For many dirt riders out there, there is a common debate that never seems to end; which is better between a two-stroke and four-stroke dirt bike?
Everyone seems to hold their own opinion, and this debate can spur a constant argument between dirt bike riders, but in the end, it becomes a personal choice that you have to make.
The truth is that choosing a two-stroke or four-stroke dirt bike depends on your personal preferences and the riding style that you love. Comparing the two is unique to every rider out there since they both offer varying benefits.
The bottom line is that every dirt bike rider is always looking for high performance and reliable engines that produces exceptional power and is easy to handle. Four-stroke engines are more complex compared to two-stroke engines.
The four-stroke engine plays four main functions namely; intake, combustion, compression, and exhaust. Four-stroke engines are also ideal for beginners since they tend to have a significantly smoother power brand that usually makes it easier to ride.
The controlled power also makes four-stroke engines a lot more convenient on trails since you need less effort to ride. This means that you will spend less time worrying about clutching, shifting, and braking since there are more moving parts in a typical four-stroke engine.
The other significant advantage of a four-stroke engine is that less maintenance is needed to keep the bike in top shape. This makes the four-stroke dirt bikes the best option for trail riding or racing. So, are you planning to acquire a four-stroke dirt bike?
I spend some time trying to compile a comprehensive list of the top four-stroke dirt bikes available in the market that will make your work a little bit easier. Please note that these dirt bikes aren’t arranged in any particular order, but they are some of the most affordable four-strokes out there.
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Yamaha TW200
There are quite a few bikes with as much personality and style as the Yamaha TW200. If you love riding street bikes, the chances are that you have seen this wonderful bike in action.
The Yamaha TW200 is fun, bouncy, and offers you much more than any other conventional four-stroke dirt bike out there.
What is even more exciting is the fact that a brand new Yamaha TW200 costs about $500 cheaper than most of the other four-stroke bikes out there.
It is one of the cheapest dirt bikes for beginners. While some pros may think that this bike is underpowered, the truth is that its 196cc four-stroke engine is ideal for beginners.
No matter what you think, this bike provides sufficient power and speed for anyone who wants to experience the joy of dirt bike riding without risking so much. The Yamaha TW200 is a real beast both in the sand and mad.
One of the most noticeable features of this bike is that its tires are thick and wide which provides maximum grip on the ground. You can achieve so much when you combine the relatively small engine, lightweight, and grippy tires.
Its suspension is also good enough for stocking, and it is quite amazing. You will have a lot of fun riding the Yamaha TW200 since you can face every situation with a lot of confidence. You can do a lot of stuff with this bike than you can imagine.
This is more than good enough for any new rider out there, and even if you are experienced, you can try out the Yamaha TW200 to experience the difference.
2018 KTM 450 EXC-F
Just like the 2017 version of KTM 450 EXC-F, the 2018 version provides so much power and a wide range of other exciting features. This dirt bikes’ single overhead engine is quite light compared to that of the previous generation, but it is more powerful.
Give it a quick test, and you will understand what I am talking about. The 2018 KTM 450 EXC-F is more responsive and aggressive depending on the riding surface. The engine motor is managed by a state-of-the-art engine management system that features a 42mm throttle body.
Its six-speed gearbox is excellent for tough enduro riding since it offers you the freedom to keep clicking the gears as you please. The moment you fire the engine into life using the electric start, the dirt bike revs with an amazing sound that signifies its unique power.
The aggressiveness of the bike is also on point regardless of the altitude or temperature you are riding in. With this bike, you don’t have to worry about anything. However, it is good to keep in mind that the 2018 KTM 450 EXC-F is ideal for experienced riders who can handle the massive power of the bike.
If you are a beginner, you may be forced to keep your speed low to avoid problems. Trying to find any fault with this massive four-stroke dirt bike can be a real struggle since everything seems perfect. Ergonomically, the bike feels great, and it is a little bit lightweight as well.
At 106 Kilograms, the 2018 KTM 450 EXC-F is the lightest 450 EXC-F. The lightweight offers a significant advantage to the rider since you can change directions with much ease. This bike provides you with the much-needed confidence to take on any race or trail ride.
Try out the 2018 KTM 450 EXC-F four-stroke dirt bike today, and you will find it quite difficult to keep off that smile from your face.
The Yamaha YZ250F
This bike is among the strongest 250cc four-stroke dirt bikes that you can find in the market today. The Yamaha YZ250F features a classic design that is attractive.
Although it looks like a gentle dirt bike, you need to be a little bit careful while trying it out since it is more powerful and aggressive. If you don’t handle it correctly, you may regret your decision to try it out.
This is a motocross dirt bike that isn’t built for the road but don’t be afraid to try it on any road. If you want to take your riding experience to the next level, then you need to grab this machine as soon as you can.
At the heart of this dirt bike, you will find a robust four-stroke liquid cooled single cylinder engine. The 250 cc engine features a potent reverse engine cylinder head arrangement that produces plenty of power to keep you thrilled throughout your riding.
