The Most Reliable Two-stroke, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the two-stroke you think is the most reliable!
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:56
For enthusiasts and experts alike, the reliability of a two-stroke engine is a subject of keen interest and debate. Different models offer a range of performance traits, from durability to efficiency, impacting both daily usage and long-term value. Understanding which models stand out in terms of dependability can save time, reduce maintenance costs, and improve overall satisfaction.
Through community-driven voting, this list aims to aggregate experiences and opinions to help clear the fog around the varying quality of these engines. Each vote helps in shaping a clearer picture, guiding both current owners and prospective buyers in making informed decisions. We invite you to contribute to this collective resource by voting for the two-stroke you trust the most.
What Is the Most Reliable Two-stroke?
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182votes
Yamaha RD350
Yamaha Motor CompanyKnown for its reliability, power, and performance, the RD350 is a two-stroke legend. The bike was produced from 1973 to 1975.The Yamaha RD350 is a popular two-stroke motorcycle known for its reliability and performance. It was produced by Yamaha Motor Company from 1973 to 1975. The RD350 was designed as a lightweight and powerful sports bike, and it gained a reputation for its impressive top speed and agility.- Engine Type: Two-stroke, air-cooled, parallel-twin
- Displacement: 347 cc
- Power Output: 39 hp (29 kW) @ 7500 rpm
- Torque: 32 Nm (24 lb-ft) @ 6500 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
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227votes
Joachim Köhler · CC BY-SA 3.0Suzuki RG500
SuzukiA four-cylinder, two-stroke motorcycle that was produced from 1985 to 1987. The RG500 is known for its reliability and performance.The Suzuki RG500 is a legendary two-stroke motorcycle known for its impressive performance and agility. It was first introduced by Japanese manufacturer Suzuki in 1974 and was in production until 1989. The RG500 was specifically designed for racing and became widely popular among motorcycle enthusiasts.- Engine Type: 499cc two-stroke, inline-four
- Power Output: 95 hp
- Torque: 59 lb-ft
- Top Speed: 150+ mph
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
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322votes
Rikita · CC BY-SA 3.0Honda NSR250
HondaA two-stroke sportbike produced from 1985 to 2001, it was a popular choice for riders looking for a reliable, high-performance bike.The Honda NSR250 is a highly renowned two-stroke motorcycle that was produced by Honda from 1985 to 2001. It is categorized as a sports bike and is widely recognized for its exceptional reliability and performance in the two-stroke segment.- Engine: 249 cc liquid-cooled V-twin
- Power: 45 to 60 horsepower
- Torque: 28 to 35 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Frame: Aluminum twin-spar
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420votes
Neil Infield · CC BY-SA 3.0Kawasaki KR-1
Kawasaki MotorcyclesA two-stroke sportbike produced from 1988 to 1992, it was known for its reliability and performance.The Kawasaki KR-1 is a high-performance two-stroke motorcycle known for its reliability. It was introduced by Kawasaki Motorcycles in the early 1990s.- Displacement: 249 cc
- Power output: 55 hp
- Top speed: 130 mph
- Engine type: 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
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514votes
Yamaha TZ250
YamahaA two-stroke racing motorcycle produced from 1973 to 2013, it was known for its reliability, power, and performance.The Yamaha TZ250 is a high-performance two-stroke motorcycle known for its reliability and racing prowess. It is one of the most iconic motorcycles of its kind.- Engine: 249cc, liquid-cooled, two-stroke, twin-cylinder
- Power: Around 65 horsepower
- Torque: N/A
- Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh
- Frame: Tubular steel
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615votes
Suzuki RGV250
SuzukiA two-stroke sportbike produced from 1988 to 1998, it was known for its reliability and performance.The Suzuki RGV250 is a legendary two-stroke sport motorcycle known for its high-performance capabilities and nimble handling. It was first introduced by Suzuki in 1988 as a successor to the RG Gamma series.- Engine Type: 249cc liquid-cooled two-stroke V-twin
- Power Output: Around 60 horsepower
- Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh
- Suspension: Front: Telescopic forks, Rear: Link-type monoshock
- Brakes: Front: Dual disc, Rear: Single disc
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712votes
KTM 300 EXC
KTMA two-stroke off-road motorcycle known for its reliability and performance.The KTM 300 EXC is a high-performance two-stroke off-road motorcycle known for its reliability and power. It is designed for enduro racing and offers exceptional handling and agility. The bike is built to withstand tough terrains and provides excellent suspension and control.- Engine Displacement: 300cc
- Engine Type: Two-stroke
- Power: Approximately 54 horsepower
- Torque: Approximately 40 lb-ft
- Weight: Approximately 105 kg (231 lbs)
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89votes
Husqvarna TE300i
Husqvarna MotorcyclesA two-stroke off-road motorcycle known for its reliability and performance.The Husqvarna TE300i is a high-performance two-stroke motorcycle designed for off-road riding. It is known for its reliability and power, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.- Engine Type: 2-stroke, single-cylinder, fuel-injected
- Displacement: 293.2 cc
- Power: 54 hp
- Torque: 32.5 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed
Husqvarna TE300i in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most reliable two-stroke dirt bike
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97votes
Beta RR300
Beta MotorcyclesA two-stroke off-road motorcycle known for its reliability and performance.The Beta RR300 is a high-performance two-stroke enduro motorcycle known for its reliability and versatility. It is designed to handle a wide range of off-road terrain, making it suitable for both recreational riders and professional racers.- Engine Type: Single-cylinder, two-stroke
- Displacement: 293.1cc
- Power: Approximately 50 horsepower
- Torque: N/A
- Fuel System: Carbureted with a reed valve
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108votes
Sherco 300 SEF Factory
ShercoA two-stroke off-road motorcycle known for its reliability and performance.The Sherco 300 SEF Factory is a top-quality two-stroke motorcycle designed for off-road enthusiasts who value reliability and performance. It is known for its exceptional power, handling, and durability, making it a popular choice among professional riders and enthusiasts alike.- Engine Type: Single-cylinder, two-stroke
- Displacement: 297.7 cc
- Power Output: Approximately 58 hp
- Fuel System: Keihin PWK 36S carburetor
- Ignition: Digital CDI
Missing your favorite two-stroke?
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Ranking factors for reliable two-stroke
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Build QualityThe build quality of the engine is important as it will determine its overall durability and longevity over time.
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Maintenance RequirementsRegular maintenance is crucial for the longevity of a two-stroke engine. Engines that require less maintenance are generally more reliable.
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Power OutputEngines that are designed for high power output tend to be more reliable as they are built to withstand higher stresses and temperatures.
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Fuel EfficiencyEngines that are fuel-efficient can be more reliable as they put less strain on the engine, reducing wear and tear.
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CoolingEngines that have a good cooling system tend to be more reliable as they run cooler and reduce the risk of overheating.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable two-stroke. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Engine is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1957 views
- 209 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Engine once every 24 hours. The rank of each Engine is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most reliable two-stroke
Two-stroke engines have been a popular choice for many years, especially in applications where weight and power are crucial factors. These engines are commonly used in motorcycles, scooters, and small watercraft due to their simplicity, low cost, and high power-to-weight ratio. However, their reliability has been a topic of debate among enthusiasts for a long time. Some argue that two-strokes are less reliable than their four-stroke counterparts, while others believe that with proper maintenance, they can be just as dependable. In this article, we will explore the most reliable two-stroke engines and examine what makes them stand out in terms of durability and performance.
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