4 or 2 stroke motor?

josh5968 · #1 02-27-2010, 03:19 PM

I want to put a motor on my bike I like the thought of a 4 stroke but is it worth it? Is there a good gearbox for it that is quiet and durable? I would also like to put a jack shaft kit onto it. Please let me know anything about the motors.

DearthVader · #2 02-27-2010, 05:32 PM

I bought a 2 stroke knowing they're not quite as good as 4 strokes because I wanted to make sure I really enjoyed motorbiking. My 2 stroke has performed fairly well but just can't match the reliability and overall ease of use.

I'll still ride my two stroke for a while but as soon as I have the money I'll purchase a 4 stroke. The exhaust from 4 strokes isn't nearly as pungent. If you sit on a two stroke for a couple minutes while it idles, your clothes will stink. The fuel has to be mixed and can be a little messy. Aesthetically the 2 strokes can't be beat though. My 2 stroke looks great mounted on a Schwinn Jaguar--kind of looks like it belongs there.

If reliability, lower noise and less fiddling appeal to you then the 4 stroke is for you. IMHO. Sure the cost is higher but you get what you pay for.

The EZ motorbike transmission seems to get great reviews and is also American made (there's something to be said for that).

Hope this helps.

Josh

**Dan** · #3 02-27-2010, 08:45 PM

I agree Dearth
I have both 4 and 2 smokers. 4s are easier, more powerful, better mileage and speed (out of the box MB engine kits) 2s are lighter, sexier and a quarter the cost. But my favorite one is the one I am on. Not being diplomatic, they really are both a blast.

LOL I was of no help at all eh? If you get a chance, try and ride both.

Bikeguy Joe · #4 02-27-2010, 09:06 PM

I vote one of each!

**Dan** · #5 02-27-2010, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bikeguy Joe

I vote one of each!

LOL right! Well 3. The one your ridding, the one your building and the one your planing.

happycheapskate · #6 02-27-2010, 11:32 PM

You can get one 4s or 2 2s's for the same money. Do you have one or two bicycles? :-)

*If you want to run it wide open with one motor gear, use a 2s. If you do a lot of hills or get a shift kit, use a 4s.

I like my grubee 2s. I am shocked at how much low end torque mine has (48cc with open lawnmower muffler) but at the high end it probably needs a bigger jet as it slows down to maybe 27mph up overpasses. Mixing gas isn't a problem for me. I like 2s stuff, always have. I ran lawn equipment for years.

karma1968 · #7 02-28-2010, 02:44 AM

i had both i prefer the 4 stroke i found the 2 stroke a little dirty. plus if i run out of gas i can stop at any gas station to fill up. its not really recommended that you mix your gas and oil in the tank. so with the 2 stroke you will need to carry a container.

as far as shift kits go im testing one now and i love it more speed less rpms. also you can coast more saving gas having a freewheel on the motor is weird at first but you get used to it. my old setup was like running a street bike in first gear
all the time. i found it a little jerky

cheers

MotorbikeMike · #8 02-28-2010, 10:04 AM

Hi Josh, as far as the engines go I have had both. I've sold, serviced, and ridden, the 2-strokes for over 10 years. With that as background I can tell you that when I got my first 4-strokes in '05 I quit riding the 2-strokes altogether. I now only ride them as part of building, repairing or testing.

The 4-strokes are smother, cleaner, more powerful, last longer, and are over-all better built in every way. Due to the history of the Chinese 2-stroke kit engine, I can tell you that every nut bolt and screw in the HS 4-stroke is a higher grade than the in-frame 2-stroke. There are much better 2-strokes made, but not used in frame yet.

Due to smoother running, and better quality, most of the 4-stroke owners find that if they built their bikes well, that they can ride them more, instead of spending so much time maintaining the bike. They are also much more fun to ride, IMHO.

If you get a chance, do try both, but know this, the 4-stroke is generally cleaner, smoother, and will last MUCH longer. Your investment, IF you get a good Drive, will far outlast the cheaper some-times short-lived 2 stroke in frame kit.

Mike

skyliner · #9 03-08-2010, 01:17 PM

does anyone know about performance parts for the 4 stroke i just bought one and am currently waiting delivery cant wait

**Dan** · #10 03-08-2010, 05:26 PM

Great sig Sky! ",,,havin fun and smokin scooters" Classic. That just made the list of future bumper stickers! Will send you one if I can ever get my printer to cooperate, snork.

Dunno about performance parts but would ask the SBP guys. Their always working on some thing cool