2-Stroke and 4-Stroke Bike- Working, Difference and Pros/Cons

Posted on: May 2, 2022 | | Written by:

2-Stroke and 4-Stroke Bike- Working, Difference and Pros/Cons

Engine design is very important for a motorcycle’s performance. Over the years, engines and their mechanisms have changed a lot. However, the types of engine design remain the same: 2-stroke and 4-stroke. If you are a bike owner, you must have heard of these terms. What exactly does it mean, what is the difference between the two, and which is better? Let us find out all about bike engines. To protect your bike against any uncertainty, invest in comprehensive bike insurance.

Understand More about Stroke Engine

A stroke is the motion of the piston in an engine’s combustion cycle. A combustion cycle is the process of intake, compression, combustion of the air-fuel mixture, and exhaust of burnt gases. The cylinder is the space where the piston moves up and down.

Intake - When the piston moves down the cylinder, it intakes the air-fuel mixture and allows it into the combustion chamber.

Compression - When the piston moves back up the cylinder intake valve is closed compressing the air-fuel mixture present inside.

Combustion - The spark from the spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture causing combustion.

Exhaust - The combustion gases push the piston down the cylinder opening the exhaust valve, through which burned gases are expelled.

Differences between a 2-Stroke and A 4-Stroke Engine

If you notice, you will find no difference in both the types in terms of working and looks. The difference between a 2-stroke and a 4-stroke engine lies in the number of strokes each one requires to generate power.

● In a 2-stroke engine, the combustion cycle is completed in 2 piston movements or one complete crankshaft revolution. It combines intake with compression in one movement and combustion with the exhaust in the second movement. In a 4-stroke engine, combustion is completed in a cycle of 4 strokes. It completes one step in one stroke which means intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust all are carried out in 4 separate strokes, and power is generated in each stroke.

● In 2-stroke engines, oil is mixed with the fuel to lubricate the engine. In a 4-stroke engine oil is not required to mix with the fuel.

● There are no valves in the cylinder, instead, there are ports that are covered and uncovered when the piston moves up and down like a vertically sliding door to open and close the ports. A 2-stroke engine can be easily identified because of a wide exhaust pipe which doesn’t only expel the gases but also works as an expansion chamber to create a vacuum that helps in drawing fuel mixture through the transfer port. And while the fuel mixture is drawn, compression takes place above the piston. A 4-stroke engine has valves for intake and exhaust

Pros and Cons

1. Fuel Efficiency - A 4-stroke engine is more fuel-efficient compared to a 2-stroke engine because fuel is used once in every 4 strokes.

2. Emissions - 4-stroke engines are clean engines with many reduced emissions because they don’t require any oil mixed with the fuel. On the other hand, a 2-stroke engine emits burnt oil into the air in addition to the exhaust gases.

3. Maintenance - 2-strokes engines are easier and cheaper to maintain because of their simple design. 4-stroke engines have complex designs and many components due to which maintenance is costly.

4. Cost - The cost of a 2-stroke engine is less, whereas a 4-stroke engine is costly.

5. Noise - 2-stroke engines are noisier in comparison to the 4-stroke engines and produce a high-pitched sound. The valves present in a 4-stroke engine provide better sound insulation and also these engines produce fewer vibrations.

6. Durability - 4-stroke engines are durable and can withstand higher wear and tear.

7. Weight - A 4-stroke engine is heavier because of its complex design including many components.

8. Thermal Efficiency - A 4-stroke engine is more thermally efficient compared to a 2-stroke engine because it is water-cooled therefore it runs cooler. A 2-stroke engine is air-cooled it gets hot with usage.

9. Output - A 4-stroke engine gives better output. A 2-stroke engine yields higher torque.

10. Mechanical Efficiency - A 4-stroke engine is less mechanically efficient due to more parts and higher friction.

11. Size - A 4-stroke engine is bigger in size and requires more space compared to a 2-stroke engine.

Which Engine is Better?

It is difficult to tell which engine is better, as both have their pros and cons. Because of emission regulations, 2-stroke engines are now rarely used in bikes. You will find very few models with a 2-stroke engine. For regular commuting, fuel-efficient less polluting 4-stroke engine bikes are preferred. However, for a high-performing off-road biking experience, a 2-stroke bike is still preferred. For, racing, track riding, and off-road biking, a 2-stroke bike is the first choice. No matter, which type of bike you choose get your bike insured with comprehensive bike insurance to ride safely on road.

Conclusion

Understanding the working and difference between 2-stroke and 4-stroke bikes will help you in making a better choice. Whichever type of engine matches your requirement will be best for you because both the types of engines serve different purposes. Always remember to cover your bike against any mishappening with comprehensive bike insurance.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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