He hit the nail on the head at 5:50. The sound. Its an irreplaceable eargasm. Any guy that has ever rode a 2 stroke as a special place in their heart for that sound. You can talk to other people that have rode them and make certain sounds of the two stroke and they will know if you were going through a whoop section or a corner or just hit a massive jump =D YEENYEENYEEN
Don't forget that two strokes are still absolutely dominant in enduro and hard enduro where the light size and better heat management make them far superior to the four stroke counterparts
True that. And since they are lighter and get more power out of each cc in reality 2 strokes are faster and better in corners. The only thing that makes dour strokes comparable is a rule invented by the AMA giving them twice the cc’s to stand a chance against them LOL
Depends on the course though. The very fast tracks tend to be dominated by 4 strokes. The top riders generally have one of each bikes to use depending on the course.
@@DHolmquistDesigns Not actually true. A 500cc 2t still loses to a 450cc 4t on most tracks. Also true at 250cc. You are even starting to see 250 4t win GNCC races. This is from someone who owns all 2t machines for the last decade. I love to ride them and I think they are way more fun, but I know when I jump on the 450's they are in a class of their own. Even the KTM 350's with their insane redlines smoke my 250sx.
@@NONO-hz4vo not true at all, per cc the two stroke will make more power, and be lighter. The only reason a 450 4 stroke can beat a 500cc two stroke these days is because there hasn’t been any advancements to two strokes and 4t have had a TON of rnd to get them to put perform them. Two strokes have much more potential per cc. Put as much rnd that 4 strokes have gotten into a two stroke and I have no doubt they’d smoke them, easily!
Hells yeah. The smell and sound gives me the same happiness and excitement as the smell and sound of a nitro funny car and top fuel dragster. I still have my 2 stroke. I prefer it way better than the 4 stroke. 2 stroke forever baby.
They had the two strokes Championship at Fox Hills in the UK a month ago. All the old school riders from the USA and uk competing . The sound and smell of the two strokes was great. And was the biggest crowd turn out since the 90s too 👌
I grew up racing dirt bikes and with 2-strokes. The 4-strokes were just entering the scene. It makes me happy to hear others say how I feel about 2-strokes. I love them, love riding them, the sound, the smell, the feel, that specific power band. I love 2-strokes.
Thank you to KTM for the listening to us and still progressing 2-stroke technology. It’s amazing how little oil they use and how clean the emissions are. Light, fast, fun, easy maintenance. I hope the other brands will go this route as well.
I agree but it was all bs to begin with. A carbureted 2 stroke dirt bike contributes almost 0 emissions in the grand scheme of things. The whole climate change thing is massively overhyped...
Bring back the two-stroke enduros street legal in all 50 states and I'll buy one tomorrow " and if you're brought back a Dodge charger that actually look like my 68 charger and had two doors instead of four that's probably based on a Chrysler 300 chassis I would buy one tomorrow as well they got the Challenger right they got the Camaro right they got the mustang right put the charger looks nothing like the old school charger sad but true
I remember my first time riding a 2 stroke. At first I thought it wasn't that fast. Then it hit the power band and the front wheel came off the ground and it took off like a shot. That feeling was intoxicating. Big fan.
It's so weird they talked about 2 stokes for 7 minutes without mentioning the feeling of hitting power band, it's like when you first feel the boost of a turbo. Simply amazing.
Remember the first time hittin the powerband in my KX80 & how it felt like it was trying yo pull my arms out of their sockets(only an 80, but it was the surprise), instantly hooked.
1994... My dad brought me to the Houston supercross for the first time... I was 10. Walking in to the stadium during practice with the smell of race gas and premix... hearing a 2 stroke braaaaap for the first time when they hit the triple. The smell and sound is something I haven’t forgotten to this day. Great times.
I am in to karting ND we still run 2 strokes. I also have a rotary car that is a blast to drive. The rotary engine has some two stroke characteristics. Brap on
I recall being at the Supercross in Houston in the mid 70s as a teenager. Remember getting a walk through the pits. Best memory ever. Remember being in awe seeing Jimmy Weinert.
I was never a fan of 2-strokes until I got into snowmobiles. Now I love 'em. Especially something like an 800cc twin with pipes, the sound and torque is just awesome.
You know your a 2 stroke purist when you can perfectly mimic the sound with your mouth. Great video. Still riding a 99 KX 250 that I restored. Just takes me back to my youth and many good memories.
I'm 47 and I raced from 97-2002, absolutely loved racing 2 stroke's! I had a 98 RM 250 Stacked carb, carbon fiber reed's, full FMF, weisco piston and Dunlop's front and back. Won a trophy my first race and , no looking back after that! Unfortunately all my trophies and plaques are in my shed in a box😥 But I gladly say outdoor motorcross made the biggest memories in my life, I will never forget it!💯
I remember in 96 at HighPoint I popped the top on my RM and we had it rebuilt in about 45 min. under tarps pouring down rain and the best part was the factory team hooked me up with a jug and a piston. Probably “THE” best time and most memorable moment of everyone coming together helping me.
heck yeah. the thrill of feeling like you are going a million miles an hour from that engine screaming is the best feeling. i dont care if a 4 stroke goes faster. it does. but at a cost. there is nothing exciting about the sound of wet farts.
I was riding Motocross back in the 80's, on my YZ125. I've never ridden a four-stroke motocross bike. But I loved my two-stroke YZ. Two speeds, on or off. Those of you that rode two strokes know exactly what I'm talking about. And that power band! Nothing compares to that high pitch noise they made. I hope they bring them back. It's good to see you guys talking about it.
I rode an 88 Blaster and an 89 YZ125. Going from memory I believe the 89 YZ125 was the only 125 that had upside down front shocks that year. Always wanted to move up to a 250R Fourtrax and CR250. Never happened. You’re right about the “On/Off” switch!! And damn that sound of the power band on a two stroke…..Wooooo!! All topped off with the smell!! An added bonus would be the thin blue smoke hanging in the still air!!
All the top old MX pros should start a 2 stroke series. Now that they have EFI 2 strokes with more bottom end and better traction. Just start with open class 2 stroke, keep the price of the bikes limited not the cc's. Make it affordable to gain popularity and it will grow!
They do run a 2 stroke series at select nationals, with Villipoto, Mike Brown, etc. It's complicated. Who is going to sponsor products that don't sell, Honda? Kawasaki? Suzuki? They don't make 2 strokes. That leaves Yamaha and the KTM family of bikes. I just don't see it happening, but I would love the AMA to change the rules to a standard 250 and 450 class regardless of stroke. That would be cool...
Or just change it so it doesn't matter if it's a 2 stroke or 4 stroke it should be all about ccs! But manufacturers love how much more money they make off of four strokes and parts so this is unlikely.
One trick I discovered with my AF was that by altering the engine rpm, I could make the bike behave like it was almost two different bikes. Lug it, and I could throw it around like it was a 250. Let it wind, and it'd track like a desert machine. About my only complaint was that weird section of the powerband when you couldn't tell doom was coming, but it was.
I had a 400EX and a KX125 when I was a teen.. I liked the ATVs better so I barely rode my dirtbike. My best friend had a Blaster and I swapped ATVs with him all the time. Later on in life, I bought a 2009 Honda Civic Si and that car ran like a 2 stroke. It was nuts.. Super nimble, high revving, and it had a powerband just like 2 stokes.. Everyone hates the Civic though but to this day, it was the most fun car I ever had and it would outrun a Charger or Challenger RT... Those were my favorite cars to race because I'd leave them..
I couldn't agree more, I love the sound of a 2 stoke bike. I was a pitman and mechanic in the 70s for a motorcross racer. The 100cc class was like a bunch of mad bees!
That's what I've always heard when I've listened to two strokes, angry and confused bees, still can hardly stand the sound. But 2 strokes are fantastically simple to work on, and make great enduro bikes.
I’ll never forget my first ride on a two stroke. I was 15, went from a Honda 50 to a Yamaha YZ125. I couldn’t believe how fast it felt(it was a 125 I know) but the noise, the vibration, the smell… it was EXHILARATING! After I opened her up in sixth I got off it to reflect on the experience and my knees were shaking. It was the best… Man I wish I still had that old bike!
i havent spent a whole lot of time on dirtbikes but had a 70's 2 stroke for a bit. even on that thing, the feeling of hitting that power band and just taking off is incredible.
