Yes, two-stroke dirt bikes are still made—KTM, Yamaha, Husqvarna, GASGAS, Beta, Sherco, and TM keep building 125–300cc models.
If you grew up on the zing of premix and the snap of a light chassis, you’re not dreaming—two-stroke dirt bikes never left. The names on the shrouds shifted, fueling systems evolved, and racing classes changed, but the core appeal stayed: punchy power, easier top-end work, and a grin every time the pipe hits. Below is a clear picture of who still sells them, what’s new in tech, and how to pick the right 2T for your trails or motos.
Who Still Builds Modern Two-Strokes
Several brands ship fresh two-stroke machines each year. The big orange-blue-red trio from Austria/Spain dominates enduro, Japan’s blue brand keeps pure MX alive, and a handful of European specialists round out the field. Displacements span 125 to 300cc, covering youth, track fun, and serious woods racing.
| Brand | Core 2T Models | Fueling |
|---|---|---|
| KTM | 125/150/250/300 EXC & XC-W (enduro) | Throttle-body injection (TBI) on current enduro lines |
| Husqvarna | TE 150/250/300 (enduro) | TBI on current enduro lines |
| GASGAS | EC 250/300 (enduro), some 125 in select markets | TBI on current enduro lines |
| Yamaha | YZ125, YZ250 (motocross); YZ125X, YZ250X (off-road) | Carburetor with YPVS power-valve |
| Beta | RR 200/250/300, Xtrainer 250/300 (enduro) | Carburetor on current platforms |
| Sherco | SE 125/250/300 (enduro) | Carburetor (Keihin) on most trims |
| TM Racing | EN/MX 125/144/250/300 (enduro & MX) | Carb or TBi depending on model/market |
| Rieju | MR 200/250/300 (enduro, select regions) | Carburetor |
Do They Still Make Two-Stroke Dirt Bikes: Quick Check
Yes—new bikes ship each model year. KTM, Husqvarna, and GASGAS moved from transfer-port injection to throttle-body injection across enduro lines, cleaning up fueling and meeting emissions in many regions. Yamaha continues to sell two-stroke motocross and cross-country race bikes with refined carb setups and the YPVS valve. Boutique Europeans like Beta, Sherco, and TM offer serious enduro packages that win races and suit weekend riders alike.
What’s Changed Since The 2000s
Fueling And Mapping
Two-stroke fueling took a leap. KTM-group enduro bikes now meter air and fuel through an electronic throttle body tied to an ECU that references sensors for temperature, pressure, and rpm. The result is smoother power, easier elevation changes, and crisp starts. Yamaha sticks to well-sorted carbs on the YZ line, with precise jetting and a proven power-valve for broad pull.
Chassis And Suspension
Frames, linkage, and fork tech track closely with modern four-strokes. Expect stiffer chassis with targeted flex, aluminum subframes on many models, and suspension packages that can be set up for racing or comfort. Weight remains a 2T perk—most 250–300cc two-strokes undercut comparable four-strokes by several kilos.
Maintenance Rhythm
The work is different, not heavier. Top-end service is straightforward; a piston and ring refresh costs less than most 4T valve jobs. Bottom ends last if you keep air filters clean, premix fresh, and gear oil on schedule. Fuel-injected enduro models add sensors and an ECU, but routine tasks still revolve around filters, premix (or oil-injection where equipped), and basic checks.
Where Two-Strokes Shine
Woods And Hard Enduro
Instant throttle response, light rotating mass, and a broad spread of torque make 250–300cc two-strokes perfect for steep, technical climbs and trials-like moves. Clutch work is lighter, and lugging a 2T at low rpm is less punishing when you bobble.
Motocross And Play Riding
On tight tracks or vet-friendly layouts, a YZ125 or YZ250 brings fun per dollar that’s hard to beat. The bikes reward momentum and line choice, and they’re easier on consumables like rear tires and clutch packs if you ride clean.
Budget And Rebuilds
Parts are widely available. A cylinder hone, fresh piston, and small-end bearing can restore snap without draining the wallet. With enduro TBI systems, you also dodge jet swaps for big altitude swings.
Models To Shortlist In 125–300cc
Here’s a focused look at standout choices across use cases. Pick by how and where you ride, then dial springs and gearing.
Woods Weapons (Enduro)
- 300cc TBI enduro bikes: KTM 300 EXC/XC-W, Husqvarna TE 300, GASGAS EC 300. Smooth off-idle, great traction, strong pull.
- 250cc enduro sweet spot: KTM/Husqvarna/GASGAS 250 variants balance torque and revs; less tiring than a 300 for many riders.
- Value Euro options: Beta RR 250/300 and Xtrainer 300 favor comfort and tractable power; Sherco 250/300 SE deliver race-sharp handling; TM EN 250/300 suits riders who want boutique spec.
Motocross And Cross-Country
- Yamaha YZ250: Classic two-stroke MX with a broad hit, updated brakes and suspension, and easy parts support. The YZ250X trims gearing and setup for off-road.
- 125cc class fun: YZ125 for learning race craft; KTM/Husqvarna 125/150 enduro models for lightweight woods training.
