CHOOSING THE RIGHT BIKE ! 2-STROKE or 4-STROKE?

Understanding the difference between two-stroke and four-stroke engines can help you decide which motorcycle bike is best for you. So how do you choose between a two-stroke or a 4-stroke?
In this video, Adam Riemann uncovers the characteristics of each engine and how their performance traits affect your riding. Which motorcycle is lighter, or the easiest for beginners to learn on? What is the the more popular race bike? Learn how to make the right decision before buying your next bike - 2-stroke or 4-stroke!
And, we also reveal never before seen footage of Daniel Sanders ripping on our Honda CR250 during his recent visit to The Dirt Kitchen!
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#2stroke #4stroke #motorcycle

[@miketursky1410]

Road a TM 300 (counter balance) this weekend. So tractable on bottom and linear to the top end hit. Best two stroke power band I ever felt.

[@Danger_mouse]

Like most modern 2 strokes, actually. The Sherco 300 SE is the same, unbelievable torque off idle, pulls in a near straight line all the way to the top. Hard to argue with them and I've been 4t all my life 🙂

[@maxrpm2215]

300s shit all over 4strokes.

[@Danger_mouse]

@@maxrpm2215 Depends what you are doing, both good at different things 👍

[@tcmx712]

@@maxrpm2215 I'd take a 450/500f over a 300t for anything other than 1st/2nd gear single trail any day

[@miketursky1410]

@@tcmx712 different strokes for different folks.

[@WADZUP]

2022 FX350 is a great mixture of fast,nimble and traction especially for Enduro single track. I came close to buying the 300 2 stroke but for me the 4 stroke is more planted and easier to ride in hard single track.

[@chrispewkreme]

I feel the same way. I took my WR250R and YZ250 to some trails. I was so happy and carefree on the 4 stroke. Rip the throttle and just cruise around. The 2 stroke had my brain so focused on keeping the damn front wheel down and not crashing. The power is wild. I also had to really work the clutch where the 4 stroke I could just kinda leave it in gear and go.

[@kevinfletchersa410]

First 90sec of the video was of more value than 2 months of watching 2t vs 4t BS. Great stuff and thanks for putting in the time to put it out there for everyone!

[@bertbroeder1832]

Greatest words ever said about it! Thank you! Rode it like you stole it...

[@bikejunky4816]

I was torn between 2t and 4t as well. I'm 60%desert and 40% woods of my woods riding 15% is technical. So I ended up with a yz450fx and a GG ex300. YZ does everything well and accels in the desert and the 300 2t is awesome in the woods no flame out in the knar.

[@ThumperBros]

Ive had many 4 strokes but the first time I rode a 2 stroke 250sx Ktm I was hooked. The way the power is delivered, how light the bike is and lack of engine breaking…it’s perfection.

[@kingcrumpet]

This is hands down the most accurate description of the difference between 2T and 4T. Compared to all the super technical videos out there with specs, lap times, etc, this shits all over them. Because it's not technical! It is like marriage counselling lol! Not science. Ride some bikes and buy the one that puts the biggest fricken smile on your face! My story... Got into dirt bikes as an adult on an XR250. Motor shat itself so I got a WR250R. This was when I was still trying to figure out what was important to me in a bike. Got over the WR and decided to spend some bucks on a 2020 enduro bike. Narrowed it down to a Husky. Went to a ride day (pre plandemic) and rode all but the 250f and 450f (they weren't on my radar). Coming into the day, I had my HEAD set on a TE250i but when I rode the FE501 I fell in love with it. It just felt like it fit me like a glove. I was yahooing under my helmet like I'd rediscovered motorbikes. Guess what.... I ended up buying the fricking TE250i still! I let my head decide and not my heart. I thought the 250 would be better to learn on, better for the type of riding I was doing, a bit different to all the 4 strokes out there blah blah blah. All was irrelevant because after 18 months of not gelling with the 250 I'm trading it in for a 501 and I can't fricken wait. Choose with your heart and don't listen to what anyone says but Adam! 😜

[@dougjc2000]

I think you may be cutting the modern 2-stroke a bit short on the riding ease, especially for trail riding/enduro. Modern 300's are torquey, highly luggable, smooth, light weight. Very easy to ride. My Beta 300 is a pussy cat, but can attack if desired.