@@justinrisley8466 it’s not unpredictable or unmanageable. It’s unsuspecting to begin with. But you learn over time what will happen when you open the tap. The feeling of nailing a section on the pipe🤤
In my life I don't think I have ever been as excited and happy as I was when I finally saved enough to buy my Elsinore 125. I could ride with the big boys, the R M s and the YZ s. Seemed there was always a rich kid with a husky or a can-am. Eventually graduated to a 250 Elsinore but the 125 just kept me up at night.As a kid the power of a 2-stroke just changed my life.
I had a YZ 125 and a Yamaha Blaster quad growing up. I use to ice race in the winter. My dad and I use to have them tuned so on point and they both sounded so good. Everyone commented how good they sounded. Especially on 20F winter day, echoing on the lake.. PRICELESS.
YES!! I never ice raced in bikes but I ice studded my '88 YZ 125 for winter riding. That thing was an ANIMAL in cold weather, I could beat the new Thundercats dragging on the lake.
Yeah I have 250's and a 300 (2 stroke) and a 450 4 stroke, the 4 stroke collects dust because it just isn't anywhere near as fun, is far more tiring and hurts more when it lands on you lmao
@@MeltingRubberZ28mx 250 stroke is definitely more tiring than an mx 450 but it's different with the enduro bikes. 250 and 300 enduro bikes are light and have a good power curve and gearing for technical trails
I grew up in the 80s in a small village called Killinchy, Northern Ireland, which every year hosted the Killinchy 125, which was an amazing track to have on your backdoor. I cannot smell 2 stroke without being taken back to summer's running between fields trying to get a view of Finlay's drop and the Suzuki jump. If only the track still existed...
I'll never forget my first 2-stroke. A 1979 YZ-80 when I was 15. Boy! I cut a tons of lawns and split a ton of firewood. I loved that bike. Flipped it on first ride learning how to use a clutch. Man, that was some fun times.
My cousin and I owned a 1978 Yamaha YZ80 in the famous "bumblebee" yellow and black paint scheme from 1978 - 1989 when I foolishly sold it to get a bigger bike. That bike was the fastest, baddest 80cc I had ever ridden or seen. It was insanely powerful and very fast for a 80cc bike. It would easily lay the smack down on 100cc and 125cc 4-stroke "enduros" as we called them back then. Just stomp the daylights out of them and walk away. Both my cousin Rob and I loved that bike. Wished I never sold it and even our Dad's loved riding it too. That was a 80cc bike adults could still ride and have fun on. It wasn't underpowered or too small for what we used it for. We mostly rode it around my Uncle Jim's farm and at my house in the fields, trails and woods.
I was 12 years old in 1980, and was tired of the Suzuki 125 2 stroke enduro I was riding after having moved on from my XR75, after starting on a Honda Trail 50 at 5 years old. My dream bike was a CR80. I begged and begged my Dad to let me ride his 70s Yamaha 500 2 stroke. He smiled and told me if I could ride it if I could start it, and he watched my 100 lb self struggle to kick it over. I tried for a while, until that bitch kicked back on me. I thought it broke my foot, Dad was rolling on the ground laughing, I never tried again. Later, as a young man, I found a CR250 to be all I ever needed. Now 54, I’m content to lead my kids around on my XR400. I did pull the “if you can start my 400” with my 16 year old daughter. She finally got it and rides it now, but I just rip around her on our KX100, which is an incredibly fun little bike for an old guy.
I had a Husqvarna 360 when young, I don't think I was even fourteen years old. my feet didn't reach the ground when I was sitting on it. I would have take off with the bike leaned over with one foot on the ground. and I would have to push it down the street to a friend's place. because he was older and could start it. and I would have to let him ride it a little bit. before I could going riding. that was a hell of a motorcycle and I had it for a long time. as I got older I got to where I fit on it better and start it myself.
i have heard some neighbours riding 2 strokes, and i love the sound. i might be biased though since i ride a 2 stroke myself. although must admit something. my bike has been in parts all year, its getting close to going back together, and while its been apart, i have put headphones on everytime i hear a dirtbike in the background. it makes me too sad/ jealous, lol. which is probably the same reason old people dont like young people having fun. it reminds them of better times they will never have again. and leaves them sad. so i kinda get them now. although hopefully i will never be like that myself. people should be free to enjoy their lives without having to worry about waking up the older generation in the middle of the day.
I got my first bike when I was a kid 2 stroke of course, and I would wake up early in the morning on Saturday when everyone was hungover and piss off the whole neighborhood. Those were the days.
I had a 1973 CZ400 for many years. 42hp factory engine. I added a Wiseco piston, oversized Mikuni carb, electronic ignition and K&N high flow air filter. Was easily pushing over 50hp on a bike that only weighed 230lbs. Tons of torque and a huge power band. Loved that bike.
I'm so old school I've only riden 1, 4 stroke 76 XR 75. The rest all 2 strokes from CR 500-Maico 490 & all in between. Riding 52 years now. Thanks Dad!!
I’ve been riding for about 50 years. Started out mostly with Yamaha, Husky CR400,Honda CR250 2 strokes in the seventies, eighties and nineties. Then bought a almost new 2001 YZ 426 which I still have (restored now) and a 2008 KX 250f. But now back to 2 strokes with a KTM SX250 and a new Beta 300rr. I just love my new 2t’s.
As a kid, I loved my YZ 250 2 stroke. And the best part was I could do all the work on it in dad's garage. Just loved it when the power band hit, and it launched.
My first big bike was a 2021 YZ250, I was just barely turning 18 I believe anyways my dad bought me it for Christmas and can confirm probably the best starter bike into motorcycles given my life circumstances I could’ve asked for man
2 stroke is so unique, fun, and scary at the same time. still remember trying my brother's friend YZ-125 2 stroke, it's so fun, scary and thrilling at the same time, I miss that feeling
Never raced. But I'll never forget the first time hitting powerband! It was a little 125dt, but I had no idea what to expect. Still gets the heart racing just thinking about it.
YES!, was going to write this but glad I scrolled first, defo bring in a 2 stroke and 4 stroke series!, why not!?, plenty of energy and following behind both variants, the world cannot afford to loose 2 strokes but if they're not able to compete then manufacturers wont build them
@@tomjones7853 no they sound like they are sh!tting their pants and they are when they have to have bigger displacement to compete with 2 strokes.The EPA has killed motocross.
I also raced tccra (Texas cross country racing association) back in those days. I still remember riding my CR125 and the first time a yz400f four stroke came flying past me, first time ever hearing or seeing one in real life at that time lol. The thump it had, I could feel in every fiber of my being and it was incredible. I was drooling for one lol. The yz250f didn't come out until 01, so I switched from Honda and got a YZ125 that I raced from 99 to 01, and I got my first 4 stroke. I loved that bike more than anything in the world. I lost everything in a home fire in 06, and went through a divorce the same year. I haven't ever been able to get another bike since. I miss it every single day. One day things will get better I hope
@@yelnickmcwawa5858 Had to rebuild my life from nothing. Lost my home, dog, bike, tools, guns, clothes, truck, job, and will to live for several years. I've got most everything back, except another bike. I do want one, just trying to keep up with bills and family is tough. I have plans to get another for sure, need a roof on my home now and my truck is getting old with 300k miles on it lol. Life just keeps coming faster than I can keep up
2 stroke is the real sound of a mx bike imo. And at the tracks here you still hear them. the kids are using them 50,65,85 and 125. And its so cool to see a kid going ful throttle on the 65s
When I was 13, in 75, my dad bought me a Yamaha 80cc with a stage 2 Noguchi Kit (actually was 72cc, Chrome plated cylinder, piston, rings, head and a 29mm Mikuni carb). The Noguchi Kits were replaceable engine, carb, exhaust, etc parts that 'hopped up' the engine and gave it more power. The bike I got originally had 4 gears, 4 shifts up, dad somehow, added another one, 1 downshift, then 4 upshifts. He modified the engine by changing the reed valves, and stuffing the crankshaft 'balance' holes with fiberglass and epoxy. Put a 51 tooth rear sprocket, down pipe with expansion chamber.. all I can say is, holy shiat! That bike, when it hit the power band was just 'poof' gone! My dad got on it for a test ride, I was like, "what are you doing? You're too big for that thing!", and he proceeded to throw a rooster tail down the dirt road at one of the racetrack driveways I was entered in, nonstop from 1st-4th gear... my jaw hit the ground. Once, dear ol' dad entered me in the 100cc competition at IRP (Indiana Raceway Park). omg, most brutal track I'd ever rode! I finished 'last', BUT, I finished! hehe. I couldn't move next day, my whole body was sooo sore!
