Like most guys I am on a budget, but after a day on a Husky 450/Snowtech kit last season (rental) I am hooked and want a bike. The question I have is how big of a difference is there really between a 14/15/16 timbersled kit? I’m going to have to choose where to put my money and I’m curious your perspectives as my gut tells me get a nicer bike (looking at a nearly new ’14 ktm 500 / 14’ TS 136) and worry a little less about whether the kit is the latest and greatest as that would be an easier upgrade. Does this logic make sense in your mind or would an alternative option ’12 CR450 and ’17 TS 136 be a better play for a MN guy who is probably looking at 5-10 western riding days a year?
Question 2: In our vast riding experience of 1 day, my buddy and I preferred the 136 kit over I believe it was a 129 for the type of back country riding we typically do (I will be riding with my sled buddies who have been going west for 15+ years and ride the latest rmk’s every year). The 136 seemed to handle the deep snow much better and allowed us to hang with the sleds without issues in the open areas getting up a few of the bigger climbs as we went area to area (we had good snow that day!). We of course also quickly saw the advantages of the bikes side hilling and in the technical areas which was a big part of the fun factor for me. Is this typical of your experiences or once you get better at the bikes do you guys find the shorter setup maneuverability is preferred over a 136? I suppose we could discuss Chevy vs Ford next as a comparison to this question, but considering it is May, most of us probably have a little time to throw an opinion or two around
Thanks!!
Question 2: In our vast riding experience of 1 day, my buddy and I preferred the 136 kit over I believe it was a 129 for the type of back country riding we typically do (I will be riding with my sled buddies who have been going west for 15+ years and ride the latest rmk’s every year). The 136 seemed to handle the deep snow much better and allowed us to hang with the sleds without issues in the open areas getting up a few of the bigger climbs as we went area to area (we had good snow that day!). We of course also quickly saw the advantages of the bikes side hilling and in the technical areas which was a big part of the fun factor for me. Is this typical of your experiences or once you get better at the bikes do you guys find the shorter setup maneuverability is preferred over a 136? I suppose we could discuss Chevy vs Ford next as a comparison to this question, but considering it is May, most of us probably have a little time to throw an opinion or two around
Thanks!!
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