[@hughdonelly1379]

Agree, my 300 xtrainer is amazing, so light & easy to ride

[@willschofield1210]

The adverage weekend warrior will be faster more consistent and use less energy on a 4st. If you want to go fast, are not fit and want to keep up with the group or a beginner a 4st is the go 100%. Even Jarvis and the guys will be on 4strokes for the more open races . Only exemption is really nasty extreme slow tech stuff on the 2st which not many people actually ride , let’s be honest . But i want to have max fun and have a bike I can fix everything on myself . So I will keep buy 2 strokes until they ban them !

[@ian9toes]

Two strokes actually have more bottom end torque. You can’t compare a 300’s bottom end torque to a 4-stroke because the 4-stroke will be stalled at the 300’s bottom end RPM

[@mcragosta]

@@willschofield1210 Depends on terrain. Where I ride, New England woods (tight, technical single track), a modern is 2st is much better. Easier to ride (particularly the Betas), lighter, more agile, and MUCH more stall proof than a modern efi 4st. I was a 4st guy for many years - until I tried a 2st a few years ago. I still always have a 4st in the stable, which i use for dual sporting rides. But a 2st for woods hands down.

[@Seeeeyaaaa]

Ive ridden both and i love 2 strokes, started off on them and am not a great rider but overall i think the 4 stroke power delivery suits my riding ability better. On my Husaberg FS570 I was riding so much better than ive ever ridden on any 2 stroke ive had and ive had some very fast 250's over the years.

[@TwistedTriggerEnduro]

haha "It's like marriage counseling." Brilliant video, thank you SO much for covering the topic. Watched every second of it and will forward it on. Well said!! 💪

[@rowieg2148]

Great topic Adam, all i know After owning 15-20 dirt bikes moto and enduro I’ve ended favouring 125cc/150cc for motocross and 250/300cc for the bush all 2 stroke mate brrrraaaaapppppp ✊

[@Mineratron]

Can’t beat that hit, just picked up a 150SX for the mrs. Been having some fun on it myself, man it rips!😄👌

[@toulioss]

''enjoy the experience...'' so true, bravo

[@PaulFarley-z1o]

I came here looking for this exact answer to by my first motorcross bike, you answered it perfectl....Watching the CR lap made me think I was driving the millennium falcon! 😂😂😂😂

[@sil3ntxswisha]

WOW, first few seconds into that lap footage and my jaw just dropped, he was giving that CR the beans. Incredible run

[@nathanboeger978]

This was the best answer to this question I have ever heard. I think it's time for me to get a 2-stroke. The 4-strokes kind of have me a bit bored. I need some excitement.

[@PRAD33PK]

"It's like marriage counseling'' Too true! And in either case the problem seems to be too much talking and pondering and not enough riding. Another problem seen too often especially with riders just getting into dirt or getting back to it is expecting one bike to be useful on the highways till the trails or track and then expecting the same bike to also be useful in the rough stuff. And bigger doesn't make it any better either. As a complete noob I find my little 2Stroke homemade trail bike contraption perfect for me on the trails, while mostly useless everywhere else. The 250 4S lack the hit for a weekend junkie and anything bigger is often too much to handle. Great video and wise words as always! Thank you for making some of us feel somewhat sane.

[@simoncleland704]

Best advice ever, you nailed it when you said what do you want to own? My problem was when I was younger I wanted a CR500R so that’s what I got lol

[@clayontwowheels2562]

Best commentary ever on the subject. 👍👏

[@waynemorgan5017]

Riemann, best advise for someone coming into dirt bikes, XR 250, best fun with your pants on. Enjoying your content, keep up the great work.