I loved that track. Broke my tailbone on the camel-backs (right after the bridge). My favorite memory was endoing on the whoops only to come back and win my main. Ah, memories.
@@champwerks9886 Daaaamn! That must've been damn painful! and for a long time? But hey, that's awesome that you won!! I only entered a dozen races, but I did win one, got a really nice trophy, my dad had a little monogram placard with the date, 1st place finnish, and the location, "Larual Indiana", It was the "Hare-and-Hound-Scrambles" track. I kept passing riders at the jumps. That's how I won. I think I was 13yo then.
@@angelteamnolimit624 Thank You, I love to tell stories of my past. As long as I can keep on subject, and I think it's a story worth sharing. I'll be 60 in Jan. The race I was in was all the way back in 1976 (200th Anniv of the Birth of the USA!) sure seems like a long-long-looong time ago. It was a great time to be a kid though.
Back in the early 70s we called the 4s. Foo foo's. I'll admit most of us started out on one. Lot's of small Honda's in my neighborhood but many of us when it was time to move up couldn't wait to get a 2 stroke Enduro or MX. Still there were holdovers. We laughed but it was all in fun. A lot of the 4 stroke guys though were afraid of the 2s. They couldn't handle the power delivery. For me it was a dream come true. We could finally " roost " at will. And Wheelie. 👍
Grew up with 2 strokes in the 70’s and early 80’s. Had a yz 250, honda car 480, husky cr 500, and the list goes on. Back then the power was insane to say the least especially with light-switch power bans to keep you on your toes. They were soooo much fun! Today there is 1 reason and 1 reason only why 2 strokes have disappeared …. Pollution!
I raced two stroke karts for about 10 years in the early 2000's. The noise was great but the smell was what I really remember the most. I had an early RX7 for a while. I used to mix the good racing oil just to get a whiff of that stuff.
Started Motocross with a 76 Honda Elsinore, never forget it! Won lots of races, holeshot regularly! Best Rush out there! First major race 40 bikes wide!
@@SPCRacing1they certainly did for the advantage consumer, plenty of ATV and offroad parks banned 2 strokes. Nowadays sidebysides are starting to take over and ruin most places to ride anyway so its really getting bad for people who just want to ride.
Oh man I am way to old now but my first motocross bike was a Suzuki RM 250. That bike taught me so much. Love 2 strokes forever but I actually ran 4 stroke in Enduros .
First 2 stroke I rode was a RD350. Geez, when that thing came on the pipe and the front end came up it left a definite impression on me. I race vintage 2 stroke karts now and love them. 4 strokes sound like lawnmowers.
I only ride off road, and nothing compares to a 2 stroke. Lighter, and you never feel the heat. Until we’re forced to ride electric, I’m 2 stroke for life 😊
Everyone's always been either a 2 or a 4 stroke guy but I've always loved both. I mostly ride enduro so the 300 2 strokes have been dominant for a while for very good reason, but you can't deny how good the instant torque hit of a 350 or 450 4 feels.
No mention of the power band difference. 2-strokes were like old school turbos. Hit the right RPM, hang on for dear life! That was my favorite part of a two-stroke.
Being a teen in the early 80's all we rode and raced were 2 strokes. We actually hated the 4 stroke bikes when we tried them. My 87 KX125 and 89 Fourtrax 250R were my favorites by the end of the 80's.
I raced a 1987 KX 125. Loved that bike. Light, nimble and revved out! Super easy to wrench. Bought a 4-stroke CRF 250 later in life. Almost destroyed my desire to ride. (totally not kidding) Sold that and bought a KTM 250 XC two-stroke as a last ditch effort and rediscovered my love. You either get two-strokes, or you don't...
@@glennpupino4890 250 X was what I had as well. Worst bike I’ve ever owned. Couldn’t keep it running. Of course that implies that it ever ran well in the first place. Multiple trips back to the Honda dealer, the mechanic finally took me aside privately, and told me that they don’t run good at all and all the problems I had were normal. I said it won’t run. He said none of them do. I’m actually not kidding, he literally told me that. I sold it back to another dealer to get rid of it.
The vmxdn at foxhills showed that there is a huge love for two strokes still that event was the biggest in the UK this year if am right. It was awsome to see RV, Brownie,Ando, Bradshaw and Osborne and numerous other names ripping the two strokes around that epic track was so good. Honestly was awsome wkend and the smell of race fuel and sound 👌
2-strokes definitely making a comeback in mx races down here in New Zealand. The junior classes are close to 100% 2-stroke. Senior classes would be around 50% 2-stroke. When you ask people why they've switched back to a 2-smoker, pretty much all say that they're sick of the maintenance on 4-strokes. And a lot (especially those old enough to remember the 90s and early 2000's 2-strokes) will say that with the advancements in new 2-strokes - the power delivery now much more useable, more 4-stroke like. Hence wheelspin less of an issue, and easier to keep 'on the boil'....
@@maxrpm2215 Agree 300SX likely to sell like hot-cakes... Full credit to KTM for putting money into 2-stroke engine development - and selling 2-smokers with modern chassis, and suspension...
Growing up my fondest memories are the smell of pre mix, seeing big pro circuit fatty pipes, stinger tips and of course the music that pours from them. I feel lucky to be born at the tail end of a legendary era.
Same. 01 CR 250 here. It still humbles me most times I ride it but I have so much fun on it. To be honest, I’ve never ridden a modern 4stroke. I’m 37 now and I don’t know if I even want to try one at this point!
I got a 1989 KX80 in 1991 for $150 from two brothers that were trying to get money together to buy a car. They had just made their last payment on it. The only things wrong with it were that it needed a new front sprocket and a new back tire. Probably the best investment I was ever involved in. I got a KX125 after I outgrew the 80. The only thing I looked forward to after school and on the weekends was burning through all the cans of gas my dad had in the garage. I miss those days.
I had a '77 RM 125 . It was WFO and row the gearshift lever like a boat. The powerband was a half inch wide. They could have put an on/off switch on the bars and saved some weight.
The accelerator pump for the 4 strokes is what changed the game. It took away the lag when twisting the throttle. But still enjoy riding a 2 stroke more and doesn't wear me out or arm pump as quickly as a 4
Kawasaki introduced the KX 80 two stroke in 1979 and I got a brand new one for Christmas and what a beautiful bike , I had never ridden a two stroke before and the first time I hit the powerband it was incredible experiencing that awsome power and boy I was hooked from that point on all I wanted to do was ride wide open....two strokes will always have a speial place in my heart
Interesting. I grew up around dirt bikes and I always dreamed of when I’d get my own 2 stroke. Parents couldn’t afford it and the interest in motorcycles gradually went away and was never rekindled. Now, 20-25 years later, I see this random dirt bike video on my recommendations, and I’m finding out we’ve gone away from 2 strokes.
The video is misleading. Manurfactures completely quit making 2 strokes back in the 2000s in order to push 4 stroke sales. NO ONE was making 2 strokes until a few years ago and of course theyre selling like hotcakes. The "death" of 2 strokes was unnatural and will NATURALLY correct itsef now that you can actually buy them again.
Never rode dirt bikes but have built a few cr500 engines for old honda odysseys and pilots. Currently running a 670ho rotax on my 85 odyssey and regular 670 and 617s on my other odysseys. 2 strokes are the best.🔥🔥🔥
Yup, the sound of the 2-stroke MX bike is magic as well as the smell of running a 2-stroke engine (especially if you're running Castrol - god that mix smells so good!).
@@ardwivedi16 I do like my 4 stroke since it’s really civilized and handles well at low speed. My cousin had a two stroke that’s a beast. Just hang on tight.
2 strokes sound just gets you seriously PUMPED while you're thinking you're actually going ton faster than you really are! Forever a 2 stroke fan. Please bring back 2 stroke again into racing as you will see the sport become highly successful with new fans as well
Flipping over backwards was no fun for me. I lost count of how many times I ripped my knees open, especially when it's not your bike! Eventually, I got a hang of it. Great memories, even if most of them were humiliating/ humbling experiences.
@@kextrz My first bike was an 81 yz125 and I flipped that thing over more than I could count, it's a wonder I'm not a vegetable starting out on that bike lol
My favorites are the Suzuli RM 125 & 250's from many years ago..I had 2 1977 RM 125's as my first bikes and finally moved up to the Full Floater 250 cc rearend versions in the 80's..Mark "Bomber" Barnett and Roger Decoster were my early favorite races on the RM's. now I don't even see any Suzuki's being run..what happened to them ?
