Devon TRF Group Forum

fabiantrim · Clubman B

Bike recommendations possibly 4stroke to 2 stroke? Or even anything available?

Pete · Expert

Once upon a time the CRM250 was common and for good reasons

youaintseenme · Clubman B

Two strokes are generally a lot lighter for the power they generate and can be chucked around a bit more.
They seem to be the machines used by pro riders at extreme enduro events as they can be more easily manhandled up stupid steep, wet, muddy challenges.
They are a lot easier to 'dewater' after drowning.
They are cheaper and simpler when it comes to engine maintenance.

Downsides might be they dont offer engine braking for steep downhills so you will have to learn to dip the clutch and use the back brake.
They dont have that bottom end plod that gets you up a challenging hill and require more clutch / throttle control than your current bike.
Other riders will not want to follow you due to the fumes of part burnt fuel.

As an all round bike for trailriding with the occasional scamper / enduro practise, I would choose a modern 250 fourstroke but perhaps there is a two stroke bike I could enjoy like Petes old CRM ...........

fabiantrim · Clubman B

Pete wrote:
Once upon a time the CRM250 was common and for good reasons

I hadn't seen these they do look comfy not many around I just had a quick look.

As for good points it all seems good to me and as for bad points there is always room for learning and as for people following a 2 smoker I generally lead so that's tuff luck to the others .

I can always go back to 4 stroke. Or could even look into just a cheap 2 stroke and maybe manage to keep the 2 but not many "cheap" ones pop up and probably cheap for a reason.

ttrtim · Clubman B

I wonder sometimes what the weight advantage is with a 2T, so just checked the KTM site -

2023 250 EXC-F (4 stroke) - 103kg

2023 250 EXC (2 stroke) - 103.4kg

Wasnt expecting that!

Appreciate theres the weight-power ratio advantage with the 2T, though!

-- Edited by ttrtim on Tuesday 28th of March 2023 07:29:41 PM

RichT4 · Champion

I like two strokes and have been tempted a few times, but they can also suffer from;

Higher fuel consumption, often the modern enduro focused ones need to have larger fuel tanks fitted to give them the tank range we've become accustom to from 4 strokes, or more frequent fill ups.
Surging at a constant throttle which can make any road sections annoying.
Exhaust damage - having that big pipe stuck out the front just begging to be dented.

I also can't tolerate the exhaust fumes for long anymore, after following one for a few hours last year my throat was burning and I was coughing whilst riding, so now I either lead or only follow 4 strokes.

But if you have the itch then there's no harm in trying one to see how you get on.

fabiantrim · Clubman B

Just been servicing the CRF at the mo starting to soak up the pennies!! All bearings new clutch cable etc being done but I have seen a few gas gas 250/300 for reasonable prices and even the older husqvarna wr250 from what I have looked up seem like they were both quite reliable bikes. And they are about the same price as the CRF would be worth. So once the test is done I will have another think. Being that all the pennies going into the CRF may have to keep her for a bit longer.
The fuel consumption maybe quite annoying aswell I suppose.

RichT4 · Champion

fabiantrim wrote:
The fuel consumption maybe quite annoying aswell I suppose.

Just ask on a forum (or FB group) of any 2 stroke that you're interested in. Ask what the the real world tank range is for trail riding.

Some can be reasonable as long as you are restrained with the throttle, and it might not be an issue anyway if you have plenty of fuel stations around your area.

Biff · Expert

For reference my Gas Gas EC 300 averages approx 35 mpg or 70 miles per full tank (9 ltrs) to reserve.

Will depend on jetting / float height / right hand.

fabiantrim · Clubman B

Biff wrote:
For reference my Gas Gas EC 300 averages approx 35 mpg or 70 miles per full tank (9 ltrs) to reserve.
Will depend on jetting / float height / right hand.

AHH nice that doesn't sound to bad how new if your gasgas? I have seen a 2001 and 2007 and then a 2013. Then the just I saw was 2009 all local.

Biff · Expert

2013, had her from new, great bike.

fabiantrim · Clubman B

Biff wrote:
2013, had her from new, great bike.

That's good to know and how do betas compare in your opinion? There seems to be alot of them around and for the same money you can get a newer one. But I was kind of thinking with old husky and gasgas that rieju took over gasgas so parts will be easier to get hold of in the future! And betas well there just seems to be so many.

Biff · Expert

fabiantrim wrote:
Biff wrote:
2013, had her from new, great bike.
That's good to know and how do betas compare in your opinion? There seems to be alot of them around and for the same money you can get a newer one. But I was kind of thinking with old husky and gasgas that rieju took over gasgas so parts will be easier to get hold of in the future! And betas well there just seems to be so many.

Russel has a Beta (russell11031967)

fabiantrim · Clubman B

Biff wrote:
2013, had her from new, great bike.

So I have been looking and I think I have decided a gas gas as they are reasonably priced second hand just wondering how different the 250 would be to the 300, would the 250 not use as much fuel?. I have seen a 2007 that look to be in good condition. And then a couple 2013 one of which has done less than 1000 miles. And if I push the bank just that little bit I have seen a 2018 that looks mint condition and done just 60 hours.

Biff · Expert

fabiantrim wrote:
Biff wrote:
2013, had her from new, great bike.
So I have been looking and I think I have decided a gas gas as they are reasonably priced second hand just wondering how different the 250 would be to the 300, would the 250 not use as much fuel?. I have seen a 2007 that look to be in good condition. And then a couple 2013 one of which has done less than 1000 miles. And if I push the bank just that little bit I have seen a 2018 that looks mint condition and done just 60 hours.

Your always gonna take a punt on a 2nd hand bike, pays to look at the seller, as much as the bike.

In my opinion 300 would be better.