[@Danger_mouse]

Adam, good video and always respect your thoughts. The chat about 2 strokes being aggressive and all top end is probably a little dated and related to bikes from 5 or 10 years ago. The modern 300 two strokes from brands like Sherco and others with electronic power valves and even the TPI bikes with the old mechanical power valve systems are all incredibly torquey and smooth to ride. Every bike has a place and suits a different rider for sure, but having owned both the 300 SEF and the 300 SE Shercos and ridden the 450/500 models too, the 300 2T is a very smooth bike to ride. All the best 👌

[@tcmx712]

Whats your thoughts on the sherco 450 can't find any info at all on them, do they rev out like a mx bike or a more of a bottom end chugger

[@Danger_mouse]

@@tcmx712 A little bit of both really. They arent all top end like an MX bike, but they have a very linear delivery from down low and still strong up top. Also proving to be a long lived engine. Sherco got all their team bikes to the end of the Dakar without mechanical issues on the original engines. Definitely worth a look.

[@tcmx712]

@@Danger_mouse thanks for the info mate, I've been using a crf450r for the more open style riding but at 250hrs she's due for an upgrade haha

[@Danger_mouse]

@@tcmx712 Certainly one to add to the shopping list. Good dealer support in Australia and now build up in the US as well. There's other great bikes out there, certainly, but I reckon Sherco is where its at

[@tcmx712]

@@Danger_mouse yeah I'm up in Broome so dealer support for any brand is non-existent. We have a Kawasaki shop here but they have to order everything in anyway haha. If I was moving back to the south west I was looking at the 300sef but now I'm staying up here maybe the 450sef might be the go

[@shaddybros3566]

Goes to show theory is lot closer to reality than my old tafe book stated: "Theoretically the two stroke engine should develop twice as much power as a four stroke cycle engine of the same displacement, but in reality this is not achieved due to reduced cylinder breathing efficiently" - Sean Bennet Heavy Duty Truck Engine 4th edition

[@miketursky1410]

I guess that’s why four stroke motocross engines had to be 400cc to compete with 250cc two strokes.

[@shallah777]

I bought a 2001 CR250 & barely rode it. I really wanted a 125 but the 250 was such a good deal that i bought it 3 years ago & only rode it once. I crank it every now & then but haven't ridden it.

[@joeljohansson472]

I have tried diffrent bikes over time 2 and 4-stroke, then i got a 2018 ktm 500 exc and I have the most fun ever👍

[@Yz250fx]

Thanks AR, modern marketing campaigns are the winner creating indecision and empty bank accounts. Pick a colour and a noise and go ride

[@cooganbeggs4942]

The answer is always an XR250 🤷‍♂️💪

[@SW-bs2jz]

2021 Husky 300 TX i... after 15 years of 4-stroke and 15 years of 2 stroke and MX/arenacross.... Love the smokers. But absolutely, ride what your comfortable with.

[@SW-bs2jz]

Added wrong... lol, been riding 40+ years...

[@DnBL0ser117]

Personaly I've always enjoyed 3-strokes the most. They are the most balanced, just in between 2 and 4 strokes.

[@Jake_Hynds]

who thumbs this down honestly what the fudge!! great video as always thumbs up from me !!

[@rowynmaddocks6731]

If you a beggener and you want to do enduro a four stroke is a lovely easy bike to ride but if you get better and start real technical riding a four stroke flames out at low revs like on the rocks and you fall hard a 2 stroke can run at mutch lower revs without flaming out but are harder to climb hills because they very aggresive they both lovely bikes but each rider has to make a choice what he or she is more comfortable on

[@ronlawson5819]

You nailed it once again

[@SandrodiCarloDarsa]

Thank you so much for this ;) Now it’s time for me to go and learn enduro with a Husq 250 FE !! Merci from France.

