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2-Stroke vs. 4-Stroke: how 2-Strokes disappeared from Pro Motocross. From a time when the BRAAP of 40 2-stroke motorcycle engines scored the sound of the AMA Motocross and Supercross to the near nonexistence of 2-strokes in pro competition, this is the story of how motocross was taken over by high-cost 4-stroke motorcycles at the turn of the century.
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He hit the nail on the head at 5:50. The sound. Its an irreplaceable eargasm. Any guy that has ever rode a 2 stroke as a special place in their heart for that sound. You can talk to other people that have rode them and make certain sounds of the two stroke and they will know if you were going through a whoop section or a corner or just hit a massive jump =D YEENYEENYEEN
even my poorly tuned bike almost as old as me when I hear it I
Former 85 ATC 250R owner ring ding ding⛽️🇺🇸
@@sowersass2 ?
The greatest two stroke sound for me were the 2 and 4 cylinder factory road race bikes. Loved my TZ.
4strokes sounds way better. 2strokes sounds like a raging karen. Nothing to like there.
2 strokes sound like you're going faster which is all that matters.
Yep!
heck yeah. the thrill of feeling like you are going a million miles an hour from that engine screaming is the best feeling. i dont care if a 4 stroke goes faster. it does. but at a cost. there is nothing exciting about the sound of wet farts.
Yea being annoyingly loud and shitty sounding
And they didn’t sound like you’re riding a fat chick with explosive diarrhea all over the track.
You are going faster
Don't forget that two strokes are still absolutely dominant in enduro and hard enduro where the light size and better heat management make them far superior to the four stroke counterparts
And thank god for that, love me a 300 2T enduro nothing beats it.
True that. And since they are lighter and get more power out of each cc in reality 2 strokes are faster and better in corners. The only thing that makes dour strokes comparable is a rule invented by the AMA giving them twice the cc’s to stand a chance against them LOL
Depends on the course though. The very fast tracks tend to be dominated by 4 strokes. The top riders generally have one of each bikes to use depending on the course.
@@DHolmquistDesigns Not actually true. A 500cc 2t still loses to a 450cc 4t on most tracks. Also true at 250cc. You are even starting to see 250 4t win GNCC races. This is from someone who owns all 2t machines for the last decade. I love to ride them and I think they are way more fun, but I know when I jump on the 450's they are in a class of their own. Even the KTM 350's with their insane redlines smoke my 250sx.
@@NONO-hz4vo not true at all, per cc the two stroke will make more power, and be lighter. The only reason a 450 4 stroke can beat a 500cc two stroke these days is because there hasn’t been any advancements to two strokes and 4t have had a TON of rnd to get them to put perform them. Two strokes have much more potential per cc. Put as much rnd that 4 strokes have gotten into a two stroke and I have no doubt they’d smoke them, easily!
I remember my first time riding a 2 stroke. At first I thought it wasn't that fast. Then it hit the power band and the front wheel came off the ground and it took off like a shot. That feeling was intoxicating. Big fan.
It's so weird they talked about 2 stokes for 7 minutes without mentioning the feeling of hitting power band, it's like when you first feel the boost of a turbo. Simply amazing.
Remember the first time hittin the powerband in my KX80 & how it felt like it was trying yo pull my arms out of their sockets(only an 80, but it was the surprise), instantly hooked.
@@jamedeo4555 I'm thinking because they kept it in the powerband constantly, the only time they probably didn't was in the pits.
Allways rode Road bikes,bit of trials thrown in,then got a part ex of a rm250 and boy that was it,now you couldn't pay me to ride a 4 banger!
‘15 2/SS 1/LE👍🏻
I was never a fan of 2-strokes until I got into snowmobiles. Now I love 'em. Especially something like an 800cc twin with pipes, the sound and torque is just awesome.
It's not just the sound, it's the smell also. The smell of two stroke oil in the spring, reminds me of my youth.
Hells yeah. The smell and sound gives me the same happiness and excitement as the smell and sound of a nitro funny car and top fuel dragster. I still have my 2 stroke. I prefer it way better than the 4 stroke. 2 stroke forever baby.
bell ray. bean oil.😊
When they come on the pipe & the power hits the magic happens. 4 strokes sound like a herd of goats.
@@vincesmith764 VP Racing fuel lol now its over $100 a barrel lol
Nothing compares to the brutality of a 500 2stroke.
500cc? half the people I know can barely handle a 250cc😂 I’ll find one someday and see what I’m made of!
I used to ride my brother's 89 CR500 when I was 13 out at sand mtn in NV.
My buddy added nitrous to his 2003 Service Honda CR500 for the sand dunes. I don't think I need to tell you how stupid fast that bike was!
