AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
¦ WHICH IS BETTER, 2 or 4 stroke?
I often picture two old snowmobile master riders sitting on a lonely mountain top debating this question. But are these new 2-stroke race replicas better or more fun than the very highest end race replica and limited build big 4-stroke turbo sleds?
I am going to take a stand and say that I personally prefer to ride the 2-stroke X-RS and XCR versus the turbo ZR RR and Sidewinder. But that is mostly because of where I ride, and who I usually ride with. Tight, twisty trails that are extremely rough is what I tend to ride because it is more challenging and the scenery is better than the more wide-open riding that the big 4-strokes dominate. Call me up after this article comes out and I will probably change my mind. I am supposed to have the Yamaha in my garage soon. Having that kind of power at the end of your thumb is simply addictive! The top Fox shocks in the suspension of the RR and Sidewinder are crazy good, too. So I’ll be doing my best to prove myself wrong by tossing these big-power 4-strokes around some more tight trails this winter.
That’s as clear cut as I can make it. If you like durability, speed, reliability, and longevity, go 4-stroke. If you want the absolute best handling sled with less effort, best flying, and sharpest throttle response, go 2-stroke.