[@garagecedric]

The modern 2 strokes as frigging brilliant. As long as they are allowed i can't see any pont in anything other than 2 stroke in my garage :)

[@discooz4452]

Truer words could not have been spoken. If you don’t ride & own what your heart desires it is a miserable experience. I come from a road riding background & used to own an FZ6, loved every minute with it. For noble reasons I let it go a number of years ago & kept my wife’s bike as our only bike we would both ride, which was a 650 VStrom. Good bike but I hated it & riding for a long time sucked and became merely transport to me, didn’t want to go on weekend rides at all. Fast forward to the last couple of months & I have switched to off-road! Three brands were on my radar and 2 capacity types, either a 300 2T or 450 4T. No matter how good KTM & Husky’s are and I really really like them, they couldn’t win my heart and steal me away from a Yamaha. Sorry for the long story, but don’t put yourselves through what I did a number of years ago. Buy & own what you want. It’s truly a miserable existence when a bike turns in to merely transport. Bikes are more than that.

[@Eric_412]

The best advice I’ve been given and it was from a former Australian MX champion, he said, the only people that can ride an open class bike (I.e., like a 450 for example) to that bikes designed limits gets that bike for free.. Unless your name is Billy Bolt or Todd Waters than a 450 isn’t the bike for you..

[@canton7180]

The only thing I do not like about my 2stroke is lack of engine braking while going down steep single track, I had several 2 strokes and I have never rode a modern 4 stroke I will admit, back when I started they performed like a dog, my current is a xcw 300, but I had several 500’s and they where flat out dangerous and very difficult to master, they left me drained fighting for control. The 300 hits the sweet spot for me with some added mods like a heavy flywheel and custom tuned suspension calving, and it has a power valve which helps tune the power band, the ergo makes it flickable through tight technical, and the snap of the power on demand hurls me over obstacles with ease, plus maintenance is cheap and easy, $150 for a top end refresh in a hour, how much does a modern 4s rebuild cost? Yeah you can keep you 4s I’m sticking with my smelly little beast

[@johnadelsback9292]

The only brand new bike I have buy for my son all my bike's I spend more time fixing them then rideing them lol but it don't matter what I ride I ride it well 🏁☝️

[@jonathanlane9867]

Great vid legend..!! Chucky’s a weapon…🔥🛵💨

[@JaraXRS]

2 years ago, i was at enduro school as novice, the have almost all KTMs, for the start i choose KTM 300 EXC, i was very fun and hard, so they suspended me to KTM 250 EXC-F, than i ran much faster a it was much easier that 2 stroke, but it was also less fun. If i want to buy, i will buy 300 EXC., i will be last everywhere, because dont have skill for that bike, but i will be happy :)

[@rubenjimenez5213]

I had one of each, like them bouth, but i am a 2stroke by hart, good video💪💪👍👍

[@eamonblaney5368]

Chuckie is ridiculous 😂😎 fucking epic.

[@promxrippa]

Solution: 1 of each 😉

[@brucekendall52]

Top advice.Thanks.

[@Impedancenetwork]

I never did that. I never reached out to anyone and said, "What kind of bike should I get." I knew I would ride the road to get to the dirt so I searched for that on the internet. I think he is right when he said @0:40 that these guy asking what kind of bike should they get "it's like marriage counseling." For christ sakes man do you think a guy on youtube has the time to answer 100 pathetic emails a day with questions like this? You are going to buy at least 3 bikes before you start getting a clue as to what is right for you. Do what he said, "just go get the bike you THINK you want to ride." You'll not like something and you love other things. No bike will be the perfect bike.

[@ssmith8374]

Great advice 🤘

[@kainalugreig4639]

What about going from a 250f to a yz125?

