Ways to carry a dirt bike...

[Reichy]

Ok guys I just got a 06 Suzuki 125 dirt bike. I dont have room for a trailer at my house so im looken into those carriers that go into a receiver hitch. Has anyone had any problems carrying one behind you XJ? Im looken into the Harborfreight 500 pound rack and welding some brackets on it to keep the back secure. Or i could spend $200 and get a custom rack for a dirt bike.

If you have some pics could you please post them please thanks.

Oh i found this on a local site....:wierd:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jeep-Parts-Jeep-accessories-dirtbike-trailer_W0QQitemZ250069086860QQihZ015QQcategoryZ42 611QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[csturboz]

I think I would have to be pretty desparate to have that monster hanging all the way around my jeep....

I bought a little 4x6 trailer at tractor supply to pull my xr250 and my ruckus.. But ive been looking into one of the single or double bike racks for my reciever as i seem to drag the trailer around getting to the trails..i know they are out thier for cheaper but i dig this one...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MOTO-TOTE-MOTORCYCLE-DIRT-BIKE-CARRIER-RACK-HAULER-RAMP_W0QQitemZ330071205354QQihZ014QQcategoryZ34284 QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[riverfever]

I bought one off ebay last year and it rocked. It was made by some guy in western MO I think . I paid about 125 bones for it. It was perfect. It came with a ramp and even had a spot for a tank of gas to go on it. I'll find a pic of it.


This is it: Along with a picture of the near-death machine.

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=74917

[csturboz]

does that have the anti rattle deal for the reciver on it ?? I know its an option on alot of different racks..

[riverfever]

Mine didn't have an anti-rattle device but I never had any issue with noise.

[cj8rckcrlr]

Ok guys I just got a 06 Suzuki 125 dirt bike. I dont have room for a trailer at my house so im looken into those carriers that go into a receiver hitch. Has anyone had any problems carrying one behind you XJ? Im looken into the Harborfreight 500 pound rack and welding some brackets on it to keep the back secure. Or i could spend $200 and get a custom rack for a dirt bike.

If you have some pics could you please post them please thanks.

Oh i found this on a local site....:wierd:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jeep-Parts-Jeep-accessories-dirtbike-trailer_W0QQitemZ250069086860QQihZ015QQcategoryZ42 611QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


that has to be the ugliest thing i've ever seen....

[mjd99xj]

I just shot most of a beverage out of my nose looking at that wrangler thing.. thats amazing. River- your rack looks pretty sweet. how much does the bike weigh, and do you think with some hitch reinforcement it could hold a heavier bike? I have a low rider and i know 575lbs is waaay pushing it... Sweet bike by the way, ive ridden a few SM's and its the most fun you can have on pavement!

[CanMan]

that has to be the ugliest thing i've ever seen....

I agree. Hate to drive home at night with a DB on the front. :rolleyes:

[88rockxj]

Ok guys I just got a 06 Suzuki 125 dirt bike. I dont have room for a trailer at my house so im looken into those carriers that go into a receiver hitch. Has anyone had any problems carrying one behind you XJ? Im looken into the Harborfreight 500 pound rack and welding some brackets on it to keep the back secure. Or i could spend $200 and get a custom rack for a dirt bike.

If you have some pics could you please post them please thanks.

Oh i found this on a local site....:wierd:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jeep-Parts-Jeep-accessories-dirtbike-trailer_W0QQitemZ250069086860QQihZ015QQcategoryZ42 611QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


i wonder if hes got a patent on that bad boy

[MrShaft696]

is that stupid thing street legal its like a mad max bumper car or something

[Reichy]

river thats a sweet bike and carrier. Ill keep my eye out on ebay for a rack if not ill go to harbor freight and get there utility rack and beef it up to hold a bike nicely.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=34313

[riverfever]

I just shot most of a beverage out of my nose looking at that wrangler thing.. thats amazing. River- your rack looks pretty sweet. how much does the bike weigh, and do you think with some hitch reinforcement it could hold a heavier bike? I have a low rider and i know 575lbs is waaay pushing it... Sweet bike by the way, ive ridden a few SM's and its the most fun you can have on pavement!

The guy I bought it from had pics of a 600 street bike on it. I never had a concern with the rack itself bending or breaking apart. I made damn sure that I had every bolt torqued down on the hitch though and I checked them periodically. I guess the tard weighed in at about 350.

