If you decide to buy a scooter, then this question will inevitably arise: which engine is right for you? Powerboat experts talk about the distinctive features of two- and four-stroke motorcycles, as well as important criteria for choosing motor vehicles.
Each type of engine has its own design and operation nuances. Therefore, there is no clear answer to the question of which is better - two-stroke or four-stroke. Everything is individual and depends on the budget for the purchase of motorcycle equipment, subsequent financial capabilities for its operation and maintenance, and a number of other points.
Design Features
Structurally, scooters equipped with two-stroke engines are simpler and more compact. Since the operating principle of such a power unit is simpler, just as the lubrication and gas distribution system is free of technical difficulties.
All working cycles in 2T take place within one revolution of the crankshaft (in 4T - within two). Motorcycles with a 4-stroke engine are larger and heavier, but they look more massive and bold. And this is already a matter of aesthetic taste.
Also, the four-stroke engine is designed for a longer service life, it is more reliable - up to 5 seasons on one piston. Some popular models: RACER Neo RC50QT-3X, Motoland PALADIN 150, Yamaha NMAX 150.
Scooter with 2 or 4 stroke engine: which one to choose?
What is the difference between 2 and 4 stroke engines for scooters.
Without going into technical details, we note that when it comes to scooter engines, the principle of “bigger is better” does not work. Many people mistakenly believe that a 4-stroke engine is more powerful or faster than a 2-stroke engine simply because it has more strokes.
In fact, there is no direct relationship. The number of strokes is a purely technical characteristic that shows how many similar movements the engine makes during each of its operating cycles. There are two movements in the cycle of a 2-stroke engine, and four in the cycle of a 4-stroke engine. As a result, the first completes the full work cycle twice as fast as the second. This is where many of the features of scooter movement and operation come from.
Comparison of 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines.
1. Fuel consumption. According to this indicator, a 2-stroke engine is inferior to a 4-stroke engine by about 30%. The fuel consumption of the first is one third more than the second, since during a short operating cycle the fuel burns worse and releases less energy.
2. Dynamism. When it comes to acceleration and maintaining maximum speed, a 2-stroke engine has certain advantages. Due to the fact that the full operating cycle of the motor is completed 2 times faster than that of a 4-stroke unit, the scooter picks up speed faster and behaves more dynamically at high speeds. On the other hand, the movement of vehicles with a 4-stroke engine is smoother and more elastic; acceleration and deceleration do not occur as sharply as in 2-stroke models. However, lovers of high speeds usually choose scooters with a 2-stroke engine.
3. Reliability. Practice shows that scooters with 4-stroke engines are more reliable than those with 2-stroke engines. Firstly, they have a more advanced oil supply system, when every part is literally bathed in it, and secondly, a more complex motor design allows you to reduce the load on its individual parts and increase the service life. On the other hand, repair and maintenance of a 2-stroke engine is much simpler and therefore cheaper than a 4-stroke engine.
So which engine should you choose a scooter with?
If you need a simple unit, with low weight, high speed and easy repairs, then we recommend choosing a scooter with a 2-stroke engine. A vehicle with a 4-stroke engine will cost a little more, require more thorough maintenance and complex repairs if necessary, as well as constant oil changes, although it will save money on gasoline, last longer and provide more comfortable driving (smooth and soft). Which of these is more important is up to you to choose.
Dynamic capabilities
Two-stroke. Due to its short operating cycle, it allows the scooter to pick up speed faster, while the response to turning the gas lever is more sensitive. Purely in terms of sensations, riding such a vehicle, especially at high speeds, is comparable to riding a sports motorcycle. Connoisseurs of high speeds, this is your choice.
Four-stroke. Scooters with such an engine, due to the longer stroke of the latter, provide “elastic” acceleration and smooth, smooth movement. The vibrations that the motor creates are almost imperceptible, even if you drive at high speed. This provides significantly greater comfort while riding and makes it easier to control the bike.
SYM Husky ADV
The SYM Husky ADV is Honda's direct and unequivocal answer to the ADV150. And don’t get confused: the new product from SYM is a husky, not a Husky, that is, a hardy sled dog breed, and not a chainsaw, originally from Sweden.
