You know me, I don't say much until after the season, and I have had LOT's of time on each kit in all snow conditions. I am not there yet.
2018 kits
- Thread starter Seekins
- Start date
You know me, I don't say much until after the season, and I have had LOT's of time on each kit in all snow conditions. I am not there yet.
2018 Who knows?
Well as for new 2018 updates or a Snowbike out of the box is any bodies guess, all kinds of roomers and speculation. As for kits today my take from what I've seen and experienced in 7 years of snow bikes.
Score: $ ditch it, $$ ouch, $$$ rideable, $$$$ very good, $$$$$, crem de la crem
Timbersled:
Pros; good progression in kits from year to year and the fact you could upgrade your existing kit. If you hit a hazard and wrinkled a side panel take it off pound it out, or order new one bolt it on. Good stock suspension on all kits, better if upgrade to TSS and/or stock skid shocks and coil overs. Back Country Ski progressed from Widow Maker to acceptable, but change out carbides upgrade attachment bolt. Spindle is good. New track very good, lotsa bite. Do your maintenance, (necessary on all kit manufactures) lotsa chain wax, correct tension on track & chains, grease your zirks all of them! Fit n finish and welds generally good. Still best jumping kit out their just ask Zieg, Hoyer, and Turcotte.
Cons; key way shafts & sprockets on early models. double bearing did not resolve the whole issue of side loading and bearing failures (see CMX for solution), chain drives gotta go bye bye, way to much rolling resistance at low rpm and speed, hello belt and CnC aluminum cogs and fast gear changing. Lighten the load shes a little stout. Brakes are ok but could use a shroud, (initially nothing if frozen) needed by nubies and motoXcross but not steep and deep tree riding as much.
Good updates, great performer, good value & solid build for the money. Score: $$$$
YETI:
Pros; Looks are always a personal thing, but the Yetis actually starting to grow on me. Having said that all carbon fibre tunnel, titanium shaft and fittings all over the place, CnC aluminuim, belt drive, best ski in the industry, very good track, suspension up grade with new mono shock, super light, what more can I say. This is a very progressive kit with modern materials, engineering, and very good to excellent fit and finish. I have not crushed a Yeti spindle yet, so I don't know if it fails as it should before my forks do?$$$. How does it perform you ask, ski tracks very well on packed trail & very good control, good floatation in POW, good bite on crust and side hilling. This is a premium kit that has very good to excellent performance in all conditions. I have not ridden one with the new mono shock, so jury out until I do, suspension is only second to dependability then power, I know the Snowflakes will disagree with me on that one, wait until they have to walk out in 4' of POW, in the dark, 12 below 0 and 10 miles to the truck!
Cons: As with TS, Yeti has done a good job of improving their end product by listening to their customer base and making improvements from year to year, i.e. Wider belt and cog drives, better tunnel accessories and attachments for gas can, cargo, track, suspension mods, etc. these are no longer cons but improvements. The only con I have is the tunnel, one piece, could be stiffer & more robust. I have a bad habit of hitting sheet & breaking things on Snow bikes, other wise 5$.
Very good engineering, performance, materials and inovation.
Score: $$$$
CMX
Pros: Now here is a kit the minute I laid my eyes on it I knew that they had lots of experience in building skids and improved the good and dumped the so/so from the competitors. Well thought out kit, good tunnel, side panels, rails, track, suspension, etc. The home run was the drive shaft going full length across the other side of the bike and mounting the belt drive (Jack shaft) on the right side of the bike, I will some it up in this way, balance, no side loading bearings, efficient belt drive, low rolling resistance, ask Toby does this thing fly? For weight I put it between the TS and Yeti.
Cons: Now I may not be the best person to point out any short comings on this kit, because in fairness I have not thrown a leg over it yet, as Toby mentioned he will comment in time so maybe other riders will chime in. So on that note I will base my score on my perception, mechanical engineering knowledge, fabricating skill, and snowbike riding experience and adjust my score accordingly once I have ridden it hard and put it away very wet, as I am itchin to ride it. The only con I could have said was thank god you dumped the 2 ganger ski and went YETI!
Looks like a very well thought out design and quality workmanship and materials.
Score: $$$$
Camso to come!
Well as for new 2018 updates or a Snowbike out of the box is any bodies guess, all kinds of roomers and speculation. As for kits today my take from what I've seen and experienced in 7 years of snow bikes.
Score: $ ditch it, $$ ouch, $$$ rideable, $$$$ very good, $$$$$, crem de la crem
Timbersled:
Pros; good progression in kits from year to year and the fact you could upgrade your existing kit. If you hit a hazard and wrinkled a side panel take it off pound it out, or order new one bolt it on. Good stock suspension on all kits, better if upgrade to TSS and/or stock skid shocks and coil overs. Back Country Ski progressed from Widow Maker to acceptable, but change out carbides upgrade attachment bolt. Spindle is good. New track very good, lotsa bite. Do your maintenance, (necessary on all kit manufactures) lotsa chain wax, correct tension on track & chains, grease your zirks all of them! Fit n finish and welds generally good. Still best jumping kit out their just ask Zieg, Hoyer, and Turcotte.