@@insertfakenamehere6507 nitrous? Jeez Louise was it wet or dry set up?
One trick I discovered with my AF was that by altering the engine rpm, I could make the bike behave like it was almost two different bikes. Lug it, and I could throw it around like it was a 250. Let it wind, and it'd track like a desert machine. About my only complaint was that weird section of the powerband when you couldn't tell doom was coming, but it was.
The sound, the smell, the simplicity, the way the power comes on. Nothing comes close.
I grew up racing dirt bikes and with 2-strokes. The 4-strokes were just entering the scene. It makes me happy to hear others say how I feel about 2-strokes. I love them, love riding them, the sound, the smell, the feel, that specific power band. I love 2-strokes.
Thank you to KTM for the listening to us and still progressing 2-stroke technology. It’s amazing how little oil they use and how clean the emissions are. Light, fast, fun, easy maintenance. I hope the other brands will go this route as well.
Yamaha better
I agree but it was all bs to begin with. A carbureted 2 stroke dirt bike contributes almost 0 emissions in the grand scheme of things. The whole climate change thing is massively overhyped...
The new ktm 300xc tbi is a game changer
Bring back the two-stroke enduros street legal in all 50 states and I'll buy one tomorrow " and if you're brought back a Dodge charger that actually look like my 68 charger and had two doors instead of four that's probably based on a Chrysler 300 chassis I would buy one tomorrow as well they got the Challenger right they got the Camaro right they got the mustang right put the charger looks nothing like the old school charger sad but true
@@hunterw.4603What an extremely researched comment. I used to race a kx under town center Yamaha...See real research.
They had the two strokes Championship at Fox Hills in the UK a month ago. All the old school riders from the USA and uk competing . The sound and smell of the two strokes was great. And was the biggest crowd turn out since the 90s too 👌
@@liam4686 I’m not sure mate. Hopefully. You missed a good day.
Big turn out because the 4 strokes weren't running. Everyone prefers the buzz bombs ringy dingy.
Dude, wish I knew about that! Hope there is another! ❤❤❤
They should rewrite the rules . Make it fair for 2 stokes. I do hate 4 strokes
Thirty 2 stroke bikes coming out of the start gate is like standing under a massive nest of angry wasps. Sound you will never forget. Love it.
Braaaaaap! the feeling of a well running 2 stroke coming on the pipe is a feeling like no other!
All the top old MX pros should start a 2 stroke series. Now that they have EFI 2 strokes with more bottom end and better traction. Just start with open class 2 stroke, keep the price of the bikes limited not the cc's. Make it affordable to gain popularity and it will grow!
Bro I’ve been saying this. Someone make it happen! It will be good for the sport to have more riders/more classes to watch
They do run a 2 stroke series at select nationals, with Villipoto, Mike Brown, etc. It's complicated. Who is going to sponsor products that don't sell, Honda? Kawasaki? Suzuki? They don't make 2 strokes. That leaves Yamaha and the KTM family of bikes. I just don't see it happening, but I would love the AMA to change the rules to a standard 250 and 450 class regardless of stroke. That would be cool...
Or just change it so it doesn't matter if it's a 2 stroke or 4 stroke it should be all about ccs! But manufacturers love how much more money they make off of four strokes and parts so this is unlikely.
Amen brother took the words out of my mouth 2 Strokes RULE 4 strokes drool !!!!! 😅😆😁🤘😎👍
Red bull is honestly doing that with straight rhythm but they need to let 2strokes back in AMA supercross I wanna see a new factory 450 two smoker
The sound of 2 strokes with a good pipe echoing in the tree line is unparalleled.
Absolutely love the ripping echo through the woods
That’s truly one of the greatest sounds in the world
Track bikes in the woods always sound good. Me and my buddies use to wonder why they break so much😂 cuz we hill climbing mx bikes
I had a YZ 125 and a Yamaha Blaster quad growing up. I use to ice race in the winter. My dad and I use to have them tuned so on point and they both sounded so good. Everyone commented how good they sounded. Especially on 20F winter day, echoing on the lake.. PRICELESS.
2 stroke sounds like that official motocross sound
1994... My dad brought me to the Houston supercross for the first time... I was 10. Walking in to the stadium during practice with the smell of race gas and premix... hearing a 2 stroke braaaaap for the first time when they hit the triple. The smell and sound is something I haven’t forgotten to this day. Great times.
I am in to karting ND we still run 2 strokes. I also have a rotary car that is a blast to drive. The rotary engine has some two stroke characteristics. Brap on
I think I might of been at that one or the next year. I know McGrath one the 250 main when I was there. It was a great race if my memory serves me.
