The 4-strokes have really come down in weight. We just bought a Suzuki 20hp 4-stroke. It weighs 97lbs. The Yamaha Enduro 15hp 2-stroke that everyone worships weighs 89lbs. Not much difference in weight (8lbs), plus 5 more HP.

Above 15hp, the 4-strokes actually become lighter than the 2-strokes. Below 15hp, the 2-strokes are much lighter, and I don't see that changing.

The one thing to remember about weight is the extra fuel necessary for a 2-stroke. Our 4-stroke consumes 40% less fuel than our friends 2-stroke. We carry a 3 gallon tank, while they need to carry a 6gal for equivalent range/time - that is 22 more pounds associated with the 2-stroke (although at ~$6/gal here, your wallet is significantly lighter with a 2-stroke) Of course, that is no concern if you are needing to remove your engine all the time, but if that is the case, one should stay below 10hp anyway.

And 4-strokes simply purr - you can have a conversation at high speed.

Mark