Two stroke dirt bikes never actually disappeared, and in 2026 the category is arguably healthier than it has been in over a decade thanks to renewed manufacturer investment.
Every major off road brand from Austria to Japan currently builds at least one two stroke model, spanning KTM, GasGas, Husqvarna, Beta, Yamaha and a returning Kawasaki lineup.
So which brands still make two stroke dirt bikes, and what changed recently to bring Kawasaki back into the category? This guide breaks down every current manufacturer.
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Who Makes Two Stroke Dirt Bikes In 2026
The core group of manufacturers still producing two stroke motocross and enduro machines includes KTM, GasGas, Husqvarna, Beta, Yamaha, Rieju, Fantic, TM Racing, Sherco, GPX and Cobra.
KTM, GasGas and Husqvarna share a parent company structure under Pierer Mobility, meaning their two stroke engines are closely related engineering platforms sold under three different brand identities.
Beta and Sherco remain fully independent European manufacturers that have kept two stroke development as a core part of their model lineup rather than a legacy afterthought.
Kawasaki Two Stroke Dirt Bikes Are Returning
Kawasaki confirmed in January 2025 that it would bring a two stroke dirt bike back into its lineup, ending a long absence from the category for the Japanese manufacturer.
The announcement, first reported by Cycle World, marked a notable shift given that Kawasaki had stepped away from two stroke motocross production for years while focusing exclusively on four stroke development.
Yamaha is the only other Japanese manufacturer currently offering a two stroke model, the YZ125 and YZ250, keeping at least two Japanese brands active in the category alongside the larger group of European makers.
KTM Group Two Stroke Dirt Bikes Explained
KTM, GasGas and Husqvarna two stroke engines share underlying architecture developed at KTM engineering in Mattighofen, Austria, then tuned differently for each brand identity.
This shared platform approach lets the parent group offer two stroke options across three price points and brand personalities without tripling engineering costs.
Our KTM dirt bikes guide covers the Austrian production facility where these engines and chassis are built in more detail.
Beta And Sherco Two Stroke Dirt Bikes
Beta has built its off road reputation substantially around two stroke enduro machines, and the brand continues to treat two stroke development as central rather than secondary to its lineup.
Sherco, based in France, follows a similar philosophy, building two stroke trial and enduro machines that compete directly with Beta in the European off road market.
Our Beta dirt bikes guide covers the Italian manufacturer behind one of the most established two stroke lineups still in production.
Smaller And Specialist Two Stroke Manufacturers
TM Racing, based in Italy, builds low volume, higher cost two stroke motocross machines aimed at serious racers rather than casual buyers, a niche also profiled at Motorcyclist.
Fantic and Rieju, both Southern European manufacturers, produce two stroke enduro and trial focused models that are more common in European markets than in the United States.
GPX and Cobra round out the category with smaller displacement two stroke youth and entry level machines, filling a niche that larger manufacturers mostly leave uncontested.
Two Stroke Versus Four Stroke Dirt Bikes
Two stroke engines remain popular for their lighter weight, simpler mechanical design and lower maintenance cost compared to equivalent four stroke motocross engines.
Four stroke engines generally offer smoother power delivery and better fuel efficiency, which is part of why Japanese manufacturers shifted heavily toward four stroke development in the 2000s.
The renewed two stroke interest documented by outlets like Dirt Bike Magazine reflects growing rider demand for lighter, simpler machines rather than a rejection of four stroke technology.
Is A Two Stroke Dirt Bike Really Good
Two stroke dirt bikes remain a strong choice in 2026 for riders who prioritize light weight, simple maintenance and the distinct power delivery two strokes are known for.
The current field of manufacturers, from KTM group brands to Beta, Sherco and a returning Kawasaki, gives buyers more two stroke options than existed just a few years ago.
Fuel mixing and premix oil requirements remain a real ownership consideration, and buyers new to two strokes should budget time to learn proper mixture ratios and jetting basics.
Resale value on established two stroke models tends to hold up well given renewed manufacturer commitment to the category documented by outlets like Motocross Action Magazine.
For riders who want a lighter, more mechanically simple machine and are willing to manage premix fuel, a 2026 two stroke from any of these manufacturers remains a genuinely good choice.
Two Stroke Dirt Bikes Frequently Asked Questions
Who Makes Two Stroke Dirt Bikes
KTM, GasGas, Husqvarna, Beta, Yamaha, Sherco, TM Racing, Fantic, Rieju, GPX, Cobra and a returning Kawasaki all currently produce two stroke dirt bikes.
Is Kawasaki Bringing Back A Two Stroke Dirt Bike
Yes, Kawasaki confirmed in January 2025 that a two stroke dirt bike would return to its lineup after years of exclusively four stroke development.
Do Any Japanese Brands Still Make Two Strokes
Yamaha continues to build two stroke models including the YZ125 and YZ250, and Kawasaki is returning to the category as of 2025.
Are Two Stroke Dirt Bikes Still Worth Buying
Yes, two stroke dirt bikes remain a strong option in 2026 for riders who value light weight and mechanical simplicity over four stroke smoothness.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.