Which would be better for trail riding a two or four stroke bike?

Question

I'm wanting to get back to riding, but it has been about 13 yrs. I also need to know what size bike? I am a female,5'8" and 145. Thanks

Answer 1

Jay must have been asleep at the keyboard.

Two strokes produce quick horsepower, but don't have much torque.

Four strokes usually make lots of torque, and a little less horsepower.

It used to be that two strokes were lighter, faster and designed more for race applications. Four strokes were slower, heavier, lived longer and were better for weekend trail riding.

All that changed about 8 years ago with Yamaha's YZ400F, a four stroke that could compete with the two strokes in MX and Supercross. Now most all the competition is on four strokes.

So, most new four strokes are now light, quick, hugely powerful and relatively high-strung.

The good news is there's more to choose from now than ever before. The bad news is...there's more to choose from!

My best advice would be to get yourself a relatively inexpensive beater bike first. Face it, you'll probaby drop it and scrape it up more in the first year back riding than you do for the next 10 years! It's awful to buy a shiny new machine, only to have it looking like crud after the first few wrecks.

So, I'll cut to the chase. Here's my picks for the best used trail bikes, buy one - keep it for a year, then sell it and buy what you really want!

1. 1994 & later Honda XR200 (four stroke). Very low to the ground. Easy to ride, easy to start. Bullet proof. Suspension and power are soft. Excellent for tight woods riding. Look for: Easy start, no clattering or weird noises from the engine. Should go into each gear smoothly and not try to jump out.

2. 1995 & later Kawasaki KDX200 or KDX220 (two stroke). A very under-rated machine with great handling, good power and a strong reliable engine. Not really as much of a 'beginner' bike as the XR - if you ride more wide open trails and soft sand, this will be the better option. Lood For: These have a power valve that needs regular cleaning - all kawasaki's make some noise, but listen for really obnoxious clatter coming from the cylinder. If possible, listen to a new one before you go looking at used.

There are tons of other options, but these two are very plentiful and also have great reliability - so you should be able to find a good used one in your area for not too much $$.

After a year, then you'll know more the type of riding you enjoy, and also have a chance to see the new bikes out on the trails. Then you'll be able to buy the bike of your dreams!

My personal choice? The KTM 250EXC-R. Expensive, but oh so much fun to ride!

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

okay, i dont know what that guy is talking about, but you want a 4 stoke!!!! need the power and torque. 2's are for speed and could not make it up a hill from 0 very easily. for yamaha. ttr 125 or ttr 250, 4 stroke is less money as well for honda. i think its xr, so a xr 250. but 250 can be big and heavy, I like the 125's
But definaly 4 stroke!!! less speed but much much more power.

Answer 3

For trail riding you want a two stroke. (Steeper torque curve.)

EDIT:
"Kawasaki KDX 220R Torque is what the KDX 220R is all about. It’s based on the KDX200 engine, but a 3mm increase in the bore gives this liquid-cooled two-stroke an additional 18cc displacement, and allows the engine to build more power in the low- to mid-range of the powerband."

In other words, the torque builds faster at low and mid range RPMs. Peak torque is lower, but for trail riding, you want quicker throttle response.

Answer 4

Jay was asleep as others pointed out.
However, 4 strokes were notorious for being hard to start with the kick start. If you got an electric start it would be perfect.

Answer 5

Yep, Jay musta been smokin one....
4 stoke is the way forward....less gear changing,especially helpful on terrain you dont know/popping wheelies/etc best answer is from the lady above so choose her...she beat me to it