[@olivertaresch489]

If you ride hard enduro you can’t pass up a 300 two banger, preferably tpi, well that’s my opinion at least

[@JoeJ523]

I have a 23 klx 300 dual sport and ride strictly off road with it and it’s heavy lol I was thinking Ktm 250-300 four stroke or a 250 2 stroke I just don’t knowwwwwww what to do!!!!!!!! Lol

[@stevedouglas1654]

Yamaha updated the 2022 YZ250 2 stroke 👍

[@waynekerr8003]

2

[@kuzeycelebi5359]

Hi! I raced in motocross and enduro btw the ages 13-18. My last bike was a 250 2t Enduro which I loved riding. It was feeling like a part of body. Now, I’m not riding since 2013, but will come back next season to ride for fun. I was thinking about getting a 2t, and your video was a confirmation for me! However, there’s still a question. 125 or 250 after this long break. I will ride in easy mx tracks in Ontario. (When I was riding, 125s usually felt harder to ride in tracks due to the lack of power and traction , especially in sections where jumps are closer to the corners. Although now, 250s’ power scares me as I had a long break, I know that 125 will feel the same after the 4th-5th ride:) ) What would you get if you were in my position? Thanks!

[@kaysenlenz3562]

I started on a kx65 and now on a tc85 and about to sell it I am 5,5 y’all think I can handle a 250

[@dl6860]

What about cost of maintenance and length/duration of avg ride?

[@lg8188]

Dam Sanders is fast!

[@DatOneMonkey238]

Wish I could afford a dirt bike

[@leeanne38620]

2 strokes are da one

[@aaroncrain2343]

8:27 Me when I let anyone ride my bike

[@ajgreen868]

emission regulations killed the 2 stroke.

[@ninetyfive_xcv]

3

[@eaglemx45]

I race my 01 Cr250 in 30+ and it hauls ass!

[@xterrential]

Beta 390rr-s. A long stroke 4 that is great for mature beginners, good low end power, hard to stall, lower seat height than ktm, road legal, GPS, not a KTM, ...

[@canton7180]

Odd my Ktm has gps, it has or else I’d never find my way back to my truck

[@maksikkarenduro9218]

I disagree with torque with the 4stroke. You have to be mid throttle turn to get all the torque so for speed the 4stroke is the way to go for tractable power but for shear torque right off the idle that’s a 2stroke. Check out hard enduro you’ll see 500 2strokes and 1 or 2 4strokes. The ability for a 2-stroke to lug down low in the rpm and unleash hell.

[@jakevandee]

I cant ride my ktm 300 that well... I'd probably be better off on a slightly lesser bike. But damn does it get me giddy every time i go near the thing xD And every time I sell one. I just end up getting another one.

[@garymartin557]

if you want to enjoy riding 2 stroke. you may be not be able to ride it as quickly, but you will enjoy it.

[@Nonplused]

450 - 4 strokes are exhausting if you aren't fit.

[@gonhernan]

I think 4 strokes are better technically but 2 stroke noise is magical. Definitely I stay with my 2 stroke

[@ian9toes]

I will take those emails and answer every one, “you need a 300 2-stroke”

[@chrispewkreme]

I will say this, electric allows you to be ridiculously lazy. Twist the throttle and go. Use the brakes as needed. 4 stroke is slightly more involved. You gotta shift, you gotta use the clutch and brake. But generally, you can put the 4 stroke in gear and just go. Occasionally slipping the clutch. But on a 2 stroke, you NEED to work that clutch. You also need to know brakes well because they just freecoast. Also, do you need something street legal? Do you have a garage stocked with tools? Do you have trails you can ride? Do you have a truck/trailer? Electric, go anywhere any time. 4 stroke, go on the road, go on the trail. Make it street legal if needed. 2 stroke, good luck. Unless you’re in Europe, these won’t be street legal. The noise will piss off people and cops will be onto you pretty easily. I love a 4 stroke because it’s linear power. It feels safer. But they are easy to stall in technical sections and they like to overheat. They’re expensive to fix. They sound awful. There isn’t a single 4 stroke thumper that sounds good and you’ll never change my mind. I love a 2 stroke because the power is almost scary. You gotta be a good rider. You gotta work the clutch. They don’t like to stall. They chug through technical sections while working the clutch. The smell. The sound. At the cost of mixing gas and not being great on the street. But when it’s time to rebuild, they’re cheaper and easier to work on. If the range and cost weren’t such limiting factors, electric would be my go to any day of the week. Zero maintenance. Effortless riding. Ridiculously lightweight. No noise. Ride anywhere any time. Transport it in a car. Store it in your room. You get the idea. Before you buy, see if you can demo some bikes. If you’re already into bikes, I can guarantee you can find someone that will swap bikes with you and you can get a good feel.

