2022 TWO-STROKE BUYER’S GUIDE

The world of two-strokes has done nothing but grow in the last decade. For 2022, there are more motorcycle companies offering more two-strokes than ever. Beta, GasGas, Husqvarna, KTM, Cobra, Rieju, GPX, Kawasaki, TM, Sherco, Suzuki and Yamaha are all in the game for keeps. We’ve assembled all the two-stroke off-road bikes that will be offered in the U.S. in model year 2022, with photos, prices, facts and contact information. For other Dirt Bike Magazine buyer’s guides, click here.

BETA 300RR/250RR (OFF-ROAD): $9699/$9399
Beta motorcycles were hard to find in 2020, but the factory is running hard to make up for lost time. For 2022, Beta has altered the square bore/stroke formula that virtually all 300 two-strokes held sacred for so long. The bore is now slightly larger and the stroke shorter. The 250 is unchanged. Both get new Sachs suspension, a new diaphragm-spring clutch and a new head. Oil injection is still standard on the RR models.

BETA 300RX (MOTOCROSS): TBA
Beta’s first foray into the motocross world came just before the COVID-19 shutdown, so we didn’t see much of the 2021 300RX two-stroke. It’s an electric-start 300 with a Keihin carburetor, a KYB closed-cartridge fork and a Sachs shock. The basic motor and frame are from the 300RR off-road bike, but there’s no oil injection, and it’s in a more aggressive state of tune.

BETA XTRAINER (OFF-ROAD): $7999
European two-strokes are known for many things, but affordability has never been on the list. The XTrainer is an exception to the rule. It’s an electric-start, six-speed, 300cc two-stroke with oil injection, just like the RR models, but is less competition-oriented. Components like the suspension and brakes are from less well-known suppliers. The physical size of the bike is about 10 percent smaller, too.

GASGAS EX300/EX250 (OFF-ROAD): $9799/$9499
This is the second year that GasGas is under the umbrella of Pierer Mobility, which is the parent company of KTM. The EX300 and EX250 share major components with other bikes in the group but have fewer bells and whistles, so the bikes can be offered at a lower price. GasGas models offer TPI fuel injection and oil injection just like KTMs, but some suppliers are different when it comes to brakes and handlebars. There are no changes for 2022.

GASGAS EC300/EC250 (OFF-ROAD): $9749/$9549
The GasGas EC300 and EC250 are supposed to be the trail bikes of the line but share many of the same parts with the EX competition bikes. That includes their fuel- and oil-injected motors and steel frames. The EC bikes have softer power delivery and softer suspension with coil-spring Xplor forks. The ECs also get a headlight, a taillight and an odometer. The 300 and 250 are identical aside from displacement.

HUSQVARNA TE300i/TE250i (OFF-ROAD): $10,599/$10,299
Husqvarna off-road bikes return for 2022 with only one significant change. The hydraulic systems are now supplied by Braktec instead of Magura. That includes both brakes and the clutch actuation. The TE300 and TE250 are still trail-oriented six-speeds with TPI fuel injection, as well as oil injection. The fork is the WP Xplor with two coil springs, and the WP shock employs linkage.

HUSQVARNA TX300i (OFF-ROAD): $10,599
If you’re an off-road racer who loves two-strokes, the primary Husqvarna with your name on it is the TX300i. It’s in a more aggressive state of tune than the TE300, plus it has suspension components like those in the motocross line—a WP Xact air fork and a linkage-mounted WP shock. The TX is also stripped of lights. It still has TPI fuel injection and oil injection. This year the TX gets Braktec hydraulics. There is no 250 version of this model yet.

KTM 300XC/250XC (OFF-ROAD): $10,499/$10,199
Most extreme enduros in the U.S. are carpeted with wall-to-wall KTM 300XCs. In the two-stroke world, it’s still the bike to have for most off-road racing. The KTM 300XC has a very motocross-oriented chassis with a WP Xact air fork and linkage rear suspension. Unlike KTM’s MX two-strokes, however, the XC has fuel injection and oil injection. The 250XC is identical aside from displacement.