[cj8rckcrlr]

The guy I bought it from had pics of a 600 street bike on it. I never had a concern with the rack itself bending or breaking apart. I made damn sure that I had every bolt torqued down on the hitch though and I checked them periodically. I guess the tard weighed in at about 350.

i dont' think i'd ever put my street bike on one of those things...dirtbike...yea probabily, but not a streetbike....just get a utility trailer

[KSXJ]

http://www.motorcycleramps.com/motorcycle_carrier.htm?gclid=COW2s5H004kCFRbdSQodq C6d4Q


not sure I would try this behind an xj though

http://www.atvramps.com/VH90_02.jpg



But I would try this.

http://www.motorcycleramps.com/rhmc1bscanb.jpg


If I had a motorhome, this is pretty cool.

http://www.motorcycleramps.com/motorcycle_rv_lift.jpg

[NighthawkXJ]

But I would try this.

http://www.motorcycleramps.com/rhmc1bscanb.jpg



ummm no one wrong move you drag it on its side

[KSXJ]

There strapped on there and wont come off. It works just like a bike lift. Straps the front tire in so it can't go anywhere. It will pull just like a trailer or car dolly. Just less wait. I just don't like that the back tire still spins and you have to put it into neutral. If a rock hit the shift lever, then you would have problems. But at the same time, if I didn't own a trailer, I would buy one of those. No need now that I sold my bike to keep my jeep.

[88rockxj]

ummm no one wrong move you drag it on its side


and who wants to wear out thier chain, bearings, and knobby tire on a DIRT BIKE which is whats being refered to in this thread.

[AZ XJ]

Ok guys I just got a 06 Suzuki 125 dirt bike. I dont have room for a trailer at my house so im looken into those carriers that go into a receiver hitch. Has anyone had any problems carrying one behind you XJ? Im looken into the Harborfreight 500 pound rack and welding some brackets on it to keep the back secure. Or i could spend $200 and get a custom rack for a dirt bike.

If you have some pics could you please post them please thanks.

Oh i found this on a local site....:wierd:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jeep-Parts-Jeep-accessories-dirtbike-trailer_W0QQitemZ250069086860QQihZ015QQcategoryZ42 611QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Sorry to get a little off topic.. but why an RM125? I guess I can understand if it were for price reasons, cause they are going pretty cheap now days.. but 125 2 strokes are a dying breed, and those RMZ250's are Sweet.

[Reichy]

its my first bike and i got it for my dirthday. i ususaly drive a 49cc scooter, so this is an upgrade for me.:banghead: its a good size bike for being a 125. i have the DR-Z125L which is the biggest 125 suzuki has.

anyway i went to HF today and picked up the 2'' receiver rack for $40 today and it works perfect. ill shoot some pics 2maro of the bike on the rack.

[AZ XJ]

its my first bike and i got it for my dirthday. i ususaly drive a 49cc scooter, so this is an upgrade for me.:banghead: its a good size bike for being a 125. i have the DR-Z125L which is the biggest 125 suzuki has.

anyway i went to HF today and picked up the 2'' receiver rack for $40 today and it works perfect. ill shoot some pics 2maro of the bike on the rack.

Ahhh okay, sorry my mistake there. I was thinking you had gotten an RM 125 motocross bike, so disreguard what I said. The DRZ's are great enduro bikes, and a DR-Z125L is a great beginner bike. Good luck with it man!

[wrecked]

I'm getting my dirtbike in a week and I wasn't sure how I was going to haul it. At $115 I'll carry it on a hitch. We've loaded my xj down with about 350lbs worth of downhill bikes(2 on top, 5 out back) and it seemed alright, not great but not too bad.

Ahhh okay, sorry my mistake there. I was thinking you had gotten an RM 125 motocross bike, so disreguard what I said. The DRZ's are great enduro bikes, and a DR-Z125L is a great beginner bike. Good luck with it man!

What's wrong with a 2-stroke motocross bike? Forgive me I'm not familiar with dirt bikes at all. I'm buying an '03 YZ125 off a co-worker to help get me started. It was setup for racing and from what I understand 2-stroke is preferred for motocross. I will be using it out on trails, not racing which is where I understand 4-strokes shine.
My question about the 2-stroke beef comes from talking with the guys I race downhill mountain bikes with. All of them grew up racing dirtbikes and they all swear they will never go back to 4-stroke? Sorry for getting off topic.

