Much like discussing religion and politics at a backyard BBQ, bringing up the debate of whether a 2-stroke dirt bike is faster than a 4-stroke is like asking if Ford is better than Chevy.

Dirt bikes are truly the final frontier of two-wheeled freedom, but getting on the right bike makes all the difference.

Two-stroke dirt bikes are perfect for hardcore off-roading. They are lightweight, easy to maintain (even if you blow the engine), and exhilarating across the rev band.

Think of it as the bridge between the 250 and 450 classes. It has the punch of a big-bore two-stroke but with a character that’s more approachable than most 450 four-strokes.

The YZ400F was created in 1998, a late arrival in the 90s nonetheless - with a sole objective of making meals out of the two-stroke dirt bike competition.

While it's long gone in favor of four-stroke motocross bikes, the Honda CR500 holds a legendary place in dirt bike history for its raucous performance.