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I'm a complete opposite of what you have going on. Grew up racing 2 strokes...and then in 2002 I switched to a CRF450. It was awesome..and I rode those 450's from 2002 - 2005. Then got hurt bad. Started back up in 2011 and was on them again up until about 6 months ago.
I found out that my specific riding style just fits the 2 strokes better. I didn't like having 450 power under me any more. I tend to ride aggressive and for me...the 450 was to much to ride the way I want to ride. Felt way more at home on my old RM 250. So for me....2 strokes only. ( for now anyways ).
Here's a video of a 1996 CR125 taking modern 450's to the woodshed. That bike is 21 years old, 10 years older than your bike, has almost 40% less HP disadvantage to the 450, but he's beating them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90OROLXzoEo
The problem with your bike, is it's a RACE BIKE and you're trying to ride it like an XR200.
If you want to trail ride, not have to shift or clutch, get a CRF230. Stay off RACE BIKES (that includes any 250F). You can still ride at the track with a CRF230. No shame in it at all.
On top of that you said you bought a "beater". Which tells me your wallet is thin. Another black eye against the 4 stroke MX choice. I love the 4 stroke, they are easier to ride (race), but unless you're a pro racer, there's just no advantage to them at all. You're just creating more costs and maintenance for yourself.
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The fourstroke will allow you to go faster than your current level of technique... in otherwords you are going to hurt yourself, unless your talent is off the scales, but since you are complaining about the 125 im guessing it isnt.
The first time you rode a street bike was it a R1 or rebel 250... same principle!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90OROLXzoEo
Who leaves the inside door open for 125's? People that didnt ride them (or care)!
You should change the thread title to
"I just can't... I tried for 12 hours and it was hard."
I also don't think you hit the track much , as there are more and more 2 strokes out there every year...and it keeps growing.
And don't even start on the which motor is superior bullshit. 250 vs 250...I'll take a 2 stroke any day of the week. Nothing more fun then running down some new 450's on my 11 year old 2006 RM 250 I got for 1/3rd the price.
On the pro level a 2 stroke is at a disadvantage. On the local and amateur level, it comes down to rider skill. That's just fact. There's a guy at my track who races a 1985 CR125 in 40+ against mostly 450s. Some of them brand new 2016/17's. He doesn't come in last....
To say a 2 stroke can't compete with a 4 stoke on the local amateur level would be 100% FALSE and just ego jacking.
Lots of funny posts so far but one post I found particularly amusing was the idea that someone who scares themselves on a street bike and quits riding it would want to pick up moto and go on a track with ruts, sand, jumps, and other riders. lol.
Anyway the point in the OP is how crazy the subjective difference is between 2 stroke and 4 strokes of similar peak output.
I made an (somewhat wild) assumption in the post based on your referencing a 4 cylinder streetbike with 2500 miles of time on it. Given you live in Houston (if your profile is correct) the 2500 miles and 12 hours could have been accomplished since the first of the year. Point is motorcycling requires skill and its not easy. Its not like driving a car or a shifter kart. Stick with it and stay safe and have a lifetime of fun with it. And 2 strokes are fun to ride because they do require more work both with your mind and body, they arent for everyone.
Pit Row
Keep the 125 and get a 250 once you learn to ride, start saving for the 250 now because motocross is expensive as hell
Do you see any competitive 4 strokes in the 125cc range? How about super mini , or 85cc , 65cc? NO....you do not. Because the smaller the motor goes , it becomes impossible to create a competitive 4 stroke motor. That's why a CRF150 4 stroke was allowed in the 85cc class....they needed double the displacement to make one competitive. Same with the 250F up against the 125cc 2 strokes.
The 250's are the line , that when crossed , the 2 stroke is just too much. The old 500's were crazy.....and yes , as far as racing goes , I'd pick a 450F.
The simplicity , cost effectiveness and ease of maintenance on a 2 stroke blows the doors off of any 4 stroke.
That is science....and fact all rolled up into one. Bottom line though....you ride what you want to ride. The brain washing over the last 15 years from the OEM's has really paid off it seems.
Also, they do have 4 strokes in the superminis, they are competitive in spite of not even having 2x the displacement of the 2 strokes and the only reason they don't race 4 strokes for smaller bikes is cost and manufacturer inertia.
It ain't the bike.
And again....NO , the 250 2 stroke bone stock has more power every where , from bottom to the top compared to a 250F. It produces more power at 1/2 the RPM.
What happens when you complicate a motor with 4X more parts , then have to double the RPM to make that HP? What happens to parts when they have to work twice as hard , and run hotter to function well?
Answer : parts wear out quicker. 4X more parts to replace , AND.....we don't have to deal with all those added electronics....that the 4 strokes need to even freakin' run.
And another fact that that I stated , and some are ignoring.....every single year , the tracks become more and more populated with 2 strokes. That's MX......now go to a big offroad event. Don't hear or see to many 4 strokes over there.
Again....I have nothing against 4 strokes. I actually love em' too....but I'm not in the belief that they are superior to a 2 stroke. Just the opposite in fact.
i honestly don't think a slower "race" machine has ever been built.
instead of aftermarket parts you'd be better off buying a book of matches and lighting that piece of shit on fire.
...but usually I do.
Post a reply to: Why did I get a 2 stroke it's like a handicap