2015 Timbersled Mountain Horse Revealed

[Chadx]

I sure hope that is true? Can you really retrofit the double bearing housing to previous year Mountain Horses?

Yep you can. Like lokan says, the website mentions it. The website has more detail and explanation than the video. Link is in the original post above. I actually went to it before watching the vid. I've always liked the way they lay out the annual updates description page so one can see exactly what's updated.

 

[M5-]

I talked extensively with TS 2 weeks ago about the new bearing system as a result of my driveshaft going south. From my conversation the update for older kits will be as follows. Only 3 of the bearings become dual race, the bearing carrying the brake rotor has not displayed enough failures to warrant the upgrade. In order to update your existing kit you will need to remove both the drive and jackshaft. The drive shaft you will have 2 options, first option is to replace it with a newly supplied version and the second option is to have your existing driveshaft machined to accept the additional bearing width. Either way you will need to remove your drivers and re install them. For the jackshaft I am assuming there will be new spacer/collars to accommodate the new outer bearing. Lastly you will need to assemble your kit in perfect alignment the drill the 2 extra bearing retainer bolts hole into your side plates for all three of the new bearings. The big question in my mind is when and how much $$.


M5

 

[Niskibum]

Sorry don't buy it. My 3 bolts were super tight. They ate into the metal to hold them. Still came loose. Problem with the bearing failure issue as well. Can't handle power maybe ?.

So is it possible that just one of them got loose and then that slack let the other ones get loose too? That's all I'm saying, with three bolts any one of them loosening can cause a problem, so three points of failure compared to one, three times the chance of the chain getting loose.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see how the new design works. My guess is that TS isn't going to change the entire system and come out with something that isn't better. I bet they did their homework first.

 

[M5-]

So is it possible that just one of them got loose and then that slack let the other ones get loose too? That's all I'm saying, with three bolts any one of them loosening can cause a problem, so three points of failure compared to one, three times the chance of the chain getting loose.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see how the new design works. My guess is that TS isn't going to change the entire system and come out with something that isn't better. I bet they did their homework first.

No I was there when it happened the bolts were super tight, the problem is SB's bike a built CR500 makes gobs of torque in fact as much as a turbo bike and it can over power the friction generated by the tensioner system when you factor in on and off the throttle hard. The constant hammering on the tensioner gear by the chain trying to straighten out makes the tensioner loosen off slowly but surely then you start to hear the chain followed by the cheesy plastic gear grenading.

M5

 

[mtn-doo]

Is that techno or dub-step? Seriously though//? I thought that I had heard about some serious weight reduction? And new track? Is there now a clearance issue that keeps us from using 2.3 or 2.5 inch tracks? Also I think a lot of us are excited to see new sx that is rumored to beat current st in the pow, and be more mtn specific?

The major weight reduction is in the SX kit. The 2015 SX will have a 6lb lighter powder track, 10" wide.

 

[Gros Chien]

Hope to see it (and try it obviously) before all the snow goes away.

 

[ravenous]

"Gobs of torque" wont loosen the tensioner. The only forces on the back side of the chain are from decel. My kx 500 has more torque than a cr and
Ive had no tension issues on the chain other than initial stretch in 75 hrs this season. Maybe I ride like a *****? Just keep yer bolts tight!

 

[AlpineSMB]

Question - I've Snowchecked a sled before and there were some benefits to do so (longer warranty or $$ in accessories for example). Is there any sort of advantage to Snowchecking a Timbersled kit other than guaranteeing you can get one?

 

[Mtn. Muncher]

Yes, there will be a Snow Check option that will include some very cool customized features that will only be available on the snow check program. You can see what they are on April 1st. Keep checking back on our What's New For 2015 web site page. We will be continuing to refine the info on this page with more details.

Allen

 

[summitboy]

"Gobs of torque" wont loosen the tensioner. The only forces on the back side of the chain are from decel. My kx 500 has more torque than a cr and
Ive had no tension issues on the chain other than initial stretch in 75 hrs this season. Maybe I ride like a *****? Just keep yer bolts tight!

