A 2-stroke or a 4-stroke? That is the question...

One of my sons has a KX85.  He has been riding 2-strokes since he has been riding bikes.  But now, he has got a "bee in his bonnet" and wants a 4-stroke.  When I ask my husband, he says that on a 2-stroke, every second stroke is a power stroke, and on a 4-stroke, every fourth stroke is a power stroke...then he explained a lot of other stuff that makes my head spin.  This has led me to do some research on 2-strokes and 4-strokes.  I thought I would pass along what I have learned.

If you haven't heard, there is a debate over what is better, a 2-stroke or a 4-stroke, and what I have found is it all depends on who you talk to.  We shall discuss, but you may just need to jump in and ride both to decide for yourself. 

Basic 2-Stroke Info:  
In the 2-stroke engine, the spark plug fires once every revolution of the crankshaft.  It produces twice the power of a 4-stroke engine of the same size.  The 2-stroke engine is much simpler than 4-strokes, with lighter construction and fewer parts. You have to buy two-stroke engine oil, measure it, and mix it with your fuel.  They are believed to wear out faster because lubrication is not as efficient as in a 4-stroke engine with heavier oil.  They use more fuel because the unused fuel is exhausted with each cycle of the engine.  And they pollute the air more because the unused fuel is exhausted with each cycle of the engine. 

Basic 4-Stroke Info:
4-Strokes engines generally last longer than 2-stroke engines because of the more efficient lubrication of moving parts.  They use straight fuel, and less of it.  Their engines are believed to pollute the air less than 2-strokes.  Construction/assembly/operation of the engine is more complicated. More moving parts means more things that can go wrong.  And 4-strokes are half as powerful as two stroke engines.

There is a ton more info out there - articles, you tube videos, etc.    And just as many contradicting opinions as info. I say just take a chance.  Pick a bike you can afford, get to be friends with a rider that has something else and take his for a spin.  But most importantly, just have fun and enjoy your time on the bike.

Blessings! of the same size.  

Monster Energy Supercross 2013 Season

If any of you follow us on Facebook (@ Dirt Bike Mom) you know that we watched the Monster Energy Supercross season opener on Saturday night.  It is so much fun!  Fun for us because we watch it as a family.  Of course it comes on at 8:30 in Texas, so I try to have everyone showered before it comes on so we can make it to church the next morning...a girls gotta plan ahead.

The big bike Main Event is what we all stay up for, and on Saturday it was a nail biter!  The guy that has got to be my favorite racer, Trey Canard, was back.  Trey had an accident early in the 2012 season.  A really bad one, and was out the rest of the season.  He was amazing Saturday!  He held first place till the last lap until Davi Millsaps blasted by him and was gone. 

I have to tell you, these guys are making 20 laps around this crazy track.  Have to be EXHAUSTED! when they are done.  I had never thought about the strategy of winning a dirt bike race until last weekend.  It's just like anything else I guess.  Hang out close to the front till the end, and then, find it in you to blow past anyone between you and the finish line.  If the guy in front of you is more tired, not expecting it, whatever... you got yourself a win.  Congratulations Davi!  That was a really nice win!

Now my guy, Trey, was also really impressive.  To be honest, when I heard he would be back this year, I really just hoped he would be in the top 10.  That is a very respectable place to be.  Like I said, this kid was in a BAD accident last year.  (watch his journey back http://revival41.com/ )  To be back on a bike at all is a miracle in and of itself.   To be racing in front of millions of people on TV in a huge arena with the top guys in motocross is a pretty intimidating feat.  The combination and coming in second - HUGE! 

There were a few times he got tapped by other riders.  The first time, I really think it spooked him and he backed off.  You know how it is if you have ever been in a wreck.  The first few times back in the car on the open highway with all those other crazy drives is kind of creepy and takes some getting used to.  Trey did an great job!  Yea for Trey!  LOL!

So the next race is this Saturday on the Speed channel.  If you have a rider, want to be racer, or a racer you definitely need to be watching.  We are fortunate enough to live in Dallas, so we will get to go to the show in February.  Check out the Monster Supercross schedule.  You may get lucky as well.

My guys watching the race on Saturday.  Just like being there.

Happy 2013!

Happy New Year!  Can you believe it is 2013?  Have you written any checks yet or had to write the date on anything?  It always makes me laugh that I am still wanting to write the last year on things like in June!  LOL! Does anyone write checks anymore?

Well, we are believing that 2013 is going to be an incredible year!  We are believing God has great things in store for us and Dirt Bike Mom.  There are so many amazing things coming this year and we can't wait to share them with you!

First, I have to share with you how we finished 2012 out.  On the Saturday after my boys got out of school for winter break, we had a one.  My husband and middle son, Mavrick, were headed to the track that they ALWAYS go to on Saturdays, but it was late and they were only going to end up with about 30 minutes of ride time, so they turned around and came back.  While unloading the bikes, my son took a fall over a brick they use to stop the trailer and fell and broke his arm.   After a few days of wearing a splint, and having Christmas, we were finally able to get him in a cast.  He chose a black cast (it was up for debate for a while because he is a Kawasaki man and had to decide between black and green) and his ever so creative dad added some Monster swag to it.  I have to admit, it does look pretty cool.  He says that he doesn't want his friends to sign it and make it look all junky.  And he kind of wishes that he would still have it when the Monster Supercross is in Dallas in February, but that would be much too long to have to wear the thing!  We did all agree that a 30 minute ride would have been better then a broken arm.  :(

In other news, we are going to start 2013 off with a new look.  A design that we can all be happy with and that will visually make more sense.  We hope everyone loves it as much as we do, and we hope to see it a lot more as we are out and about!

Another really exciting thing happening in 2013 is Dirt Bike Mom will be coming to a track near you!  Well, depending on where you are of course.  We have started working with some tracks in the state and surrounding states (TX, LA, AR, OK) and will be track-side for many races this year!  We are very excited to get out and meet our people!  I personally can't wait to visit with the other Dirt Bike Mom's and hear what you ladies have to say!  So be sure to let us know where you are and where you think we should show up.

Well, that's all for now.  Blessings!