Combine with its lightweight bike frame that is paired with the amazing KYB forks up front, you can be sure that nothing will interfere with the control of this bike while riding.
The Yamaha YZ250F also features an adjustable and flexible Monoshock on its rear end that produces exceptional power making it a good choice for experienced riders. This dirt bike is available on many online stores such as Amazon, and it is relatively affordable compared to other dirt bikes that offer similar features.
Try out the Yamaha YZ250F today and see the difference it offers compared to its competitors.
KTM 250 SX-F
Most people love the KTM 250 SX-F since it brings lots of power and easy to ride. If you are looking to jump straight onto the start line, then this is the right dirt bike for you.
The KTM 250 SX-F is also perceived by many dirt bike riders out there as the most competitive bike 250cc four-stroke dirt bike available in the market. KTM is an established brand and an industry leader that you can’t dispute.
Did you know that KTM dirt bikes have claimed eight of the last ten MX2 world championship titles with this simple machine? Can you afford to argue with such numbers? I guess you can’t.
In 2011, KTM turned the 250SX-F four-stroke bike from a conventional carburetor to the contemporary and most preferred electric fuel injection (EFI) machine.
Therefore, if you are looking for a good KTM 250 SX-F model, make sure that you go for a 2012-model onwards.
The same year, the company also introduced electric starters on all of its machines to make them more efficient and reliable. What is even more interesting is the fact that the KTM 250 SX-F dirt bike is quite affordable and available on Amazon and other online stores.
2015 Kawasaki KX250F
When it comes to the sport of supercross and motocross only a few dirt bikes have seen as much success as the legendary Kawasaki KX250F. As the chief weapon of choice for many motocross legends out there, this dirt bike has been raced to countless national and international titles both indoors and outdoors.
The 2015 version of KawasakiKX250F comes with a wide range of modifications such as a bridge-box piston that provides enhanced reliability.
The exhaust system is also redesigned to increase the overall power from the bottom to the top. The team of engineers at Kawasaki also added the new magneto rotor in the dirt bike’s ECU to enhance its hitting power.
However, the engine remains the most notable improvement of the 2015 Kawasaki KX250F since it provides riders with a unique power brand that is extremely fun to ride without any surprises from the bottom to top.
This dirt bike also features a strong suspension that performs well in various types of terrain. The major revisions made on both the front and rear end ensures a smooth ride all the time. The Showa Separate Function Fork features a new valving that makes it feel plush and progressive through the powerful four-stroke engine.
This feature allows the front end of the bike to track in corners quite well. As a rider, you become more confident since you can easily lean forward and gain stability without washing out. The top-end power of the 2015 Kawasaki KX250F is also incredible.
The harder and longer you keep your throttle open, the more you can feel the bike progressively pull to its rev limiter. If you are a fast rider, you will love the strong top end power and how the motorcycle reaches that point.
The bike’s mid-range is also predictable, and if you are a skilled rider, you will discover that this feature is user-friendly. You can hit the top-end of the bike quite easily while riding through the mid-range power.
2017 Husqvarna FC 450
Over the years, Husqvarna has grown to become one of the leading manufacturers of two-stroke and four-stroke dirt bikes.
The 2017 Husqvarna FC 450 is a massive four-stroke dirt bike that features a strong yet usable engine performance.
The 2017 FC 450 has incredible handling from its lightweight, amazing force from its SOHC engine, and a state-of-the-art chassis that embodies the core values of its designer; Husqvarna.
This bike also features an electric start and handlebar-mounted map that comes in handy at certain times. The FC 450 is perhaps one of the most advanced four-stroke motocross bikes out there.
The well designed SOHC engine is a clear indication of the advanced engineering techniques that were used to develop the FC 450. This sophisticated engine modification provides a peak power of 63hp at an overall weight of about 28kilograms.
Experts observe that mass-centralization was the critical thing in FC 450 engine design which enabled the engineers to position the bike’s engine closer to the center of gravity hence improving its handling and maneuverability.
The compact SOHC engine cylinders are well-designed to provide maximum performance at the minimum possible weight.
The diameter of the intake valves of the 2017 Husqvarna dirt bike is approximately 40mm while its exhaust is approximately 33mm. It camshaft of the FC 450 dirt bike actuates four lightweight valves that weigh approximately 29g on the exhaust and 33g on the intake.
The low-friction DLC coating added on the rocker arm of the dirt bike ensures that there is maximum efficiency and reliability.
What is even more interesting about the 2017 Husqvarna FC 450 dirt bike is that it is ideal for both beginners and experienced dirt bike riders. It is also affordable, and you can take it on racing or trail riding.
2018 Suzuki RM-Z450
Since introducing its first fuel-injected 450cc four-stroke dirt bike in 2008, Suzuki resorted to updating it with minor changes every year.
