rods bust through the bottom cases

 

because the wrist pin came out/sheared or the rod broke.

 

The rods break. Bearings can melt because smokers run real hot. Also, lots of things tend to sieze in smokers. They are far less reliable than thumpers.

 

Maybe because people tend to not replace the bottom end bearings as often as they should?? Or run crappy oil??

 

I have to strongly disagree with the statement about 2 strokes being inherently less reliable than 4 strokes. A 2 stroke does not run "real hot" as stated. Yes, a 2 stroke can tend to run a little warmer, but they don't just head right into meltdown. And exactly what "lots of things" tend to melt down in a 2 stroke engine? I ride with a group that is predominantly 250Rs and all the machines run flawlessly. The occasional ring job or fresh piston is about all they require. A properly tuned and maintained 2 stroke is just as reliable as a 4 stroke. Feed them good fuel & oil with clean air and they'll run a long time. They do require a little extra attention, but they are far cheaper to work on than a 4-stroke.

 

My younger brother races go-karts, 4-stroke, 2 weeks ago he borrowed a friends cart at the track cuz his was messed up, blew a chunk right out of the side of the case about the size of the bottom of a soda can, you could see the crank, and one of his cables went into the motor and got wrapped around the crank... never seen anything like it. Ran out of oil.

 

LMAO...

brokemybanshee,
Have your brother read the second to last sentence from Witz, who wrote the post above yours.

Witz,
Well said. Couldn't agree with you more. In my younger years, all my buddies and I had 2 strokes. Never really had any problems that I can remember. A LITTLE MAINTENANCE goes a LONG WAY.

Mike,
maxandblade@hotmail.com

 

I wish he would race 2 stroke 125 shifter carts, that would rule, Id be right into it.... however the 5hp briggs and stratton just dont cut it for me..