Cons; key way shafts & sprockets on early models. double bearing did not resolve the whole issue of side loading and bearing failures (see CMX for solution), chain drives gotta go bye bye, way to much rolling resistance at low rpm and speed, hello belt and CnC aluminum cogs and fast gear changing. Lighten the load shes a little stout. Brakes are ok but could use a shroud, (initially nothing if frozen) needed by nubies and motoXcross but not steep and deep tree riding as much.
Good updates, great performer, good value & solid build for the money. Score: $$$$
YETI:
Pros; Looks are always a personal thing, but the Yetis actually starting to grow on me. Having said that all carbon fibre tunnel, titanium shaft and fittings all over the place, CnC aluminuim, belt drive, best ski in the industry, very good track, suspension up grade with new mono shock, super light, what more can I say. This is a very progressive kit with modern materials, engineering, and very good to excellent fit and finish. I have not crushed a Yeti spindle yet, so I don't know if it fails as it should before my forks do?$$$. How does it perform you ask, ski tracks very well on packed trail & very good control, good floatation in POW, good bite on crust and side hilling. This is a premium kit that has very good to excellent performance in all conditions. I have not ridden one with the new mono shock, so jury out until I do, suspension is only second to dependability then power, I know the Snowflakes will disagree with me on that one, wait until they have to walk out in 4' of POW, in the dark, 12 below 0 and 10 miles to the truck!
Cons: As with TS, Yeti has done a good job of improving their end product by listening to their customer base and making improvements from year to year, i.e. Wider belt and cog drives, better tunnel accessories and attachments for gas can, cargo, track, suspension mods, etc. these are no longer cons but improvements. The only con I have is the tunnel, one piece, could be stiffer & more robust. I have a bad habit of hitting sheet & breaking things on Snow bikes, other wise 5$.
Very good engineering, performance, materials and inovation.
Score: $$$$
CMX
Pros: Now here is a kit the minute I laid my eyes on it I knew that they had lots of experience in building skids and improved the good and dumped the so/so from the competitors. Well thought out kit, good tunnel, side panels, rails, track, suspension, etc. The home run was the drive shaft going full length across the other side of the bike and mounting the belt drive (Jack shaft) on the right side of the bike, I will some it up in this way, balance, no side loading bearings, efficient belt drive, low rolling resistance, ask Toby does this thing fly? For weight I put it between the TS and Yeti.
Cons: Now I may not be the best person to point out any short comings on this kit, because in fairness I have not thrown a leg over it yet, as Toby mentioned he will comment in time so maybe other riders will chime in. So on that note I will base my score on my perception, mechanical engineering knowledge, fabricating skill, and snowbike riding experience and adjust my score accordingly once I have ridden it hard and put it away very wet, as I am itchin to ride it. The only con I could have said was thank god you dumped the 2 ganger ski and went YETI!
Looks like a very well thought out design and quality workmanship and materials.
Score: $$$$
Camso to come!
humm i would like more camso review ! i am on the fence about changing my arctic cat m800 for one of the camso kit to my new 500 exc-f . i have a very good 2012 m 800 and may change it for snow bike . here in Quebec timber and yeti are way to expensive . sorry but price is no way close for thinking about going timber or yeti . it 2000 to 2500$ more $ for timber 120 and 5000++++ $ for yeti ....
That looks 200% better with the wrap on it. Nice work.
Whoever has a 3" track will sell a lot of kits and tracks.
The 3" dominates in the sled world.
It will go the same way here.
The 3" dominates in the sled world.
It will go the same way here.
500/501 bikes seem to have a hard enough time turning a 2"-2.5" track in deep pow don't they?
Someone needs to make like a 700cc two stroke bike/snow-bike kit in one package I wouldn't even care if it had dirt wheels..and my sled would probably be gone for good.
A 120x3"
Should still spin easier than a 137x2.5"
Light, nimble, and more go.
Might even make a Snowbike able to wheelie.
Should still spin easier than a 137x2.5"
Light, nimble, and more go.
Might even make a Snowbike able to wheelie.
N
n16ht5
Well-known member
I have a 12 Cat, and my KTM 500 SnowtechMX snowbike. If I Had to have only one it would be the bike. I don't want to sell the sled though. You will probably want a kit with better suspension than the Camso if you go only bike. The snowtech has 3rd shock included.
Whoever gets a 3" track first will wipe the competition off the map. A 120" 3" track would just kill it out here in the west.
Count me in as one of the guys on the fence about snatching up a 2017 kit this spring or waiting to see what's in store for 2018....
Like others have stated, i am specifically curious about what Camso has in store for 2018, i would hate to get the 2017 kit only to find out in the fall that a much more improved system comes out.
Feel like I'm at the black jack table...
Like others have stated, i am specifically curious about what Camso has in store for 2018, i would hate to get the 2017 kit only to find out in the fall that a much more improved system comes out.