Maybe a stock CR LOL

 

[retired motoman]

works better

I guess we'll just have to wait and see how the new design works. My guess is that TS isn't going to change the entire system and come out with something that isn't better. I bet they did their homework first.

The new design has more surface area holding the sprocket against the side panel. The tensioner sprocket has a large carrier that will hold with one fastener. Not only is chain adjustment easer but with less openings in the chain case the inside stays much drier. I have only adjusted mine twice in 1300 miles and it has never came loose.

 

[retired motoman]

I sure hope that is true? Can you really retrofit the double bearing housing to previous year Mountain Horses?

My understanding is there will be a update kit for the double bearings. On the jack shaft all that is needed are some different spacers but the drive shaft will need to be machined or replaced.
The double bearing set up has solved the bearing problem.

 

[mikesnick]

Testing 2015 kit all season

I find the negiative comments interesting. I'm on my 7th snow bike kit (4 brands) and have found that every year there have been substantial improvements and the '15 MH continues that trend. If I had chosen to find excuses to wait I would have missed years of enjoying being on the cutting edge of a great new sport. Regarding the '15s: The outside ski skags have made trail riding and corrnering a fluid experience. The double bearings have definitely solved the flexing issue. The tamer suspension provides those who are interested a tremendous amount of flexability to play with different setups. Then there all the suttle changes that combine to the overall improvement of the kit. Anyone who experimented with their sleds through the 70's and 80's trying to create a mountain sled and experienced the excitement of leaving their buddies in their snow dust can relate to rush of each years improved MH. I ride twice a week and my riding buddy, (much younger) retired motorman, rides 4 to 6 times a week and the '15 test kits have proven their worth.

 

[1dn5up]

still happy with my 2011 change bearings once a year and giver! updates include 5 stickers now from 1 when I got it

 

[Gros Chien]

The major weight reduction is in the SX kit. The 2015 SX will have a 6lb lighter powder track, 10" wide.

Why can't we have a 12'' option for the SX? That would be perfect for our big mountain steep n' deep here in Whistler.

 

[Ausm7499]

Why can't we have a 12'' option for the SX? That would be perfect for our big mountain steep n' deep here in Whistler.

From what I have seen you don't loose any floatation with the narrower track, at least not enough to offset the weight lose and added track speed.

 

[chumbilly1]

From what I have seen you don't loose any floatation with the narrower track, at least not enough to offset the weight lose and added track speed.

How much does an sx weigh? Supposedly the newer ones are going to be 6 lbs lighter and have a better track??? Wish they would release it sooner than later! Has anyone ever tried to long track one of these sx models?

 

[retired motoman]

yes

How much does an sx weigh? Supposedly the newer ones are going to be 6 lbs lighter and have a better track??? Wish they would release it sooner than later! Has anyone ever tried to long track one of these sx models?

A couple of riders have long tracked the SX's. I was using the 2.53 pitch (stock) Hawk track and had a 136" (Hawk) ready to install. The problem is the SX uses small drivers and none are produced (other than 2.53).....until TS made some new 2.86 (for the '15 ST/LT kits). So track options are improving. 2.86 small drivers are not available this season.

 

[J&L Snowhawk]

A couple of riders have long tracked the SX's. I was using the 2.53 pitch (stock) Hawk track and had a 136" (Hawk) ready to install. The problem is the SX uses small drivers and none are produced (other than 2.53).....until TS made some new 2.86 (for the '15 ST/LT kits). So track options are improving. 2.86 small drivers are not available this season.

I don't understand. If The sx uses a 2.53 pitch driver and that is what the hawk track is , so why couldn't you install long track?
Are the new sx going to 2.86 pitch? Right

 

[retired motoman]

I don't understand. If The sx uses a 2.53 pitch driver and that is what the hawk track is , so why couldn't you install long track?
Are the new sx going to 2.86 pitch? Right

You can use a 2.53 pitch longer track but track options are limited. The tallest lug available is 1.75".
That is why I purchased a 136" Hawk track (2.53 pitch)
The Hawk track has 2.5" center lugs that tapered to 1" on the edge.


New SX kit will have the same 2" lug track as the ST has used since '13, just cut down to 10.5" wide. (2.86 pitch). And 2.5" lug track are available in 2.86.