-Kevin

[csturboz]

I'm getting my dirtbike in a week and I wasn't sure how I was going to haul it. At $115 I'll carry it on a hitch. We've loaded my xj down with about 350lbs worth of downhill bikes(2 on top, 5 out back) and it seemed alright, not great but not too bad.



What's wrong with a 2-stroke motocross bike? Forgive me I'm not familiar with dirt bikes at all. I'm buying an '03 YZ125 off a co-worker to help get me started. It was setup for racing and from what I understand 2-stroke is preferred for motocross. I will be using it out on trails, not racing which is where I understand 4-strokes shine.
My question about the 2-stroke beef comes from talking with the guys I race downhill mountain bikes with. All of them grew up racing dirtbikes and they all swear they will never go back to 4-stroke? Sorry for getting off topic.

-Kevin

2 strokes SUCK on trails... At least thats what i think.. I startd with an 89 yz 250.. Had to damn much unpredictable power and to much of a top end powerband for the trails i ride on... I road it for about 3 months and sold it for a 95 xr250 honda..

[kndrewa]

What's wrong with a 2-stroke motocross bike?
I will be using it out on trails...
-Kevin

4 strokes are the way to go for trails, no unpredictable powerband kicking in when you are trying to tactfully manuever at low speed through rocky or rough terrain while maintaining balance. its even tricker with a 40 lb pack on your back while you are standing up ; ) . hey, its quicker than hiking..

it was pretty much always wheelie world for my buddy when he would take his 2 stroke up the mountain with me on my 4 stroke KLX 300R back home in wyoming. He was always dumping the bike into the trees or flipping it over himself, and he was an experianced rider, too.

on to the point of this thread... ...i own a moto-tote:

http://www.mototote.com/default.aspx?ProductID=35

kind of expensive, but you get what you pay for, and this is quality craftsmanship. no rattles on the road or worries while driving. i wouldnt trust hauling a street bike like this in a million years, though, thats just too much weight. i still drive like i have a trailer behind me though, as the extra couple hundred pounds back there is noticable. you better hope you dont just have add a leaves!

in fact, i would be concerned about running this setup without adequate lift or clearance (cut and fold your rear quarters), as the weight does bring the rear down a little bit, and theres no way around that.

it worked great, but not so great ever since my motorcycle was stolen.

*#&%^@#*(^%%)@#

why did you have to remind me?

[AZ XJ]

I'm getting my dirtbike in a week and I wasn't sure how I was going to haul it. At $115 I'll carry it on a hitch. We've loaded my xj down with about 350lbs worth of downhill bikes(2 on top, 5 out back) and it seemed alright, not great but not too bad.



What's wrong with a 2-stroke motocross bike? Forgive me I'm not familiar with dirt bikes at all. I'm buying an '03 YZ125 off a co-worker to help get me started. It was setup for racing and from what I understand 2-stroke is preferred for motocross. I will be using it out on trails, not racing which is where I understand 4-strokes shine.
My question about the 2-stroke beef comes from talking with the guys I race downhill mountain bikes with. All of them grew up racing dirtbikes and they all swear they will never go back to 4-stroke? Sorry for getting off topic.

-Kevin

2 stroke motocross bikes are very quickly becoming a thing of the past. Last year was last time you will see any 2 stroke bikes raced in professional supercross, and motocross. Basically, a 4 stroke makes more power through the entire rpm range, they no longer weigh any more than a 2 stroke bike, and are more reliable. Also, they dont require you to pre-mix the gas. If your just starting, a YZ125 is an ok bike to do it on, and actually my first bike was a 99 YZ125.. but chances are you will be ready to move on once you get familiar with it. PM me if you'd like to know more.. I'd be more than happy to help.

[platinum5.9]

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r112/kaymaro85/sizedjeepbike.jpg
found that over on jeepsunlimited!

[need4speedjp]

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r112/kaymaro85/sizedjeepbike.jpg
found that over on jeepsunlimited!


how is that strapped down?

[moparmatt]

how is that strapped down?

Looks to be a bar that runs over the seat and clamps it down.

[dj's 2000 xj]

is that a ferrari center cap in the wheel?