Finally an honest video, I avoided it earlier for fear it would make me mad… But finally! Some honesty as to why they are no longer in pro AMA! It was all marketing, they pushed those sales soooo hard saying they were faster! It twice the engine size geniuses! Maybe I should race someone that’s on a 250f against my 500 2-Stroke and make a sales pitch out of it? Anyway nice video 😂
I do love RED BULL for putting on #STRAIGHTRHYTHM and keeping these guys on the toes! The best MX rider of the year doesn't mean a thing when you're on a 2-stroke... (Unless they grew up riding one and dreaming about a new one!)
He hit the nail on the head at 5:50. The sound. Its an irreplaceable eargasm. Any guy that has ever rode a 2 stroke as a special place in their heart for that sound. You can talk to other people that have rode them and make certain sounds of the two stroke and they will know if you were going through a whoop section or a corner or just hit a massive jump =D YEENYEENYEEN
even my poorly tuned bike almost as old as me when I hear it I
Former 85 ATC 250R owner ring ding ding⛽️🇺🇸
@@sowersass2 ?
4strokes sounds way better. 2strokes sounds like a raging karen. Nothing to like there.
Yes like my H1 750cc tripple loud but faster acceleration than most anything athe widowmaker or an RD 400 Radical Death
Don't forget that two strokes are still absolutely dominant in enduro and hard enduro where the light size and better heat management make them far superior to the four stroke counterparts
And thank god for that, love me a 300 2T enduro nothing beats it.
True that. And since they are lighter and get more power out of each cc in reality 2 strokes are faster and better in corners. The only thing that makes dour strokes comparable is a rule invented by the AMA giving them twice the cc’s to stand a chance against them LOL
Depends on the course though. The very fast tracks tend to be dominated by 4 strokes. The top riders generally have one of each bikes to use depending on the course.
@@DHolmquistDesigns Not actually true. A 500cc 2t still loses to a 450cc 4t on most tracks. Also true at 250cc. You are even starting to see 250 4t win GNCC races.
This is from someone who owns all 2t machines for the last decade. I love to ride them and I think they are way more fun, but I know when I jump on the 450's they are in a class of their own. Even the KTM 350's with their insane redlines smoke my 250sx.
@@NONO-hz4vo not true at all, per cc the two stroke will make more power, and be lighter. The only reason a 450 4 stroke can beat a 500cc two stroke these days is because there hasn’t been any advancements to two strokes and 4t have had a TON of rnd to get them to put perform them. Two strokes have much more potential per cc. Put as much rnd that 4 strokes have gotten into a two stroke and I have no doubt they’d smoke them, easily!
It's not just the sound, it's the smell also. The smell of two stroke oil in the spring, reminds me of my youth.
Hells yeah. The smell and sound gives me the same happiness and excitement as the smell and sound of a nitro funny car and top fuel dragster. I still have my 2 stroke. I prefer it way better than the 4 stroke. 2 stroke forever baby.
bell ray. bean oil.😊
When they come on the pipe & the power hits the magic happens. 4 strokes sound like a herd of goats.
@@vincesmith764 VP Racing fuel lol now its over $100 a barrel lol
Love waking up to the smell of fresh 2 stroke oil
They had the two strokes Championship at Fox Hills in the UK a month ago. All the old school riders from the USA and uk competing . The sound and smell of the two strokes was great. And was the biggest crowd turn out since the 90s too 👌
@@liam4686 I’m not sure mate. Hopefully. You missed a good day.
Big turn out because the 4 strokes weren't running. Everyone prefers the buzz bombs ringy dingy.
Dude, wish I knew about that! Hope there is another! ❤❤❤
They should rewrite the rules . Make it fair for 2 stokes. I do hate 4 strokes
I grew up racing dirt bikes and with 2-strokes. The 4-strokes were just entering the scene. It makes me happy to hear others say how I feel about 2-strokes. I love them, love riding them, the sound, the smell, the feel, that specific power band. I love 2-strokes.
Thank you to KTM for the listening to us and still progressing 2-stroke technology. It’s amazing how little oil they use and how clean the emissions are. Light, fast, fun, easy maintenance. I hope the other brands will go this route as well.
Yamaha better
I agree but it was all bs to begin with. A carbureted 2 stroke dirt bike contributes almost 0 emissions in the grand scheme of things. The whole climate change thing is massively overhyped...
The new ktm 300xc tbi is a game changer
Bring back the two-stroke enduros street legal in all 50 states and I'll buy one tomorrow " and if you're brought back a Dodge charger that actually look like my 68 charger and had two doors instead of four that's probably based on a Chrysler 300 chassis I would buy one tomorrow as well they got the Challenger right they got the Camaro right they got the mustang right put the charger looks nothing like the old school charger sad but true
@@hunterw.4603What an extremely researched comment. I used to race a kx under town center Yamaha...See real research.
I remember my first time riding a 2 stroke. At first I thought it wasn't that fast. Then it hit the power band and the front wheel came off the ground and it took off like a shot. That feeling was intoxicating. Big fan.
It's so weird they talked about 2 stokes for 7 minutes without mentioning the feeling of hitting power band, it's like when you first feel the boost of a turbo. Simply amazing.
Remember the first time hittin the powerband in my KX80 & how it felt like it was trying yo pull my arms out of their sockets(only an 80, but it was the surprise), instantly hooked.
@@xfloyded4555 I'm thinking because they kept it in the powerband constantly, the only time they probably didn't was in the pits.
‘15 2/SS 1/LE👍🏻
Damn straight brotha I love my 125 2 smoker I want a 250 2 smoker but I’m broke so gotta save up you know
1994... My dad brought me to the Houston supercross for the first time... I was 10. Walking in to the stadium during practice with the smell of race gas and premix... hearing a 2 stroke braaaaap for the first time when they hit the triple. The smell and sound is something I haven’t forgotten to this day. Great times.
I am in to karting ND we still run 2 strokes. I also have a rotary car that is a blast to drive. The rotary engine has some two stroke characteristics. Brap on
I think I might of been at that one or the next year. I know McGrath one the 250 main when I was there. It was a great race if my memory serves me.
I recall being at the Supercross in Houston in the mid 70s as a teenager. Remember getting a walk through the pits. Best memory ever. Remember being in awe seeing Jimmy Weinert.
I was never a fan of 2-strokes until I got into snowmobiles. Now I love 'em. Especially something like an 800cc twin with pipes, the sound and torque is just awesome.
Have a go on a KTM 300sx, quite fast.
You know your a 2 stroke purist when you can perfectly mimic the sound with your mouth. Great video. Still riding a 99 KX 250 that I restored. Just takes me back to my youth and many good memories.
I'm 50.and still got my 1996 cr250r, she's a wild girl and I love what I share with her.
@@honumoorea873 I turn 47 next month. Hoping to be able to keep slinging a leg over it a while longer myself.
I'm 47 and I raced from 97-2002, absolutely loved racing 2 stroke's!
I had a 98 RM 250 Stacked carb, carbon fiber reed's, full FMF, weisco piston and Dunlop's front and back. Won a trophy my first race and , no looking back after that! Unfortunately all my trophies and plaques are in my shed in a box😥
But I gladly say outdoor motorcross made the biggest memories in my life, I will never forget it!💯
Great year bike!
@@rowdybroomstick6394 currently rebuilding my 98 rm250. Bought brand new. Sat in a garage for over 20 years. Looking forward to ride it again.
I remember in 96 at HighPoint I popped the top on my RM and we had it rebuilt in about 45 min. under tarps pouring down rain and the best part was the factory team hooked me up with a jug and a piston. Probably “THE” best time and most memorable moment of everyone coming together helping me.
I love that feeling man, it feels really like a friendship being built.
Same
One of those years had a real bad downpour on Sunday. Think it was 97
2 strokes sound like you're going faster which is all that matters.
Yep!
heck yeah. the thrill of feeling like you are going a million miles an hour from that engine screaming is the best feeling. i dont care if a 4 stroke goes faster. it does. but at a cost. there is nothing exciting about the sound of wet farts.
Yea being annoyingly loud and shitty sounding
And they didn’t sound like you’re riding a fat chick with explosive diarrhea all over the track.
