2 stroke ?

[mercrazy]

I’ve seen several new 2 stroke motorcycles being introduced. Is light weight and simplicity making a comeback? Will this ever happen in outboards? I know I prefer a reliable carb/switchbox/non oiler engine any day.

[LakeFever]

I would have to think if someone started banging out simple, lightweight 2-300hp two strokes again at low price points they would sell quite well

[MattGreen]

Yamaha still makes good old-fashioned two strokes but they are only available in developing countries. I just saw a bunch in Belize for example.

Matt

[AlliStan]

Tohatsu still makes 'em. They are imported into the US by Raider Outboards, under special permit, who rebuilds the new motors into almost indestructible units for our special forces to use. They can be dropped into the ocean out of an airplane where they are completely submerged. When raised by the team they purge themselves and will run on any available fuel.

https://www.raideroutboards.com/

[David - WI]

I think, like most things, the two-stroke engine will make a resurgence; especially now that the new administration is taking rule-making away from the EPA/CARB and forcing it back on the legislature.

Mercury apparently still sells new two-stoke outboards? https://www.mercurymarine.com/lam/en...troke-2-5-60hp

Polaris has new two-stroke turbocharged snowmobiles:

As you pointed out, there are tons of new two-stroke off-road motorcycles out now: https://dirtbikemagazine.com/2025-2-...-buyers-guide/

[AlliStan]

I’ve seen several new 2 stroke motorcycles being introduced. Is light weight and simplicity making a comeback? Will this ever happen in outboards? I know I prefer a reliable carb/switchbox/non oiler engine any day.

If new 2-stroke motorcycles can pass EPA emission standards why can't outboards do the same? Is it that much harder to meet the standards with outboards? Just asking.

[Davidlake]

If new 2-stroke motorcycles can pass EPA emission standards why can't outboards do the same? Is it that much harder to meet the standards with outboards? Just asking.

They can't and don't need to because they are closed course race bikes - exempt for now at least. Hopefully for a long time with the current administration.

[David]

My 200XS and the family 150HO Etec both meet all the EPA regulations.

[powerabout]

If new 2-stroke motorcycles can pass EPA emission standards why can't outboards do the same? Is it that much harder to meet the standards with outboards? Just asking.

E-tecs are compliant and if they measured CO they are 50% less than 4 slugs

[David - WI]

E-tecs are compliant and if they measured CO they are 50% less than 4 slugs

You CANNOT say that out loud!

[AlliStan]

They can't and don't need to because they are closed course race bikes - exempt for now at least. Hopefully for a long time with the current administration.

What's the difference in dirt bikes on a closed course and race boats on a closed course? (I understand I'm asking for a reasonable answer to a question about restrictions put in place by bureaucrats, and because of that there may not be a reasonable answer.)

Water is the only diff I can see.

[powerabout]

Imho because the Japs dont have any emission tech for 2 strokes they gave up and lobbied for 4 strokes without cat cons.
Merc just rode that wave.
Brp too dumb to make rotax performance outboards.

[LakeFever]

Two stroke dirt bikes are considerably safer than four strokes too. I know two albeit rather small young lads mangled up from trying to horse a big yami four stroker around. Too much weight vs the two strokes. There’s also the argument to be made that a two stroke takes substantially less energy to build because there is so far fewer parts and less manufacturing pollution.

It’s totally ok though don’t let sense or reason enter into any of this. That never seems to matter anymore it’s all political hype and nothing else that makes it all happen. Utter nonsense

[Davidlake]

What's the difference in dirt bikes on a closed course and race boats on a closed course? (I understand I'm asking for a reasonable answer to a question about restrictions put in place by bureaucrats, and because of that there may not be a reasonable answer.)

Water is the only diff I can see.

There are no USA restrictions for 2 stroke race boats on a sanctioned racecourse. It just comes down to economics, how many race boats are there compared to pleasure boats?
Europe and the mid east libtards may have interceded into the race scene as our previous administration tried to do with auto racing.
\

[David - WI]

I think the new leaner, more business friendly EPA might make things a lot easier for reasonably clean two-strokes in the US (and Canada once they're a state).