[old_man]

ummm no one wrong move you drag it on its side

I drug my dirt bike over many miles using something similar but way cheaper. I ran a bolt through the hitch vertically. On the top of that bolt, I welded a pipe horizontally the width of the space between the forks. I would drop the front tire and run a bolt through the forks and through the tube where the axle used to be. You use two straps from the handle bars to the bumper sides. If you are chicken you drop the rear chain, but I just put it in neutral.

Other than backing up, it is totally stable and you won't even know it is back there. The one wrong move comment is totally bogus. It may have been made since the pix didn't show the straps.

[platinum5.9]

No they are wheels from AEV.

[KSXJ]

I drug my dirt bike over many miles using something similar but way cheaper. I ran a bolt through the hitch vertically. On the top of that bolt, I welded a pipe horizontally the width of the space between the forks. I would drop the front tire and run a bolt through the forks and through the tube where the axle used to be. You use two straps from the handle bars to the bumper sides. If you are chicken you drop the rear chain, but I just put it in neutral.

Other than backing up, it is totally stable and you won't even know it is back there. The one wrong move comment is totally bogus. It may have been made since the pix didn't show the straps.


Glad someone with experience posted, cause I have seen a few people pull their bikes this way. I almost bought one but I could justify spending more for a regular trailer. Now when I sell my small trailer and get a car hauler I may look into one of these, so i could still pull just the bike.

[xjpheonix]

haha moron

[csturboz]

haha moron

what the hell?

[riverfever]

haha moron

You're not moron.

[Begster]

http://www.atvramps.com/VH90_02.jpg

I saw a guy with this type of thing on the front and back of his suburban. Looked alright, but the actual guy gave us a ton of crap because he was trying to get out on the beach with his vehicle, but said he "couldn't find the keys to take them off" and we don't allow those on our beach, it wasn't until after that we found out this guy had been there a day earlier and he was told he wasn't allowed back until he had them off. The indifference of some people.

[CSaddict]

I used to have a Moto Jack rack. I carried a heavy ass XR400R on it with no problems, easy to load.

http://www.motojackrack.com/

[Rem870XJ]

Talked to some others that bought this one and they said it worked well. For the price you can't beat it and its light! When I get the money from taxes i am buying one of these. PS I have the same hitch hauler for carrying my waterfowl hunting stuff and if you are going ot make it into a bike hauler, thats scary!!! That thing is spooky with me standing on it. Thats my .02
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MOTORCYCLE-CARRIER-RACK-RAMP-TRAILER-HITCH-HAULER_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34284QQihZ019QQi temZ290070326201QQrdZ1

[riverfever]

That's a nice looking carrier. Can't beat the price too.

[AZ XJ]

I used to have a Moto Jack rack. I carried a heavy ass XR400R on it with no problems, easy to load.

http://www.motojackrack.com/

When you click on the order now icon, it says "motojackrack is out of production for a while."

[CSaddict]

Yes it does. I noticed after I linked it. It was an awesome rack though. A lot of my friends bought it after they saw mine.

[family TJ]

My buddy has a moto jack and it has a piece that sits on the floor so you can use it as a regular jack. I toted his KTM 250SX from Ohio to NC and sold me the bike. I wish he would have sold me the Jack too.

[riverfever]

If she ever allows me to get back on a moto again after the get off, I think I'll go this route. Anyone have one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Compact-Utility-Motorcycle-Bike-Rail-Ramp-Trailer-Kit_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ50072QQihZ018QQitem Z280068558551QQrdZ1

[jpcherokeekid]

I love how people are bashing 2 strokes because of the unpredictable power. ive ridden a 250 two stroke on nothing but tight trails and love it. i love having all of the high end power and personally i think 4 strokes are the unpridictable bikes. when i went to ride an xr400, the throttle respose was pathetically slow which SUCKS when you need to get over a tree or any obstical when you have throttle delays. no such thing with two strokes :laugh3: anyways this thread just needed someone to defend 2strokes.

[AZ XJ]

I love how people are bashing 2 strokes because of the unpredictable power. ive ridden a 250 two stroke on nothing but tight trails and love it. i love having all of the high end power and personally i think 4 strokes are the unpridictable bikes. when i went to ride an xr400, the throttle respose was pathetically slow which SUCKS when you need to get over a tree or any obstical when you have throttle delays. no such thing with two strokes :laugh3: anyways this thread just needed someone to defend 2strokes.

