If you want to buy a bike and you are confused between a two stroke and a four stroke bike then you are at the right place. It is a debate that has continued for decades and proponents from both camps have passionately presented their arguments being convinced that they are right. We will hereby share the pros and cons of both which will ensure that you will be able to make the best choice.
EASE OF USE
The 4 stroke bikes are much more convenient to use due to a broad spread of linear power. In trail riding the 4 strokes are vastly more comfortable than 2 strokes. They consume less fuel and thus are preferable on terrain where there are very few petrol stations. Moreover you don’t have to carry two-stroke oil with you on every trip and keep measuring it. Some manufacturers are bringing oil injection back but you still need to remember to top it up.
WEIGHT
Any bike rider knows that the 4 stroke ones are heavier but yes over the years the difference isn’t as significant as it used to be. But the 4 stroke ones are taller which means the engines are further away from the centre of gravity making them heavier. Looking at the data for the 2017KTM EXC250 and the EXCF250 the four stroke is 3 Kg heavier.
POWER
The 4 strokes may appear to be more powerful but it seems so only because they are bigger. If you compare like with like at a given capacity then the 2 stroke ones are way more powerful. They have twice the amount of firing strokes. The 250SX makes 50 bhp while the 4 stroke SXF can generate only around 35 bhp. The 2 strokes are not like ones in 1980s. They have power valves which have made them very sophisticated machines. You can adjust the delivery by changing the springing and opening point of the power valve.
The 4 stroke bikes have evolved too. They deliver excellent power and you get staggering flexibility and response from the engine. Even if you are a beginner they are easier to ride. Gear selection is easier and even on slippery surfaces they are easier to manage. Overall the strokers are faster on a track but for riding on bumpy roads the thumpers fare better.
HANDLING
Lighter bikes always have a better handling. So here also the 2 stroke ones come out on top. They turn quicker and are easier to control. Though for trail riding the difference may not be noticeable as 4 strokes are easier to ride because of their power delivery but when the going is wet and snooty then the 2 stroke ones are likely to come out on top.
RUNNING COSTS
The strokers will need 2-stroke oil and the thumpers will need engine oil and oil filters. The 4 stroke ones are likely to have higher running costs as they need more oil. There is nothing to choose between the two as far as other consumables are concerned. Suspensions and bearings depend on where you ride and how you ride.
MAINTENANCE
This is one feature which isn’t great in 4 stroke ones. The moving parts need replacement frequently. Moreover you have to get the pistons replaced which need someone to do the job on top of the parts. This makes their maintenance extremely costly. This is particularly true if you are a racer and go to the tracks often as you will be running the bike at the ragged edge. For trail riding costs will not be that high. You may only have to check the valve clearances. The 2 strokers don’t require such maintenance and you can replace the pistons even after riding for 120 hours.
PURCHASE COST
For this comparison let’s assume that you are looking at the two bikes of the same capacity. In that case a 2-stroke one will always be cheaper by around GBP 500. Even if you want to sell them you get a better deal with the strokers. Bikers often want to avoid the high maintenance and repair costs associated with the thumpers should they buy a wrong one.
So if you are on the fence then we hope that our discussion will help you to make your choice. 2 strokers have several advantages like: lighter, quicker acceleration, lower maintenance and purchase cost, higher power and better performance. If you want to make your decision based on the above parameters then the strokers come out on top. But they do have some cons as well. On a tight course they are hard to handle, the cost of oil is high, generate less torque than a thumper and they tend to foul spark plugs. The above information will help you to make a wise and informed decision so that you will enjoy the best ride.
