Filling up a 2-stroke vs 4-stroke - Newb question?

[Kiwitt]

I have been thinking about 50cc scooters and a quick search has revealed I should get a 2-stroke for power and a 4-stroke for economy.

Now I may sound like a complete newb, but how do you add the right amount of oil to a fuel-tank for 2-stroke, when filling up. ( Remembering my old lawn mowing days, that you added so much oil for so much fuel - can't remember the ratios.)

In a car you simply tank up with your fuel, pay and go. How do you do this on a scooter which needs oil as well (and what kind etc.)?

TBH: If it is too much fuss, I need to consider my options.

[KelvinAng]

My 4-stroke 50cc scooter has a 80cc oil reservoir (separate from fuel tank) that I need to keep an eye on. If the levels drop below the marking on the dip stick, I'll need to top it up.

After 1200km from brand new, the oil level dropped to just about at the level of the marking. However it's time for her service and part of her service includes an oil change, so I didn't bother to top it up. Really cheap, considering I'll need no more than 80cc of 4-stroke oil for 1200km of usage.

[Kiwitt]

I know that. Thanks.

It's how to fill a 2-stroke scooter, which requires a mix of oil and petrol

[KelvinAng]

Opps, I missed out the 2-stroke part. My bad. Hope you get your answer soon.

[Filterer]

2 strokes have a separate reservoir for the oil.

It gets mixed automagically at runtime

[UberRhys]

I have been thinking about 50cc scooters and a quick search has revealed I should get a 2-stroke for power and a 4-stroke for economy.

Now I may sound like a complete newb, but how do you add the right amount of oil to a fuel-tank for 2-stroke, when filling up. ( Remembering my old lawn mowing days, that you added so much oil for so much fuel - can't remember the ratios.)

In a car you simply tank up with your fuel, pay and go. How do you do this on a scooter which needs oil as well (and what kind etc.)?

TBH: If it is too much fuss, I need to consider my options.

Most scoots these days have a seperate reservoir for the oil so just top up when necessary, otherwise you can pre-mix either at home (I have a 20l fuel container and make a batch up when needed and then just top up the tank as required) or at the pump. I have a cup with the amounts of oil required for 2, 3 and 5l of gas and this just sits in the glovebox or under the seat with the oil.

Just remember to use a decent motorbike 2T oil and never use an outboard oil, causes a range of strange issues.

[tgb_novice]

Yes!! Nowadays all the new 2 strokes have a separate tank that you just fill up when the red light comes "on" . So pretty straight forward nowadays .

Now for my 2c , , Definitely go for a 2 Stroke as that will give you just enough power to keep up with the cars in Auckland. Have seen a fair few 4 strokes struggling to keep up especially on hills and that with Auckland crazy cagers waiting to the hell out of anyone they can .

[Kiwitt]

Sounds pretty straight forward. Automagically

And I assume you can get this oil from any petrol station.

How many does oil fills does it take between petrol refills.

[tgb_novice]

Sounds pretty straight forward. Automagically

And I assume you can get this oil from any petrol station.

How many does oil fills does it take between petrol refills.

Yah! You can get those from the Petrol Station, just make sure that you get the oil for 2 stroke scooters / motorcycles.
Depends on the tank, but a .6l tank of oil normally lasts for about 500 - 600 K.

[Kiwitt]

Sounds like a good option.

Now to research a good one The Yamaha Jog looks good.

[Rosie]

Sounds pretty straight forward. Automagically

And I assume you can get this oil from any petrol station.

How many does oil fills does it take between petrol refills.

Generally you will go through several tanks of petrol for one tank of oil.
Availability of oil from petrol stations varies. All will sell some manner of 2-stroke oil, but a lot won't have anything designed for motorbikes. It's probably easier to buy a big bottle of motorbike-specific 2-stroke oil from Repco or Supercheap Auto (supercheap tends to have a wider range of 2-stroke oils), keep it at home, and top the oil tank up regularly. If you are going to be away from home for more than one tank of oil (unlikely on a wee scoot, but you never know), get a 1 litre bottle of your usual oil, and take it with you.

[davereid]

A two stroke will give you much better power. Use a good quality two stroke oil, I find TOTAL 2T synthetic is clean burning and I never need to clean plugs or de-coke.

Your two stroke will not get as good a gas mileage as a four stroke. But it will still manage to be very frugal, so remains cheap as chips to run.

Maintenance on your two-stoke will save you heaps over a 4-stroke.
Just run good oil, clean the bike, check tyres brakes, nuts and bolts and airfilter periodically and the job is done.

A 4-stroke should have its oil changed every 2,000km, and it should have the filter cleaned or changed too if it has one. Every 5000km you will need to set valve clearances, or your 4 stroke will get hard to start, lose power and may burn out a valve. Its not hard to do, but you have to get it right. Expect to pay $65-85 an hour for a shop to do it if you can't.

Have fun, buy a European, Jap or Taiwanese brand and you will have happy scootering. Get a chinese bike and it won't last 5000km !

[gt1cm2]

Sounds like a good option.

Now to research a good one The Yamaha Jog looks good.

I have a jog. A one litre oil container will last me about a year, no mixing just fill up and go. It will let you know to top up as there is a red light that comes on.

[pritch]

And I assume you can get this oil from any petrol station.

You might be lucky. Buy a 1 litre container from the local bike shop or Supercheap Auto or wherever. The good stuff will probably be close to $17.00.

I just top up after every second visit to the gas pump.

Your $17 should last you months (and months?).

Two stroke oil is not a good area to try and save money...

[Kiwitt]

It looks as if I might get a scooter from Reb Baron, who'll do the servicing as well.

As to cheap oil - I'll stay away from them. I have a hi-performance car and never use the cheap stuff on that one either.