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.