Yamaha 2-stroke vs. Honda 4-stroke 49cc?

Taj Munson

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Apr 7, 2002, 8:53:13 PM4/7/02

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Hi,
I haven't ever owned a scooter/motorcycle before, and have been looking at
getting either the new Yamaha Vino or the Honda Metropolitan. I haven't
ridden either of them yet, but I wanted to see if anybody out there could
rattle off some "pro v con" of the 2-stroke versus the 4-stroke.
Both of them list as 49cc, and neither company advertises the number of HP
or the listed top speed, so i can't do a power comparison. Does anyone have
some first-hand knowledge?

Or is there a general reason why one of the two scoots is better than the
other?

From my (unspecialized) knowledge, common sense says the two-stroke will be
noisier, smellier, less fuel efficient, more vibrating BUT will have more
power. The four-stroke, obviously, vise-versa. Are the differences that
noticable?

Does anyone out there have real-world experience with the two? Or is one
scoot flat-out better than the other (since their prices are identical)?

Thanks,
taj

kokomon...@hotmail.com

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Apr 7, 2002, 10:05:06 PM4/7/02

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The Vino has about 30mph top speed in stock form. I don't know about
the Metro, but my guess is that it would be about the same. Has anyone
out there ridden one yet?

Two general tidbits about 2-stroke vs 4-stroke engines of the same
displacement. The 4-stroke will get better gas mileage, and the
2-stroke will potentially make more power with modifications.

tat-2

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Apr 7, 2002, 11:33:20 PM4/7/02

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In my experience a two stroke is MUCH harder to start in the cold weather.
My 4cycle elite 80 starts up without a problem ever!
I ride all year round (eastern PA) so it does get cold.

Ed

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RickJ

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Apr 8, 2002, 9:12:33 AM4/8/02

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One of the big differences between a 2 and a 4 stroke is the nature of the
acceleration. A 2 stroke just wants to go like a bat out of hell (okay maybe
it's a tiny bat, but a bat nonetheless) and a 4 stroke can easily cruise at
mid throttle. A 2 stroke doesn't seem to be a good Sunday-driver candidate.
IMHO!

Rick

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kokomon...@hotmail.com

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Apr 8, 2002, 8:30:02 AM4/8/02

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You meant a two stroke is much EASIER to start in cold weather, didn't
you? That is a lot of why they are used for most snowmobiles and snow
blowers. With a two stroke, you don't have to "churn" the crankcase oil
when cranking a cold engine like you do with a four stroke.

James Leisure

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Apr 8, 2002, 7:15:09 PM4/8/02

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Most of the snowblowers and snowmobiles I've seen were 4-stroke. I don't
think I've ever seen a 2-stroke snowblower, who makes one?

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kokomon...@hotmail.com

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Apr 8, 2002, 6:31:52 PM4/8/02

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I don't know who makes snow blowers, but my friends who have snow
blowers mention mixing fuel for their two-stroke engines.

Nearly all snowmobiles have had two-stroke engines since snowmobiles
were invented. There are now some four-strokes, and will be increasing
numbers of them for environmental reasons.

tat-2

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Apr 8, 2002, 9:57:24 PM4/8/02

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I have a 2 stroke snowblower (toro), Its just as much of a bitch to start as
is my weed whacker.
note not used at the same time.

Ed

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tat-2

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Apr 8, 2002, 10:00:35 PM4/8/02

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I have to agree with your logic, on churning the oil.
But then again I'm thinking of an OLD garelli moped.
and the snowblower that takes about 20 pulls to get it going... Once its
going it warms up fast and no problem.
just my experiences and $0.02

Ed

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wil...@webtv.net

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Apr 8, 2002, 11:18:49 PM4/8/02

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I had an older 4stroke honda moped,it was slow(about30mph tops) had poor
accelleration.It was good on gas.I liked it but I was only 16 at the
time.I now have a 2001 Vino which I derestricted almost at once and am
now in the process of upgrading.With only a tecnigas next exhaust and
included rollers and clutch springs it accelerates very well and tops
out at about 45-47mph.It still gets great gas mileage and using quality
synth oil smokes little and isn't smelly.Not sure about vibration but I
seem to remember old honda was kind of rattely.For what it cost me to
buy and operate I'm very pleased with Vino.If you are content with
25-30mph speeds and you prefer the honda looks go for it but if you want
to go a little faster I suggest the Vino.As to snowblowers they are
still mostly 2 stroke but there are 4's as well.The same for
snowmobiles.Willie