KTM 300XC-W/250XC-W (OFF-ROAD): $10,499/$10,199
KTM came out with PDS suspension way back in 1997, and it still has a fanatical following among off-road riders. The 300XC-W and 250XC-W are built around that no-linkage rear suspension design and are therefore lighter and have more ground clearance than linkage bikes. The XC-W two-strokes are oriented more for the trail than for the track. They still have TPI fuel injection and oil injection.

RIEJU 300MR PRO/300MR RACING (OFF-ROAD): $10,599/$9699
Rieju is a Spanish company that acquired all the tooling and the rights to produce the two-stroke off-road bikes that were formerly known as GasGas. The 300MR Pro is the top of the line with a closed-cartridge KYB fork and a cone pipe. The 300MR Racing has a little less bling for $900 less. If you want a 250cc version of either bike, they are priced $100 less, respectively. There’s also a 200MR Racing built on the same platform for $9499.

RIEJU 300MR RANGER (OFF-ROAD): $8799
This was a brand-new bike from GasGas that arrived just before the company changed hands. Rieju gladly picked up where GasGas left off with a less-expensive version of the two-stroke off-road bike. Most of the cost savings are in components like bars, suspension and brakes. There’s also a 200 Ranger for $8599.

SHERCO SE300/SE250 FACTORY (OFF-ROAD): $10,999/$10,859
Before Cody Webb switched to Sherco, he got a chance to test one of the few ES300 two-strokes in the country. He signed immediately. The SE300 Factory 300cc two-stroke has an electronic power valve, KYB suspension and an old-fashioned Keihin carburetor. Supply has been limited, but there’s a big boatload on the way. The 250 is identical aside from displacement.

TM EN300 ES/EN250ES (OFF-ROAD): $9895/$9745
TM is a small Italian company, but it produces some of the most sophisticated bikes in the two-stroke world. The EN300ES is an electric-start two-stroke with an electronic power valve. It also has an aluminum frame, a KYB fork and a shock made in-house at TM. For $400 more, you can have the TM 300 with transfer port fuel injection. For the 250, it’s an additional $350.

TM MX300ES/MX250ES (MOTOCROSS): $9395/$9195
There’s no reason two-stroke MX riders shouldn’t have electric start just like four-stroke guys. TM’s two-stroke MX bikes have it as standard equipment. They also have electronic power valves, aluminum frames and KYB forks. TM is the only company in the U.S. that has a 300cc two-stroke motocross bike.

GASGAS MC250 (MOTOCROSS): $7899
The MC250 is a throwback to an earlier time when the greatest motocross bikes were all 250cc two-strokes. No fuel injection, no electric start, no map switch. As a result, the MC250 is light, simple and inexpensive. It’s also very fast. The front suspension is a WP Xact air fork, the brakes are Brembo and the rims are silver, just like they were in the glory days of motocross.

GPX TSE250R (OFF-ROAD): $5099
The bloodline of this electric-start six-speed can be traced back to the short-lived Yamaha WR200 of the early ’90s. It had a short run in the U.S. but saw service in other markets as a dual-sport bike. The bike has evolved over the years, and now it’s manufactured in mainland Asia and imported to the U.S. by the guys at Pitster Pro.

HUSQVARNA TC250 (MOTOCROSS): $8599
The Husky TC250 was the winner of the most recent 250cc two-stroke motocross shootout in the pages of Dirt Bike magazine. It’s very similar to the KTM 250SX but has a softer hit. It’s still a very powerful and light motocross bike with a five-speed gearbox and an old-fashioned kick-starter. The brakes are Brembo, the fork is a WP Xact and the carburetor is a Mikuni. It differs from the KTM in airbox design, handlebar, rims and bodywork.

