Want to spend less on motorcycle insurance?
Click below to compare quotes.
I have recently started shopping for a vintage enduro to serve as my next project after completing my 1972 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead named “Cal.” (Read more about naming your motorcycle). I am definitely zeroing in on the earliest history of the dual-sport and noting that many of the earliest bikes were generally two-stroke vs. four-stroke motorcycles. Additionally, they were generally street models retrofitted for off-road use.
Thinking about the line between two-stroke vs. four-stroke motorcycles, I wanted to make sure readers out there understand the difference. Eventually HappyWrench is going to be an encyclopedia of motorcycle knowledge – until then, I just need to cover one topic at a time. 🙂
The Differences Between Two-Stroke vs. Four-Stroke Motorcycles
A topic like this warrants a sweet table to cleanly ennumerate the differences between two-stroke vs. four-stroke motorcycles. Check out the breakdown below to get a better understanding of these two engine types and how it translates into positives and negatives regarding performance and maintenance.
Spec | Two-Stroke (Positives) | Two-Stroke (Negatives) |
---|---|---|
Power Sequence: | Compression and Combustion – Intake & Exhaust function combined | |
Firing: | Once every revolution | |
Power Output: | Can essentially produce twice as much power of a four-stroke of same size | |
Power Delivery: | Hard hitting – higher top speed | Can be harder to control |
Noise: | The two stroke is louder than its four-stroke counterpart and can exceed noise ordinances | |
Weight: | Feel lighter and more nimble due to the reduced weight | Due to the simpler power sequence, good compressed gas is lost during the upstroke |
Environmental: | Not environmentally friendly and less fuel efficient | |
Repair/Maintenance: | The maintenance is much simpler requiring fewer parts and cost | Require more frequent maintenance |
Spec | Four-Stroke (Positives) | Four-Stroke (Negatives) | |
---|---|---|---|
Power Sequence: | Intake, Compression, Power, Exhaust | ||
Firing: | Once every other revolution | ||
Power Output: | |||
Power Delivery: | Smooth, easier to control across power band | ||
Noise: | |||
Weight: | Due to the more complicated power sequence, additional parts including valves are required | ||
Environmental: | |||
Repair/Maintenance: | Required less often | Can be expensive due to the additional parts |
If you enjoyed this blog post, please like or share on Facebook, tweet on Twitter, or like on Instagram.
Didn’t find what you needed in this particular post? Check out the HappyWrench Motorcycle Repair Link Database. It is a one-stop shop for all your DIY motorcycle repair information needs.