You are going faster
I was riding Motocross back in the 80's, on my YZ125. I've never ridden a four-stroke motocross bike. But I loved my two-stroke YZ. Two speeds, on or off. Those of you that rode two strokes know exactly what I'm talking about. And that power band! Nothing compares to that high pitch noise they made. I hope they bring them back. It's good to see you guys talking about it.
I rode an 88 Blaster and an 89 YZ125. Going from memory I believe the 89 YZ125 was the only 125 that had upside down front shocks that year. Always wanted to move up to a 250R Fourtrax and CR250. Never happened.
You’re right about the “On/Off” switch!! And damn that sound of the power band on a two stroke…..Wooooo!! All topped off with the smell!! An added bonus would be the thin blue smoke hanging in the still air!!
The sound of 2 strokes with a good pipe echoing in the tree line is unparalleled.
Absolutely love the ripping echo through the woods
That’s truly one of the greatest sounds in the world
Track bikes in the woods always sound good. Me and my buddies use to wonder why they break so much😂 cuz we hill climbing mx bikes
All the top old MX pros should start a 2 stroke series. Now that they have EFI 2 strokes with more bottom end and better traction. Just start with open class 2 stroke, keep the price of the bikes limited not the cc's. Make it affordable to gain popularity and it will grow!
They do run a 2 stroke series at select nationals, with Villipoto, Mike Brown, etc. It's complicated. Who is going to sponsor products that don't sell, Honda? Kawasaki? Suzuki? They don't make 2 strokes. That leaves Yamaha and the KTM family of bikes. I just don't see it happening, but I would love the AMA to change the rules to a standard 250 and 450 class regardless of stroke. That would be cool...
Or just change it so it doesn't matter if it's a 2 stroke or 4 stroke it should be all about ccs! But manufacturers love how much more money they make off of four strokes and parts so this is unlikely.
Amen brother took the words out of my mouth 2 Strokes RULE 4 strokes drool !!!!! 😅😆😁🤘😎👍
Red bull is honestly doing that with straight rhythm but they need to let 2strokes back in AMA supercross I wanna see a new factory 450 two smoker
@@twobeer3316 as they see people are buying them back, they're selling them again, there's always a supplier for the necessity
Thirty 2 stroke bikes coming out of the start gate is like standing under a massive nest of angry wasps. Sound you will never forget. Love it.
Gravity cavity back in the day was un real!!!
Nothing compares to the brutality of a 500 2stroke.
500cc? half the people I know can barely handle a 250cc😂 I’ll find one someday and see what I’m made of!
I used to ride my brother's 89 CR500 when I was 13 out at sand mtn in NV.
My buddy added nitrous to his 2003 Service Honda CR500 for the sand dunes. I don't think I need to tell you how stupid fast that bike was!
@@insertfakenamehere6507 nitrous? Jeez Louise was it wet or dry set up?
One trick I discovered with my AF was that by altering the engine rpm, I could make the bike behave like it was almost two different bikes. Lug it, and I could throw it around like it was a 250. Let it wind, and it'd track like a desert machine. About my only complaint was that weird section of the powerband when you couldn't tell doom was coming, but it was.
The feeling when the powerband hits, and keeping the rpm’s up to maintain it is better than any drug!
I had a 400EX and a KX125 when I was a teen.. I liked the ATVs better so I barely rode my dirtbike. My best friend had a Blaster and I swapped ATVs with him all the time.
Later on in life, I bought a 2009 Honda Civic Si and that car ran like a 2 stroke. It was nuts.. Super nimble, high revving, and it had a powerband just like 2 stokes.. Everyone hates the Civic though but to this day, it was the most fun car I ever had and it would outrun a Charger or Challenger RT... Those were my favorite cars to race because I'd leave them..
I love all the early 2000s footage! So sick
So do we 😀
Braaaaaap! the feeling of a well running 2 stroke coming on the pipe is a feeling like no other!
The sound, the smell, the simplicity, the way the power comes on. Nothing comes close.
You obviously never rose an E Bike. Maybe not the noise and smell of burning gasoline but the simplicity and Power is mind blowing.
I couldn't agree more, I love the sound of a 2 stoke bike. I was a pitman and mechanic in the 70s for a motorcross racer. The 100cc class was like a bunch of mad bees!
That's what I've always heard when I've listened to two strokes,
angry and confused bees, still can hardly stand the sound.
But 2 strokes are fantastically simple to work on, and make great
enduro bikes.
Hodaka super rat 100
I’ll never forget my first ride on a two stroke. I was 15, went from a Honda 50 to a Yamaha YZ125. I couldn’t believe how fast it felt(it was a 125 I know) but the noise, the vibration, the smell… it was EXHILARATING! After I opened her up in sixth I got off it to reflect on the experience and my knees were shaking. It was the best… Man I wish I still had that old bike!
Knees were shaking LOL.
@@herbcanter2114 LOL? Are you so cool you’ve never been shook up? I seriously doubt it.
@@TheMotorman116 That wasn't criticism I thought it was hilarious because It happened to me also . That's why I "Liked" your post.
@@herbcanter2114 ah ok, sorry. Guess I’m used to so many snide comments these days. Have a good day and safe riding!
Well handled boys. Bring back 2 stoke and bring back civility!
A 2 stroke taught you how to carry momentum, that's an art of itself.
i havent spent a whole lot of time on dirtbikes but had a 70's 2 stroke for a bit. even on that thing, the feeling of hitting that power band and just taking off is incredible.
Dude, bikes were so much more rowdy back then before they figured out the power valves!
Why would you want such unpredictable power? Smooth 4 stroke power all day long🤘
@@justinrisley8466 it’s not unpredictable or unmanageable. It’s unsuspecting to begin with. But you learn over time what will happen when you open the tap. The feeling of nailing a section on the pipe🤤
@@justinrisley8466 because it's way more fun. But yes, it's harder to ride in a way.
I started riding when 4 strokes were more popular so I'm sure that has a lot to do with my view on them.
In my life I don't think I have ever been as excited and happy as I was when I finally saved enough to buy my Elsinore 125. I could ride with the big boys, the R M s and the YZ s. Seemed there was always a rich kid with a husky or a can-am. Eventually graduated to a 250 Elsinore but the 125 just kept me up at night.As a kid the power of a 2-stroke just changed my life.
The sound of a two stroke make me smile every time. Great memories of my motocross days of the past.
I had a YZ 125 and a Yamaha Blaster quad growing up. I use to ice race in the winter. My dad and I use to have them tuned so on point and they both sounded so good. Everyone commented how good they sounded. Especially on 20F winter day, echoing on the lake.. PRICELESS.
YES!! I never ice raced in bikes but I ice studded my '88 YZ 125 for winter riding. That thing was an ANIMAL in cold weather, I could beat the new Thundercats dragging on the lake.
Man, that thrill of riding a 250/300 2 stroke through some crazy trails is unbeaten.
Riding a 2 stroke anywhere is unbeaten
There I fixed it for ya mate 😎
Yeah I have 250's and a 300 (2 stroke) and a 450 4 stroke, the 4 stroke collects dust because it just isn't anywhere near as fun, is far more tiring and hurts more when it lands on you lmao
@MDM bro a 250 2 stroke is way more tiring to ride than a 450 4 stroke
@@MeltingRubberZ28mx 250 stroke is definitely more tiring than an mx 450 but it's different with the enduro bikes. 250 and 300 enduro bikes are light and have a good power curve and gearing for technical trails
The skill it takes to ride a 2 stroke is a different level
whats crazy tho is all the top guys CAN ride a 2 stroke fast, they are just obsolete nowadays at factory level racing
Yes, it is easier! Way lighter, way better handling. 4 strokes suck.
It's like comparing a porsche 911 gt3 (drivers car) to a porsche 911 turbo s (easier to drive car).
@@Corteum OK calm down
@@guyonthecouch136 I'm actually meditating. lol
I grew up in the 80s in a small village called Killinchy, Northern Ireland, which every year hosted the Killinchy 125, which was an amazing track to have on your backdoor. I cannot smell 2 stroke without being taken back to summer's running between fields trying to get a view of Finlay's drop and the Suzuki jump. If only the track still existed...
I'll never forget my first 2-stroke. A 1979 YZ-80 when I was 15. Boy! I cut a tons of lawns and split a ton of firewood. I loved that bike. Flipped it on first ride learning how to use a clutch. Man, that was some fun times.
