What are the Top Two Stroke Dirt Bike Motorcycle Brands?
Recently, two-stroke dirt bikes’ development has been at a slow pace. Although popular brands like Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, and Yamaha still have impressive dirt bike models.
Other small manufacturers of dirt bikes in Europe like GasGas keeps on betting only on two-stroke dirt bikes. So far, their efforts have yielded positive results such that the bike has been able to survive even in this time.
Below is a few of the top two-stroke dirt bikes you will find in the market. They are:
Yamaha YZ250
This dirt bike version is notable for its track record in supercross and motocross. The bike is well suited for riders who love explosive performance. A 249 liquid-cooled 2-stroke motor powers Yamaha YZ250. The bikes also have a compact engine which features a wide powerband that hits hard.
The bikes’ weight is 103kg which allows it to have optimum agility because of the presence of its aluminum chassis that is light weighted.
The bike is also a great choice for riders who love speed. It features a five-speed transmission with smooth shifting enabled by the multi-plate clutch.
There is an inbuilt speed sensitive system fitted on the 48mm forks of the bike which separates the oil and air function. So, air is prevented from entering the cartridge. This makes the bike to have a stable damping.
Yamaha YZ250 has a suspension system which consists of borrowed parts from YZ-F four-stroke bikes such as linkage, shock, and swingarm. This system gives the riders excellent shock absorption and traction while riding.
Yamaha recently introduced sharper body works and bolder graphics to the YZ250 dirt bike to make it modern. The footrests have also been made wider and the clutch adjuster upgraded all for the comfort of the rider.
Suzuki RM 250
This bike was at its best around 2003 – 2008 when there was a fierce competition between Yamaha and Suzuki for the best 2-stroke dirt bike. Although the bike has ceased to exist since production stopped in 2008, it is still one of the best 2-stroke bikes.
Suzuki RM 250 has an impressive track record for its reliable and fast motor as well as its inept suspension system. The models produced before 2003 were quite hard to jet, so riders prefer to go for the recent models.
Riders also prefer RM 250 because one can easily get its parts. The parts are available everywhere in the market at affordable prices.
Honda CR 205 R
This bike has been the choice of many professional riders over the years and it remains so. It is a prized commodity with a widely celebrated history in both professional and amateur races.
The production period for this dirt bike spanned from 1978 to 2007. Over these years, many changes, upgrades and adaptation were made to the bike to alter its identity and make it look newer at all times.
Some riders love this dirt bike model because of the significant upgrades the bike has gone through to make it look modern. Thus, there was a high demand of this model between 2000 and 2001.
For example, a second-generation aluminum chassis was fitted to the dirt bike in 2000 which made the bike fast and light. In 2002, the bike was also fitted with an electronic power valve but an underpowered motor drives the bike.
You can still get the bike in the market today at a good price.
Kawasaki KX500
With its first model announced in 1992, this bike is another great choice for top riders. The bike came as the first 500cc motocrosser. It was very famous for its proficiency in desert racing because of the massive amount of power it produces.
Most desert riders between 1988 and 1996 preferred Kawasaki KX500 as their dirt bike. Riders such as Danny LaPorte, Ty Davis, and Larry Roeseler even won the Baja Mill for Kawasaki using this dirt bike model.
Kawasaki Kx500 is an antique in the market today, but one can still find it plenty in the Southwest. One major standout of the bike is that it is indestructible.
The bike has a cylinder coated with electrofusion which keeps going. It also has a frame which is specially designed to stand the test of time and withstand even the harshest road and weather conditions.
The Kawasaki KX500 produced from 2000 to 2004 when production stopped are the best models. They meet the needs of most riders especially those who love a aggressive, fast and powerful dirt bike.
KTM 250 SX
From way back in 2002, this bike has always been a top choice for riders. At inception, it was one of the fastest 2-stroke one will find in the market.
After the initial release, the bike has been equipped with several upgrades to make it more reliable and powerful on the track. KTM has not halted the production of this dirt bike model.
So riders can get a brand new model of this bike with advanced technologies. The current one has a kick start and electric start function attached to it for better convenience to riders.
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Two-stroke Dirt Bike vs Four-stroke Dirt Bike – Which Is Better?
From time immemorial, there has always been a heated debate on which stroke of dirt bike is best; 2 stroke or 4 strokes. In technical terms, no stroke is superior to the other.
So, it all boils down to the preference of the users and riders. Let’s look at the cons and pros of each stroke:
2-stroke bike wields more power and rotates at a higher RPM. 4-stroke bikes on the other hand rotates at a lower RPM and are often smaller in size.
In contrast, riders find it more convenient to use 4-stroke dirt bikes because it does not require premixing of fuel and oil like 2-stroke. Although it is easier to repair 2-stroke bikes because they have fewer parts and a simpler design. Similarly, it cost higher to repair 4-stroke dirt bikes although they last longer.
Why Two-strokes Are So Fast
Two-stroke dirt bikes are more compact and are generally lighter. This makes them agile and fast on the track. Furthermore, two-stroke bikes hit hard and make a sharp start. Riders often find it easy to throw around 2-stroke dirt bike with a faster punch.
Which Is Best for Beginners? Two-stroke or Four-strokes
Riders who are new to dirt bikes should consider some factors before choosing their preferred bike stroke. Factors they should consider includes maintenance, power delivery, and handling.
Four-stroke bikes give riders better control when they ride because of the power they wield. They are suitable for trail riding.
On the other hand, two-stroke bikes work better in loose and sandy dirt such as sand dunes.
4-stroke bikes are perfect for long runs and they are easy to ride. Four-stroke bikes also use less oil, so riders do not have to stop to refill gas like when using two-stroke bikes.
On the price side, 4-stroke bikes are more expensive than 2-stroke bikes because of the high cost of production its manufacturers incur.
Are Two Stroke Dirt Bikes Engine Banned?
2-stroke dirt bikes can be ridden in tracks and trails because EPA regulations does not affect off-road vehicles.
Conclusion
By now, you should know the different brands and models of two-stroke bikes as well as the pros and cons of two-stroke bikes and four-stroke bikes.
2-stroke bikes continue to battle 4-stroke bikes for market dominance. 2-stroke bikes are resilient and strong on the track because they are agile, quick and fast.
Popular brands like KTM, Yamaha, Honda,