First of all, the Husky ADV is a city scooter, the capabilities of which are quite enough for everyday driving, but its design also implies off-road capabilities , at least more than other scooters. In addition, the long-travel fork and rear wishbone suspension with longitudinal shock absorber, all-terrain tires on 13-inch wheels and large disc brakes (260 mm in the front and 233 in the rear) with ABS suggest that this scooter is quite capable of taking the owner somewhere beyond the asphalt.
Job resource
The four-stroke engine is a priori a more advanced system, therefore it is considered more reliable, which has been confirmed in practice. This unit has a modern oil supply system by spraying or supplying under pressure, which provides better lubrication when every part is literally “bathed” in it. And the complex design of the engine in this case is also “on hand”, it allows you to more evenly distribute and, accordingly, reduce the load on its individual elements. Ultimately, this helps to increase the service life.
Crossover scooters
Now we are on a wave of growing interest in another type of large scooter, which is lighter and more passable than the usual heavy maxi. And although they do not yet have any clear name or criteria, that is, the class is still in its infancy, in a nutshell it can be described as follows: all-terrain scooters. By analogy with cars, they are also called crossovers and even SUVs - but unlike parquet jeeps, which are not able to move off the asphalt, crossover scooters are very comfortable on the ground, they are just not very suitable for extreme driving.
The trend in this segment, as often happens, was set by Honda. It all started with the 50 cc Ruckus/Zoomer model in the early 2000s, which, if it was off-road, was more likely due to its lightness, ease of control and the absence of most of the traditional cladding (it easily survived falls). Then there was the Big Ruckus - also without a hood, but already a 250 cc maxiscooter, weighing 160 kg dry and gaining wild popularity not even for all-terrain capability as such, but for the ease of customization and conversion into anything, from a cruiser-like version to very good all-terrain vehicles. Unfortunately, Honda stopped producing this model in 2007, but it is still highly valued on the secondary market.
Almost 10 years later, it turned out that Honda had not abandoned the idea of an off-road scooter: the X-ADV appeared. True, this is far from being a “naked” scooter, but its design has become frankly more of a motorcycle – even to the point of allowing full-fledged riding in a stand-up position. The model went well, and some manufacturers even risked trying to repeat the success of Honda by creating something similar, but in fairness, Honda very famously used its automatic transmission with two clutches in the X-ADV, because of which this model simply had no classmates .
Then, in 2022, a younger model in the same spirit appeared, the ADV 150, which caused such a stir in Asia that Honda decided to release it in the USA and Europe, where the baby was also a resounding success. As it turned out, there is considerable demand in the market specifically for lightweight scooters that can be used off-road, and it is this niche that the Taiwanese motorcycle manufacturer SYM has relied on in its next new product.
What else is important to know when choosing
- Price. Buying a model equipped with a 2-stroke engine will a priori cost less than a bike with a 4-stroke engine. And often the money issue is the determining factor in the purchase.
- Power. A scooter with a two-stroke engine is approximately 60–70% more powerful than a four-stroke engine. This, again, is due to the fact that in such a system all work processes occur faster.
- Service. Two-stroke engines require regular monitoring of the oil level and changing it more often. They also produce more smoke during operation, so you will need to clean the exhaust muffler more often.
- Repair. Carrying out repair work on a four-stroke engine will be somewhat more difficult, and it will cost more than repairing and replacing parts on a two-stroke engine.
- Noise. Here the scooter with a 4-stroke engine wins an uncompromising “victory”. A scooter with a two-stroke engine is objectively noisier.
- Environmental friendliness. Four-stroke engines produce cleaner emissions from an environmental point of view. A timely moment for those who care about the environment.
The catalog of the Sport-Extreme online store includes scooters from Motoland, Racer, Yamaha and other brands. The product comes with a manufacturer's warranty, and there is a delivery service within the Russian Federation.
The specialists of the motorboat center will help you choose the models that suit your goals and expectations.
To get detailed advice on availability, prices and characteristics, just call +7 (4822) 65-65-03.