KTM 250SX (MOTOCROSS): $8499
KTM is the horsepower king in the 250cc two-stroke world. The five-speed 250SX doesn’t offer any new technology, such as fuel injection, electric start or an electronic power valve, but evolution has produced a bike that is light and fast. It uses a Mikuni carburetor, Brembo brakes, a WP Xact air fork and linkage rear suspension. The 250SX is fundamentally unchanged for 2022.

YAMAHA YZ250 MONSTER ENERGY EDITION (MOTOCROSS): $7999
Yamaha has long been in the habit of producing a special edition of each of its four-stroke motocross bikes. For 2022, the practice has been extended to the full-size two-stroke motocross bikes as well. The YZ250 Monster Energy Edition gets black plastic and Monster graphics similar to those of the Star Yamaha team. Otherwise, the bike is the same as the standard version, which is updated for the first time in years.

YAMAHA YZ250 (MOTOCROSS): $7799
Significant updates for the YZ250 two-stroke have been few and far between since 2005. That was when the aluminum frame first appeared. Now the bike gets a new look with redesigned bodywork and styling. It also gets a new front brake, a smaller rear rotor and revised suspension valving. The YZ250 still uses a Keihin carburetor with a Power Jet and a throttle position sensor.

YAMAHA YZ250X (OFF-ROAD): $7799
The Yamaha YZ250X is considered a cross-country racer and has a number of features for that specialty. The five-speed gearbox has wider ratios, the power delivery is softer, the suspension has off-road valving, the rear wheel is an 18-incher, and it has an O-ring chain and a kickstand. The tires are Dunlop AT-81s. The 2022 YZ250X is unchanged but will probably get the new YZ250 bodywork next year.

BETA 200RR (OFF-ROAD): $8999
It’s such a great idea; we don’t know why no one else is doing it. The 200cc two-stroke was once ubiquitous in the American off-road scene, but now only Beta makes one. The 200RR isn’t just a 144 kit. It has a bigger bore and a longer stroke than the 125RR. It also has electric start. Like the other Beta off-road two-strokes, the 200RR has oil injection, Sachs suspension, Nissin brakes and a six-speed gearbox.

HUSQVARNA TE150i (OFF-ROAD): $9199
Husky’s electric-start off-road 150 two-stroke got TPI fuel injection last year, and it suited the bike well. The power delivery is smooth and sweet compared to other 144cc two-strokes. The bike uses the WP Xplor coil-spring fork in front and linkage suspension in the rear. The brakes and hydraulic clutch are made by Braktec, a company that’s well-established in the trials world.

KTM 150SX/125SX (MOTOCROSS): $7699/$7499
KTM offers two small-bore, two-stroke motocrossers that might or might not be in the same class, depending on the racing organization. The 125SX and 150SX are identical aside from bore, which places the 150 at 144cc. They are quite different in personality as well. The 150 is harder-hitting and more demanding. Both use a Mikuni carburetor for fuel delivery.

KTM 150XC-W (OFF-ROAD): $9199
The KTM 150XC-W has a very different personality from the 150SX. For starters, it has TPI fuel injection, oil injection, electric start and no-linkage PDS rear suspension. The 150SX has none of those features. Beyond that, the 150XC-W has a mellower personality, softer suspension settings, lights, a kickstand, an odometer, an 18-inch rear wheel and a wider-ratio gearbox.

TM EN144Fi/EN125Fi (OFF-ROAD): $9895/$9395
TM has its own take on transfer port fuel injection with different components from those used by KTM. The EN144Fi and EN125Fi are kick-start six-speeds in full enduro trim. The frame is beautifully hand-welded aluminum. The fork is KYB. The shock is made in-house by TM, and the power valve is electronically controlled. The 144 can still be had without fuel injection for $650 less.

TM MX144/MX125 (MOTOCROSS): $8745/$8545
TM is a small, independent maker in Pesaro, Italy, that cut their teeth making karting motors. As such, small-bore two-strokes are still the company’s core identity. The MX144 and MX125 have different bore-and-stroke configurations but are otherwise identical. The power valve is electronic, but starting is accomplished through an old-school kick-starter. The frame is hand-welded aluminum.

