2 stroke or 4 stroke?????

[d0w0rk]

hey guys getting my first bike and cant decide between the 2 stroke or 4 stroke. Ive hear the pros and cons of each and im thinking the 2 stroke. This is gonna be my first bike and when i get it im gonna oractice around at my friends house then try racing with him (after a year or so of practice). Ive been looking a lot at the yz125's but im worried bout not knowing like what to do whe n it breaks and stuff and i heard 2 storkes breack down a lot.

Thnks

[jhendrix]

Two strokes do not break down alot, anndd, they are alot cheaper and easier to repair.

[Billyboypaints]

How tall are you?
How Much do you weigh?
are you Some what Mechanically Handy?
ive had both kind of bikes
i would suggest riding a friends 125,or 250f if possible
2 strokes are easy to work on as long as you have a manual
some more knowledgable posters will chime in soon but ill help where i can

[d0w0rk]

im about 5'8" 190 pounds and not mechanically handy at all but ive heard a lot bout having the manuals an dull be fine

[Fireman87]

Yea 2 strokes by no means break down a lot and they are a really good first bike simply because theres not much maintenance to them. Change the oil every so often, make sure the air filter is clean, lube the chain when your done riding and thats about it.. just make sure you mix your pre-mix in your gas and you'll be fine.


As for rebuilds they are simple, between my 2 CR250R's i've torn them apart probialy 4-5 times and only needed a manual the first time for each. Only time I look in my manual now is when i'm reassemling everything just to double check, and ofcourse the torque specs on the bolts.


For a break down (this is parts only not labor if you chose not to do rebuilds by yourself)

2 Stroke - Approx $150-200 depending on parts
4 Stroke - Approx $500-700 again depending on the brand of parts you get


The above reason is one of the biggest reasons I wont ride a 4 stroke, not counting I like the power delivery of 2 strokes compared to 4 strokes...... and the smell, you can't beat the smell of a 2 stroke.

[littlebeep3]

i like 4strokes because you can really feel the torque, but 2-strokes are awesome!

[nellie12]

Since I have started I have only owned a 1996 YZ250. I have rode my brothers WR250(2-stroke) and CR250, friends KTM 300XC, brothers KTM 525SX, and Dads KTM 525EXC. But for trails riding I would pick the 525EXC and for track I would pick the 525SX only because I like the torque of the 4-strokes. 2 strokes are just too much work for me.

[ktm_cody_199]

If you are thinking about getting a 125 then get it.Not only is a 2 stroke an excellent starter bike,but the 125's are the BEST bikes to learn how to ride any type of track.I keep my 125 (siters now) around just to keep me sharp on my whips,shift points,and finding where that extra speed on the track is.GREAT bikes all around,easy to start,rebuild,maintain,light so you can throw it around easy and has plenty of power to do what you want it to.They are a blast to ride and is effortless in turns and in the air.Did I mention how cheap they were?
If you need help doing something with it maintenance or riding wise,then we are eager to help

[deuceshigh7]

yea i have to agree... although i love riding my friend's 4 stroke, i love my 2T... they just seem to make me work! i don't like just effortlessly cruising around hills and through the desert, i love having to work and "be one with the bike"... as of now thats how i feel... mabey when i get older and don't want to be beat up quite as much maybe ill switch over, but to start on, 2T are an awesome choice. PLUS! if u do finally switch over u'll feel super fast hah
-nic

[racerfty]

I love the 4 stroke power the forgivingness it offers, but the up keep on them is crazy, and the rebuild part is bull, and cost the money. I still have my 97 yz125, and from time to time ride it, it is fun snappy and lite. plus cheap to fix, easy to START and all you need to cary when you ride is a spark plug.