My KTM 450 SXF with a 520 big bore and Yeti 129 pulls very hard when you are on the throttle and the track is hooking up. Maybe not dirt bike hard but I can accelerate as fast or faster than the 800 sleds that I ride with. It gives you a definite seat of the pants thrill. The 520 made a big difference in power for sure.
Purpose built OEM? Is there a market? What is realistic?
- Thread starter bendn
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My KTM 450 SXF with a 520 big bore and Yeti 129 pulls very hard when you are on the throttle and the track is hooking up. Maybe not dirt bike hard but I can accelerate as fast or faster than the 800 sleds that I ride with. It gives you a definite seat of the pants thrill. The 520 made a big difference in power for sure.
I’m just not seeing that. Ridden with a turbo 450sx and even that doesn’t go like a mountain sled. Now that’s ok, because the appeal for the bike isn’t really speed anyways. But straight line acceleration that is just not happening.
P
For most of us here I do not buy the space and cost thing.
My snow-bike friends a have invested way more in the bikes than my sled-friends in there sleds. And they all have dedicated single track bikes for summer as well, some use the snow-bike for track use in the summer. I have a Sled and Snow-bike -- because the lack of power in the bike . A Snow-bike with my 850 engine in it would be able to do both and I would only have one machine saving space in the Garage and $$$
My snow-bike friends a have invested way more in the bikes than my sled-friends in there sleds. And they all have dedicated single track bikes for summer as well, some use the snow-bike for track use in the summer. I have a Sled and Snow-bike -- because the lack of power in the bike . A Snow-bike with my 850 engine in it would be able to do both and I would only have one machine saving space in the Garage and $$$
M
For most of us here I do not buy the space and cost thing.
The world is complex, as are these seemingly simple issues. My situation is not the norm...I have three sons that will all be on snow bikes within a year or two. At the moment only the oldest boy is on a full sized dirt bike so we converted his KTM 300 and mine with Camsos this fall. Holy crp almost didn't fit in the trailer.
So yes, the space is more important to me than the purpose built aspect. We will probably have five kits to store by 2020. That would be ten bikes if five were purpose built, plus the three vintage project Husqvarnas = 13 bikes to store!
BTW...nice photo shop Hawkster
G
I for one would love to see a factory snowbike with a warranty
I have ridden sleds for about 25 years. Ive only rode dirt bikes seven years but absolutely love mountain single track. Probably like it better then sledding other than those few epic powder days a year.
I just went back to sledding this year after snowbiking for 2 seasons.
I plan on getting another snowbike but i wont do it without having a sled as well
Main reasons were the pull the rope and go on the sled. I just ride and never worry about anything.
I feel like the snowbike is like a 20 year mod sled. I had a 16 timbersled LT on an 09 CRF450R and 11 KTM 300 XC. Your always messing with it and checking stuff. Is it going to start? Is the engine getting warm? Is the oil getting fuel in it? Gotta change the oil every other ride on the 4 stroke. I couldnt get my 300 2 stroke run clean and consistent. Are you sucking snow in? My hands got cold with no hand warmers. Just kinda a head ache. Honestly the 2 most frustrating years I've ever had on snow. Although i had some amazing rides mixed in.
Ive had a way better year on the sled this year although i miss the bike sometimes.
I liked everything about the Timbersled I had except the bikes never feel balanced in the powder standing. I stand 95% of the time on the sled and dirt bike and find that more comfortable. At 6'3" i find sitting on the bike horribly uncomfortable. IMO the geometry is not right and wont be till standing feels right in the powder.
Something factory that works well is my dream. I would prefer a 2 stroke powerplant. Maybe 400-700ccs (60-150 hp). I can shift or run a cvt. They both have their ups and downs. Fully enclosed motor and a proper cooling system is a must.
I have ridden sleds for about 25 years. Ive only rode dirt bikes seven years but absolutely love mountain single track. Probably like it better then sledding other than those few epic powder days a year.
I just went back to sledding this year after snowbiking for 2 seasons.
I plan on getting another snowbike but i wont do it without having a sled as well
Main reasons were the pull the rope and go on the sled. I just ride and never worry about anything.
I feel like the snowbike is like a 20 year mod sled. I had a 16 timbersled LT on an 09 CRF450R and 11 KTM 300 XC. Your always messing with it and checking stuff. Is it going to start? Is the engine getting warm? Is the oil getting fuel in it? Gotta change the oil every other ride on the 4 stroke. I couldnt get my 300 2 stroke run clean and consistent. Are you sucking snow in? My hands got cold with no hand warmers. Just kinda a head ache. Honestly the 2 most frustrating years I've ever had on snow. Although i had some amazing rides mixed in.
Ive had a way better year on the sled this year although i miss the bike sometimes.
I liked everything about the Timbersled I had except the bikes never feel balanced in the powder standing. I stand 95% of the time on the sled and dirt bike and find that more comfortable. At 6'3" i find sitting on the bike horribly uncomfortable. IMO the geometry is not right and wont be till standing feels right in the powder.
Something factory that works well is my dream. I would prefer a 2 stroke powerplant. Maybe 400-700ccs (60-150 hp). I can shift or run a cvt. They both have their ups and downs. Fully enclosed motor and a proper cooling system is a must.
G
Also, I find the dirt/snow cross over argument worthless for me.
Best snowbike = 450 MX bike which is by far the worst trail bike
I may try a 350 or 500 4 strokes next go around as the 500 XC-W or 350 SX or XC-F are way better trail bikes then a 450 MX bike
Nothing beats a 250/300 2 stroke for technical single track IMO so I have just acceptes I need 2 bikes
If you ride the track though, a 450 is perfect for dirt and snow
Best snowbike = 450 MX bike which is by far the worst trail bike
I may try a 350 or 500 4 strokes next go around as the 500 XC-W or 350 SX or XC-F are way better trail bikes then a 450 MX bike
Nothing beats a 250/300 2 stroke for technical single track IMO so I have just acceptes I need 2 bikes
If you ride the track though, a 450 is perfect for dirt and snow
M
Glen, I think you've pretty well summed it up there...bottom line is, in my situation, with three young snow bikers plus me, there's going to be some compromise somewhere, unless ones got loads of storage room.
The OEM is coming. And it will make our current stuff look like a 2moto. That is progression, and its good. Same happened with snowmobiles over the last, what, 10 years. No right minded individual is slaving over a D & R now days, or tunnel extensions and bigger tracks. You buy a purpose built sled that does what its intended to, and very well. Even comes with a warranty, up to what 5 years. Quiet and reliable. It will be interesting to say the least!