Thinking of going 2 smoke

[leejerome]

Thinking of going over to a 2 stroke I rushed in and bought a big 4t great bike but I think I could enjoy my self more on a lighter bike .

Thinking of a KTM 300 exc in particular

Pre mix

No engine braking

But in return the bike is lighter

Any body got any views on these ?

[phil.hughes1983]

I would love one have been keeping my eye out for a 300exc for a while. My plan is to sell my wr250 over the winter and change it for a 250/300exc

[leejerome]

They are a nice bike only thing I've gotta get my head round is carring 2t oil and pre mixing
So I'm going to sell my trusty honda and go after a KTM

[Dominic]

Plenty 2 strokers on this forum. I agree they are definitely more fun both due to the lightness and the engine character. My 300 bit me bad in the first 6 months and I nearly went back to 4t but now I'm glad I stayed. They require more post-ride maintenance than a 4t but it's all easily done at home... I'm a willy with tools and I manage.

[leejerome]

What sort of stuff you doing . I was under the impression they was less maintaince ?

[Todd5774]

Pre mixing is easy you just carry a small bottle (like a fork oil bottle) that has measurements on the side, once you've been 2stroke you won't go back to a four banger.

Pre ride maintenance is easy just check bolts haven't vibrated loose clean your airfilter and ride...

I use fully synthetic gear oil, change it every 5-8 rides ( my bikes an 02 reg been doing this for over 8 yrs of hard riding gearbox still fine).

[Dominic]

What sort of stuff you doing . I was under the impression they was less maintaince ?

I probably fiddle more than I need to.... Carbs, plugs, gear oil, pre-mix all seem to keep me busier than my fi 4t did. However I would take that over valve checks etc... And i believe 2t is cheaper to maintain over its life than a 4t.

[big yellow tractor]

I have always run 4-strokes; although in saying that, I have only owned an XR250 and DRZ400 in the last 15 years. I recently bought a KTM 200 EXC/EGS just for do-do and giggles.

It's fun but it makes me ride like a 17-year old dick-head. I found myself sitting at red lights going riing-ding-ding......ring-ring-ring... until the lights change and I scream off at full throttle with the front wheel pawing the air.

Yes it's light and quick steering and I'm sure if I was racing enduros again, it'd be the tool for the job but for trail-riding, a 4-stroke is just easier. I miss the linear power delivery, engine braking, grip and lack of rider input needed. Also, they smell funny, drink lots of juice if used in anger and you have to feed them 2-stroke oil as well. Mine is an autolube so it's no inconvenience but I think a day's hard riding costs at least half as much again than my DRZ.

Also, not a lot of fun on long road runs. I'd be very happy to ride the DRZ an hour down the road to meet up for a run but not the little stinkwheel.

If money wasn't an issue, I'd have a KTM 350 EXC-F as a trail / enduro bike as I think that hits a good middle point. A quote from my mate who has one and puts loads of miles on it (he guides professionally) "It's so easy to ride, It almost feels like cheating"

I'll stick to a nicely set up DRZ.

Just my 2p worth.

[Dave]

Have owned:
YZ125
WR400f
YZ250

Love the 2 stroke for the insanity but have been massively tempted to hit a WR250f on several occasions because they are a lot of fun too

[phil.hughes1983]

The wr250f which I ride may not be the best looking bike but it's really a great bit of kit for an older trail bike mine an 05. I'm one of those people that always seems to want something different to what I own.

[Weet-rider]

A 300 EXC is what I ride and although it is capable of blindingly fast acceleration, it also has bags of low down torque and is very easy to ride whatever your pace.

Pre-mixing is just something you get used to and you should not have to fill up on the run anyway unless you are doing 80 miles+. Keep a 25l ready mixed drum in your garage to fill your tank (just don't tell the fire-bobbies or your home insurance!).

Once you have the correct jets/needle fitted if they haven't been already, the maintenance should be less than a 4T.

[leejerome]

Cheers that's the exact info I need

Just got to sell my trusty 450 then I shall begin looking