12 replies to this topic

[TDEREGT93 TT Member]

Hey everyone, I'm just looking for some advice on switching from a 2 stroke to a 4 stroke. How much more am I going to have to spend on maintenance? This is probably the biggest thing holding me back, my CR125 is so cheap and affordable to fix, especially with college coming up I don't want to be in over my head. Also, if this seems like a good idea, what bikes do I wanna go for and what do I wanna avoid? All inputs appreciated, thanks!

[AppDawg TT Newbie]

A 4 stroke requires more maintenance for sure, biggest issue is adjusting the valves. Cost depends on your mechanical skills.

[leafsrule16 TT Silver Member]

If you  don't properly do maintance or the previous owner didn't, you're going to eventully spend $2000 on it. Not only that but they cost a lot more to buy, what gets you a nice 125 will get you a clapped out, worn out and generally crappy 250f. The only way to be even close to sure you're getting a good 250f is to buy pretty much brand new. Don't do it, if you're going to collage there's more important things then the minimal (if any) advantages a 250f holds. Your 125 is lighter, better handling and more fun in every way along with a lot cheaper, if you must do something put a bit of money into your 125 and keep it.

[TDEREGT93 TT Member]

Alright thanks for the opinions, I think I might have to stick with the 125 or upgrade to a 250 2 stroke if I feel I need it, wouldn't mind a good four stroke eventually but with college I guess it doesn't seem realistic anytime soon. The thing about my 125 is I can fix almost everything on it, just recently did the top end so it runs great, as far as four stroke go I have no idea what I'm doing, are they a lot harder to work on for someone without much mechanical experience on a dirt bike? I've always owned 2 strokes and heard the 4 strokes can be complicated to work with. Thanks again for the replies.

[AppDawg TT Newbie]

Agree. All my friends ride 2 strokes and destroy everything from trails to track. I'm looking to go back to a 2 stroke possibly this summer if the right deal comes up. I do like the low end of the 4 stroke though.

[GaDRZ400sMan TT Silver Member]

AppDawg, on 21 May 2013 - 09:29 AM, said:

Agree. All my friends ride 2 strokes and destroy everything from trails to track. I'm looking to go back to a 2 stroke possibly this summer if the right deal comes up. I do like the low end of the 4 stroke though.

get a 500

[SeanM327 TT Bronze Member]

^^ get a 500 hahaha

I ride a 250f in C class. I always liked 125s they're so fun but I put in twice as many laps on my 250f. I'll say it before anyone else, I'm out of shape. But if you're going to college do as the others have said and stick with the 2 stroke. If I were you I would bore out your 125 or if u really are looking for a change get a 250 2 stroke.

I'm not looking to argue with anyone on the maintenance issue. I find myself working on my bike quite often. Changing oil every 3 rides and air filters every ride (which most racers are doing anyway) valve checking/adjusting. It seems every few rides I'm cleaning the efi system. Rather then pin pointing any problems I tear it down and clean everything from the fuel pump to the throttle body.

So if I were you I'd put a 144 kit on and after you graduate look into going for a 4 stroke. But by then you might be asking the question of 250 two or 450 four. Good luck!

[Katzat TT Bronze Member]

The 2t will fit better in the dorm room. Quieter too.

[originalmonk]

My 500exc doesn't cost me any more then my 2ts....

[Roostingdirt024 TT Bronze Member]

originalmonk, on 23 May 2013 - 05:45 AM, said:

My 500exc doesn't cost me any more then my 2ts....

^^ not yet

[originalmonk]

Roostingdirt024, on 23 May 2013 - 11:08 AM, said:

^^ not yet

I put hundreds of hours on my motorcycles every year....I have a pretty good idea of cost when it comes to bikes...

[Roostingdirt024 TT Bronze Member]

originalmonk, on 23 May 2013 - 12:34 PM, said:

I put hundreds of hours on my motorcycles every year....I have a pretty good idea of cost when it comes to bikes...

Good man

[Mumbles Marble Mouth TT Newbie]

SeanM327, on 23 May 2013 - 05:14 AM, said:

So if I were you I'd put a 144 kit on and after you graduate look into going for a 4 stroke. But by then you might be asking the question of 250 two or 450 four. Good luck!

A 144 kit will cost as much as buying a decent older model KTM SX 144.