Well in that case.. every single rider in the AMP'D Mobile AMA supercross series must be wrong. Not one rider on a 2 stroke. Your one of the few holdouts.. It's ok, I was too.. but get some good seat time on a good 4 stroke bike and you'll be singing a different tune. They have a Much more predictable and broader powerband, and have torque.. which if you have ridden a lot of trails you should appreciate. Not only are 4 strokes much more predictable, but they are also signifigantly more reliable.. which counts for quite a bit too.

[Chero-King]

Well in that case.. every single rider in the AMP'D Mobile AMA supercross series must be wrong. Not one rider on a 2 stroke. Your one of the few holdouts.. It's ok, I was too.. but get some good seat time on a good 4 stroke bike and you'll be singing a different tune. They have a Much more predictable and broader powerband, and have torque.. which if you have ridden a lot of trails you should appreciate. Not only are 4 strokes much more predictable, but they are also signifigantly more reliable.. which counts for quite a bit too.

True. And honestly, that's why Im scared to get on a 4 stroke....
I'm scared that i'll like it.
I've always ridden two strokes, and still have one today. To me personally, nothing beats the sound, and torque that the two stroke makes. I too ride a lot of trails, (extremely easy ones, mind you,) and love feathering the clutch coming out of a corner and being pushed back in the seat, and I just don't think that the 4 stroke can do that. The reason I say that is because, riding my parents, friends Kodiak 450 has caused me to come to the conclusion that the throttle response is quite a bit slower than my 2 stroke. Now, not saying that it's slow, but it's defintely slower, probably just because it's a big trail quad, but I've also driven 2 stroke quads that have had much quicker throttle responses. (they were much lighter though.)
Anyways, right now, I still stand behind 2 strokes, but fear that one day I'll become a 4 stroke guy.

[AZ XJ]

True. And honestly, that's why Im scared to get on a 4 stroke....
I'm scared that i'll like it.
I've always ridden two strokes, and still have one today. To me personally, nothing beats the sound, and torque that the two stroke makes. I too ride a lot of trails, (extremely easy ones, mind you,) and love feathering the clutch coming out of a corner and being pushed back in the seat, and I just don't think that the 4 stroke can do that. The reason I say that is because, riding my parents, friends Kodiak 450 has caused me to come to the conclusion that the throttle response is quite a bit slower than my 2 stroke. Now, not saying that it's slow, but it's defintely slower, probably just because it's a big trail quad, but I've also driven 2 stroke quads that have had much quicker throttle responses. (they were much lighter though.)
Anyways, right now, I still stand behind 2 strokes, but fear that one day I'll become a 4 stroke guy.

It's inevitable really. The time is quickly approaching where you wont even be able to buy a new 2 stroke bike or quad. It's already coming to that for 125 motocross bikes.. i believe Kawasaki is no longer, or will no longer be producing a 125. I completely understand your point of view because I had the same opinion for a long time. I was one of the last guys at my track on a 250 2 stroke.. but after doing so many top ends, mixing so many cans of gas, and replacing countless reed valves, i moved up to a 450 4 stroke and I'll never look back. At this point I even (Gasp!) prefer the sound of a 4 stroke over a 2 stroke... something i Never thought I would say. As far as motocross bikes go, my 450 with just an aftermarket filter and exhaust pulls SO much harder than my 250 did with tons of motor work on it. And with quads, what type of 2 stroke quad are you comparing the Kodiak 450 to? Don't fear the 4 stroke man, low end power is your friend :D

[Chero-King]

It's inevitable really. The time is quickly approaching where you wont even be able to buy a new 2 stroke bike or quad. It's already coming to that for 125 motocross bikes.. i believe Kawasaki is no longer, or will no longer be producing a 125. I completely understand your point of view because I had the same opinion for a long time. I was one of the last guys at my track on a 250 2 stroke.. but after doing so many top ends, mixing so many cans of gas, and replacing countless reed valves, i moved up to a 450 4 stroke and I'll never look back. At this point I even (Gasp!) prefer the sound of a 4 stroke over a 2 stroke... something i Never thought I would say. As far as motocross bikes go, my 450 with just an aftermarket filter and exhaust pulls SO much harder than my 250 did with tons of motor work on it. And with quads, what type of 2 stroke quad are you comparing the Kodiak 450 to? Don't fear the 4 stroke man, low end power is your friend :D

Yeah, I figure, within the next couple years, I'll be riding 4 strokes, I hope not, but like you said, it's basically inevitable.
The quad I was comparing the 450 to was a small 200cc Yamaha Blaster. I'm thinking it was because of the weight difference, the blaster being so much lighter, was giving it the quicker response off the line. Not that the 450 is slow, but there was a slight difference.