I recall being at the Supercross in Houston in the mid 70s as a teenager. Remember getting a walk through the pits. Best memory ever. Remember being in awe seeing Jimmy Weinert.
A 2 stroke taught you how to carry momentum, that's an art of itself.
I’ll never forget my first ride on a two stroke. I was 15, went from a Honda 50 to a Yamaha YZ125. I couldn’t believe how fast it felt(it was a 125 I know) but the noise, the vibration, the smell… it was EXHILARATING! After I opened her up in sixth I got off it to reflect on the experience and my knees were shaking. It was the best… Man I wish I still had that old bike!
Knees were shaking LOL.
@@herbcanter2114 LOL? Are you so cool you’ve never been shook up? I seriously doubt it.
@@TheMotorman116 That wasn't criticism I thought it was hilarious because It happened to me also . That's why I "Liked" your post.
@@herbcanter2114 ah ok, sorry. Guess I’m used to so many snide comments these days. Have a good day and safe riding!
Thanks for posting this.
You know your a 2 stroke purist when you can perfectly mimic the sound with your mouth. Great video. Still riding a 99 KX 250 that I restored. Just takes me back to my youth and many good memories.
I'm 50.and still got my 1996 cr250r, she's a wild girl and I love what I share with her.
@@honumoorea873 I turn 47 next month. Hoping to be able to keep slinging a leg over it a while longer myself.
I'm 47 and I raced from 97-2002, absolutely loved racing 2 stroke's! I had a 98 RM 250 Stacked carb, carbon fiber reed's, full FMF, weisco piston and Dunlop's front and back. Won a trophy my first race and , no looking back after that! Unfortunately all my trophies and plaques are in my shed in a box😥 But I gladly say outdoor motorcross made the biggest memories in my life, I will never forget it!💯
Great year bike!
@@rowdybroomstick6394 currently rebuilding my 98 rm250. Bought brand new. Sat in a garage for over 20 years. Looking forward to ride it again.
I love all the early 2000s footage! So sick
So do we 😀
The sound is just awesome, you hit the nail right on the head Jeff ...
My first time riding my kx85 i will never forget the sound the smell and the feeling i will never forget
Everyone agrees they love the sound of a two stroke except for the neighbors.
I like to live by the golden rule: Don't be an asshole!
4t can annoy neighbours who don't even know there near riders, your welcome Karen
i have heard some neighbours riding 2 strokes, and i love the sound. i might be biased though since i ride a 2 stroke myself. although must admit something. my bike has been in parts all year, its getting close to going back together, and while its been apart, i have put headphones on everytime i hear a dirtbike in the background. it makes me too sad/ jealous, lol. which is probably the same reason old people dont like young people having fun. it reminds them of better times they will never have again. and leaves them sad. so i kinda get them now. although hopefully i will never be like that myself. people should be free to enjoy their lives without having to worry about waking up the older generation in the middle of the day.
@@socks2441 yes totally agree although some old heads can relive through watching the younger generation we will be that guy.
I got my first bike when I was a kid 2 stroke of course, and I would wake up early in the morning on Saturday when everyone was hungover and piss off the whole neighborhood. Those were the days.
The feeling when the powerband hits, and keeping the rpm’s up to maintain it is better than any drug!
I had a 400EX and a KX125 when I was a teen.. I liked the ATVs better so I barely rode my dirtbike. My best friend had a Blaster and I swapped ATVs with him all the time. Later on in life, I bought a 2009 Honda Civic Si and that car ran like a 2 stroke. It was nuts.. Super nimble, high revving, and it had a powerband just like 2 stokes.. Everyone hates the Civic though but to this day, it was the most fun car I ever had and it would outrun a Charger or Challenger RT... Those were my favorite cars to race because I'd leave them..
I'll never forget my first 2-stroke. A 1979 YZ-80 when I was 15. Boy! I cut a tons of lawns and split a ton of firewood. I loved that bike. Flipped it on first ride learning how to use a clutch. Man, that was some fun times.
My cousin and I owned a 1978 Yamaha YZ80 in the famous "bumblebee" yellow and black paint scheme from 1978 - 1989 when I foolishly sold it to get a bigger bike. That bike was the fastest, baddest 80cc I had ever ridden or seen. It was insanely powerful and very fast for a 80cc bike. It would easily lay the smack down on 100cc and 125cc 4-stroke "enduros" as we called them back then. Just stomp the daylights out of them and walk away. Both my cousin Rob and I loved that bike. Wished I never sold it and even our Dad's loved riding it too. That was a 80cc bike adults could still ride and have fun on. It wasn't underpowered or too small for what we used it for. We mostly rode it around my Uncle Jim's farm and at my house in the fields, trails and woods.