SYM Husky ADV 2022 Specifications
In terms of performance, the SYM Husky ADV also clearly and distinctly competes with Honda: the 150cc fuel-injected single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine produces about 14.6 hp at 7,500 rpm and 14.5 Nm at 6,000 rpm, all the lighting is LED, which allows not only to remain visible in the city, but it’s also a good idea to travel along forest paths even in the dark, especially since the full-color TFT display has the function of automatically adjusting brightness depending on the ambient light. The Husky ADV's seat height is 780mm, and the gas tank capacity is a fairly significant 15 liters for this class. Another convenience worth noting is the bare tubular steering wheel, which any motorcycle traveler will appreciate in terms of ease of installation of a navigator and other useful devices on the road, as well as a Quick Charge 2.0 socket for quickly charging gadgets.
The price and timing of the SYM Husky ADV going on sale have not yet been announced.
HONDA DIO AF68
Honda is rightfully considered one of the most successful manufacturers of two-wheeled motorized vehicles. The cost of its products is usually an order of magnitude higher than in the case of Chinese alternatives. On the other hand, the owner will receive a vehicle built on a wear-resistant engine that can guarantee rapid acceleration to maximum speed. Practice shows that technical breakdowns occur only through the fault of the owner. The DIO AF68 is built on a durable frame that ensures structural integrity even after being involved in a traffic accident. The increased level of safety is enhanced by the maximum speed of 60 kilometers per hour. You can squeeze more out of the engine, but the standard electronics will not allow you to do this. This reserve is quite enough for comfortable and safe movement along the city streets.
The design of the scooter was not developed with the aim of obtaining an aggressive appearance. But it fades into the background, since fuel consumption is only 1250 milliliters (1.25 liters) per hundred. With a full tank, you can travel up to 370 kilometers. This supply is quite enough for a trip to the neighboring region. For full movement, an injection-type power unit is installed, the power of which is 4.9 horsepower. To maintain normal temperatures, the Japanese brand installs a forced cooling system.
Advantages:
- easy availability of spare parts;
- reliable frame design;
- durable suspension;
- minimal chance of encountering an accidental breakdown;
- the presence of an electronic fuel injection system;
- minimum fuel consumption.
Which scooter is better to buy
The ease of use of a scooter is influenced by its dimensions and design features. We advise you to purchase a model of such a size that you can easily move and park it yourself. Maintenance of the scooter will significantly simplify the upper location of the air intake, which prevents its excessive contamination.
Particular attention must be paid to the design of the front fork. The right choice depends on the surface topography on which the scooter will be used. For driving on a flat asphalt road, a telescopic fork is suitable, and for rough terrain - a pendulum fork with additional shock absorption.
It is necessary to take into account the power and type of scooter engine:
- Two-stroke models have a higher power density and are easy to maintain.
- Four-stroke engines consume less gasoline and oil, operate quietly and provide a smoother ride.
In any case, for daily trips on a scooter you will need an engine power of at least 7 horsepower.
An important indicator of the scooter's performance is the type of transmission. For long-term driving in various conditions, we recommend scooters with a V-belt variator, which ensures uniform acceleration and quick start. The easiest to operate and affordable models are equipped with a single-speed transmission. For novice drivers, it is better to use a semi-automatic transmission.
Recommendations: 12 Best ATVs
12 best electric scooters
19 best motorcycles
Choosing a good scooter
When buying a scooter, we set three main requirements for it: price, quality, reliability. And, as a rule, at a higher price, the quality of parts and reliability of the scooter as a whole is also higher. It is the buyer’s financial capabilities that are decisive when answering the question of which scooter to choose.
Which scooter is better, two-stroke or four-stroke?
Before deciding which scooter is better, 2t or 4t, I advise you to find out the difference between a two-stroke and a four-stroke engine.
As of 2022, the vast majority of scooters are produced with 4-stroke engines. Such motors are more economical, produce less noise, are environmentally friendly, and control well. The disadvantage of a 4 ton scooter is its high cost compared to its 2 ton equivalent.
