Learning Curve?

[tfrick821]

So what is the learning curve on a snowbike for someone without any dirtbike experience? Just sold my Nytro and trying to decide on what I am going to get for next year. I was thinking either a Pro RMK or a mountainhorse.

Are most guys riding 450 MX bikes? If so are there any advantages to any brand strictly for a snowbike?

Also looking at Husaberg 450/570. Any input is greatly apprieciated.

 

[tomk]

There is some learning curve, but after one day of riding you will pretty well set. in some ways it is like a bike but in other ways it is like a sled, so having bike experience isnt totally crucial. to tell u the truth I was debating on the same thing, a pro or a bike, and I am glad I went for the bike, the sled I have is up for sale and I wont be looking back!! from what I have heard the husaberg is the way to go, only thing on bikes that I have heard is some of the older 450s were 4 speeds and that was a little harder interms of having the right gearing.

 

[Actualle]

Mountain Horse for sure

If you get an opportunity, do one of the demo rides that Timbersled offers. That should help make that decision real EASY. As far as a learning curve, I think for the next few years guys will be figuring out what can and can't be done on these machines. Im learning new techniques everyday, I was Climbing some stuff that was steep enough that if you weren't careful, you could wheelie it over on yourself. Now that's fun. Climbing Up into areas that are very difficult to get into for MH's let alone sleds. I can't wait to see some serious Mod bikes that guys will be building for next year(me included).

 

[funjunkie]

Go for the mountian horse. They are pretty easy to ride. As for what bike is the best. I have ridden a lot of different bike and I just got a Husaberg FE570 and it is hands down the best one yet. The power curve is awsome great top end and a massive amount tq down low. Just awsome thats all I have to say.

 

[tfrick821]

Is torque the key(big bore enduro) or is it the quick revving(450 mx)? Not questioning you funjunkie just trying to educate myself.

Thank you everyone for your input.

 

[Ausm7499]

From what I have seen it seems the higher it revs the better it does. Of course the horse and tq have to be there too. Having a setup that can get the track up to speed and hold it there is the key. The best bike I have seen on the snow this season was a brand new Honda 450 it made my KTM 525 look stupid. That Honda engine revs so much higher than my KTM its not even funny.

 

[Lunchbox]

How critical is electric start?

 

[Dobber1]

My question is: Does someone in Eastern Iowa really need a Mountain Horse? I understand you may make trips out west, but seldom will you "time" a big storm, and therefore the snow will have setup enough to have fun on any bike kit. The wife & I have ridden Explorer Kits for 3 years, but we're old & go everywhere we care to. I think you'll find the 2Moto more fun for all-round conditions. Sorta like riding a 136" compared to a 162", there's only a few days a season the 136" sits in the trailer. As far as trail riding....I've seen a kid on a (my) Yamaha 450 w/Explorer Kit fly along groomed winding forest service roads, waiting for sleds to catch up. It's all in the "ski". Every one of these kits has it's place......and price.

Good luck!

 

[Dobber1]

How critical is electric start?

LOL...depends on snow depth. Definately a plus though! You'll learn quick where to "land". Running boards on your buddys' sleds usually work best for landing. Always fun trying to saddle-up after dumping in the deep, especially if your on the flats, when the seat is eye level.

 

[Reeb]

E-start is crucial I'd say......Rather be rippin around. than kickin over. EFI is a major bonus as it's let the Honda's and Kawi's have the bottom end torque of the KTM Big bores but rev to the moon like normal 450's.
I rode a 530 KTM for half the season last year, switched to a 450 EFI CRF and the CRF is a totally different animal than it was in '08. I'd take the KTM over the Honda thumper anyday....with EFI - The Honda gets pulled out of the shop WAY more often than the Katoom....(It hurts me to type this as my all time favorite bike is a XCF-W250 Katoomer! for non-winter activities of course)

 

[teal_210]

How critical is electric start?

Depends on the bike and the kit. With efi, it usually only takes a few kicks to get going. The timbersled is very stable and will stand on it's own almost anywhere so you can stand or sit on it without touching the ground, other kits are not as stable.