I had a 1980 YZ 80 , loved that thing .
Growing up my fondest memories are the smell of pre mix, seeing big pro circuit fatty pipes, stinger tips and of course the music that pours from them. I feel lucky to be born at the tail end of a legendary era.
Man, that thrill of riding a 250/300 2 stroke through some crazy trails is unbeaten.
Riding a 2 stroke anywhere is unbeaten There I fixed it for ya mate 😎
Yeah I have 250's and a 300 (2 stroke) and a 450 4 stroke, the 4 stroke collects dust because it just isn't anywhere near as fun, is far more tiring and hurts more when it lands on you lmao
@MDM bro a 250 2 stroke is way more tiring to ride than a 450 4 stroke
@@MeltingRubberZ28mx 250 stroke is definitely more tiring than an mx 450 but it's different with the enduro bikes. 250 and 300 enduro bikes are light and have a good power curve and gearing for technical trails
The skill it takes to ride a 2 stroke is a different level
whats crazy tho is all the top guys CAN ride a 2 stroke fast, they are just obsolete nowadays at factory level racing
Yes, it is easier! Way lighter, way better handling. 4 strokes suck.
It's like comparing a porsche 911 gt3 (drivers car) to a porsche 911 turbo s (easier to drive car).
@@Corteum OK calm down
@@guyonthecouch136 I'm actually meditating. lol
Yeah, I loved my Suzuki TS Sierra 185 two stroke. I'm 65 but when I was a teenager that was the love of my life. That sound!
Really fun watch! Top job Red Bull.
I remember in 96 at HighPoint I popped the top on my RM and we had it rebuilt in about 45 min. under tarps pouring down rain and the best part was the factory team hooked me up with a jug and a piston. Probably “THE” best time and most memorable moment of everyone coming together helping me.
I love that feeling man, it feels really like a friendship being built.
Same
One of those years had a real bad downpour on Sunday. Think it was 97
I'm not crying, you're crying 😭
Not crying, just raining in my eyes....
It's the exhaust fumes...
I remember in 1989. They had the motocross championship at the Astrodome in Houston. And the sound of those screaming two strokes inside the dome was amazing. And I still have a Honda 250 Elsinore and a early 90s YZ 125 and a Honda 250r ATC, I am 53 years old, so I grew up with those machines love them.
More of these please Red Bull!
I was 12 years old in 1980, and was tired of the Suzuki 125 2 stroke enduro I was riding after having moved on from my XR75, after starting on a Honda Trail 50 at 5 years old. My dream bike was a CR80. I begged and begged my Dad to let me ride his 70s Yamaha 500 2 stroke. He smiled and told me if I could ride it if I could start it, and he watched my 100 lb self struggle to kick it over. I tried for a while, until that bitch kicked back on me. I thought it broke my foot, Dad was rolling on the ground laughing, I never tried again. Later, as a young man, I found a CR250 to be all I ever needed. Now 54, I’m content to lead my kids around on my XR400. I did pull the “if you can start my 400” with my 16 year old daughter. She finally got it and rides it now, but I just rip around her on our KX100, which is an incredibly fun little bike for an old guy.
Ty for teaching your daughter. I'm sure it means the world to her that you're passing on a good tradition.
Yeah, but now she’s hounding me to let her ride my BMW R1150RT…
@@truckinfool3550 haha! in that case you tell her to save up for her own then you can go on rides together.
I had a Husqvarna 360 when young, I don't think I was even fourteen years old. my feet didn't reach the ground when I was sitting on it. I would have take off with the bike leaned over with one foot on the ground. and I would have to push it down the street to a friend's place. because he was older and could start it. and I would have to let him ride it a little bit. before I could going riding. that was a hell of a motorcycle and I had it for a long time. as I got older I got to where I fit on it better and start it myself.
Hahah rest his soul my buddy cody let me ride his cr80 holy shit
Once you experienced and understand the sound, smell and easy maintenance of a 2 stroke, most ppl fall in love with the power ease of use of a good old 2 stroke 😄
Yup, the sound of the 2-stroke MX bike is magic as well as the smell of running a 2-stroke engine (especially if you're running Castrol - god that mix smells so good!).
I couldn't agree more, I love the sound of a 2 stoke bike. I was a pitman and mechanic in the 70s for a motorcross racer. The 100cc class was like a bunch of mad bees!
That's what I've always heard when I've listened to two strokes, angry and confused bees, still can hardly stand the sound. But 2 strokes are fantastically simple to work on, and make great enduro bikes.
Hodaka super rat 100
I tell my boys: If it sounds like a swarm of angry hornets, 2 stroke. If it sounds like a fart, 4 stroke.
