Selecting Your Bike

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Backyard Motocrosser

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Selecting your Bike

For me, this part was easy. I've always owned 2-stroke Yamahas, so my new purchase was going to be a 2-stroke Yamaha.  My only decision was should I get a 125 or a 250. I found a great deal on a new 125 so that decision too was made for me. Easy enough, right?

Which Brand
Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, KTM are the primary big boys and all make good bikes. Chances are, you already have a preference or a buddy with a strong opinion. That's good but consider all your options. Each year the "New Bike Shootouts" seem to rotate winners.

Two-stroke or Four-stroke
In my earlier years of riding, there was no choice - but times have changed. For you older riders, you'll know what I mean. There's nothing like the smell of pre-mix in the morning!

Here are the pros and cons of each:

  2-stroke Pros
    A bit less expensive to purchase than 4-strokes
    Lighter than 4-strokes
    Less expensive to maintain (you can do much of it yourself)
    Power bands are FUN!

2-stroke Cons
    Mixing gas & oil
    Many manufacturers no longer produce them
    Wheel-spin (OK, power bands aren't always fun)

4-stroke Pros
    Smooth power delivery
    Everybody has one
    The don't sound like a sewing machine

4-stroke Cons
    Slightly more expensive to purchase than 2-strokes
    More expensive to maintain (can you say "VALVE JOBS"?)
    Heavier than 2-strokes

Truth be told, it's hard to go wrong with either one. Pick your poison and let's move on.

What Size Engine
Bigger is better, right? Not always. It's a personal thing. As I said, I chose a 125 2-stroke and I'm definitely underpowered. I'm 6'3" and weigh about 215 pounds. My suspension has not been modified. Was I crazy when I decided on this bike? Not at all.

I'm 49 years old and my best racing days are behind me. I have to get up and go to work each day in order for my family to eat. I don't want a bike that far exceeds my riding ability. Believe me, I can get into plenty of trouble on the 125.

Besides, I think I ride better on the smaller bike because I have to concentrate. If I don't hit the turn just right, I won't have enough speed to clear the doubles. If I had my way, we'd ALL be on 125 smokers.

When considering what size best fits your need, keep in mind that a 125 2-stroke and a 250 4-stroke are basically comparable bikes. Likewise with the 250 2-stroke and the 450 4-stroke.

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