There are more moving parts in a 4-stroke engine, which typically means that there is a greater need for potential maintenance. But I repeat, these engines will last more than 2 strokes, so they may have a better or similar value in the long term. In terms of brands, Yamaha 4-stroke sledges are among the most reliable snowmobiles ever made. Not only are their motors bulletproof, but they also last (almost) forever.
That's why the most reliable snowmobiles are 4-stroke, non-turbocharged sledges with moderate performance. Motorsport vehicles have never been known for their reliability and durability, and snowmobiles are no exception. Not only are snowmobiles very powerful machines, but they are also often subject to a lot of abuse by their owners. But if we take a look at the average power numbers of snowmobiles, we can see that even standard sledges come with very powerful engines.
This is why racing snowmobiles require engine repairs and rebuilds more frequently than any other type of unmodified sled. In fact, you would need a 1000 cc 4-stroke engine to equal the power of a 600 cc 2-stroke engine; in addition, the 4-stroke engine would weigh approximately 50% more. When it comes to power sources, it's a fact that 2-stroke snowmobile engines are less reliable compared to 4-stroke ones. A 2-stroke engine consumes oil, but is cheaper, more agile and weighs considerably less than a 4-stroke engine.
In addition, many snowmobiles are stored outside, which can also be the source of many problems. Finally, all these features make snowmobiles less reliable, since sooner or later they can cause breakdowns. Polaris has an excellent snowmobile creation tool on its website that allows you to customize your sleigh and get an idea of the price you are looking for for the functions you want. Since snowmobiles are becoming more and more customizable every year, there are a lot of things to consider before pulling the trigger on a new machine.
If you're a weekend warrior who likes different types of trails and apps, a 4-stroke is probably the best option. If you compare snowmobiles to road bikes, it's easy to see that the latter operate in a much cleaner environment, which translates into greater reliability and less maintenance.