LMAO dude
Back in the early 70s we called the 4s. Foo foo's. I'll admit most of us started out on one. Lot's of small Honda's in my neighborhood but many of us when it was time to move up couldn't wait to get a 2 stroke Enduro or MX. Still there were holdovers. We laughed but it was all in fun. A lot of the 4 stroke guys though were afraid of the 2s. They couldn't handle the power delivery. For me it was a dream come true. We could finally " roost " at will. And Wheelie. 👍
Totaly agree with you
yep. and from that definition, i dont understand why you would choose to own a fart machine. angry hornets it is for me. all. the. way.
you got a shit exhasut on your 4stroke then mine sounds amazing
Nothing like the smell of two stroke in the cool Michigan autumn air with the scent of decaying forest foliage all around you- that dank, sweet smell takes me back 30 years to being a kid. ❤
Grew up on the 2 strokes in 70s and 80s. RM80 RM125. The memories are of my most memorable.
I grew up in the 70's and 80's with Kawasakis. First one was a KX125 then a KX250 on to a KX450. The 450 was a beast, almost unrideable, hard to keep it on the ground. I sold it to a friend that raced it on the dirt track.
Nothing like the feeling of hitting the powerband just as you're about to setup for a huge jump!
Launch mode!
Except having the power from right off the start. The new 4cycles have power off the start like a race car motor
Power band …. LMAO
@@tomjones7853 no they sound like they are sh!tting their pants and they are when they have to have bigger displacement to compete with 2 strokes.The EPA has killed motocross.
Owned a Montessa Cota 250 back in the day, loved it to bits.
I truly miss that sound and smell combo. 👊🏽🍺
Someone needs to start a two stroke only series!
Straight rhythm
YES!, was going to write this but glad I scrolled first, defo bring in a 2 stroke and 4 stroke series!, why not!?, plenty of energy and following behind both variants, the world cannot afford to loose 2 strokes but if they're not able to compete then manufacturers wont build them
@@johnnysheridan I think there is room for both...it would be great to see the two strokes out there!
It's the EPA that shut 2 stroke down, don't believe this video.
Nobody would sanction it due to emission regulations
i havent spent a whole lot of time on dirtbikes but had a 70's 2 stroke for a bit. even on that thing, the feeling of hitting that power band and just taking off is incredible.
Dude, bikes were so much more rowdy back then before they figured out the power valves!
Why would you want such unpredictable power? Smooth 4 stroke power all day long🤘
@@justinrisley8466 it’s not unpredictable or unmanageable. It’s unsuspecting to begin with. But you learn over time what will happen when you open the tap. The feeling of nailing a section on the pipe🤤
@@justinrisley8466 because it's way more fun. But yes, it's harder to ride in a way.
I started riding when 4 strokes were more popular so I'm sure that has a lot to do with my view on them.
The sound/the smell/that powerband. Never forget it.
My 4 stroke definitely has a place in my love of bikes, that's forever behind my 2 stroke! The sound and smell alone is where it starts...different strokes for different folks! 💯
As a kid, I loved my YZ 250 2 stroke. And the best part was I could do all the work on it in dad's garage. Just loved it when the power band hit, and it launched.
Still my most favorite sound ever. 40 125's at the gate when the card goes sideways. Music to my ears.
First 2 stroke I rode was a RD350. Geez, when that thing came on the pipe and the front end came up it left a definite impression on me. I race vintage 2 stroke karts now and love them. 4 strokes sound like lawnmowers.
The rd 350 was my first 2 stroke too! So fun!
rd 250 here , back in the day, modded and peaky powerband for sure!
Yamaha RD 350 excellent
2 strokes 4 life! Riding a Honda CR 80 when I was 13 was so awesome! I still want to get a CR 500 someday!
I grew up in the 80s in a small village called Killinchy, Northern Ireland, which every year hosted the Killinchy 125, which was an amazing track to have on your backdoor. I cannot smell 2 stroke without being taken back to summer's running between fields trying to get a view of Finlay's drop and the Suzuki jump. If only the track still existed...