My cousin and I owned a 1978 Yamaha YZ80 in the famous "bumblebee" yellow and black paint scheme from 1978 - 1989 when I foolishly sold it to get a bigger bike. That bike was the fastest, baddest 80cc I had ever ridden or seen. It was insanely powerful and very fast for a 80cc bike. It would easily lay the smack down on 100cc and 125cc 4-stroke "enduros" as we called them back then. Just stomp the daylights out of them and walk away. Both my cousin Rob and I loved that bike. Wished I never sold it and even our Dad's loved riding it too. That was a 80cc bike adults could still ride and have fun on. It wasn't underpowered or too small for what we used it for. We mostly rode it around my Uncle Jim's farm and at my house in the fields, trails and woods.
I had a 1980 YZ 80 , loved that thing .
Light switch powerband on that bike.
I was 12 years old in 1980, and was tired of the Suzuki 125 2 stroke enduro I was riding after having moved on from my XR75, after starting on a Honda Trail 50 at 5 years old. My dream bike was a CR80. I begged and begged my Dad to let me ride his 70s Yamaha 500 2 stroke. He smiled and told me if I could ride it if I could start it, and he watched my 100 lb self struggle to kick it over. I tried for a while, until that bitch kicked back on me. I thought it broke my foot, Dad was rolling on the ground laughing, I never tried again. Later, as a young man, I found a CR250 to be all I ever needed. Now 54, I’m content to lead my kids around on my XR400. I did pull the “if you can start my 400” with my 16 year old daughter. She finally got it and rides it now, but I just rip around her on our KX100, which is an incredibly fun little bike for an old guy.
Ty for teaching your daughter. I'm sure it means the world to her that you're passing on a good tradition.
Yeah, but now she’s hounding me to let her ride my BMW R1150RT…
@@truckinfool3550 haha! in that case you tell her to save up for her own then you can go on rides together.
I had a Husqvarna 360 when young, I don't think I was even fourteen years old. my feet didn't reach the ground when I was sitting on it. I would have take off with the bike leaned over with one foot on the ground. and I would have to push it down the street to a friend's place. because he was older and could start it. and I would have to let him ride it a little bit. before I could going riding. that was a hell of a motorcycle and I had it for a long time. as I got older I got to where I fit on it better and start it myself.
Hahah rest his soul my buddy cody let me ride his cr80 holy shit
Everyone agrees they love the sound of a two stroke except for the neighbors.
I like to live by the golden rule: Don't be an asshole!
4t can annoy neighbours who don't even know there near riders, your welcome Karen
i have heard some neighbours riding 2 strokes, and i love the sound. i might be biased though since i ride a 2 stroke myself.
although must admit something.
my bike has been in parts all year, its getting close to going back together, and while its been apart, i have put headphones on everytime i hear a dirtbike in the background. it makes me too sad/ jealous, lol.
which is probably the same reason old people dont like young people having fun. it reminds them of better times they will never have again. and leaves them sad. so i kinda get them now. although hopefully i will never be like that myself. people should be free to enjoy their lives without having to worry about waking up the older generation in the middle of the day.
@@socks2441 yes totally agree although some old heads can relive through watching the younger generation we will be that guy.
I got my first bike when I was a kid 2 stroke of course, and I would wake up early in the morning on Saturday when everyone was hungover and piss off the whole neighborhood. Those were the days.
I had a 1973 CZ400 for many years. 42hp factory engine. I added a Wiseco piston, oversized Mikuni carb, electronic ignition and K&N high flow air filter. Was easily pushing over 50hp on a bike that only weighed 230lbs. Tons of torque and a huge power band. Loved that bike.
Nice 👍🏻 I am from Czechoslovakia and these are still available on second hand market. I am wondering myself to buy one 😊
Motoplat ignition on mine.
Everyone leaves out the Boysen power reeds but we all had em!
I had a couple of 250s, a 125 & a 400, loved all of them. Jim Hoover Cleansweep pipe, Motoplat or Femsatronic & the list went on...
I'm so old school I've only riden 1, 4 stroke 76 XR 75. The rest all 2 strokes from CR 500-Maico 490 & all in between. Riding 52 years now. Thanks Dad!!
I felt ripped off racing my XR 75 against the RM and YZ' s
I’ve been riding for about 50 years. Started out mostly with Yamaha, Husky CR400,Honda CR250 2 strokes in the seventies, eighties and nineties. Then bought a almost new 2001 YZ 426 which I still have (restored now) and a 2008 KX 250f. But now back to 2 strokes with a KTM SX250 and a new Beta 300rr. I just love my new 2t’s.
As a kid, I loved my YZ 250 2 stroke. And the best part was I could do all the work on it in dad's garage. Just loved it when the power band hit, and it launched.
My first big bike was a 2021 YZ250, I was just barely turning 18 I believe anyways my dad bought me it for Christmas and can confirm probably the best starter bike into motorcycles given my life circumstances I could’ve asked for man
2 stroke is so unique, fun, and scary at the same time. still remember trying my brother's friend YZ-125 2 stroke, it's so fun, scary and thrilling at the same time, I miss that feeling
I'm 60 years old and still have and ride my 1981 Honda CR250R ELSINORE.
Nice
Elsinores and RM's were the shizn̈it in the 80's
im 18 and i have yamaha dt from 83'
at 55 here, recently bought a couple of 2005 Kawasaki dirt bikes. 4 stroke and 2 stroke...yeah the 2 stroke sound is 🙂
My man.
Never raced. But I'll never forget the first time hitting powerband! It was a little 125dt, but I had no idea what to expect. Still gets the heart racing just thinking about it.
Still my most favorite sound ever. 40 125's at the gate when the card goes sideways. Music to my ears.
Someone needs to start a two stroke only series!
Straight rhythm
YES!, was going to write this but glad I scrolled first, defo bring in a 2 stroke and 4 stroke series!, why not!?, plenty of energy and following behind both variants, the world cannot afford to loose 2 strokes but if they're not able to compete then manufacturers wont build them
@@johnnysheridan I think there is room for both...it would be great to see the two strokes out there!
It's the EPA that shut 2 stroke down, don't believe this video.
Nobody would sanction it due to emission regulations
Nothing beats the sound of a 125 cc Honda 2 stroke on a sundaymorning , goosebumps !!!
Nothing like the feeling of hitting the powerband just as you're about to setup for a huge jump!
Launch mode!
Except having the power from right off the start. The new 4cycles have power off the start like a race car motor
Power band …. LMAO
@@tomjones7853 no they sound like they are sh!tting their pants and they are when they have to have bigger displacement to compete with 2 strokes.The EPA has killed motocross.
I also raced tccra (Texas cross country racing association) back in those days. I still remember riding my CR125 and the first time a yz400f four stroke came flying past me, first time ever hearing or seeing one in real life at that time lol. The thump it had, I could feel in every fiber of my being and it was incredible. I was drooling for one lol. The yz250f didn't come out until 01, so I switched from Honda and got a YZ125 that I raced from 99 to 01, and I got my first 4 stroke. I loved that bike more than anything in the world. I lost everything in a home fire in 06, and went through a divorce the same year. I haven't ever been able to get another bike since. I miss it every single day. One day things will get better I hope
If I win the lottery I'm buying you a bike
Things will be better sooner than you think, my friend.
Dude I'm sure you could've saved 3 or 4k since 06 for a used YZ that is in great condition
@@yelnickmcwawa5858 Had to rebuild my life from nothing. Lost my home, dog, bike, tools, guns, clothes, truck, job, and will to live for several years. I've got most everything back, except another bike. I do want one, just trying to keep up with bills and family is tough. I have plans to get another for sure, need a roof on my home now and my truck is getting old with 300k miles on it lol. Life just keeps coming faster than I can keep up
I'm not crying, you're crying 😭
Not crying, just raining in my eyes....
It's the exhaust fumes...
When I was little, my Dad bought me a brand new Yamaha YZ80 (1976 model). LOVED it! That 2-stroke sound can't be beat.
