor in general. A 1000 thank yous to everyone who can help out.

Dan · #2 (**permalink**) 06-04-2009, 05:23 AM

Howdy Hi5. Calvin has a HS he is selling. (will get link and put it at the end) Just my experience and this is a hotly debated issue. I can not say enough good about my Honda. Starts most times on first pull and cruses at around 32 MPH. 35 top, when it is hot but starts to vibe. (all stock) 175 MPG and really like the pulling up to the pump thing. I much prefer the sound of the 4 stroke at 30 MPH to the 2 strokes cruising at 25. (big time personal thing there) Unless the Honda is in need of maintenance or work, she is the one I am ridding that day.

Down sides are it is larger and heavier. I always found them ugly on a bike until I grew to know them. The power, speed, mileage and dependability. You really do notice the size and weight if you lift or carry your bike. My best advice would be find some one close who has one and ride her. See how you feel about em. (Kinda becoming a pet peeve of mine but lots of strong opinions on 'em from folks who do not own one)

Not in any way saying I do not throughly enjoy and love my ChinaGurl, I do.

Calvin's kit for sale.
http://motorbicycling.com/f23/skyhaw...sale-4447.html

But to answer your question, I say yes, big time worth it. Also, now bicycle-engines.com has complete Honda kits.

Really hope that helps. Any questions, fire away.

Dan · #3 (**permalink**) 06-04-2009, 09:20 AM

I should say I have only just broken in the Honda and am a new owner of only a few months. It really is my favorite build so far though.

azbill · #4 (**permalink**) 06-04-2009, 11:45 AM

I own a HS (EZM kit) and it has been very dependable
the only adjustment I have made was setting up the idle on first start-up
I believe that between the better mileage (approx 200mpg), and longer life of the engine, it will pay for the difference in 1-2 yrs (I do approx 4000miles/year)

not mixing oil is an added bonus as well !!!

NEAT TIMES · #5 (**permalink**) 06-04-2009, 01:09 PM

Hi Dan, (looking In The Sky, May See "Happy" Flying By) I Think Pensacola Is On The List. What Cc Is Your Honda. I Have 3 Honda 31cc 4 Strokes Off Roto Tillers. 2 Have Low Compression, Hope Rings Will Fix Them. I Runs Good. I Put It On A Friction Drive Last Month, Very Low Power Compared To 49cc Of Course. I Just Received 2 New 4 Strokes From Dax. They Start And Run Nice. Hope To Have One Going On My Stretch Tomorrow. Ron .

PS I think Jim`s engines would have been the answer for the 2 strokes and they do look the best.

Dan · #6 (**permalink**) 06-04-2009, 02:57 PM

Bill, I can't find anything on how long a 4 stroke will last. Any ideas?

Ron, the 50cc here. Thinking about doing a 35cc Honda build some day. (way off in the future)

Small Engine Warehouse: GX35NTT3 - Honda Engine 1.6hp GX35 OHC Mini 4 Stroke Clutch-Drive Horizontal/Vertical Mount 7000 RPM

toytime · #7 (**permalink**) 06-04-2009, 05:15 PM

I have a chinagirl and a Honda 35cc scrubber and I find that I use the Honda a lot more. I find that you stay cleaner and the bike is very light. I still get looks but the sound is much more mellow. About the only thing I don't like is the fact that the Honda only holds about three ounces of oil in the crankcase but it,s just a matter of lifting the front of the bike up to drain it. I change the oil ever week or so. It's not as fast or powerful as the 80cc with SBP shifter kit but very close. My biggest beef is having to fill up the tank two or three times per day on the Honda. I'd go with the Honda if I were you. It's also easier to hide the engine. I had an old LCBO plastic bin that you use to shop while in the Liquor store and installed it around my engine by cutting the bottom out. If you look at my bike it looks like I have a rear carrier sort of like the guys with the milk crates behind the seat.

jared8783 · #8 (**permalink**) 06-04-2009, 05:24 PM

I am gettin ready to do my first build and am using a honda 4 stroke for sake of reliability.

If you want an AMERICAN made gearbox with parts you can find in local shops in case of the need to repair or rebuild check this out.

http://motorbicycling.com/f37/firebe...sion-7186.html

http://www.motoredbikes.com/showthre...652#post209652

I cant wait to get this done.

chrisme · #9 (**permalink**) 06-04-2009, 08:48 PM

Is there any 4-stroke kit bigger than 49cc?
Someone wants to buy my bike, so I'm thinking about building a 4-stroke for myself. But I just got out of break-in (300mi of PAINFULLY slow riding....) on my '80cc' china kit. Switched to 30:1 ratio, and driving it like I stole it. I think I'd miss the speed on a 49cc 4-stroke.

OzzyU812 · #10 (**permalink**) 06-05-2009, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisme

Is there any 4-stroke kit bigger than 49cc?
Someone wants to buy my bike, so I'm thinking about building a 4-stroke for myself. But I just got out of break-in (300mi of PAINFULLY slow riding....) on my '80cc' china kit. Switched to 30:1 ratio, and driving it like I stole it. I think I'd miss the speed on a 49cc 4-stroke.

WOW I'm impressed if followed the 300mi break-in!