2 stroke is so unique, fun, and scary at the same time. still remember trying my brother's friend YZ-125 2 stroke, it's so fun, scary and thrilling at the same time, I miss that feeling
Las motos 2T, música para mis oídos. En el año 1974 pude escuchar el hermoso sonido de las Honda 125 Elsinore y desde ahí quedé marcado para toda la vida por ese esquisito sonido de las 2T Gracias por su excelente video. Mis saludos desde Santo Domingo en República Dominicana 🇩🇴
I grew up in the 70s and 80s. Motocross to me is 2 stroke. My first bike I got when I was in 4th grade - dad bought me a YZ80. I graduated to a CR125 and I LOVED that bike. I really learned how to ride on that bike. I eventually got a CR250, and an MR175, but I always loved that 125. Dad was a machinist and he had a friend at FMF, so I had a lot of FMF parts :D . Anyway, I remember when 4 strokes first starting coming on the scene, and I was never a fan. I loved the sound of the two strokes. Brrap Brraap Brraaaaaaaap! :D That's when motocross started to change though. I started to be all about the big air and huge jumps, so having that 4 stroke power made a difference. They added supercross and freestyle, and suddenly riders were doing back flips over 50 foot jumps. Growing up during the golden era it wasn't about the party or the show, it was all about going fast and getting to the finish line first. Sometime in the 90s the whole X games thing kind of took over Motocross and it's never been the same IMHO.
I had a 1973 CZ400 for many years. 42hp factory engine. I added a Wiseco piston, oversized Mikuni carb, electronic ignition and K&N high flow air filter. Was easily pushing over 50hp on a bike that only weighed 230lbs. Tons of torque and a huge power band. Loved that bike.
Nice 👍🏻 I am from Czechoslovakia and these are still available on second hand market. I am wondering myself to buy one 😊
Motoplat ignition on mine.
Everyone leaves out the Boysen power reeds but we all had em!
I had a couple of 250s, a 125 & a 400, loved all of them. Jim Hoover Cleansweep pipe, Motoplat or Femsatronic & the list went on...
In my life I don't think I have ever been as excited and happy as I was when I finally saved enough to buy my Elsinore 125. I could ride with the big boys, the R M s and the YZ s. Seemed there was always a rich kid with a husky or a can-am. Eventually graduated to a 250 Elsinore but the 125 just kept me up at night.As a kid the power of a 2-stroke just changed my life.
Two Strokes for life. The smell, The sound and that throttle.
im 57 now,, ive been riding since i was 5yrs old.. i raced the YZ,s 2stroke always,, something about that power band that just gets in your soul!
yep
Never raced. But I'll never forget the first time hitting powerband! It was a little 125dt, but I had no idea what to expect. Still gets the heart racing just thinking about it.
I love the 2-stroke engines even the old 2-stroke Detroit Diesel’s 💪🏾💪🏾
2 strokes sound just gets you seriously PUMPED while you're thinking you're actually going ton faster than you really are! Forever a 2 stroke fan. Please bring back 2 stroke again into racing as you will see the sport become highly successful with new fans as well
Us offroad riders, we’re still enjoying 2Ts in enduro/hard-enduro and hare scrambles. I hope they never stop making them.
Proud to ride a 2 stroke. (01 CR125)
me too..2003 kx250..it scares the shit out of me and i love it
SAME! 2000 CR250!! Tries to kill me every time I swing a leg and I wouldn't change a thing...
A 99 cr125 was the first 2stoke I rode. I still remember it almost leaving me when the power came on. Crazy experience.
Cr125s are the slowest shittiest 235s ever made period
Same. 01 CR 250 here. It still humbles me most times I ride it but I have so much fun on it. To be honest, I’ve never ridden a modern 4stroke. I’m 37 now and I don’t know if I even want to try one at this point!
Damn redbull you got some real legends for this one
At 16 my first race bike was a new 1975 CR125 Honda Elsinore after being mesmerized by their utter domination of the 125 class throughout '74 in District 13 (Virginia) and District 7 (Maryland) motocross. Old timers will have memories of starting lines w 37/38 Elsinore's and maybe a Bultaco, Husky, Hodaka or CZ. Any rider from that era can attest to the aura of 2-strokes - the smell, the sound - too many memories to list. So many great, iconic, riders - Saw so many great battles with Hannah, Smith, Decoster, Pomeroy, Lackey, DiStefano, Weinert, Howerton and many more in the early years of MX in the US.
Hodaka Ace 100 was my first bike followed by CZs. Too bad there is so little film from that era, it was the coolest.
That yellow Yamaha DT in the background!! Sick!! My first bike was a '78 DT 125!
I only ride off road, and nothing compares to a 2 stroke. Lighter, and you never feel the heat. Until we’re forced to ride electric, I’m 2 stroke for life 😊
The heat on my 250f offroad is retarded lmao... my 250 on the other hand was also cool, even in the shitty stuff
But if you were forced to switch to electric would you rather ride ev or not ride at all?
@@xaydee3631 I would ride EV over nothing at all.
