Introduction
Have you ever wondered what is the better Motocross bike? A 2-Stroke or 4-Stroke? In this report, I will be talking about motocross and what the main differences are between a 2-Stroke and a 4-stroke and why certain riding styles may prefer a 2-Stroke over a 4-stroke.
RCQ 1
2-Stroke VS 4-Stro
When shopping for a dirt bike, off-road motorcycle, or motocross bike
you’ll run across models that are powered by a two-stroke motor
(2T) or a four-stroke motor (4T). The main difference between the
two types is that the 2-stroke has one revolution of the crankshaft
within one power stroke, while the 4-stroke has two strokes. Another
difference between the two is that a 2-stroke doesn’t have a system
dedicated to lubricating the crankcase while a 4-stroke does. This is
why you need to add oil to the fuel in your 2 stroke dirt bike.
What does all of this mean for you? Well, it means that a 2 stroke can
produce torque quicker because the crank only has to revolve one
time instead of two before power delivery. Two-stroke engines,
because of their lack of complex moving parts and lubrication
systems, are easier to work on and rebuild. On the other hand, 2
strokes are known for their distinctive “tinny” noise and smell. As a
result of tightening emission standards, 2 strokes have come under
harsh scrutiny because they do create more exhaust emissions than
their 4-stroke counterparts.
Another strike against the 2-stroke engine is due to not having a
lubrication system integrated. So when an unlubricated engine fails, it
happens quickly and there is a catastrophic failure to the moving parts
within.
Depending on your riding style and how noisy you want to be a 2
stroke or 4-stroke dirt bike will get you over the terrain you want it to.
RCQ 2
What makes a suitable motocross bike?
You want a bike that is lightweight, and smooth but has a powerful engine,
good brakes and high-tech suspension. Bikes with 2 stroke engines
generally handle better as they are more resistant to stalling and
overheating at slow speeds which is often what hard enduro riding is.
The best dirt bikes for hard enduro are KTM 250 2-stroke bikes.
RCQ 3
Dirt Bikes vs. Motocross Bikes vs. Enduros
Every motocross bike is a dirt bike, but not every dirt bike is a motocross bike. Think of the dirt bike as a 10-inch chef’s knife. Sturdy, reliable, and able to do a lot of work before it has to be fixed or honed. That’s your basic dirt bike. Your motocross bike is more of a scalpel.
Very sharp, and very light, but it requires a higher degree of maintenance to keep that edge. Your motocross bikes are dirt bikes built for racing. They feature the best parts, and tyres, and have a considerable amount of weight-saving work done to them. This is to ensure that when you are racing motocross, you are getting the holeshot every time. On the other hand, enduros are the cleaver of the dirt bike family. They feature larger gas tanks needed for the longer-distance races that they participate in. Different bikes are best suited to different situations. A motocross bike
finds its home at motocross and supercross events, and landing jumps
at big air competitions, while enduro bikes can be found at 24 hour
cross-country races like the Grand National Cross Country. Shooting
up backcountry roads, then any dirt bike will be your best option.
(https://www.cycleworld.com/off-road-motocross-motorcycles/)
RCQ 4
What happened to the Suzuki Motocross?
Suzuki left the Motocross World Championship as a factory effort in
2018, and the closing of the JGRMX team at the end of 2020 meant
the end of any kind of factory Suzuki effort in America. They then
returned with the Twisted Tea HEP Suzuki team taking over from JGR
since 2021 as the lead US Suzuki team.
RCQ 5
Why did Suzuki and Honda stop making two-stroke motocross
bikes?
The simple answer is that the four-stroke performs better. Regardless
of the emissions and weight, the 2 stroke was limited in its
development opportunities. The modern 4-stroke MX platform was
better as it had more power and was easier to manage. The 4-stroke was
also allowed a displacement advantage that the 2-stroke could not
overcome. Honda and Suzuki discontinued making two strokes
because they could not meet steadily-tightening EPA standards for
vehicle exhaust emissions. The very feature that makes two-strokes
attractive -the simplicity of having only three moving parts (crankshaft,
con-rod, and piston - was their undoing.
RCQ 6
Why don’t they still make 500cc 2-stroke
There was no pro class for them to race in, so the dirt bike
manufacturers discontinued making them because they aren’t popular
and practical enough for casual riders. A 250cc 2-stroke was more
than enough power for the average rider.
RCQ7
Is a 250 2-stroke faster than a 250 4-stroke?
A 2-stroke engine requires only one complete crankshaft revolution to
complete the four stages of combustion. A 4-stroke engine requires
two crankshaft revolutions. This advantage explains why a 250-cc 2-
stroke engine makes more power than a 4-stroke of the same size.
(https://amsoil.co.in/blog/four-stroke-or-two-stroke-dirt-bike-which-is-
right-forhttps://amsoil.co.in/blog/four-stroke-or-two-stroke-dirt-bike-
which-is-right-for-you/)