MOTOCROSS ACTION’S 2023 TWO-STROKE BUYER’S GUIDE

Looking for a new bike? Considering the switch from a four-stroke to a two-stroke? MXA has gathered over 30 readily available two-stroke motocross bikes from 50cc to 300cc. The market for two-strokes is flush with bikes built for riders as young as 4 years old all the way up to senior citizens. They are listed alphabetically by brand. Please note, MXA only included motocross bikes in this buyer’s guide. There are many off-road and play bike two-stroke models that didn’t fit in this category. Don’t waste your time asking about Fantic — by the terms of their contract with Yamaha, they cannot sell Fantic motocross bike sin the USA. All the bike are listed alphabetically.

BETA 300RX: $9399

Jeremy van Horebeek raced the MXGP series for the last two years on the Beta 450 four-stroke prototype, but most American consumers are interested in the 2023 Beta 300RX two-stroke. It’s an electric-start, Keihin-carbed, Kayba-forked, Sachs-shocked, 300cc, high-tech two-stroke. 

COBRA CX50 JR: $4599

Cobra’s CX50 Junior is designed to help younger and smaller riders learn the ins and outs of off-road riding. It comes with 10-inch cast wheels and Dunlop MX33 tires. Every detail is thought out for kids, including the micro-sized handlebar for smaller hands. 

COBRA CX65: $5719

Cobra has made improvements to the Cobra CX65 since its first release. The Cobra CX65 has an electronic power valve that sets its case-reed engine apart from other 65s. A Mikuni carb feeds the 6-speed 2023 Cobra CX65.

GASGAS MC50: $4599

The 2023 GasGas MC50 has the same frame, suspension and engine as the Husky TC50 and KTM 50SX but has its own bodywork. The MC50 features an automatic transmission and WP AER 35mm air fork. Best of all, it is red.

GASGAS MC65: $5299

The 2023 GasGas MC65 retails for a lot less than its KTM 65SX and Husqvarna TC65 stablemates, but with its 6-speed transmission, WP air fork and KTM clone engine, it has everything it needs to be a winning 65cc racer.

GASGAS MC85: $6249

The GasGas MC85 is the sleekest-looking bike in the 85cc class. Its 84.9cc engine features a power-valve, case-reed induction, and 6-speed transmission. It has 240mm front and 220mm rear brake rotors. GasGas offers a big-wheel model for $6449.

GASGAS MC125: $7349

When KTM decided to fuel-inject and electric start its 2023 two-strokes, the GasGas MC125 didn’t get the memo—and that’s a good thing, because it remains true to the two-stroke code with its lightweight kickstarter and Mikuni carb.

GASGAS MC250: $8349

The GasGas MC250 is unchanged for 2023, which means it’s the only 250cc motocross bike from Austria with a carb and a kick starter. The 2023 GasGas is not platform shared with its Husky and KTM brethren. It is the lightest, simplest and plushest 250 smoker. 

HUSQVARNA TC50: $4799

Husqvarna’s TC50 has a centrifugal clutch, case-reed engine, WP suspension, disc brakes and small-diameter tapered handlebars. The seat height is 26 inches. As a bonus, Husky offers a kit to limit the TC50 to 5.5 horsepower to make learning easier.

HUSQVARNA TC65: $5599

For many kids, the 65 class will be their first experience with a motocross machine equipped with a manual clutch and gearbox. The 2023 Husqvarna TC65 tries to lessen the steepness of the learning curve with a hydraulic clutch, 6-speed gearbox and Formula hydraulic brakes. 

HUSQVARNA TC85: $6749

Husqvarna’s TC85’s engine is a case-reed, power-valve-equipped, 6-speed, carbureted powerplant tucked into a chromoly frame with Excel rims, WP suspension, Formula brakes and ODI grips. Husky offers a Supermini version with 19-/16-inch wheels at $6949. 

HUSQVARNA TC125: $8049

The 2023 Husqvarna TC125 is platform shared with the KTM 125SX and shares throttle-body fuel injection, electric starting and an ECU-controlled power valve. It keeps its Swedish flair with new bodywork and shortened forks and shock.

HUSQVARNA TC250: $9049

The Husqvarna TC250 got a redesigned engine, frame, bodywork, airbox design and electronics, plus TBI fuel injection, electric start and an ECU-controlled power valve. Its most popular feature is its shortened suspension that lowers the seat height by 1 inch.

KAWASAKI KX65: $3999

Although Kawasaki is well aware of 65cc minicycle racing, they didn’t build the 2023 KX65 for racing. Lots of kids just want to ride and don’t really care about competition. The KX65 is an inexpensive starter bike that introduces youngsters to using a manual clutch and gearbox. 

KAWASAKI KX85: $4699

In 2022, the KX85 got an updated gearbox and cooling system. The 2023 KX85 comes with 36mm upside-down forks that feature adjustable compression damping and 10.8 inches of travel. The handlebars can be adjusted to six different positions.