Two-stroke scooters are unpretentious in maintenance and operation, respond better to movement of the accelerator handle and develop speed faster. In addition, such scooters are significantly lighter in weight due to the relative simplicity of the 2-stroke engine design. In their advantage, 2-stroke diesel engines produce a cubic capacity of 50 cubic meters.
The disadvantages of a two-stroke engine include:
- High gas consumption
- The need to add oil to the tank
- Noisiness
- Large amounts of smoke, which requires frequent cleaning of the exhaust muffler
- Uneven dynamics of 2t scooter
Despite the fact that more scooters with four-stroke engines are being produced, two-stroke engines are also in demand. If you are interested in quiet trips to work and home, as well as over long distances, then a 4t scooter is what you should buy. If you want more drive and tuning options, choose a scooter with a two-stroke engine.
Which scooter is better, Japanese or Chinese?
Many future scooter drivers are tormented by the question before purchasing: it is better to choose a new Chinese scooter or a used Japanese one. The fact is that the price of a used Japanese Honda, Suzuki or Yamaha is approximately the same as the cost of new Chinese equipment.
Scooters from Japan are more reliable and easy to maintain. The disadvantage of Chinese scooters is the low quality of plastic assembly and shorter engine life.
What we can definitely advise is not to choose a used Chinese moped and vice versa, if finances allow - buying a new Japanese scooter is clearly better than a factory made in China.
Which Japanese scooter is better to buy?
On the Russian and Ukrainian markets, Japanese scooters are represented by the brands Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki. The differences between the models of these mopeds are minimal: all three companies manufacture products of the same price category and quality. On online forums, discussions continue about which Japanese scooter is better: Honda or Yamaha, Honda or Suzuki, Yamaha or Suzuki - choosing the best scooter is not an easy task.
If the basis for choosing a scooter is its reliability and safety, then a Honda is what you need. Even a used Honda scooter will confidently take you to your destination, although mopeds of this brand cannot be called racing and they are less amenable to tuning than other Japanese scooters.
Suzuki models, on the contrary, are dynamic, powerful and fast. We can say that Suzuki engineers make their scooters similar to sports motorcycles of this brand. If you can’t imagine life without drive, then Japanese Suzukis are your choice. Disadvantages: not the most reliable engine, demanding on fuel quality.
Yamaha scooters : more expensive, they have a sportier youth design for teenagers.
We can summarize:
- Honda - relatively slow, but reliable and inexpensive
- Yamaha - expensive and fast
- Suzuki is somewhere in the middle
The choice between Japanese scooters Honda, Suzuki or Yamaha is yours.
Which Chinese scooter is better to choose?
Price is the main advantage when choosing a Chinese scooter. For a reasonable price you can buy a good new device with a cubic capacity of up to 50 cubic meters or more.
For the most part, Chinese scooters are copies of Japanese and European brands that were produced at the end of the last century. If you have decided to buy a Chinese moped, then you should understand that its quality in 99% of cases will be inferior to its counterparts from Japan and you should not present a motorcycle from China as the most reliable.
For the first time in this publication, I give almost unambiguous advice: do not buy a two-stroke Chinese scooter.
Why you should not choose 2t mopeds from China :
- Very poor engine thrust
- High consumption of gasoline and engine oil
- The need for frequent cleaning or replacement of the spark plug
- Low-quality variators with chain drive (there are such)
- Small resource of a 2-stroke engine of a Chinese scooter in general
An exception to the rule is the Benelli Stels Arrow 50 2t scooter, but its price is clearly overpriced.
But not everything is so bad in the Chinese motorcycle industry. The Chinese have learned to create high-quality motorcycles with four-stroke engines.