BETA 125RR (OFF-ROAD): $8349
Beta came to the 125 party only recently, so the 125RR is one of the freshest bikes in the class. It still uses very traditional technology. The power valve is driven through a ball-ramp mechanism. Starting is performed with a kick-starter, and fuel mixture is through a 36mm Keihin carburetor. This model does not feature Beta’s oil-injection system. The suspension is supplied by Sachs and the brakes are Nissin. The 125RR has a new head and power valve for 2022.

GASGAS MC125 (MOTOCROSS): $6899
Each GasGas model is a near mirror image of a corresponding KTM model but offered at a lower price. The MC125 is based on the KTM 125SX, which means it’s one of the fastest and lightest bikes in its class. GasGas managed to keep the price down by using non-brand-name components. The carburetor is a Mikuni TMX38. The bike does not come with a map switch, but the ignition will support one.

HUSQVARNA TC125 (MOTOCROSS): $7599
The Husky TC125 is just under 200 pounds and makes around 40 horsepower. That’s a recipe for fun. The TC125 motor is identical to that of the KTM 125SX, but the chassis has a number of differences, including different bodywork, the integrated airbox/subframe, and the ProTaper handlebar. Husqvarna does not offer a 144cc version of the TC125 in motocross trim.

KTM 125XC (OFF-ROAD): $7799
For the off-road purist, KTM offers the no-frills 125XC. This is a cross-country racer designed for venues that have a legitimate 125 class. It’s stripped of any ballast that might interfere with that mission: no e-start, no injection (fuel or oil), no headlight, no odometer. It is, in fact, very similar to the 125SX motocross bike, but it has softer suspension, a larger fuel tank (with reserve), a kickstand and an 18-inch rear wheel.

SHERCO SE125 FACTORY (OFF-ROAD): $9399
Sherco went upscale with its off-road 125. The SE125 Factory has electric start, as well as an electronic power valve. The fork is a closed-cartridge KYB, and the brakes are Brembos. The SE125 also gets lights and an odometer. A Keihin carburetor feeds a Moto Tassinari V-Force reed block. It’s the most expensive 125 in the U.S., but it has features that are generally reserved for big bikes.

YAMAHA YZ125 MONSTER ENERGY EDITION (MOTOCROSS): $7099
For the first time, you can get the Yamaha YZ125 two-stroke in the Monster Energy trim. The YZ125ME sells for $200 more than a standard edition but has an unmistakable look, similar to that of the Star Yamaha race team. Under the Monster graphics and black plastic, it’s the same as the standard edition with a new motor, updated brakes and restyled bodywork for 2022.

YAMAHA YZ125 (MOTOCROSS): $6899
This is a big year for the Yamaha YZ125. It received more motor upgrades than it has in the last 20 years combined. The cylinder is new. The head is new. The crank is new, and the gearbox is new. There’s a new airbox feeding a new Keihin carburetor. Yamaha also upgraded the brakes and suspension, then gave it a fresh look. Only the aluminum central-backbone frame itself is carried over from the previous model.

YAMAHA YZ125X (OFF-ROAD): $6799
If you’re a young cross-country racer on a budget, Yamaha created the YZ125X with you in mind. It’s far less expensive than any of the Euro 125s but still has off-road features like a smooth powerband, cushy suspension, a kickstand and an 18-inch rear wheel. It uses the same gearbox as the 2021 motocross bikes. It did not receive the updates seen on the 2022 Yamaha YZ125 for 2022.

KAWASAKI KX112 (MOTOCROSS): $4999
Just when you thought that Kawasaki forgot about ’tweens. For 2022 Kawasaki is offering the KX112 Supermini. It replaces the ancient KX100 in the Kawasaki lineup but is much more modern, with a new cylinder, new crank, new gearbox and new bodywork. The KX112 uses a 16-inch rear wheel with a 19-incher in front and is equipped with Dunlop MX33 tires.