[AZ XJ]

Yeah, I figure, within the next couple years, I'll be riding 4 strokes, I hope not, but like you said, it's basically inevitable.
The quad I was comparing the 450 to was a small 200cc Yamaha Blaster. I'm thinking it was because of the weight difference, the blaster being so much lighter, was giving it the quicker response off the line. Not that the 450 is slow, but there was a slight difference.

I'd say given the relativley small size and weight of the Blaster in conjunction with it's rev happy 200cc motor, im sure it would be more zippy and less boggy than a 450 utility quad. If you ever have the opportunity to put a leg over one of the newer 4 stroke sport quads, go for it man.. they are such a blast to ride.

[jordo]

Riverfever-nice setup. i was tinkering with the idea of doing up my '00 WR400F supermoto until we got pregnant (my wife that is) and then I ended up selling it when we moved closer to town with no garage :cry:

2 stroke vs 4? I actually bought my 400 while looking for another 250 2-stroker. justt gobs of power everywhere. Having owned four 2-strokes previously i had to change my riding style quite a bit but it suited the trails i rode most of the time. Ended up doing alot more technical riding and even touring around on pavement which was cool. i did miss the smell of the 2 stroke tho. and powerband. can't forget about that.

As awesome as the 4 strokes are, next up is going to be a KX500. '88 or up. Want to get one while i can still find one but first gotta build a shed. :D

[bcmaxx]

I know trailers suck but I cary two bikes,gear and gas. I "aquired" an old tent trailer for free, stripped it down, put some thin plywood on the deck,fastened angle iron to the perimter, cut up some 4x4 wood to secure the front wheels and threw on some trailer lights. Less than $150 canadian including 1 year of insurance. just a thought.

For you guys bashin the xr400 poor throttle response and unpredictable power, try an oversize mikuni carb off xrsonly and a supertrapp id2 muffler. Livens the beast up. I can now ride with my fellow ktm 450 riders.

[jordo]

x2 on the old tent trailer-they're small and super light when stripped. the plywood is rotting on mine now as it's been sitting around for a couple years so i'm gonna tack some industrial walkway grating to it when it goes back into use.

[bcmaxx]

The only downside is the small wheels and bearings, I don't like to go faster than 75mph with the tent trailer, I will eventually get some bigger spinges,wheels,bearings.

[bigjeepman]

Reliability is of any bike is all how you take care of it. I work at a yamaha shop and recommended rebuild intervals on the yz450 is 50 hours. That is about the same amount of time a 2-stroke would last.

Also there will be pro's racing two strokes as KTM has yet to halt production of their two-strokes. Two-strokes to me have a much better power feel in the woods than the 4-strokes. If 4-strokes are so good someone explain why Barry Hawk. Multi-time GNCC Bike and ATV champion has ridden 2-strokes for years, don't forget Soloman either he is wicked fast on his two-stroke! PASTRANA, Carmichael, McGrath the list goes on and on!

[jordo]

i imagine its mostly rider preference. most of those riders started out and honed their skills on two strokes and for good reason-the four strokes of yesteryear were underpowered heavy pigs. it's been a few years since i've kept up with the scene but i even remember reading about factory riders who switched back to a 2 stroke after trying a 4 stroke. i would guess the transition is easier for some than others. the factory can push the riders to ride the new and improved but if they're not winning....hell, mcgrath rode his factory 93 CR for years much to the dismay of honda as he liked it better than the 94 and 95. (dont' quote me on the years as i said it's been a while) point is is that he liked it better and won on it.

[AZ XJ]

Reliability is of any bike is all how you take care of it. I work at a yamaha shop and recommended rebuild intervals on the yz450 is 50 hours. That is about the same amount of time a 2-stroke would last.