2 stroke is the real sound of a mx bike imo. And at the tracks here you still hear them. the kids are using them 50,65,85 and 125. And its so cool to see a kid going ful throttle on the 65s
When I was 13, in 75, my dad bought me a Yamaha 80cc with a stage 2 Noguchi Kit (actually was 72cc, Chrome plated cylinder, piston, rings, head and a 29mm Mikuni carb). The Noguchi Kits were replaceable engine, carb, exhaust, etc parts that 'hopped up' the engine and gave it more power. The bike I got originally had 4 gears, 4 shifts up, dad somehow, added another one, 1 downshift, then 4 upshifts. He modified the engine by changing the reed valves, and stuffing the crankshaft 'balance' holes with fiberglass and epoxy. Put a 51 tooth rear sprocket, down pipe with expansion chamber.. all I can say is, holy shiat! That bike, when it hit the power band was just 'poof' gone! My dad got on it for a test ride, I was like, "what are you doing? You're too big for that thing!", and he proceeded to throw a rooster tail down the dirt road at one of the racetrack driveways I was entered in, nonstop from 1st-4th gear... my jaw hit the ground. Once, dear ol' dad entered me in the 100cc competition at IRP (Indiana Raceway Park). omg, most brutal track I'd ever rode! I finished 'last', BUT, I finished! hehe. I couldn't move next day, my whole body was sooo sore!
I loved that track. Broke my tailbone on the camel-backs (right after the bridge). My favorite memory was endoing on the whoops only to come back and win my main. Ah, memories.
Cool story bro
What?
@@champwerks9886 Daaaamn! That must've been damn painful! and for a long time? But hey, that's awesome that you won!! I only entered a dozen races, but I did win one, got a really nice trophy, my dad had a little monogram placard with the date, 1st place finnish, and the location, "Larual Indiana", It was the "Hare-and-Hound-Scrambles" track. I kept passing riders at the jumps. That's how I won. I think I was 13yo then.
@@angelteamnolimit624 Thank You, I love to tell stories of my past. As long as I can keep on subject, and I think it's a story worth sharing. I'll be 60 in Jan. The race I was in was all the way back in 1976 (200th Anniv of the Birth of the USA!) sure seems like a long-long-looong time ago. It was a great time to be a kid though.
I tell my boys:
If it sounds like a swarm of angry hornets, 2 stroke.
If it sounds like a fart, 4 stroke.
LMAO dude
Back in the early 70s we called the 4s. Foo foo's. I'll admit most of us started out on one. Lot's of small Honda's in my neighborhood but many of us when it was time to move up couldn't wait to get a 2 stroke
Enduro or MX. Still there were holdovers. We laughed but it was all in fun. A lot of the 4 stroke guys though were afraid of the 2s. They couldn't handle the power delivery. For me it was a dream come true. We could finally " roost " at will.
And Wheelie. 👍
Totaly agree with you
yep. and from that definition, i dont understand why you would choose to own a fart machine.
angry hornets it is for me. all. the. way.
you got a shit exhasut on your 4stroke then mine sounds amazing
Us offroad riders, we’re still enjoying 2Ts in enduro/hard-enduro and hare scrambles. I hope they never stop making them.
Grew up with 2 strokes in the 70’s and early 80’s. Had a yz 250, honda car 480, husky cr 500, and the list goes on. Back then the power was insane to say the least especially with light-switch power bans to keep you on your toes. They were soooo much fun! Today there is 1 reason and 1 reason only why 2 strokes have disappeared …. Pollution!
I raced two stroke karts for about 10 years in the early 2000's. The noise was great but the smell was what I really remember the most. I had an early RX7 for a while. I used to mix the good racing oil just to get a whiff of that stuff.
Two-stroke oil and aviation fuel…absolutely best cologne out there for men!
You have to if you want to keep those apex seals from wearing out!
I love the 2-stroke engines even the old 2-stroke Detroit Diesel’s 💪🏾💪🏾
Started Motocross with a 76 Honda Elsinore, never forget it!
Won lots of races, holeshot regularly! Best Rush out there!
First major race 40 bikes wide!
Emission regulations killed the 2 stroke. As a trail rider during the 90s I saw the writing on the wall when large areas started banning 2 strokes.
Rotax ETEC voice-coil, direct-injection 2-stroke engine.
Also going to kill the 4 stroke. Better get ready for electric 🔌⚡
So much that Yamaha expanded his two stroke catalog last year...
Emission regulations did not kill the 2-stroke. That is false.
@@SPCRacing1they certainly did for the advantage consumer, plenty of ATV and offroad parks banned 2 strokes. Nowadays sidebysides are starting to take over and ruin most places to ride anyway so its really getting bad for people who just want to ride.
Oh man I am way to old now but my first motocross bike was a Suzuki RM 250. That bike taught me so much. Love 2 strokes forever but I actually ran 4 stroke in Enduros .
First 2 stroke I rode was a RD350. Geez, when that thing came on the pipe and the front end came up it left a definite impression on me. I race vintage 2 stroke karts now and love them. 4 strokes sound like lawnmowers.
The rd 350 was my first 2 stroke too! So fun!
rd 250 here , back in the day, modded and peaky powerband for sure!
Yamaha RD 350 excellent
Been riding dirtbikes since 13. I'm in my 30s now. Always owned 4 strokes. But man, 2 strokes sound awesome and are hella fun to ride
They are missed in GP racing also, those 500 two strokes was incredible.
I only ride off road, and nothing compares to a 2 stroke. Lighter, and you never feel the heat.
Until we’re forced to ride electric, I’m 2 stroke for life 😊
The heat on my 250f offroad is retarded lmao... my 250 on the other hand was also cool, even in the shitty stuff
But if you were forced to switch to electric would you rather ride ev or not ride at all?
@@xaydee3631 I would ride EV over nothing at all.
@@xaydee3631 I’ve rode electric,4 stroke and 2stroke and I’m just happy to say that atleast we still have them while it last for the time being
2 stroke > 4 stroke > EV > nothing
That’s how I view it
Everyone's always been either a 2 or a 4 stroke guy but I've always loved both. I mostly ride enduro so the 300 2 strokes have been dominant for a while for very good reason, but you can't deny how good the instant torque hit of a 350 or 450 4 feels.
I ride a 96 ktm 360 exc and it's the best of both worlds. Sad they only made them for two years, and a pain for getting parts.
I agree, I guess I am mostly just a motorcycle guy. I enjoy riding both, but appreciate the cost of the 2t.
Emig, "That sound is just ROMANTIC."❤😂 Awesome!
No mention of the power band difference. 2-strokes were like old school turbos. Hit the right RPM, hang on for dear life! That was my favorite part of a two-stroke.
Yep.....wait wait wait...holy hell lol
feel the engine, it's seems alive, and he tells us where he wanna stay!
The sound is golden and can't be beaten!
Being a teen in the early 80's all we rode and raced were 2 strokes. We actually hated the 4 stroke bikes when we tried them. My 87 KX125 and 89 Fourtrax 250R were my favorites by the end of the 80's.
I raced a 1987 KX 125. Loved that bike. Light, nimble and revved out! Super easy to wrench.
Bought a 4-stroke CRF 250 later in life. Almost destroyed my desire to ride. (totally not kidding) Sold that and bought a KTM 250 XC two-stroke as a last ditch effort and rediscovered my love. You either get two-strokes, or you don't...
@C S Same here. Bought a 250X four stroke after the 250R had been discontinued and absolutely hated it. There's no comparison!!!
BTW, still love the KX125 of that era!
@@glennpupino4890 250 X was what I had as well. Worst bike I’ve ever owned. Couldn’t keep it running. Of course that implies that it ever ran well in the first place. Multiple trips back to the Honda dealer, the mechanic finally took me aside privately, and told me that they don’t run good at all and all the problems I had were normal. I said it won’t run. He said none of them do. I’m actually not kidding, he literally told me that. I sold it back to another dealer to get rid of it.
I miss my kx-125 two stroke.. I'm glad I grew up with them. At my age not gonna be doing any more moto-x.
If there's one thing dad loved more than serenity, it was a 2 stroke engine on full throttle.
The vmxdn at foxhills showed that there is a huge love for two strokes still that event was the biggest in the UK this year if am right. It was awsome to see RV, Brownie,Ando, Bradshaw and Osborne and numerous other names ripping the two strokes around that epic track was so good. Honestly was awsome wkend and the smell of race fuel and sound 👌
2-strokes definitely making a comeback in mx races down here in New Zealand. The junior classes are close to 100% 2-stroke. Senior classes would be around 50% 2-stroke. When you ask people why they've switched back to a 2-smoker, pretty much all say that they're sick of the maintenance on 4-strokes. And a lot (especially those old enough to remember the 90s and early 2000's 2-strokes) will say that with the advancements in new 2-strokes - the power delivery now much more useable, more 4-stroke like. Hence wheelspin less of an issue, and easier to keep 'on the boil'....