[@tshansen]

Sorry mate, but you really need to cut that punch in and out thing, I'm about to go into seizure 🙈

[@jonnoMoto]

Oof. You aren't kidding.

[@edwatkins1885]

2 stroke all the way baby🤪 learn on a 2stroke and you'll be fast on a 4 stroke

[@Fk_your_couch]

2 strokes hands down.

[@antfal-n-everything7154]

90% Rider skill, 10% Bike performance, learn how to ride people's, remmember to have fun, another great review Adam

[@CommieHunter7]

I think this oversimplifies things. Yes, the expert who won 1st at my last race would still beat me if we switched bikes. But both of us would be slower. Plus, some learning riders don't realize that a bike is making the learning process harder. Incorrect suspension will make you more tired and at greater risk of crashing, power delivery they're not ready for can cause accidents. Don't blame your bike, but do understand it and know how it's complementing your progress, and make sure it isn't hindering it.

[@WADZUP]

@@CommieHunter7 I couldn’t agree more. I’ve ridden the 2022 TE300 vs the 2022 Fx350 and yes both are amazing bikes but after riding it was clear one bike suited my preference and ride style, terrain. Would I like both bikes, absolutely and could I make a case for both bike? Always, I love dirt bikes!

[@FightFilms]

People's what?

[@tapecknows]

Love your perspective! I got a YZ250 as my first dirtbike and spent a whole year second guessing, even buying a YZ125 along the way. After a year and a half, I'm now feeling comfortable on the YZ250 and enjoying it much more!

[@moreliquorinmycoffee]

I hate a 2 stroke sound, and got a 4 stroke for that reason. But I can't deny that the way the 2 stroke power band functions, and how light a 2 stroke is keeps me thinking about switching for my next bike, but I wouldn't. Simply because I love a 4 stroke sound, and the reliability is wonderful, especially a 4 stroke from a Japanese manufacturer. And besides that where I live we ride every weekend and even during the week if there's time, we don't have to load the bikes on a trailer to go somewhere, we just jump on and ride 10 minutes and we're in the bush and on the mountains.

[@briancrumpacker]

Riemann, that rock garden "plan B" landing from 2:34 was brilliant. I keep watching it over and over.

[@MotologyFilms]

Always try and have a plan B 😲

[@zacharysmith7872]

@@MotologyFilms 'Ambulance' seems to crop up as 'plan B' time to time.

[@michaelahr1]

Love it! I started riding at 40, grabbed a Husky FE 250 and best decision I ever made for riding 5 years ago. A few friends started on KTM 4stroke 350's, long story short I ride a GasGas EC300i now and all of them quit riding when the got hurt and struggled to develop their skills on the more powerful bikes. Honestly, I could still be riding that FE 250 now if getting a new bike wasn't an option. The FE 250 forces you to develop your clutch skills and ride a little more aggressive as you don't have the bottom end torque but the bikes are awesome with all the power you need without them wanting to kill you if you make mistakes.

[@JohnHowerton137]

This is why I own them all... 2T, 4T & Electric! They’re all sick! Massively prefer the 4T in the hard slick stuff, but if there is traction or sand... 2T love! 🥰 Electric removes the hassle of all of it. Ride anywhere, no biotchy people, no oil and air filter changes. So fun to hear the tire spinning/grabbing without the engine noise. Wild experience and such a smoooth ride!

[@ZSmith-yy4lv]

I tried a 4t and the engine braking was wild to me. I could get used to the linear power though, 2t is not too fun on the road for more than about 15 minutes for me.