Tips for buying a Chinese scooter:
- Choose a Chinese scooter with 12 or 13 inch wheels and 3.5 inch width to avoid problems with purchasing and replacing tires
- The front suspension should have a telescopic shock absorber and disc brake
- Rear suspension with two shock absorbers for a more comfortable ride with a passenger
- I recommend buying a scooter with a level surface under your feet. This will make it possible to transport small bags
- It is better to choose an exhaust pipe with a collapsible muffler
- All other characteristics being equal, it is better to buy a Chinese scooter with high ground clearance and a fuel tank
- Buy a Chinese scooter from a store that provides a guarantee and service
To conclude this chapter, I will say that you should not buy a Chinese scooter with a unique body kit design. With all the variety of cheap spare parts for scooters from China, replacing non-standard plastic can be a problem.
Likewise, you need to be very careful when buying a used Chinese scooter.
It makes no sense to name which brand of Chinese scooter is better and more reliable, since they all differ only in appearance.
Which scooter is better to buy
In the previous chapter, we examined the criteria for choosing and purchasing a Japanese two-stroke or Chinese four-stroke scooter. It’s not for nothing that at the beginning of the publication I asked you to ask yourself a question about the cost of the future purchase and the purposes for which you are going to buy a scooter.
Next, we’ll find out why it’s better to buy a maxi scooter for the city, and why it’s better to buy a scooter up to 50 cc rather than 150 cc for a village or cottage. cm.
Which scooter to choose for the city, village and cottage
To buy a reliable scooter for trips outside the city or to the countryside, you need to choose an option with a pendulum front fork, such as the Honda Tact. The telescopic suspension doesn't cope as well with uneven road surfaces in rural areas.
Secondly, for your dacha you should choose a moped with a higher air filter. This position will prevent dust formation and frequent cleaning of the air filter foam.
Cheap Chinese scooters can hardly be called the best for villages and rural roads, unless of course you buy a moped with a sidecar.
To move around the city, it is better to take a scooter with a cubic capacity of more than 50 cm3. In urban conditions, you can be less demanding on suspension and ground clearance, but front disc brakes are a must, because even Chinese 150 cc brands accelerate to 90 km/h or more.
Which scooter is better to buy up to 50cc
Scooters with an engine capacity of up to 50 cubic meters are the most common in both Ukraine and Russia. Such mopeds can be bought for a teenager, but most of the fifty-kopeck mopeds are single-seaters, and if you often ride with a passenger, the service life of the engine is greatly reduced. Therefore, before purchasing, ask the seller what weight the scooter is designed for. Of course, it is better to take a two-seater scooter, which has the ability to tune the engine with an increase in piston volume.
A reliable Japanese fifty-kopeck Suzuki or a good new Chinese scooter up to 50cc - choose for yourself based on the text you read above.
Which maxi scooter to choose
For trips around the metropolis and over long distances, it would be ideal to choose a maxi scooter with a cubic capacity of 150 cubic meters or more. Units such as the Yamaha Majesty 400 rival cars in terms of top speed. The comfort of the ride makes maxi scooters indispensable for traveling as a couple.
The downside to buying a maxi scooter is that you have to obtain a license for the scooter and register it as a motorcycle.
We must recognize the progress of manufacturers from China. Chinese maxi scooters are the best budget option price-quality for those who love riding at speed with comfort.
In conclusion, we will say that in the article we rarely mentioned scooters from European manufacturers (Piaggio, BMW, Aprilia, etc.) due to their high price and high maintenance costs.
We hope that we have helped you as much as possible to find out which scooter is best to choose and in the end you will be able to buy the most reliable moped.
Irbis LX 50
Perhaps the fastest scooter in the ranking is the LX 50 model from Irbis. The model has a stylish, attractive appearance, somewhat reminiscent of a sporty one. The front features large headlights that can effectively illuminate the road in the evening. The maximum speed is no more than 90 kilometers per hour. The seat has space for a passenger. However, under the influence of additional load, it will not be possible to squeeze the maximum out of the motor.
Twelve-inch tires with off-road tread are installed as standard. Theoretically, this improves the quality of travel on country roads. The vehicle is propelled by a two-stroke engine with a carburetor. Its power is 4.8 horsepower. Another advantage of the model is the presence of a high-strength suspension. The engine can be started remotely. There is a tachometer on the dashboard. Additional features also include the presence of an alarm system, aluminum alloy wheels and hydraulic front brakes. The fork has a telescopic design.