Feel like I'm at the black jack table...
Count me in as one of the guys on the fence about snatching up a 2017 kit this spring or waiting to see what's in store for 2018....
Like others have stated, i am specifically curious about what Camso has in store for 2018, i would hate to get the 2017 kit only to find out in the fall that a much more improved system comes out.
Feel like I'm at the black jack table...
There will definitely be better kits in 2018, and 2019, and 2020. If you already have a kit, that's one thing. But,if you're not riding a snow bike right now... lots of good kits out there already and lots of season left. I have seen many good deals lately. Cheap buy in. Get riding!
I'm looking to snow check a 2018 myself as my 2016 is getting a little wore out. Then I remembered, promises of getting your kit in September/october mean nothing when it's december and you still haven't recieved your kit. Just sayin.hopefully the manufactures do a little better job with that next year.
so whats the 2018 model reveal date ? just to know if i jump on 2017 left over or wait next wear .
Hmm?
I had my snowcheck 2017 T-sled by the end of November last year..... I didn't miss any riding... Haven't missed ANY riding because of the kit.....
I had my snowcheck 2017 T-sled by the end of November last year..... I didn't miss any riding... Haven't missed ANY riding because of the kit.....
You guys don't get snow in Montana until the end of November? Hmmm i guess this season probably. This was a pretty common issue for people. Yeti, mototrax, timbersled, many showed up late. Fortunately for the manufacturers the snow came late as well this year. Wingnut, i'm glad that kit is working out for you. The 2017's seem solid and ride well. No real issues with the ones i have been around (except maybe a case of 2018 envy soon)
I contacted Camso, they confirmed they are working on a 2018 system but would not give out any further details than that, told me to check back this summer... not really news but at least the said they are working on it.
N
n16ht5
Well-known member
October 22 2016. Id have been very unhappy if I had missed all the early season riding!
Keepin it tight.....
I like to keep my stuff well kept.....
I may have missed a ride or two, but that was on me, the 17 T-sled 137 LE has great suspension, as far as I can tell, she's solid bro...... no hate here...
All good .....
Seemed like our snow came a little late, yes....
I like to keep my stuff well kept.....
I may have missed a ride or two, but that was on me, the 17 T-sled 137 LE has great suspension, as far as I can tell, she's solid bro...... no hate here...
All good .....
Seemed like our snow came a little late, yes....
Last edited:
3rd shock
Here is what Jaron at Snowtech emailed me about 2018...
Here is a little info on the 2018 STmX Adrenaline snow bike kits:
• CNC machined components for accuracy and quality
• Light weight billet aluminum front spindle and bulkhead (main frame)
• Greaseable dual row bearing on primary drive shaft
• First of it’s kind EZ-Tension chain tensioning system – Started pre 2015 with improved access in 2017 & 2018
• Aluminum construction. Aerospace grade
• Single swing arm giving you unparalleled bump absorption with pivoting swivel to seamlessly integrate turns complete with grease fittings
• STmX – BRSS (Blended Rate Suspension System) Fully adjustable from soft neutral rate to an aggressive rising rate
• Rising rate Fox Float 3 rear shock. Adjustable by simply adjusting air pressure. Travel ROS 14”
• Z-Broz third shock Adds 8”+ ROS
• Belt drive, with gearing options. Conveniently uses one size of belt
• Brake on final drive
• De-icing technology built into the brake with EZ-change brake pad system
• Hand brake line
• Open tunnel for carrying gear, with gas can bars built in to accommodate several styles and brands of cans
• Rolled back belt housing to give your foot room
• Ultra durable belt housing – light weight but super durable, keeping snow out
• Yeti ski
• MaxTrack 2 x 2.5” convex track
• Snow Flap standard
Here is a little info on the 2018 STmX Adrenaline snow bike kits:
• CNC machined components for accuracy and quality
• Light weight billet aluminum front spindle and bulkhead (main frame)
• Greaseable dual row bearing on primary drive shaft
• First of it’s kind EZ-Tension chain tensioning system – Started pre 2015 with improved access in 2017 & 2018
• Aluminum construction. Aerospace grade
• Single swing arm giving you unparalleled bump absorption with pivoting swivel to seamlessly integrate turns complete with grease fittings
• STmX – BRSS (Blended Rate Suspension System) Fully adjustable from soft neutral rate to an aggressive rising rate
• Rising rate Fox Float 3 rear shock. Adjustable by simply adjusting air pressure. Travel ROS 14”
• Z-Broz third shock Adds 8”+ ROS
• Belt drive, with gearing options. Conveniently uses one size of belt
• Brake on final drive
• De-icing technology built into the brake with EZ-change brake pad system
• Hand brake line
• Open tunnel for carrying gear, with gas can bars built in to accommodate several styles and brands of cans
• Rolled back belt housing to give your foot room
• Ultra durable belt housing – light weight but super durable, keeping snow out
• Yeti ski
• MaxTrack 2 x 2.5” convex track
• Snow Flap standard
