Newbies Forum

i was wondering if i should get a 2 or a 4 stroke. i have experience with a older 125, but was wondering if 4 strokes are better since all of the pros seem to be going to those. which bike is more reliable? better performing? what brands are best? i am looking to get a new bike to race this summer. if you could help my out i would really appreciate it.  

Are you a pro?  No? Well in that case go out and buy yourself a 2-stroke.  A YZ125 or YZ250 would be dandy.

I could write you pages and pages about why you want a 2-stroke, and why you would enjoy a YZ125/250 the best, but it's late and I'm tired so you'll just have to take my word for it  
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Here we go again!

i agree, i have abotu a page of stuufff i could write,but im lazy

here is the summary,-4 strokeif ure gonna race-2 stroke if ure gonna feild ride  
DRFMAS

thanks guys. sounds like 2 strokes are better? lol, i know im not a pro, but why would they choose 4 strokes over a 2. does that mean that 4 strokes perform better? or is that just THEIR bikes. i was kinda leaning to a 2 stroke because its cheaper and i know more about the engine and stuff, but i guess i still want to know a little more on what the performance and reliability differences are between the two. thanks  

Snowmobiles are goining through the same thing with a bunch of new fourstrokes.  
   Pro racers ride 4 strokes because they are given an advange of double the displacement.  A long time ago no one manufactured a competitive fourstroke race bike.  All 4ts were heavy underpowered engines whose only advantage was how long they could go without maintenance.  No one would ever want to race something like that (with the exception of that alien Scott Summers).  But in case someone did want to the AMA put in a rule allowing a 600CC 4t to race against 250 2t bikes.  In '96 Yamaha decided to try what they've learned with their crotch rockets on a MX bike.  They diddn't even use the full advantage.  After a few years the AMA ammended the rule bringing down the displacement to 450cc.  The poor 125s still have to face 250 cc bikes too.  By trying to level the playing field the AMA gave the 4 stokes too much of an advantage, then they just sat back and did nothing about it.  I'm sorry they made another bad decsion and changed the names of the classes to the worst names available.
   After  a few more years the AMA saw how much racing fourstrokes was costing the amatures and decided to change the rules again letting 250 2ts in with the 250fs.  This is the first year for amatures with that rule.  You won't see this change what the pros ride because it doesn't affect them.  The AMA refused allowing the pros the same choice.  I don't understand the logic behind this decision.  But I do understand that if you are not racing you should not base your purchase decision off what the pros use.  
   Both types of engines are built for racing.  Therefore they both need to be maintenanced often.  The big difference here is the cost of maintaining the 4 stroke is much higher.  Something a pro is not going to worry about.  

Bill H. 2000 CR250R

well said bill  
DRFMAS

ok, thanks for all of the help guys. i do plan on racing, but i also plan on field and trail riding for fun. so i think that a 2 stroke will probably be what i want. it sounds like they are easier to maintain and ride. what brand do you think i should go with? i am looking at a 2006 suzuki rm 125 and a few 2004-05 yamaha yz 125s right now. are certain brands better than others?  

The YZ125 has been the highest rated 125 for almost a decade straight... you can't go wrong with one!  
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affirmative  
DRFMAS

... and if you buy one in the next ten minutes, Landry will send you a FREE case of Apple Juice!! How can you lose?

Please - pick up the phone now... supplies are limited.  
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Good one Skipper.  

Bill H. 2000 CR250R

hmm
u girls make me laugh  
DRFMAS

Oh... did the baby make a funny?  

Bill H. 2000 CR250R

no question in my opinion. 2 stroke. Yz 125 or yz250. 2 strokes are lighter, and the yz250 will now be allowed to race in the same class as the 250 4 strokers. You'll blow everyone away. Less maintenance, more rider friendly, able to be dropped without a head scratching solution, jetting isn't a big issue with 2 strokes(it is on 4 strokes), and the 2 strokes are much more fun to ride. and no matter what you hear, the powerband on 4 strokes is nothing at all like that of a 2 stroke. Nothing can compare to the real deal.  

Landry I want apple juice!!!