Rotax Snowmobile Engine & motor: 2 and 4 stroke - Ski-Doo (2024)

FAQs

Is a 2-stroke or 4-stroke snowmobile better? ›

4-strokes are more fuel-efficient, have near-complete combustion, resulting in fewer emissions and better performance. 4-strokes are great for long-distance trail riding because of the liquid-cooled engines and better gas mileage.

The Yamaha Sidewinder, with its turbocharged power and 4-stroke engine, has quickly become the go-to choice for riders seeking the pinnacle of speed and performance on the snow. If you want a new sled with a 4-stroke engine, the Sidewinder can be an extremely reliable snowmobile with a strong motor.

If you're looking for the most powerful 2-stroke engine for your backcountry sledder, it doesn't get any better than Ski-doo Rotax 850 E-Tec Turbo R. This upgraded EFI engine comes with a 9% increase in horsepower, deep snow-specific design elements, and pro-level capacity and performance across various aspects.

A snowmobile typically lasts between 5,000 and 20,000 miles, which could be 10-20 years depending on the brand and how it's been ridden and cared for. A 2 stroke snowmobile engine will last around 5,000-10,000 miles while with proper maintenance a 4 stroke will last longer, approximately 10,000-20,000 miles.

While 4-stroke engines perform well and generally last longer than 2-stroke engines, 2-stroke engines are faster and lighter than 4-stroke engines. The 2-stroke engine is more powerful, but a 4-stroke is more fuel-efficient.

Because combustion takes place with each revolution of the crankshaft with a 2-stroke, this format puts out more power than a 4-stroke engine and the power has more instantaneous delivery. This are some reasons why 2-stroke engines have a long history of use on many different types of motorcycles.

The standard in power, reliability and performance

BRP Rotax engines are known as industry-defining power plants with strong, responsive power delivery, leading fuel and oil economy, and an indisputable reputation for reliability.

Usually, Yamaha 4-stroke sleds are considered the most reliable sleds of all time. That being said, no matter how low their market share is, Yamaha is the most reliable snowmobile brand in the industry.

Obviously, you don't want to acquire a utilized snow sled that has way too many miles on it. So, What is high mileage for a snowmobile? Anything over 8,000 miles (12,900 km) is thought about high gas mileage for a snowmobile.

Avoid using E-15 or E-85 as they will damage the engine of any recreational vehicle. That said, many high-performance snowmobiles specify the use of 91-octane non-oxygenated fuel for best performance.

What's better 2-stroke or 4-stroke jet ski? ›

Most, if not all, of the newer sit-down PWC are equipped with highly efficient, fuel injected 4-stroke engines. However, many boaters in the Valley still operate older stand-up 2-stroke PWCs that are not as fuel efficient and may leak fuel and oil into the water.

The ProStar S4 4-stroke engine delivers fun and spirited performance in the under 100 HP class with easy ownership and proven dependability whether you are an outdoor adventurer, new or casual trail rider, or a cabin owner.

The Ski-Doo Summit X is a highly reliable two-stroke snowmobile that is designed for extreme off-trail snowmobiling. It offers exceptional performance, agility, and power to conquer the toughest mountain terrains and deep snow conditions.

Changing the engine oil in your snowmobile is just as important as changing engine oil in a vehicle. If the engine isn't properly lubricated it can cause major damage. Take the time to check the oil level before every adventure and change it every ~2,500 miles depending on use and conditions.

If you ride wide open all the time you could need pistons, rings and a hone at 5,000 miles. If you are an engine sensitive guy and warm up your sled properly and your engine cycles are conservative 6,500 is a good bench mark.

The 2-stroke engine weighs less and is easier to maintain, having fewer moving parts. The difference in weight between the two can be as much as 150 pounds, depending on the model. Generally 2-strokes weigh around 450 and 4-strokes are upward of 500 pounds. The price difference also depends on the model.

While a 2-stroke will never offer the torque of a 4-stroke, they come close enough for most weekend riders. Not only that, but they're lighter and tend to be easier to handle, which makes them great for beginners. In addition, 2-stroke bikes require less maintenance than most 4-strokes, saving you time and money.

The reliability of a two-stroke snowmobile largely depends on how well it is maintained. Regular maintenance and proper care can help extend the life of the engine and prevent breakdowns on the trail. Many riders also prefer two-stroke engines for their simplicity and ease of repair.