Behind the times

[RCPH]

I hate to ask such a nub question but I need to. I used to race alot back in the early to mid 90s when there were no such thing as a 4-stroke mx bike.

All I have ever known is 2-strokes. Im slowly getting back into mx as a casual pastime with my kids and bought a very nice used CR250cc 2-stroke.

I would like to get a 4-stroke soon but do not know anything about them. I have heard the "engine parts" are way more expensive and they are ticking time bombs.

Whats the myth vs reality here? A two stroke is a quick piston change from time to time. Is the expense of a 4-stroke much more involved ?
Do you need to change the valves, cams , pistons ect ect all the time or risk failure ? When you freshen up a four stroke, what does it involve ?
Thanks !

[ccnut]

Hi Bro, You just picked a great bike to own.! What makes you think you need to get a 4 stroke? At your age are you getting back into compitition again? You should have no problem keeping up with the kids on the CR! I've been 2 stroke my whole life and I'm 52yrs. old, and actually considered a modern 4 stroke. Went and rode a 06 CR450R about a month ago and asked about the maintenance. I was told if you keep the oil ,the filter and the valves adjusted at the required times you would have a bike that would last for yrs. But even though I LOVED the power delivery on the 450, I just bought a 03 YZ 250! WHAT AN AMAZING RIDE!!! I LOVE THIS THING.... Nothing like the pre mix smell and the "Hit" . Just my .02 $.....Jerry

[cowboyona426]

4 stroke top ends will last a long time as long as you do the proper maintenance- keep the oil fresh, keep the air filter clean, and check/adjust the valves as necessary. When they do need rebuilt, yes it costs more. Pistons are more expensive and you have valves, springs, valve guides, etc. to worry about too. 4 strokes are ticking time bombs? Not so much. The 250F's tend to be more problematic because they typically get wrung out harder than a 450.
Do you need to get a 4 stroke? Well that's up to you. If you're used to 2 strokes then you will probably be happy with your CR. Myself, I prefer the power delivery of the 4 stroke more for the type of riding I do. In a perfect world I would have a 4 and a 2 stroke, but I don't think the 2 stroke would get much use... every once in a while though I miss the sound of a 2 stroke

[RCPH]

Thanks for the input guys. I have only been able to ride a 06 RM-Z 450 4s, and absolutly loved the power delivery.
It seemed to take less energy to get around the track.

I hear of people changing the oil/filter after every run though. Is that really nessesary ? If so, not a big deal, but seems like overkill, yes ? And last, what would be the average cost of the typical maintenance 4 stroke rebuild then ? Piston, valves, guides, springs ect ect. (labor perhaps as well )
Thanks again.

[kschilk]

Plain and simple, it's like choosin' between a hot babe (2 stroke) or a blow-up doll (4 stroke)....it's all in the ride you're lookin' for.

I've been riding open class 2 strokes for over 27 years and I've ridden a few later model 450 fours. As for the "power delivery" of the 4 strokes.......it must be comin' by UPS 'coz they don't deliver on weekends.

[ccnut]

Originally Posted by kschilk

Plain and simple, it's like choosin' between a hot babe (2 stroke) or a blow-up doll (4 stroke)....it's all in the ride you're lookin' for.

I've been riding open class 2 strokes for over 27 years and I've ridden a few later model 450 fours. As for the "power delivery" of the 4 strokes.......it must be comin' by UPS 'coz they don't deliver on weekends.

I love the way you put that Bro!! I was thinking a 4 stroke and went out and rode a CRF450R and then decided to stick with the 2 stroke. Although there some appealing sides to the cr. I just love the crazyness of the pingers! This Yami I am starting to love! But you do have to watch how far you twist the grip at times!!.....Jerry

[cowboyona426]

Originally Posted by kschilk

As for the "power delivery" of the 4 strokes.......it must be comin' by UPS 'coz they don't deliver on weekends.

Funny... last time I rode a 2 smoke a few years back (YZ 250) all I could think was "where's the power?"
RCPH- I don't know about the other brands, but on my YZ I usually go 8-10 hours on an oil change, which would probably be every 2-3 rides. Can't speak to rebuild cost because I've never had to do it.