However, this approach didn’t seem to pay off since almost all Suzuki four-stroke models continued to fall behind their competition.
This is the primary reason why this company came up with the 2018 Suzuki RM-Z450 that is completely redesigned. The 2018 Suzuki RM-Z450 has managed to outshine its competition since it features a wide range of excellent attributes.
Nearly every aspect of the RM-Z450 was thoroughly updated for the 2018 version. The new four-stroke engine is similar to that of the 2017 version but comes packed with specific updates that make it better.
The 2018 engine has a high peak horsepower and better torque for much-improved pull through. The cylinder head is also new and matches with a new intake camshaft profile. The air filter opening of the 2018 Suzuki RM-Z450 is also much larger for improved workflow.
The throttle body is also completely new and boasts of a new design that relocates the fuel injector and also adds a more robust high-pressure fuel pump that sprays fuel directly to the butterfly locatedinside the throttle body.
The most significant advantage of this modification is that it offers the dirt bike a much improved fuel-air atomization which equals to more efficient fuel burn and refined power delivery.
The 2018 Suzuki RM-Z450 also features the electric control module that works when the dirt bike is in motion to closely monitor the throttle position, engine speed, and gear selection. This simple modification enhances reliability and ensures that your riding experience is a lot of fun.
For the 2018 version, the electric control module is fine-tuned to work better and efficiently. The Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control system also returns with the 2018 Suzuki RM-Z450.
The primary function of this feature is to help apply power smoothly when you start your bike.
Honda CRF450R
The 2005 Honda CRF450R is an excellent four-stroke dirt bike for both beginner and experienced riders. It will thrill the novice, excite the astute intermediate, and level the playing ground for the experienced riders.
You need to keep in mind that Honda machines are built to win races and they are among the best dirt bikes out there. The primary goal of Honda is to design exceptional dirt bikes that can be ridden by a wide range of dirt bike enthusiasts.
With the advanced engine and chassis designs, Honda creates unique motocross machines with very left to improve on. The heart and soul of the famous CRF450R is the engine that produces an enormous amount of torque at relatively low rpm.
The good thing about this power is that it comes on smoothly and progressively. Everything about the Honda CRF450R is predictable and user-friendly. For riders, the predictability of its various functions ensures that you ride with less fatigue all the time.
This dirt bike also turns exceptionally well while holding the line and going exactly where you want it to go. Jumps are also a much predictable affair.
All mid-air corrections are made intuitive and quite easy with the dirt bike’s light feel. The Honda CRF450R weighs approximately 219 pounds and has a narrow width which enhances its maneuverability.
Designers of this dirt bike understand the fact that motocross is all about stability and suspension and that is the CRF450R feature an adjustable 47mm inverted front fork.
The bike also features a Pro-link shock that can deliver up to 12.5 inches of travel at each end. It is almost impossible to get the rear end of this bike to become unstable no matter how hard you try.
Honda has designed an exciting dirt bike in CRF450R and made it stronger and faster to suit a wide range of riders.
2017 KTM 450 SX-F
KTM has greatly improved over the years to become a leader in the dirt bike industry. All KTM dirt bikes are designed with advanced technology that usually excites riders.
This company is consistently manufacturing top-quality machines that challenge products from other industry leaders for the top spot. The 2017 KTM 450 SX-F is one such machine that stands out from the rest, and it is for good reasons.
KTM designers and engineers made a few but significant revisions to the famous 2017 KTM 450 SX-F model from its 2016 model. The most notable changes include the 48milimetre AER fork that replaced the 4CS design which saves approximately three pounds when it comes to the overall weight of the dirt bike.
The outer fork tube thickness also reduces by almost 1mm, and the handlebars are updated with aluminum stays instead of steel that was used on the 2016 model. The 2017 KTM 450 SX-F engine is powerful and much more reliable.
The bike’s suspension is good overall, and there is nothing to worry about. The chassis is better which makes the bike feel much lighter.
In fact, the 450 SX-F feels like a 250F while in the air and lays down really well. Although it may feel like the bike is hinging in front, all you have to do is adjust your sitting position slightly, and everything will be fine.
The fly map switches of the 2017 KTM 450 SX-F are really cool, and the bike’s traction control is quite effective. Map switch number one tends to produce longer power which most riders prefer.
However, if you don’t prefer the longer power, you use map switch number two that produces shorter power, but you will have to be steady with traction if you choose to use map switch number two.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between the two-stroke and four-stroke engine types is essential while choosing the right dirt bike that will suit your unique needs.
While most people believe that four-stroke bikes have a higher cc and are more expensive, the truth is that there exist low cc four-stroke engine bikes that are also affordable.
We have highlighted some of the common four-stroke dirt bikes on the market that offers you something unique and are also affordable. Again, whatever you choose comes down to your personal preferences and your budget.
Before you make your decision, you should consider your experience, comfort, and the size of the four-stroke bike that will fit you well.