@@xaydee3631 I’ve rode electric,4 stroke and 2stroke and I’m just happy to say that atleast we still have them while it last for the time being
2 stroke > 4 stroke > EV > nothing That’s how I view it
Emission regulations killed the 2 stroke. As a trail rider during the 90s I saw the writing on the wall when large areas started banning 2 strokes.
Rotax ETEC voice-coil, direct-injection 2-stroke engine.
Also going to kill the 4 stroke. Better get ready for electric 🔌⚡
So much that Yamaha expanded his two stroke catalog last year...
Emission regulations did not kill the 2-stroke. That is false.
@@SPCRacing1they certainly did for the advantage consumer, plenty of ATV and offroad parks banned 2 strokes. Nowadays sidebysides are starting to take over and ruin most places to ride anyway so its really getting bad for people who just want to ride.
I started out jumping an XL 250 I think ‘74, but in 81, I acquired a CR250R, it was awesome! Demanded a different level of maintenance, but well worth it. My size and riding level as it was, soon found me needing a little more torque, so I found a sweet deal on an 84’ M-star 500 unblemished. Rocket ship! 1990 came, still had the bike. It had some needs in which called for parts… Instead, I got a Wife and different set of goals. I miss my two stroke!
I’ve been riding for about 50 years. Started out mostly with Yamaha, Husky CR400,Honda CR250 2 strokes in the seventies, eighties and nineties. Then bought a almost new 2001 YZ 426 which I still have (restored now) and a 2008 KX 250f. But now back to 2 strokes with a KTM SX250 and a new Beta 300rr. I just love my new 2t’s.
I also raced tccra (Texas cross country racing association) back in those days. I still remember riding my CR125 and the first time a yz400f four stroke came flying past me, first time ever hearing or seeing one in real life at that time lol. The thump it had, I could feel in every fiber of my being and it was incredible. I was drooling for one lol. The yz250f didn't come out until 01, so I switched from Honda and got a YZ125 that I raced from 99 to 01, and I got my first 4 stroke. I loved that bike more than anything in the world. I lost everything in a home fire in 06, and went through a divorce the same year. I haven't ever been able to get another bike since. I miss it every single day. One day things will get better I hope
If I win the lottery I'm buying you a bike
Things will be better sooner than you think, my friend.
Dude I'm sure you could've saved 3 or 4k since 06 for a used YZ that is in great condition
@@yelnickmcwawa5858 Had to rebuild my life from nothing. Lost my home, dog, bike, tools, guns, clothes, truck, job, and will to live for several years. I've got most everything back, except another bike. I do want one, just trying to keep up with bills and family is tough. I have plans to get another for sure, need a roof on my home now and my truck is getting old with 300k miles on it lol. Life just keeps coming faster than I can keep up
The sound of a two stroke make me smile every time. Great memories of my motocross days of the past.
My first four motorcycles were two strokes. I miss them with extreme nostalgia. My pocketbook misses them even more.
After spending the last 12 years riding the Yamaha and ktm 4 strokes I’m pumped to be getting back to my riding roots. Picking up my 23 yz250 tomorrow and can’t wait
I would be too. Stay blessed.
2 stroke is the real sound of a mx bike imo. And at the tracks here you still hear them. the kids are using them 50,65,85 and 125. And its so cool to see a kid going ful throttle on the 65s
No mention of the power band difference. 2-strokes were like old school turbos. Hit the right RPM, hang on for dear life! That was my favorite part of a two-stroke.
Yep.....wait wait wait...holy hell lol
feel the engine, it's seems alive, and he tells us where he wanna stay!
Growing up in the ‘70s, parking my Yamaha Mini Enduro 60cc 2 stroke inside the house, in the living room on a tile floor, with the engine still hot from driving it outside…man…I loved the smell of oil mix. Then sold it as I grew up and replaced it with my Suzuki TS 100 2 stroke…still parking it inside the house, in the living room on the tile floor. My parents were awesome for letting me do that for more than 6 years.
iv been riding for almost 50 years, and im still all about the 2-stroke. sound, smell, feel. all of it.
They are missed in GP racing also, those 500 two strokes was incredible.
The sound is golden and can't be beaten!
I grew up on 2 stroke but man a 450 four stroke just sic ! You notice it so much when going up a super steep hill.
I used to blast around on a CR80 in the 90’s. That powerband kicking in was an absolute drug to a 12 year old. My mates with YZF’s and XR’s always wanted a burn on that CR. So incredibly fun.
I do want to get my hands on a CR80 again so I can remember that feeling
If there's one thing dad loved more than serenity, it was a 2 stroke engine on full throttle.
I raced two stroke karts for about 10 years in the early 2000's. The noise was great but the smell was what I really remember the most. I had an early RX7 for a while. I used to mix the good racing oil just to get a whiff of that stuff.