Hey, its doing a major shift in Australia as well. The game changer for the weekend racer will be the 300SX.
@@maxrpm2215 Agree 300SX likely to sell like hot-cakes... Full credit to KTM for putting money into 2-stroke engine development - and selling 2-smokers with modern chassis, and suspension...
I like the wheel spin on a 2t. Steer from the rear!
@@LordSamuelJ yep good point, once you master that it makes all the difference.
Sick of the maintenance? Then damn they must be masochist cause 2s are even worse...
Growing up my fondest memories are the smell of pre mix, seeing big pro circuit fatty pipes, stinger tips and of course the music that pours from them. I feel lucky to be born at the tail end of a legendary era.
Proud to ride a 2 stroke. (01 CR125)
me too..2003 kx250..it scares the shit out of me and i love it
SAME! 2000 CR250!! Tries to kill me every time I swing a leg and I wouldn't change a thing...
A 99 cr125 was the first 2stoke I rode. I still remember it almost leaving me when the power came on. Crazy experience.
Cr125s are the slowest shittiest 235s ever made period
Same. 01 CR 250 here. It still humbles me most times I ride it but I have so much fun on it. To be honest, I’ve never ridden a modern 4stroke. I’m 37 now and I don’t know if I even want to try one at this point!
I got a 1989 KX80 in 1991 for $150 from two brothers that were trying to get money together to buy a car. They had just made their last payment on it. The only things wrong with it were that it needed a new front sprocket and a new back tire. Probably the best investment I was ever involved in. I got a KX125 after I outgrew the 80. The only thing I looked forward to after school and on the weekends was burning through all the cans of gas my dad had in the garage. I miss those days.
Definitely hear ya I miss them days also
It was an art to keep the engine in the power band. I love them always will
Full throttle!
I had a '77 RM 125 . It was WFO and row the gearshift lever like a boat. The powerband was a half inch wide. They could have put an on/off switch on the bars and saved some weight.
@@ronald8673 power shifting is a must. Keep that throttle twisted like you're strangling it
@@TheBeingReal full throttle or you swallow. Lol
My first time riding my kx85 i will never forget the sound the smell and the feeling i will never forget
i also just got mine and i dont think i can ever replace the feeling of pinging it in 6th gear
Nothing compares to the 2 stroke! Love them bikes, you just feel like a badass when you twist that throttle and throwing a rooster
The accelerator pump for the 4 strokes is what changed the game. It took away the lag when twisting the throttle. But still enjoy riding a 2 stroke more and doesn't wear me out or arm pump as quickly as a 4
Bahahah you cant be that dumb 2smokers are more powerful and lighter. If you can shift aint no 4 stroke touching you
same, i have a ktm 300 xcw and i can ride all day without my arms turning into sling shots lol
I respect every 2-stroke rider. I can watch videos on them etc. But for me, I personally just prefer a 4-stroke. Much love
Kawasaki introduced the KX 80 two stroke in 1979 and I got a brand new one for Christmas and what a beautiful bike , I had never ridden a two stroke before and the first time I hit the powerband it was incredible experiencing that awsome power and boy I was hooked from that point on all I wanted to do was ride wide open....two strokes will always have a speial place in my heart
I will never forget the day I got a 1986 cr 250 and started up 4th kick after sitting for 14 years😂 #2strokes4life
I had a cr250m elsinore 74 what a beast.
I’ve got my old CR 125 back restored it and am now working on a 76 MR 250 My 125 is pretty mean for a 125 sounds mean !!!!!!LONG LIVE THE TWO STROKE
Just the truth. Said so well. The smell ❤ my chainsaw brings a tear to my eye now. BRING BACK THE 2!!!
Karen killed the 2 stroke!
🤣🤣
🤣
actually it was California that started that ball rolling.
@@michaelglenn2468 It was the Karens in California; duh 😂😂😂
Yup, epa WEF Globalists Hitler's
I used to race boats with two stroke outboard engines in the early 2000s, when I come by to that smell from time to time it fills me with joy.
Interesting. I grew up around dirt bikes and I always dreamed of when I’d get my own 2 stroke. Parents couldn’t afford it and the interest in motorcycles gradually went away and was never rekindled. Now, 20-25 years later, I see this random dirt bike video on my recommendations, and I’m finding out we’ve gone away from 2 strokes.
The video is misleading.
Manurfactures completely quit making 2 strokes back in the 2000s in order to push 4 stroke sales.
NO ONE was making 2 strokes until a few years ago and of course theyre selling like hotcakes.
The "death" of 2 strokes was unnatural and will NATURALLY correct itsef now that you can actually buy them again.
Im glad they still use them in enduro. shows how tough they really are.
Never rode dirt bikes but have built a few cr500 engines for old honda odysseys and pilots. Currently running a 670ho rotax on my 85 odyssey and regular 670 and 617s on my other odysseys. 2 strokes are the best.🔥🔥🔥
Odysseys and Pilots? As in the mini vans and “SUVs”?
@@Cegros na they were single seat off road buggies before they were cars. Look up pilot fl400 and odyssey fl350.
@@Cegros no they were badass off-road go karts/mini buggies
Yup, the sound of the 2-stroke MX bike is magic as well as the smell of running a 2-stroke engine (especially if you're running Castrol - god that mix smells so good!).
Absolutely love two strokes and the sound
Redbull athlete Randy Richardson dropping the knowledge bombs
The good news is you can find some great used two stroke bikes out there.
My 2 stroke Yamaha rx100 was definitely better than the Honda unicorn I have now. That thing sounded like a rocket when going above 55km/h.
@@ardwivedi16 I do like my 4 stroke since it’s really civilized and handles well at low speed. My cousin had a two stroke that’s a beast. Just hang on tight.
Not in California. Any good YZ is still 4k+ even if it is 15 years old.
2 strokes sound just gets you seriously PUMPED while you're thinking you're actually going ton faster than you really are! Forever a 2 stroke fan. Please bring back 2 stroke again into racing as you will see the sport become highly successful with new fans as well
Brings back those fond memories of learning to ride, nailing it in first gear and flipping over backwards
Flipping over backwards was no fun for me. I lost count of how many times I ripped my knees open, especially when it's not your bike!
Eventually, I got a hang of it.
Great memories, even if most of them were humiliating/ humbling experiences.
@@kextrz My first bike was an 81 yz125 and I flipped that thing over more than I could count, it's a wonder I'm not a vegetable starting out on that bike lol
My favorites are the Suzuli RM 125 & 250's from many years ago..I had 2 1977 RM 125's as my first bikes and finally moved up to the Full Floater 250 cc rearend versions in the 80's..Mark "Bomber" Barnett and Roger Decoster were my early favorite races on the RM's. now I don't even see any Suzuki's being run..what happened to them ?
I still have that RM 250, bought it at a garage sale years ago for $300. Kicks ass to this day.
THEY DO NOT INNOVATE....
Yes mate that RM 125 was a Beast. It was the first beast I hit band on and was unforgettable
Yes, definitely Suzuki 2 strokes,, love em !
My buddy has an 01 rm250. Things a beast in the woods with a steahly fly wheel weight.
I truly miss that sound and smell combo. 👊🏽🍺
2 strokes 4 life! Riding a Honda CR 80 when I was 13 was so awesome! I still want to get a CR 500 someday!
Finally an honest video, I avoided it earlier for fear it would make me mad… But finally! Some honesty as to why they are no longer in pro AMA! It was all marketing, they pushed those sales soooo hard saying they were faster! It twice the engine size geniuses! Maybe I should race someone that’s on a 250f against my 500 2-Stroke and make a sales pitch out of it?
Anyway nice video 😂
When you ride the sand dunes in silver lake Michigan there is no other bike then the CR 500
To choose,just point and go!!
I do love RED BULL for putting on #STRAIGHTRHYTHM and keeping these guys on the toes!
The best MX rider of the year doesn't mean a thing when you're on a 2-stroke... (Unless they grew up riding one and dreaming about a new one!)
i like how everyone buys a 2 stroke just to say they have one, nobody gets rid of there two strokes, but everyone gets rid of there 4 strokes
Exactly.
4strokes have no sole
I got rid of mine. Fun bike but the 450 is just way more fun and the power is absolutely a blast.
@@dalewalters9023 - Nor do my shoes!
@@Scissors69 spell check wrecked my soul.n my joke...
im 57 now,, ive been riding since i was 5yrs old.. i raced the YZ,s 2stroke always,, something about that power band that just gets in your soul!
yep