KAWASAKI KX112: $5399

The KX112 is built for the Supermini class with its 16-inch rear wheel and 19-inch front. The KX112 has extra oomph to go along with its agile, lightweight handling and front and rear disc brakes. 

KTM 50 SX MINI: $4199

The 50SX Mini is the most beginner-friendly bike in the orange fleet. The seat height is 4 inches lower than that of the racier 50SX, and it has downsized mini-diameter handlebars, a single-speed transmission and a no-shift centrifugal clutch.

KTM 50SX: $4699

The 2023 KTM 50SX has a 39.5mm by 40mm bore-and-stroke engine that delivers its power through a centrifugal clutch that requires no shifting. There’s also a KTM 50SX Factory Edition that has an FMF exhaust system, billet clutch cover and special graphics for $5599.

KTM 65SX: $5499

The 65cc racing world is made up mostly of KTM 65SX machines. With its smaller 45mm bore and the same stroke as the 85SX, the 65SX benefits from a hydraulic clutch, 6-speed gearbox, disc brakes and 35mm WP air fork.

KTM 85SX: $6549

The KTM 85SX is the most advanced machine in the 85cc class. Its 84.9cc engine features a power-valve, case-reed design, 6-speed transmission and 47mm by 40.8mm bore-and stroke. KTM offers a big-wheel version for $6849.

KTM 125SX: $7949

For the 2023 KTM 125SX, Austria banished the kickstarter and 38mm Mikuni carb to the dumpster, replacing them with an electric starter and 39mm fuel injection. There is no KTM 150SX in the 2023 lineup, but expect it as a 2024 model. 

KTM 250SX: $8949

KTM went all out on modern technology on the 2023 250SX. That means TBI  fuel injection, electric starting, and ECU-controlled electronic power valves (with maps that trace the power valve’s arc). Suspension is by WP, and the brakes and clutch are Brembo.

KTM 300SX: $9199

The 2023 KTM 300SX is the most in-demand machine of the 2023 selling season. The 300SX has throttle-body fuel-injection (TPI), electric starting and electronic power valves. It gets an all-new, motocross-oriented chassis with a WP air fork.

SUZUKI RM85: $4499

Suzuki does not change its motocross bikes very often, and this is especially true for the RM85. It has a very low retail price, a low seat height and a Novice-friendly powerband. The power valve-equipped engine makes a good starter bike.

TM 85MX: $6945

In the world of amateur racing, TM minis are among the most highly prized motorcycles. The small Italian company has made a big investment in little two-stroke engines to put in their hand-welded aluminum frames with 14-/17-inch wheels. 

TM MX100: $6845

TM also makes a big-wheel MX100 with a 16-inch rear wheel and a 19-inch front wheel. Additionally, TM offers a full-race elite 112MX for riders who are serious about doing well in the SuperMini class. It retails for $7545. 

TM 125MX: $9195

The 2023 TM 125MX has an electronic power valve, hand-welded aluminum frame, 48mm Kayaba forks, an in-house TM-designed shock and throttle body (TBI), fuel injection and Moto Tassinari V-Force reeds.

TM MX144: $9495

The TM 144MX features a bored-and-stroked 144cc engine with a billet-machined crankshaft, cush-drive clutch basket and heat-treated transmission shafts. The Moto Tassinari V-Force reeds, hydraulic clutch, TBI fuel-injection systems and electronic power valve are all cutting edge.

TM 250MX: $10,295

TM is a boutique Italian brand that builds works-bike-quality two-stroke motocross bikes. TM specs all models with 48mm Kayaba forks, which have internal friction coatings on the tubes. TM also builds its own rear shocks. 

TM 300MX: $10,395

For years, TM has been the only company offering a 300cc two-stroke motocross bike. TM’s gear-position-sensitive ignition works alongside its servo-activated power-valve system. There are twin ignition maps, which can communicate with the fuel-injection sensors.

YAMAHA YZ65: $4799

Introduced in 2019, the YZ65 was instantly competitive with the best bikes in the 65 class. The 65cc, reed-valved, 6-speed engine is powered by a 28mm Keihin PWK carburetor. The best feature of the YZ65 is its incredible reliability.

YAMAHA YZ85: $4899

Yamaha updated the YZ85 engine in 2019 and the bodywork in 2022 (and made frame, brake and swingarm changes). The 2023 model is unchanged. There’s also a Supermini version with a 17-inch rear wheel and a 19-inch front wheel called the “YZ85LW” for $5099..

YAMAHA YZ125: $6999

The Yamaha YZ125 is not the most powerful 125 two-stroke on the track, but it mixes predictable handling with awesome Kayaba SSS suspension to stay competitive. Plus, it is less expensive than the Austrian tiddlers.

YAMAHA YZ250: $7899

The YZ250 is powered by a 38mm Keihin PWK38S carburetor with a power jet and throttle position sensor. As always, the suspension is made up of venerable Kayaba SSS components. There is a black Monster Energy version with green claw graphics that retails for $8099.

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