Megacrash, relax man, we're not jumping on you like a pack of wild dogs. I do have to admit that you did come across like an enviro-**** with your statements. I think that's why everyone got revved up. I have been riding for 22 years myself. Started on the 3-wheelers (remember those?) and went to quads from there. I have had 2-strokes since '85 and recently got a few 4-strokes myself. It's just my opinion that I prefer 2-strokes over the 4-strokes. I like the power, performance, and I really don't find maintenance to be a problem with them.
That's what these forums are for - for everyone to rant and rave their opinion!

 

Whoa! My bad Mega! Sincere apologies for misunderstanding your view... but you really did come across as the liberal type. (Which I'd rather shoot than look at... at least leave knobby marks on their forehead!)
You're also a fellow engineer, (EE here) so I can't hold that against you either! lol!

You have valid points.. I just have a very sour opinion of the industry and the lack of R&D $ spent on new 2 stroke technology.. I've never liked the 4-strokers
To me, it's all about power to weight ratio, and the B.O.M.B. principle (Better off modified baby!!!!)

Regards,

 

I was a Glamis a couple weeks ago with my 86 Suzuki LT250r.(Yes the bastard child of the ATV industry, but who cares, I love it) and while at Olds hill, there were a ton of four strokes like z400's, 400ex's and Raptors. I was still able to beat the 400ex and z400 and was only a little behind the Raptors. Now, including purchase price, I have less than $2000 into my quad. All new 4-strokes are at least $4000. Don't get me wrong, I love the 4-strokes, but not as hill climbing speeders. My wife has a 300ex and it serves her great. It is super relible and she can even put gas in it herself, since she doesnt have to mix it. However, my quad ran on the original motor for 14 years, and only a couple years ago, I did a top end job. A bottom end job will be needed within the next 2 years. As far as jetting 2 strokes, once I get mine dialed in, I almost never have to touch it. The only jet changes I made, had to do with the fact I changed carbs. Also I can take my LT250 trail riding, duning, etc and it works great at anything it does. Good riders can manage the power band thing. Sorry for the long message, but just needed to get it all out.

 

Regardless of your preference. Two strokes are going to have to undergo some serious redesigning to meet the upcoming emissions standards. Look at the major changes outboard marine engines have gone through. It remains to be seen if the manufacturers are going to put the R&D into their 2 stroke engines or just drop them in favor of 4 strokes. In the near future expect to see emission controls on 4 strokes also. Cat converters, tamper proof carbs, and other devices aren't too far away.

 

Tamper proof Carbs? Just take it of and put an adjustable one on. It will be a ways into the future before we see a cat converter on a quad, I think.

 

When it comes to big bores and power, 2-strokes own your bones.

I don't have a 2-stroke quad, but the 2-stroke motor is intense as it gets.

I drive a 2000 Ski-Doo Mach Z 800 Triple snowmobile. It has plenty of mods. Running on 800cc 3, yes, triple-piped, triple-cylindered , triple 47mm carbed monster. Spanking down over 170 horsepower and flying at over 140 mph. 1/4 mile time of slightly over 11.

Nothing, NOTHING beats the sound of those three cylinders at WOT. The most intense rush I've ever felt. It is pretty reliable, I've had it for 2 winters and I've only fouled 6 plugs, nothing else went homo on me.

No need to mix fuel and oil, just dump some oil in a reservoir and it mixes itself before being sent to the cylinder. Although 11 MPG is not the best way to keep your wallet thick, the rush is undescribable.

Plus the 2-stroke motor is simple, more compact and a lot lighter than the thumpers.

Bombardier has developped the SDI (Semi-Direct Fuel Injection) system. The 800cc SDI Twin cylinder engine produces around 140 HP, is 25% more economic on fuel (still not on par with 4-strokes, but close) and emmits less pollution than most 4-strokes.

The SDI engine is the way to go and should definetly be introduced to quads. Since it runs cleaner than most 4-strokes, why not???

Thanks, my 5 bucks.

 

i think magacrash said it whole well and lately tyrespinner,i own a XCR
triple 800 with mods,yeah nothing can't beat that banshee howl and that turbo power of sound at peak rpm,have 175 hp on tap at 8800 rpm always to kick in!
built a modern 2 stroke quad and you'll never talking about thumpers anymore...

 

Amen.

Cough polaris snowmo's suck. Cough

J/K

 

The EPA does not tell the mfg's how to meet the emission standards. The bottom line is that their product line is going to have to meet those standards by the deadline. I believe the deadline for ATV's to be 100% compliant is 2007. The current two stroke engines used now are going to have a tough time meeting the standards without major re-working. Even current 4 strokes are probably going to need tuning changes and/or exhaust catalysts.

I guess the point I am trying to make is that the simple two stroke engines used in atv's now are living on borrowed time, and that like it or not, changes are coming soon.

If you don't believe me check out the EPA's web site:

EPA recreation vehicle site

 

yeah meanwhile the 68 camaro down the street runs a 502 on nos. I find it really hard for them to be able to take away our old 2-strokes when they are letting the vintage muscle cars run emissions free.