- TM and boutique MX: TM’s MX 250/300 provide premium components and lively motors if you want something rare at the track.
Close Variant: Do They Still Make Two Stroke Dirt Bikes—What’s On Sale Now
This year you can walk into a dealer and place deposits on fresh two-strokes. Enduro lines from KTM, Husqvarna, and GASGAS list 125 through 300cc TBI bikes. Yamaha continues with the yz125 and yz250 on the motocross side, plus off-road X versions. Beta, Sherco, and TM fill every niche from approachable trail setups to race-trim packages. Availability varies by market, and some trims are limited editions, so check local stock or order windows.
How Fueling Affects The Ride
Throttle-Body Injection (TBI)
TBI meters fuel at the throttle body under ECU control. The system watches sensors for air and coolant temperature, ambient and crankcase pressure, rpm, and throttle angle. You get clean starts, fewer plug fouls, and predictable fueling on hot days, cold mornings, and high passes.
Carburetors Done Right
Carbs still work brilliantly on race-focused MX bikes and many enduro platforms. With a modern power-valve and dialed jetting, the delivery is crisp and easy to service. Track-side changes are quick if weather flips or you swap pipes.
Buying Guide: Match Bike To Rider
Picking a two-stroke is about terrain, fitness, and how you like power delivered. Use the table below to narrow choices, then test if you can.
| Rider Goal | Good Fits | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Tight woods & technical climbs | 300 enduro TBI (KTM/Husqvarna/GASGAS) | Grunty low-end, smooth mapping, strong traction |
| Mixed trails & weekend races | 250 enduro (any major brand) | Balance of torque and revs with less fatigue |
| Learning race craft | YZ125, 125 enduro trims | Forgiving power, teaches corner speed and clutch feel |
| Classic MX thump without valves | YZ250 MX, TM MX 250/300 | Broad hit, strong parts support, simple service |
| Lower seat & mellow torque | Beta Xtrainer 300 | Friendly chassis and tractable delivery |
| Boutique components | TM EN/MX 250/300 | Premium hardware with lively motors |
| Budget enduro | Rieju MR series (region-dependent) | Solid platforms derived from proven designs |
Cost, Ownership, And Parts
MSRP varies by brand and trim, but two-strokes generally stay below equivalent four-strokes. Top-end parts are affordable, and labor is straightforward. Tires, chains, sprockets, and brake parts match common fitments, so local shops can keep you rolling. With TBI bikes, premix ratios still apply when there’s no oil-injection system; always follow the manual for your exact model.
Racing And Rules
Local series often run two-stroke classes or displacement-adjusted lines that keep racing fair. Enduro organizers welcome 2T entries across skill levels. If you ride street connectors or public land, check regional rules for noise and spark arrestors, and make sure your bike’s registration matches how you use it.
Helpful Official Pages (For Specs And Current Models)
You can confirm current two-stroke enduro specs on the KTM 300 EXC page, including the throttle-body injection overview. For motocross, Yamaha lists the latest YZ250 details with engine and chassis updates.
Common Questions Riders Ask
Why Are Two-Strokes Still Popular?
Light weight and low rotating mass make them quick to change direction. They feel lively under throttle, and the service path is simple. In tight terrain, a 250–300cc 2T can be easier to manage than a 450 four-stroke.
What About Fuel Range?
Enduro trims often ship with larger tanks than MX models, and many brands offer accessory tanks. TBI bikes tend to sip fuel more efficiently than earlier setups when you ride at steady throttle.
Is A 300 Too Much For A New Rider?
Power is manageable if mapping and gearing are set for traction. That said, a 125 or 200 builds skills fast and carries less weight. Match the bike to the terrain and your fitness.
How To Choose Between 125, 250, And 300
125–150cc
Snappy, light, and rewarding when you keep momentum. Ideal for learning throttle and clutch control and for riders who love carrying corner speed.
200–250cc
Broader power and less clutch work. A great middle ground for mixed terrain and riders who want one bike for race days and trail days.
300cc
The torque king of the class. Perfect for steep, slow, and technical trails where lugging is common and traction matters more than peak revs.
Set Up Tips That Pay Off
- Gearing: One tooth down on the countershaft can wake up woods performance without hurting top speed on tight courses.
- Jetting Or Maps: If you’re on a carb bike, keep a small jet kit with you; if you’re on TBI, pick the right map for grip or hit.
- Clutch: Fresh plates and a tidy basket make technical riding smoother; many riders add a heavier flywheel for more traction.
- Suspension: Set sag with your full ride kit. Two-strokes respond well to a slightly softer initial stroke for roots and rocks.
- Protection: Skid plate, pipe guard, handguards, and a proper spark arrestor if your trails require it.
Bottom Line: Two-Strokes Are Alive And Well
Yes, the market shifted, but the bikes kept coming. From TBI-equipped 300cc enduro machines to classic carbureted MX screamers, two-stroke dirt bikes are easy to buy, easy to service, and a blast to ride. If you’ve been asking, “do they still make two-stroke dirt bikes,” the answer is a clear yes—and the choices are better than they’ve been in years.