What's the difference between 2 stroke and 4 stroke?

lack of valve train and oil sump make it lighter (therefore faster), and way, way less complicated than comparable fourstroke. The oil in the gas and the intake/exhaust porting arrangement make it prone to coking up (carbon accumulation in the cylinders), also dirtier emissions. And the carb's likely to get gummed up if you don't treat the fuel and/or take 'er out & run her hard often enough. It's a breeze to work on, though. mix oil with the gas.

To answer your question briefly, It's coming to the end of the season and there will be lots of bikes up for sale. Expect a good deal and do your research well. Hondas make awesome bikes. Most newer engines are all heading in the 4 stroke direction but there is nothing wrong with a well cared for 2 stroke. Yes, generally 2-strokes will be harder to maintain... My two cents.....

Something to consider, some states have already banned 2 cycle engine sales due to EPA clean air guidelines. In a few more years, all states will ban 2 cycle engines to protect funding from the federal government. Having said that, the difference between the two engines is what is mentioned above, plus two cycle engines don't have an oil sump, so they are lighter, they fire every time the piston goes to the top of the cylinder, so you get a quicker response to the throttle. The down side is they produce more smog, use more gas, you have to mix the oil and gas.

I guess there are two differences between 2 and 4. But a two stroke needs oil to mix with the gasoline unless it has oil injection.