Two-stroke oil and aviation fuel…absolutely best cologne out there for men!
You have to if you want to keep those apex seals from wearing out!
I'm rebuilding my CR250R from the frame up right now, never had a 2 stroke before now but I can't wait to get it running
I grew up on smokers, and still have fond memories, but as a middle aged rider, I really love a modern luggy four stroke. I am sad I don't have that mindset anymore, but I'm enjoying riding more than I ever have and the modern bikes are giving me years of trouble free experience. If you're not thrashing them on the rev limiter, they're less maintenance than a smoker.
It was an art to keep the engine in the power band. I love them always will
Full throttle!
I had a '77 RM 125 . It was WFO and row the gearshift lever like a boat. The powerband was a half inch wide. They could have put an on/off switch on the bars and saved some weight.
@@ronald8673 power shifting is a must. Keep that throttle twisted like you're strangling it
@@TheBeingReal full throttle or you swallow. Lol
Oh man I am way to old now but my first motocross bike was a Suzuki RM 250. That bike taught me so much. Love 2 strokes forever but I actually ran 4 stroke in Enduros .
If we are talking about same displacement, if you want low end toque to ride slow in forest that has no roads you want 4 stroke. Its heavier and more complex, but has the torque from low to high end. If you want to jump on block of C4 and blast away two stroke is the way. The powerband depending on the exhaust tune and other things can be brutal, but usually in stock its decently calm, but you notice it. Issue with two strokes is wear items like piston and cylinder need to be replaced more often than in 4 stroke even if its easier and cheaper. Also modern fuels are not good for two strokes. Increased ethanol content dilutes the 2 stroke oil more than older style gasoline and you cant even use E95 in them and increasing amount of oil also increases how much sut is created.
I have a YZ250 and a KX250 2 stroke and love the sound. Tons of fun.
2-strokes definitely making a comeback in mx races down here in New Zealand. The junior classes are close to 100% 2-stroke. Senior classes would be around 50% 2-stroke. When you ask people why they've switched back to a 2-smoker, pretty much all say that they're sick of the maintenance on 4-strokes. And a lot (especially those old enough to remember the 90s and early 2000's 2-strokes) will say that with the advancements in new 2-strokes - the power delivery now much more useable, more 4-stroke like. Hence wheelspin less of an issue, and easier to keep 'on the boil'....
Hey, its doing a major shift in Australia as well. The game changer for the weekend racer will be the 300SX.
@@maxrpm2215 Agree 300SX likely to sell like hot-cakes... Full credit to KTM for putting money into 2-stroke engine development - and selling 2-smokers with modern chassis, and suspension...
I like the wheel spin on a 2t. Steer from the rear!
@@LordSamuelJ yep good point, once you master that it makes all the difference.
Sick of the maintenance? Then damn they must be masochist cause 2s are even worse...
I will never forget the day I got a 1986 cr 250 and started up 4th kick after sitting for 14 years😂 #2strokes4life
I had a cr250m elsinore 74 what a beast.
I’ve got my old CR 125 back restored it and am now working on a 76 MR 250 My 125 is pretty mean for a 125 sounds mean !!!!!!LONG LIVE THE TWO STROKE
I have to agree with everything in this video , for me it's the 125 2stroke , I remember that change over , Yamaha was really the first with 400cc then the 426cc , I think it was the British Yamaha 4stroke Championship because there was only Yamaha's in it 🤔🤷 , I remember the 426cc was a nightmare to start with that "decompression lever" , the sound , the weight , the maintenance and the cost , that put me right off , then everyone jumped on the bandwagon , you can keep them 4strokes , like Jeff Emige said "if you get that 2stroke motor on song it's like music" , good to see Jeff, Travis and the rest of the old boys praising 🙏 the 2strokes , Long Live The 2stroke !!!
Some years back I put a water cooled Honda CR125 engine on a go cart Had to do a lot of modifications to keep the cart together It just kept breaking everything , I welded brackets on the tubing that come up behind the seat kinda as like a role bar To mount the radiators Then I had make little cages to go around the radiators to protect them from off roading or whatever it wasn't awesome project unfortunately I was building it for 1 of our customers at the shop that I worked at but I did get to To my house where I have some property to do all my final testing and welding breaking parts LOL I hated it when the project was finished Because I fell in love with it didn't even care about the money
Grew up with 2 strokes in the 70’s and early 80’s. Had a yz 250, honda car 480, husky cr 500, and the list goes on. Back then the power was insane to say the least especially with light-switch power bans to keep you on your toes. They were soooo much fun! Today there is 1 reason and 1 reason only why 2 strokes have disappeared …. Pollution!