[@fromthebottomup3106]

That's why I love two stroke bikes, Beast mode is where my heart rate shoots sky high. I love the hard pull of two stroke bikes. Twist the throttle and hang on.

[@johnfrend5980]

This is a great vid; Ride whatever makes YOU smile most. The bikes I ride most are an old 950S and a postie. Why? No other reason than they both plaster a shit-eating grin on my face from ear to ear.

[@RC.56]

good insight... need some marriage counseling........ looking for my first dirt bike.... recommendations? though about a 350 xcfw, but they dont make one for 23.... 300xc/w? coming from tracking street bikes, not looking to race... but feeling the dirt..long rides, and open woods or desert.. dont know enough to prefer pds or not... thoughts? never road dirt... a few quads maybe...

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

4 stroke for ease of use. 2 stroke for the 'enthusiast' who loves tinkering.

[@gasdive]

Funny, I would have said exactly the same things, but the other way around. 2 stroke, super easy to use, 4 stroke, endless tinkering.

[@Tangles.88]

Hoping to see a review on here for the updated 2022 yz125 🤞

[@rowieg2148]

Just got 22 yz 125cc a few weeks buddy, and I think Yamaha are so close to making the perfect 125 that needs nothing . My only complaint is it’s a 5 speed which isn’t a big deal unless you take it in the bush . The suspension feels that good it feels like I’ll never need to adjust it, it’s just works well everywhere …. You’re right Adam needs to check this reimagined yz out . It’s one of the most iconic models ever made and Yamaha finally fixed its weaknesses Eg brakes and more power and better ergo .

[@sethparker4624]

Best bike buying advice video I've come across and I was looking for my 1st dirt bike for the last 5 years...Picked up a 2006 KTM 200xcw and its way too much bike for me, but I love it because it keeps me humble and hungry to learn how to tame it. Coming from street bikes and 25 years on a mountain bike, there's a lot that translates and I love the idea that I'll never outgrow the 200xcw. Keep the inspiring videos coming! Cheers from Northern California 👊

[@mountainmonkey172]

Yes, Northern Ca! Nevada City here👍

[@dirtfreek]

Great video on picking bikes. I've coached a few friends through this decision and I always go back to what a good friend told me once. He told me to always get the bike I would have the most fun on. I was tired of mixing gas and cleaning up spooge at the time and I wanted to get a four stroke. My first 2 bikes we're an 85 CR125 and next was a CR250. Absolutely fell in love with the 250 2T at the time. Years later with no bike in my garage, I went and test rode a dual sport Suzuki that I had envisioned as being my next bike. When I arrived at the owners house that Suzuki was parked next to a YZ250, McGrath era yammie. I rode both bikes and I couldn't decide what to do. I was tired of 2 strokes but man the Yamaha made me smile. Bought the Yamaha and not the Suzuki and kept it a long time till I ended up buying a modern day fuel injected 4 stroke Yamaha. It looks pretty sweet sitting next to the new to me 03 CR250 which I ride most of the time cause its just more fun to ride! My friend was wise I must say.

[@jamieroberts8592]

Buy one of each. Problem solved 😂

[@ZeLogicnator5k]

This is just my take: 2t - Vibrates, top end rebuilds, loves being throttled, has a lot of punch, less prone to stalling, really good at lugging, no engine braking (more momentum kept when off throttle), worse gas mileage, less gyro intertia, not great for longer days depending on how much endurance you have. 4t - I break down into DOCH (350) and SOCH (500) 350 - likes higher rpms, valve checks more of a pain for maintenance, less inertia (good for tight trails, more flickable), more clutch feathering required, doesn't lug as well as a 500 or 2t, best mpg. 500 - likes low end, lugs better than a 350, more linear power band, valve checks easier than 350, more inertia and engine braking (less maneuverable), "The lazy bike", can be in a higher or lower gear and it still works well, less clutch feathering, better mpg than 2t, worse than 350, obviously faster than the 500. Much of this can be changed (to a point) with mods (gear ratio, rekluse, fuel maps, etc.) In 2023, at least with the euro bikes, the 2t and 4t weight differences are not extreme. (all are 200-238ish lbs) Which one is best? I'ld say the smaller 4t are probably the best do all on dirt. 2t for enduro/hard enduro and larger 4t for hill climbs/more flowy single track.

