[kaisen]

Why the 4 stroke criteria?

Government regulation led manufacturers to the 4 stroke, not based on performance or merit

So the changeover occured over a few years with 2011 models being almost all 4 stroke

Are you looking for a lightweight, nimble, small sports chassis, like a motocross bike, or Cayman S?

Or a mid-sized uber-powerful chassis like a crotchrocket, or 911 GT2?

Or a large, long, 2-up, smooth tourer like a Goldwing, or Panamera Turbo S?

Are you looking for fuel economy?

Are you looking for speeds above 70 mph?

High altitude running? (turbo?) Mountain inclines? Deep snow? Powder? Groomed trails? Extreme cold?

With a $5-6K/ea budget you should be able to buy decent examples that meet any of the above criteria. All of the big four brands make great sleds, but they leapfrog each other different years depending on your criteria.

Up here in snow country, I have close friends that have had them all. But they're usually pretty brand loyal.....like NFL teams. So you won't find unbiased comparisons.