The reason I run 4 strokes is I prefer the sound and there is no big muffler to contend with. I also prefer the torque curve and tuning of a four stroke. I really like my Saito's but there is a learning curve as far as tuning them; but once you have that mastered, they are very reliable and make excellent power. Yes, they have they have issues just like anything else ( mufflers falling off, bad bearings etc) , but for the most part, they are Pretty trouble free, at least in my experience.