Posts
3
Joined
9/19/2014
Location
Plymouth, MA
US
Edited Date/Time
2/8/2015 6:34pm
So I've been riding ever since I was a little kid, raced for a few years on 85's and haven't had a bike in almost 4 years. Last bike I had was a YZ 125 and I loved it. I have a new job and it pays well enough for me to get back into riding but I need some help, I'm sure this question gets tossed around on this forum A LOT but... I'm looking at the 2015 SX 250 or the SXF. The problem is I just love both the bikes but I just can't decide which one to go with. I absolutely loving slamming around a 2 stroke and working on them, easy fixes and I like the overall feel. I love the 4 strokes as well because it feels beefier but I feel the lack of power with them a lot but overall are nice bikes that seem to handle anything I put my friends 250's through. I have never ridden a 250 2 stroke so it's hard for me to settle on one. Price isn't a problem for fixing wise and buying, I'll mainly be doing all of my work anyways. I'll be riding a little bit of everything fyi.
Anyways, could I have some input on peoples experiences on switching from a 250 2 stroke to a 250 4 stroke or vice versa.
Anyways, could I have some input on peoples experiences on switching from a 250 2 stroke to a 250 4 stroke or vice versa.
I rode 2 strokes for years and loved every minute of it. Nothing like the sound, and bashing around a track at high rpms and using the clutch to shoot you out of a corner. But at the same time I wanted a 450 because I had never ridden one and wanted to see what all the hype about them was. The things that I've noticed are:
the 450 can be ridden faster with a lot less work.
My 250 2 stroke tires me out faster because to requires more work to make it go quick. And the extra clutch work gives me arm pump faster.
Both have 2 wheels and are a whole lot of fun. But both behave entirely different. If you're looking to go fast and aren't in the best shape. Buy the 4 stroke. If you're in good shape and like bashing gears and hearing the bike wail like a banshee. Go 2 stroke.
If you like both: buy a used (or new) low hour 4 stroke an build up a used 2 stroke.
You will love it.
You will be absolutely blown away by the overall performance.
You said your wanting a bike for all kinds of riding, not just moto.
The 2 stroke is THAT bike.
Get a brand new ktm 250sx and never look back. You will be glad you did..
And you always have the option to do a 300 kit for a little more power later on.
The Shop
Maintenance wise, I've experienced what I've outlined below, both positive and negative. Again, its personal preference, but just remember 4 strokes require a different type of maintenance with the engine:
2 stroke:
-Less overall maintenance cost, but engine parts tend to wear out faster than a 4 stroke.
-You need to stock up on 2 stroke oil.
-Piston and rings wear out faster than a 4 stroke.
-Crankshaft / bearings wear out faster than a 4 stroke
-Clutch wears out faster than a 4 stroke.
-You can run trans oil for a fairly long time and not worry about your engine blowing up.
-A two stroke pipe can get dents and dings in it a lot easier than a 4 stroke.
-Two stroke pipes are cheap
4 stroke:
-More overall maintenance cost, but engine parts seem to last a lot longer.
-Keeping the valve train fresh is CRITICAL. When timing chains stretch, valves wear, valve seats and guides wear, or valves break, be prepared to spend lots of money. Price a replacement head and valves and you'll see what I'm talking about.
-You need to keep an hour meter on the bike to make sure above components are replaced on certain intervals, and if you don't, again, be prepared to spend lots of money.
-You need to stock up on 4 stroke oil. This oil is pumped throughout the engine through a filter to keep it clean because it not only lubricates the clutch and transmission, but also the cams and timing chain. debris in the oil will kill a 4 stroke. I change mine every other ride.
-Piston and ring seem to last twice as long as a two stroke, as there are no port openings for rings to catch on and there is oil lubricating it all of the time also.
-Clutch seems to last longer
-4 stroke pipes are expensive.
The 300XC is a 2T that "gives nothing away to the 4Ts". It's the Best All Around Dirt-Bike made.
The 350XCF OR SXF are virtually just as good...and are actual 4Ts.
I've sent quite a few friends out to get 300XCs, 350XCFs and Husky TE350s.
As to a direct answer to your actual question...
Flip a coin.
You can't go Wrong.
Post a reply to: The hard choice between buying a new KTM 4 banger or 2 stroker. Need some help!