TM MX100/MX85 (MOTOCROSS): $6395/$6345
For years the most exotic bikes in the mini world have been TMs. The small Italian company has made a big investment in little two-stroke motors. The basic platform is the aluminum-framed MX85 with its 14/17-inch wheel combo. Then there’s the big-wheel MX100 with a 16-inch in the rear and a 19 up front. Finally, there’s the fire-breathing MX112 Supermini, which sells for $6995.

GASGAS MC85 (MOTOCROSS): $5899
The mini class has become even more heavy with Austrian metal with the addition of the GasGas MC65. It’s very similar to the KTM 85SX and Husqvarna TC85, aside from a few components. The engine is still a case-reed, power-valve six-speed. It has a WP air fork in front and a WP shock connected directly to the swingarm sans linkage. Both wheels have disc brakes. A big-wheel version is available for $6099.

HUSQVARNA TC85 (MOTOCROSS): $6299
Even in the mini ranks, Husqvarna is seen as the elite brand in the Pierer Mobility trifecta of KTM, GasGas and Husky. The TC85 commands a slightly higher price than its stablemates but uses the same case-reed, power-valve six-speed motor. Even most of the components are the same as those of the KTM, including Excel rims, WP suspension, Formula brakes and ODI grips. A version with 19/16-inch wheels is $6499.

KAWASAKI KX85 (MOTOCROSS): $4499
Back in 2014 Kawasaki updated the KX85 with a new top end and new bodywork. We thought we couldn’t see that again in our lifetimes. Not so. The 2022 KX85 got a new look, as well as changes to the gearbox, cooling system and even tires. The Kawasaki still has a lower seat height than many of the other bikes in the Mini class and is excellent for younger, smaller riders.

KTM 85SX (MOTOCROSS): $6199
The KTM 85SX is by far the most common mini across the racetracks of America. It might be the most common bike of any size. That’s because it’s fast but very controllable. The power valve, case-reed motor and six-speed gearbox are mated to WP suspension (air in the front, PDS in the rear). A big-wheel model sells for $6399.

SUZUKI RM85 (MOTOCROSS): $4395
If any motorcycle has defied Father Time, it’s the Suzuki RM85. It has gone fundamentally unchanged for over 20 years. The reason it survives is because it still has the reputation for being the easiest 85 for young riders to master. The power-valve motor has excellent low-end power, and the seat height is lower than most bikes in the class. If left alone, it’s unbreakable and can be passed from sibling to sibling.

YAMAHA YZ85LW/YZ85 (MOTOCROSS): $4999/$4799
Three years ago Yamaha put the YZ85 through a massive update. At the time, it seemed odd that the new bike was dressed in its old bodywork, making it look unchanged. That oversight has now been corrected. The 2022 YZ85 gets a completely new look, as well as more updates to the frame, brakes and swingarm. Now, there’s also a version with a 17-inch rear wheel and a 19-inch front wheel called the LW.

COBRA CX65: $5599
Cobra is an American motorcycle company that builds mini race bikes in very small quantities at a small factory in Michigan. The CX65 originally came out in 2012, and for 2022, it gets its first major redesign. The top end of the motor was reworked, and the entire chassis was rethought. The CX65 still has a manual clutch and six-speed gearbox powered by a case-reed motor with a Mikuni carburetor.

GASGAS MC65 (MOTOCROSS): $4999
It was surprising how many GasGas MC65s were in attendance at the AMA Amateur Nationals this year, despite it being the first year for that model. In fact, GasGas won three championships out of four in the 65 class. The MC65 is similar to the KTM 65SX with a six-speed gearbox, an air fork and a no-linkage rear shock. It sells for less than the KTM or Husky because of a few components that are different, but the engine, frame and suspension are the same.

HUSQVARNA TC65 (MOTOCROSS): $5299
The smaller bikes in the Husqvarna line are very similar to their KTM counterparts. The TC65 has the same engine, frame, suspension, brakes and wheels as the KTM 65SX. Only the bodywork, frame color and graphics are different. Both have six-speed gearboxes, air forks and Formula hydraulic brakes. Still, the Husky has been known to sell for more on the used-bike market.

