Best bike to start with
- Thread starter kylant
- Start date
R
Rush44
Well-known member
Lake Tahoe area riding I assume? From the pictures I've seen you guys have some good elevation changes, some tight trees, and some pretty good snow on normal years. Factor those things in and I think a 450 MX fuel injected bike (any bike that is in good shape works well, really) would really hit the mark for a good first bike. If you are looking to add accessories like lights, grip warmers and whatnot a 500xcw or Husky 501 would also be a good choice but they don't generate the RPMs like the MX race bikes do and they have the wide ratio tranny which I consider a drawback. A 300 smoker is also a good option but it looks like you have your woods riding covered already. I'm guessing dedicated snowbike?
So far the KTM/Husky SX-XC/FC line has been a great bike for me. The battery and electric start give some extra options as far as accessories go since you can wire direct to the battery. I've also really enjoyed the Kawi KX450 since it has such a strong motor too.
So far the KTM/Husky SX-XC/FC line has been a great bike for me. The battery and electric start give some extra options as far as accessories go since you can wire direct to the battery. I've also really enjoyed the Kawi KX450 since it has such a strong motor too.
ya, lake tahoe area.
i was thinking KTM 450... wasn’t sure about sx or xcf. sounds like xcf may be the good way to go. I like the higher revving and closer ratio tranny thought.
do like the electrical capability of adding hand warmers, maybe light.
the local dealer has a Husky 501 built and it is bad@ss.
my 250sx will be getting a 300sxs kit, but i am going to keep that for moto.
the new bike would be dual purpose snow bike and summer
i was thinking KTM 450... wasn’t sure about sx or xcf. sounds like xcf may be the good way to go. I like the higher revving and closer ratio tranny thought.
do like the electrical capability of adding hand warmers, maybe light.
the local dealer has a Husky 501 built and it is bad@ss.
my 250sx will be getting a 300sxs kit, but i am going to keep that for moto.
the new bike would be dual purpose snow bike and summer
R
Rush44
Well-known member
If it's going to be dual sport than the XC is definitely your choice. It's a direct copy of the SX with a few exceptions: 18 rear wheel, kickstand, larger stock gas tank, softer front fork valving (great for dirt, not good for snow), handguards. Even with the SX I would still advise dropping in some stiffer springs for winter riding, so you'll do that with either bike.
While the SX/XC does have the battery, you actually don't have any additional power generation from the stator over a traditional MX. That power just isn't enough to run warmers AND lights at the same time... some people have had trouble just with the warmers. Trail Tech does have a 100w stator upgrade for the XC that you can get to help with the low power the stock stator produces.
If you want to push yourself in the trees and don't want to give up an ounce of performance the XC is a great choice. If you just want to get out there and enjoy the backcountry in style the 501 Husky is a great option.
While the SX/XC does have the battery, you actually don't have any additional power generation from the stator over a traditional MX. That power just isn't enough to run warmers AND lights at the same time... some people have had trouble just with the warmers. Trail Tech does have a 100w stator upgrade for the XC that you can get to help with the low power the stock stator produces.
If you want to push yourself in the trees and don't want to give up an ounce of performance the XC is a great choice. If you just want to get out there and enjoy the backcountry in style the 501 Husky is a great option.
are the 450 sx and xc bikes the same except for the previous stated?
I mean do they have the same heads, ignition, tranny, etc...?
Not familiar with the 4 stroke set ups.
On the 2 strokes, the sx has higher compression head, more aggressive cdi, 5 speed close ratio tranny, and obviously none of the xc stuff.
the xc and sx 2 stroke stuff is all compatible, so it is super easy to make an xc bike run like an sx.
I mean do they have the same heads, ignition, tranny, etc...?
Not familiar with the 4 stroke set ups.
On the 2 strokes, the sx has higher compression head, more aggressive cdi, 5 speed close ratio tranny, and obviously none of the xc stuff.
the xc and sx 2 stroke stuff is all compatible, so it is super easy to make an xc bike run like an sx.
S
snowmobiler
Well-known member
newb question...
whats is this 2 stroke? and does it have enough poop to rip through deep pow? thanks
whats is this 2 stroke? and does it have enough poop to rip through deep pow? thanks
C
capulin overdrive
Well-known member
At the very end you can see a Yamaha bar pad, plus the fender is their blue.
My guess is bored out 250yz?????
S
snowmobiler
Well-known member
sure looks like fun.
I think previously he said stock yz 250. Im guessing lower canadian elevation though. I've watched that video so many times the song is even starting to grow on me.
Hey snomobiler, are you gonna get a snowbike or did you just find a new forum to play with? I personally have laughed my head off at your posts over the years. Seems like i might be in the minority though. Some people take their fun to seriously!
Sorry if i took the bait and helped sidetrack this thread. Rush, you are a fountain! Thank you for all your relevant posts. Cant wait to see some vids of the new bike!
looks like the 2016 xc-f is getting a 6 speed tranny and all the upgrades as the sx-f.
how will a six speed tranny be on the snow? for moto and trails, I would gear it lower
typically how do you ride a snow bike? frequent shifting, mostly in one gear, lots of clutch work, etc...?
rekluse?
thx
For technical riding I pretty much stick to 2nd gear, and 3rd when im out in the open. I can launch in 2nd no problem and reality is deep snow its about all my 14yz has to give. I spend probably 50% of my day in 2nd just clutching around. Then again I also have no problem banging the bike off the rev limiter and dumping the clutch. I raced MX when I was younger and love riding in the snow like im racing. Mainly because you can ride like that and if you fall, its snow, not dirt and rocks with 20 other guys around you running you over!
R
Rush44
Well-known member
As long as 1-5 gear ratios are the same as the SXF I don't see how the 6th gear can be anything but good news. On some days in great conditions you hunt for that 6th gear bombing down the trail.... but you'll never EVER touch it in the backcountry.
from what i understand 2-5 are the same.
1st is super low and 6th is super high
can a trail tech stator be put on the sx-f and then run warmers, light?
i can always throw a larger tank on it
Last edited:
That is honestly perfect. Makes a lot more practical woods bike, 1st is a joke in snow but nice to be low for summer. and the super high 6th is nice when your ripping a fast trail out and don't feel like your gonna blow your bike up.
R
Rush44
Well-known member
Yep I think the same thing was done with the 15 300xcw as well... sounds like a good idea. 2-3 are your critical gears when in the backcountry since you normally blow right through 1st.
I run a Cyclops 630 light with the stock stator now and everything works fine. The warmers is the real kicker and I don't run them (I just bring 2 extra pairs of gloves) since they draw so much power and it's one more electrical system piece that can go tits up on you (I've seen it 3 times now, usually from bad wiring installs).
Here is the TTO stator for 70w output (current output is around 38w): http://www.trailtech.net/stators-flywheels/ktm-stator-kits/ktm-4-stroke/s-8362-05
2016 sxf and xcf both have the exact same motor and trans, 5-speed
http://www.ktm.com/us/enduro/450-xc-f/
The pic is wrong on the website, it has a black frame and does not have a head light.