Posts
239
Joined
11/20/2014
Location
Vancouver
CA
liamjumper
7/19/2016 10:59pm
7/19/2016 10:59pm
The last few 2 strokes I've had, all been Suzuki's, just havnt been reliable for me. Problem after problem, but I do love the bikes but I'm just scared to keep testing my luck with used ones. Brand new 2011 rmz450 lasted me 135 hours on the original top end before I sold it. I'm not hard on bikes, but I'm certainly not easy on them. Also I'm very good with maintenance, I spend lots of time in the garage keeping the bikes nice just for something to do. I've given up on buying used two strokes, even after I rebuild them there's still other issues I ways run into with them, so Ive decided to just go with a brand new bike. For sure will be a husky or ktm. Been really thinking about the fc350 but I love my two strokes so what I really want to know is how reliable are the new 250s? Would it be anything like a new 350 or 450 and last me a long time without dumping money into it or will I still need to rebuild the damn things every 10-20 hours.
Had about 122 hours on my 2011 yz250 when I rebuilt it, but I race mainly offroad. I would expect about half that if I raced only moto.
The Shop
With two strokes, you can't get away with that kind of neglect which is the reason why you've probably had reliability issues in the past.
Good maintenance is more than just keeping the bike clean. If you aren't willing to do motor work on a preventative schedule, this means servicing it before it blows up or something breaks, then stick to a four stroke.
All new bikes these days are good and reliable. How reliable you might ask? Only as reliable as your maintenance schedule and mechanical abilities.
I'm not trying to be harsh. It's reality. The bike will only run as well as the owner takes care of it.
I'm planning to do complete engine rebuild pretty soon and replace all the engine bearings and crankshaft just to be safe.
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