KAWASAKI KX65 (MOTOCROSS): $3799
Kawasaki knows that some kids are destined to become motocross stars and others aren’t. Both need to get started somewhere, and the KX65 is an inexpensive stepping stone that will present a young rider with his first manual clutch and manual gearbox. The KX65 is reliable and is still a decent race bike for those initial adventures in competition. In the case of more advanced racers, the aged KX will struggle against the 65s from Austria.

KTM 65SX (MOTOCROSS): $5199
KTM invested heavily in the mini ranks, and it has paid off, as more young riders are growing up orange. The KTM 65SX dominates the 65 class in amateur racing across the country, and with Husky and GasGas joining the party, the mini world is mostly made up of little Austrian bikes. The KTM has a manual hydraulic clutch, a six-speed gearbox and disc brakes. The front suspension is a WP Xact air fork, and the rear is a WP PDS shock.

YAMAHA YZ65 (MOTOCROSS):$4699
In 2019 Yamaha reentered the 65 class after a 35-year absence. The YZ65 was a new model, but Yamaha engineers smartly used existing YZ85 technology to keep the price reasonable. As a result, the Yamaha splits the difference in price between the dedicated Austrian racers and the Kawasaki KX65. It has a six-speed gearbox, a centrifugal power valve and a cable-pull manual clutch.

COBRA CX50: $4699
No motorcycle company has a more successful record in amateur racing than Cobra. The CX50 has earned over 300 championships worldwide and is still going strong. The philosophy behind the product is to offer works bikes on a mini scale. The standard CX50 already has a long list of high-end parts, but there’s also an upscale Factory Works Edition for the most elite young riders. It sells for $5599.

COBRA CX50 JR: $4499
Cobra understands that riders don’t come out of the womb ready to win national championships. The CW50 Jr. is for younger and/or smaller riders who need to ease into competition. The Jr. is made to the same quality standards as its larger, faster stablemate but is very adjustable to allow the rider to develop at his own pace.

GASGAS MC50 (MOTOCROSS): $4299
For those first steps into the world of competition, GasGas offers the MC50 with its automatic transmission and 50cc, case-reed motor. It is very similar to the KTM 50SX and the Husqvarna TC50, but has its own bodywork. The GasGas is still a little less expensive than the other bikes that come out of the Mattighofen, Austria, factory that is home to all three brands.

HUSQVARNA TC50 (MOTOCROSS): $4499
Husqvarna’s TC50 has its own bodywork and graphics, but under it all is essentially the same hardware as the KTM 50SX. It has an auto clutch, a case-reed motor, WP suspension, hydraulic brakes and oversized bars. The seat height is 26 inches, and the whole package weighs about 91 pounds without fuel.

KTM 50SX (MOTOCROSS): $4449
The KTM 50SX is the basis for the Husqvarna and GasGas 50s. It has an adjustable automatic clutch and a torque converter that requires no shifting. The front suspension is a WP Xact air fork, and the rear shock has no linkage. This year there’s a Factory Edition that has upgraded components, including an FMF exhaust system, a billet clutch cover and special graphics. It sells for $5299.

KTM 50SX JR (MOTOCROSS): $3949
The most beginner-friendly bike in the combined KTM line is the 50SX Jr. It is downsized in every way. The suspension travel for the fork is 100mm. The rear travel is 147mm, and the seat height is 558mm. That makes it a good 4 inches shorter than the regular 50SX. It still has hydraulic disc brakes, oversized bars and an adjustable clutch.

YAMAHA PW50 (OFF-ROAD): $1699
The Yamaha PW50 turned 40 years old last year. It has changed very little in that time. It uses a drive shaft to transfer power from the air-cooled motor to the 10-inch rear wheel. There’s no clutch or shifting, and it can be fit with training wheels. The PW rarely makes its way to the used-bike market, as the bikes are passed down within families year after year.