2 stroke vs 4 stroke
- Thread starter robert1992
- Start date
lol - that's an impossible question, each is great in their own way 
Should be interesting to see what people think tho o.o
Should be interesting to see what people think tho o.o
I prefer the 2-strokes!
This is why... 2-stroke kits are less expensive than 4's, ($150 compared to $350); 2's have more power- torque & are generally faster; 2's are much lighter than the 4's; 2's have fewer parts to break; you don't have to worry about getting a 2-stroke started if your pull start breaks; the gear boxes on the 4's are notorious for breaking down; 2-strokes have a real clutch & engine braking, (4-strokes don't); you never have to check your oil; 2's are smaller & can fit into more different bikes than 4's; & the most important reason of all... 4-strokes are ugly, 2-strokes look like motorcycle engines (they look soooo much cooler!!)
The only down side is that you have to pre-mix the gas, (which really isn't that big of a deal!!)
& always carry a 2oz bottle of oil on the bike incase you ever run out of gas!
This is why... 2-stroke kits are less expensive than 4's, ($150 compared to $350); 2's have more power- torque & are generally faster; 2's are much lighter than the 4's; 2's have fewer parts to break; you don't have to worry about getting a 2-stroke started if your pull start breaks; the gear boxes on the 4's are notorious for breaking down; 2-strokes have a real clutch & engine braking, (4-strokes don't); you never have to check your oil; 2's are smaller & can fit into more different bikes than 4's; & the most important reason of all... 4-strokes are ugly, 2-strokes look like motorcycle engines (they look soooo much cooler!!)
The only down side is that you have to pre-mix the gas, (which really isn't that big of a deal!!)
& always carry a 2oz bottle of oil on the bike incase you ever run out of gas!
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4 strokes are sexier! Its a personal choice for me. My first kit was a honda 50cc and it hasnt disappointed me at all. Im satisfied with the power, torque and reliability. Im just starting on my second kit and this time Im going with the Titan/HS 50cc. From what Ive read I wont be disapponted in its long term reliability and after riding it a few times it equals the honda in all ways. This build Im going to spend less but get more features I want after my first experience. Im just a 4 stroke kinda guy, just put gas in them and go no problemos except changing oil every so often. Plus 50cc and under here isnt considered a full blown road vehicle thus saving on taxes, reg, ins etc.
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Depends on the gearing, sprockets and whick kit your using. On mine about 35 mph, I thought 40 but I was mistaken. Mine are friction kits though and on 1 kit I can put a 1 in roller, 1 1/4, 1 1/2 or 1 3/4 roller on it in about a minute to change things up.
I would be all for getting a 4 stroke kit, even for the higher price, the only problem is the way they look. I'm not to concerned about what other people think, but it's my bike, I should like the way it looks. I don't like the "lawn mower stuck on a bike" look that comes from all of that shrouding. If they are anything like a lawnmower, then the shrouding has to be there to direct cooling air around the cylinder, or I would just get one and take it off. Unless somebody invents one that doesn't need all of that, then I'm a 2 stroke guy. On the plus side 2 strokes are much simpler and actually almost as reliable as a 4 stroke, so there really isn't much argument for me.
Unless somebody invents one that doesn't need all of that, then I'm a 2 stroke guy. On the plus side 2 strokes are much simpler and actually almost as reliable as a 4 stroke, so there really isn't much argument for me.
they both have their place !!!...
I used 2strokes for 3+ years and got many, many miles (8000+)
maintenance is pretty constant in my experience (mostly caused by 2stroke's inherent vibrations loosening bolts type stuff)
having used a 4cycle (EZM) since april/may, I am really enjoying the quieter,smoother ride
I have done NO maintenance other than oil changes (I did check all bolts before each ride for over a month... out of habit)
I ride my bike VERY hard under extreme (IMHO) conditions (heat,weight/trailer,wicked hills)and never had to baby either kind of engine
I have nothing against 2strokes, but am now of the opinion that they are an 'entry level' to the world of mb's (please don't flame me !!!
)
you can find out whether you like them fairly cheaply, and if you want, you can move up a level to the more sophisticated/expensive solutions
I used 2strokes for 3+ years and got many, many miles (8000+)
maintenance is pretty constant in my experience (mostly caused by 2stroke's inherent vibrations loosening bolts type stuff)
having used a 4cycle (EZM) since april/may, I am really enjoying the quieter,smoother ride
I have done NO maintenance other than oil changes (I did check all bolts before each ride for over a month... out of habit
)I ride my bike VERY hard under extreme (IMHO) conditions (heat,weight/trailer,wicked hills)and never had to baby either kind of engine
I have nothing against 2strokes, but am now of the opinion that they are an 'entry level' to the world of mb's (please don't flame me !!!
)you can find out whether you like them fairly cheaply, and if you want, you can move up a level to the more sophisticated/expensive solutions
I think this forum speaks for itself. As of today there are about 8200 posts in the 2 stroke forum and 1800 in the 4 stroke. Granted there are positive "post" in both but from what I have read in the last couple of months most are members wanting help with some kind of problem. I have the Stanton friction kit with the R/S 4 stroke engine and I have made it 175 miles with absolutely no problems. No I don't go 40 mph but 20 mph is about as fast as I want to hit the asphalt or T-Bone a car.
Granted the China 2 stroke is a sexier looking engine but if you want to be sexy buy a Harley. If you want to go ride or commute on something that is reliable then go with a 4 stroke and a chain or belt setup to a freewheel hub.