Also there will be pro's racing two strokes as KTM has yet to halt production of their two-strokes. Two-strokes to me have a much better power feel in the woods than the 4-strokes. If 4-strokes are so good someone explain why Barry Hawk. Multi-time GNCC Bike and ATV champion has ridden 2-strokes for years, don't forget Soloman either he is wicked fast on his two-stroke! PASTRANA, Carmichael, McGrath the list goes on and on!

I can't quote about the GNCC stuff cause I don't follow it at all, however with supercross.. Carmichael has been riding a 4 stroke for the past 2 supercross seasons and 3 motocross seasons. When McGrath raced his limited schedule last year he raced 2 races on a CR250 2 stroke and wasn't competitive, then switched to a CRF450 4 stroke. Pastrana, hasn't raced at all in the past 3 or 4 seasons, and yes still does ride a 2 stroke in the only area where 2 strokes are still the norm and thats freestyle mx. And also, I didn't say that manufacturers are discontinuing 2 stroke bikes.. 250's will be around for a while.. but 125's are being phased out. They are not even close to being as competitive as a 4 stroke.

[AZ XJ]

i imagine its mostly rider preference. most of those riders started out and honed their skills on two strokes and for good reason-the four strokes of yesteryear were underpowered heavy pigs. it's been a few years since i've kept up with the scene but i even remember reading about factory riders who switched back to a 2 stroke after trying a 4 stroke. i would guess the transition is easier for some than others. the factory can push the riders to ride the new and improved but if they're not winning....hell, mcgrath rode his factory 93 CR for years much to the dismay of honda as he liked it better than the 94 and 95. (dont' quote me on the years as i said it's been a while) point is is that he liked it better and won on it.

It is mostly rider preference, and that's why 2 strokes will still be around.. but modern 4 strokes are just better bikes. They no longer weigh any more than their 2 stroke counterparts and make more power and torque throughout a much broader powerband. Not one single rider in this years AMA AMP'D Mobile supercross series is riding a 2 stroke. They aren't even calling the classes the 125 or the 250 class anymore because their aren't any in them. It's the 250's (supercross lites) and 450's (supercross) now.

[TheWarWagon]

i even remember reading about factory riders who switched back to a 2 stroke after trying a 4 stroke.

I'd love to know where you read that. Factory riders race what the factories tells them to. If Yamaha told Broc Hepler to go race a TT-R 125, you'd better believe you'd hear an electric start at the gate. And to end the "why 4 strokes" debate, blame us in California. Two strokes make too much polutant, and the ban began here. Since California is the largest market for dirt bikes, the manufacturers followed the trend. Also, 4 stroke power is smoother and more manageable. That means the customer will have an easier time learning.

[jordo]

I'd love to know where you read that. Factory riders race what the factories tells them to. If Yamaha told Broc Hepler to go race a TT-R 125, you'd better believe you'd hear an electric start at the gate. And to end the "why 4 strokes" debate, blame us in California. Two strokes make too much polutant, and the ban began here. Since California is the largest market for dirt bikes, the manufacturers followed the trend. Also, 4 stroke power is smoother and more manageable. That means the customer will have an easier time learning.

Would've been in Dirt Bike or Dirt Rider mags. Was basically that some riders rode them for a bit but were soon back on a 2-stroke as they were more competitive on them. Mind you, this was back when the new strokers first made there appearance on the scene (1998/99) and 2-strokes still had quite a few years to be manufactured as closed-course vehicles under the EPA's new restrictions. The factory's had time to let riders switch back and win races on their trusty 2 stroke. Yamaha would never tell Hepler to race a TT-R cause they wouldn't stand a chance! No offense but you sound like a salesman when you say 'the customer will have an easier time learning'. Rider's don't have time to learn in a race. Some riders adapted to the different power deliver and handling quicker than others.

Also the manufacturer's weren't following a trend-they were meeting a deadline. Californian emissions regulations had to be met by all vehicles manufactured after a certain date (this year iirc?). Like you said, California is the largest market so that meant that manufacturers had to develop competitive bikes that met those regulations and have riders that could win on them once 2-strokes couldn't even be operated as a closed-course vehicle. Hence the 5 valve 4 stroke.

[TheWarWagon]

No offense but you sound like a salesman when you say 'the customer will have an easier time learning'.


You're close. I work with two of the factory race teams. How many bikes they sell doesn't make a shit of difference to me. The racers have one obligation; to win.