[@josephmcginley2836]

That was, Spot On, in my opinion... Thanx for sharing!

[@LegalViewBot]

The simple answer is: buy both!

[@steves5382]

Just picked up on this video Adam in 2024, very good info. I used to have a CR500R road legal , it went everywhere back in the early 90s in the Uk , but then I was a lot younger. I found with the proper gearing it was brilliant on the road and then you could go off road also. But again it was a dirt bike and you felt it after a day of riding. Best bike I've ever owned was a KDX 200 , it did 90 mph and was as light as a mountain bike, it was such a blast through trails and off road, shame they dont make it anymore. Just sold my T7, lovely bike but too much now I'm older and now looking to go back to a 2 stroke.

[@reese3407]

2 strokes have a higher potential to be much better Then the 4 strokes are now but they quit development on them which was the dumbest thing they've ever did.

[@tcmx712]

Ktm never did

[@egger2500]

yeah, what bike ? this is always a discussion - the less money we have the more we're into: no matter what bike. .... the more money we have: the discusion starts what bike for what use, and parts, parts, parts ........ with even more money you'd have some bikes for different conditions. ...... and than we start it over, hehe .... this will never end. I'm guilty as well. But well said. FUN FUN FUN

[@timharris258]

I found that I am only thinking about what the next bike could be only when I am not riding my current bike. All of this goes away as soon as I hop on it.

[@tonehow6967]

I hope people watch too the end...cr250 lap....soooo cool

[@iawsom]

Brings an old meme to my head. Paid 10k for a brand new 4 stroke only get passed by a 10 year old smoker and even fluttered on it's way while over taking. 😄 I love two strokes and everything about them! :D

[@jamc1740]

Wonderful to hear a no bs explanation. I blew up an xr in 1988 ish. Swore I'd never own a 4st dirt bike again, until a 15 year break off dirt and a good mate offered his 350 excf for a great price. Great bike does everything I need. In fact it is capable of much more than a 53yr old hack can squeeze out of it.

[@artsteale3443]

I find a lot depends on what you ride if you ride slow technical hard enduro type stuff a two stroke doesn't overheat like the four stroke. the four strokes are good in the faster stuff because they tend to track straighter than a two stroke over the chop.

[@T.S.-eo7my]

A rider needs exposure to both in order make the decision for them self. Get good enough at riding so that people can trust you on their machine, then ride as many of other people’s machines as ya can before committing to buying something for yourself. Due to emissions laws, it’s hard to find the “best” beginner bikes which were the 175cc-200cc air cooled 2 stroke enduros (IT, early model DT, CT, RT, TS, PE, KE). Then graduating into a 200cc-350cc something with adequate suspension and brakes like the late 80’s to early 90’s XT, DT, TW, XR, XL, CRM, KLX, KDX, and DR. Also depends greatly on starting age as a late teen to grown up will simply overwhelm the chassis of a classic youth beginner bike like the PW50, GT80, KX100 big wheel etc.

[@robchesley4591]

Ive loved Yamaha bikes since 91...but I HATE the ugly blue.. uugh New plastics...again

[@nicolasayer1908]

I'm mostly sorted with both, a 450fx and 125x so both ends of the spectrum. Now just hanker after a 250x which will tip the balance to 2 strokes 😝

[@thunderbox91]

great video Adam, for the average rider, people should just buy what ever is the most fun. Doesn't matter if its a 300 2 stroke a 200 4 stroke! if your having fun on the trails your winning. Because that's what its all about

[@paulsapper]

Great video Adam Ive always been a far of Honda, I bought Grants old KLX 250 and then I rode his CR500 and I fell in love with it, went out and sold the KLX a few weeks later