I can already hear the argument about cost. $150.00 verses $500.00. After reading hundreds of post the experts say to replace all studs, replace all gaskets, buy a new muffler (some $70.00), modify clutch linkage, buy a double pull brake lever, upgrade the chain, upgrade the chain tensioner, upgrade all motor mounts and hardware, upgrade the spark plug, use synthetic oil and the list goes on and on. By the time you do all or part of this you have more money invested than you would have in a reliable 4 stroke setup. If you enjoy working on things more than using them then I understand your argument.
This is just my $0.02 worth. Don't mean to make anybody mad but I have limited time to ride my bike and I find it very enjoyable. I want to know that it is ready when I am. So far I don't worry about how far I am from home because I have yet to have to push it back.
Granted the China 2 stroke is a sexier looking engine but if you want to be sexy buy a Harley. If you want to go ride or commute on something that is reliable then go with a 4 stroke and a chain or belt setup to a freewheel hub.
I can already hear the argument about cost. $150.00 verses $500.00. After reading hundreds of post the experts say to replace all studs, replace all gaskets, buy a new muffler (some $70.00), modify clutch linkage, buy a double pull brake lever, upgrade the chain, upgrade the chain tensioner, upgrade all motor mounts and hardware, upgrade the spark plug, use synthetic oil and the list goes on and on. By the time you do all or part of this you have more money invested than you would have in a reliable 4 stroke setup. If you enjoy working on things more than using them then I understand your argument.
This is just my $0.02 worth. Don't mean to make anybody mad but I have limited time to ride my bike and I find it very enjoyable. I want to know that it is ready when I am. So far I don't worry about how far I am from home because I have yet to have to push it back.
Lemme just say a few things here... I'm sure there are about 8200 posts in the 2 stroke forum and 1800 in the 4 stroke, NOT because the 2 strokes have more problems, but because they are more popular & so many more people have purchased them!
We have 8200 inexperienced mechanics asking about their 2 strokes & only 1800 inexperienced mechanics asking about their 4's... It's not because the 4's are nessesarily any better in quality.
Does that make sense?
Next, the 4 strokes are also made in china & use the exact same cheap bolts!
I have built many of the 2's (& 4's), & I never recommend replacing any of the stock hardware...(except for the plug & wire)... From all my experience with them, the stock parts work just fine! What I DO recommend is that you don't over torque the bolts! ANY bolt can strip or snap if you over torque it.
Anyways... that's my 2 cents. (& 2 strokes & cruisers rule!!! haha!)
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Other then changing my spark plug, and running synthetic oil, with over 8,000 miles I have done none of those things?
I did change my pipe but thats was just for the Death Race, the stock is already back on it. And it did not cost $70..it was free
Four strokes sound cooler and smell better, and between whats better lets take a look at classic motorcycles, which was more popular of the trail bikes? The 4-stroke Honda trail 90/110, or the 2-stroke Kawasaki g4/g5?
I think the 2 strokes sound waaaaaay cooler after you hog out the pipe!!! (They get that dirt bike cackle!)
But anyways, I'll shut up & let other people talk now...
Thanks for the replies. Looks like I have "ruffled a couple of feathers" with this post. That was not my intention.
My point is the "typical buyer" of these China 2 stroke kits are inexperienced mechanics and think that they are buying a "Motor Scooter in a box". They are high school or college students or others wanting to commute 5-10 miles per day to their job. They are not professional technicians. If you build motorized bicycles for resale or ride in the "Death Race" I don't think you fall into this catagory. You are the "Professionals".
There are kits available from Stanton or Golden Eagle with quality 4 stroke Honda or R/S engines or quality 2 stroke such as Tanka that would meet the needs of the "typical user" of a "motor scooter in a box". Do they cost more? Yes, but you get what you pay for. After I recieved my Stanton kit
($399.00 with free shipping) I was up and riding in a couple of hours.
Again, thanks for the replies. I believe that the best value is not in the price but in the quality of the product you purchase.
BTW I think R/S engines are built in Japan, same place my Toyota Prius was built.
My point is the "typical buyer" of these China 2 stroke kits are inexperienced mechanics and think that they are buying a "Motor Scooter in a box". They are high school or college students or others wanting to commute 5-10 miles per day to their job. They are not professional technicians. If you build motorized bicycles for resale or ride in the "Death Race" I don't think you fall into this catagory. You are the "Professionals".
There are kits available from Stanton or Golden Eagle with quality 4 stroke Honda or R/S engines or quality 2 stroke such as Tanka that would meet the needs of the "typical user" of a "motor scooter in a box". Do they cost more? Yes, but you get what you pay for. After I recieved my Stanton kit
($399.00 with free shipping) I was up and riding in a couple of hours.
Again, thanks for the replies. I believe that the best value is not in the price but in the quality of the product you purchase.
BTW I think R/S engines are built in Japan, same place my Toyota Prius was built.
If someone built a 4 stroke with the same basic design as the HT. Just added enough to the front of the motor for the cam and a jug with valves built in but somehow kept it narrow. I think you'd see a big leap in 4 stroke sales. You also have to consider a 4 stroke has to be mounted much more level or then you get into oil pumps and dry sumps etc. It's the low in frame mounting that makes the 2 stroke HT so popular (and the price) Most small dirt bikes are 2 strokes cause you can get more power for the small displacment if you really want to. The HT motors are purposely way de-tuned. There's a ton more 2 strokes out there than 4 strokes so ya there's alot more 2 stroke questions. For me I like the HT motor. The simplicity of it let's me tinker with it really easy. And this is still a bike. As fun as they are they can't replace a car for everything.