2 or 4 stroke for dirtbike?

[71T Targa]

I want to get a bike for trail riding with my kids. I am thinking something like the Honda CRF 150:



or CR 85:



Both are about the same size, and would be fun bikes, but I'm torn.

I think I'd have more fun on the 2 stroke, as the bike is lighter, and has more power. But the power band is much narrower, and it will be more 'work' to keep it in the power.

I'm looking for a play bike, not street legal, and not high speed fire road or desert racing.

Thoughts?

[TheMentat]

The four stroke requires less maintenance, and the useable torque range makes it more fun to ride IMO.

[Shawn 357]

Looks like you are a Honda fan. I just picked up a 2003 KX 100 for my little brother last season and because it has a six speed trans it makes it a lot easier to ride....
If your kid plans on doing any type of jumping get the 85 hands down.
In your post you talk like you plan on riding the bike as well....how big of a boy are you?

[Nostril Cheese]

2 strokes are on the way out. The new 4 strokes are FAR better then they used to be. Fuel injection too, if I'm not mistaken.

[lendaddy]

Those two bikes are very different. The CRF150 is a play bike and the CR85 is a race bike.

Since you said trail-riding, get the 150.

[Shawn 357]

Originally Posted by Nostril Cheese

2 strokes are on the way out. The new 4 strokes are FAR better then they used to be. Fuel injection too, if I'm not mistaken.

The 150 doesn't have a lot of the trick stuff that the "new" four strokes have. The 450's and similar are putting out big HP and are pretty amazing but they require just as much maintenance as a two stroke only the maintenance is harder and takes longer (valve adjustments, top ends go like they do in two strokes now, and all the other maintenance is standard).

[71T Targa]

Yes, I am a Honda fan. Been that way since my '78 XR 75... The kids have Honda 4's (CRF80, and 100) and I want something that I can kick it up a bit with while still being tame enough to putter around with them. That's why I was thinking the '85 might fit the bill.

This is what I really want, but can't get myself to pay for:
The CRF250X, motocross ride, with a 4 stroke.

[Shawn 357]

Where are you located? If you live in California you can't ride a red sticker bike all year round everywhere you can ride some four strokes.

Where do you plan on riding?

What is your Kid's height, weight and age?

The 150 is definitely more of a play bike but if your kids friends are all riding 85's he will probably not like riding the 150 with them as much.

[71T Targa]

Originally Posted by Shawn 357

The 150 doesn't have a lot of the trick stuff that the "new" four strokes have. The 450's and similar are putting out big HP and are pretty amazing but they require just as much maintenance as a two stroke only the maintenance is harder and takes longer (valve adjustments, top ends go like they do in two strokes now, and all the other maintenance is standard).

+1 on the maintenance. It's pretty easy to rebuild the top end on a 2 stroke. Not so much on the 4's.

[Shawn 357]

You are looking for bikes for yourself? How much do you weigh?

[crustychief]

I would go four stroke for casual trail riding, they are a lot more forgiving / relaxed. You do not have to mix fuel, they are quieter, and not nearly as maintenance intensive. We quit racing a couple of years ago but my kids and I still ride. I wish the four strokes were as competitive then as they are now. I probably could have let go of the spare bikes. YMMV

[71T Targa]

Originally Posted by Shawn 357

You are looking for bikes for yourself? How much do you weigh?

180 give or take. I figure me jumping ditches at 180 will be about the same as some 120# kid hitting triples...

[dhoward]

Go big or stay at home
http://www.servicehonda.com/cr500af05.html

2 stroke M/C bike like the CR have a narrow, High RPM powerband. Takes a lot of clutch work for normal single-track trail riding. Better two-stroke options would be a 200KDX or one of the bigger KTMs that have good low-end torque.

The new 4-stokes are the tits nowadays. More easilly controlled power in a full race chassis.

[Shawn 357]

Originally Posted by 71T Targa

180 give or take. I figure me jumping ditches at 180 will be about the same as some 120# kid hitting triples...

180 sounds like a lot of weight on an 85. If you are stuck on these two bikes then get the 150.

[Shawn 357]

Originally Posted by dhoward

Go big or stay at home
http://www.servicehonda.com/cr500af05.html

2 stroke M/C bike like the CR have a narrow, High RPM powerband. Takes a lot of clutch work for normal single-track trail riding. Better two-stroke options would be a 200KDX or one of the bigger KTMs that have good low-end torque.

The new 4-stokes are the tits nowadays. More easilly controlled power in a full race chassis.

+1

I've owned several KDX 200's/220's and now a couple KTM 450's and they are can be a lot more relaxing to ride than any of the 125's/250's/500's I've had.

there is also the KTM 200 two stroke...

[JavaBrewer]

If $$ is keeping you away from the 250F then get a used one. Lots of folks dumping their newer toys on Craigs list these days.

My neighbor buys a new 450F EVERY year... He was always a Honda guy but now has a new Monster Energy KX450F in his garage and raves about the FI.

[crustychief]

Originally Posted by dhoward

Go big or stay at home
http://www.servicehonda.com/cr500af05.html

2 stroke M/C bike like the CR have a narrow, High RPM powerband. Takes a lot of clutch work for normal single-track trail riding. Better two-stroke options would be a 200KDX or one of the bigger KTMs that have good low-end torque.

The new 4-stokes are the tits nowadays. More easilly controlled power in a full race chassis.

I miss my CR500, like a rocket, aim and shoot. My neighbor called it an old mans bike! Like an f-18 is an old mans airplane!

[lendaddy]

Wait, this is for you and not your kid? Both bike are too small....way too small.

[71T Targa]

Gone are the days of a CR500... I've had a CR250, my friend had the 500. I was almost always faster because he couldn't control the power. Now I don't need/want what a 250 two stroke has to offer.

I want a play bike that will still bring the front wheel up when I want it to. But only when I want it to, if you know what I mean...

[JavaBrewer]

The CR500 powerband was way too violent to be an old man's bike. Back in the two stroke days I got a couple hours swap from my KDX 175 to a Yamaha IT 465. Talk about an EASY ride! Gear choices were irrelevant on the big IT, just roll the throttle on and it went where you pointed it. Want the front wheel up...roll the throttle farther. No drama. EXCELLENT!