Newb here help a FNG please

[Norma Stitz]

Need bike selection advice!
Long story short I've decided to skip the snowmobile phase of my life a proceed directly to snow bikes. At 41 I feel that it's time. I don't own a bike at this time but I've logged many hours on lots of types of bikes so I'd say I'm rusty but experienced. I've been out of the scene for a long time so I'm not super familiar with all the new tech. I like the idea of a "tri sport" bike as I've had several 650 dual sports that were very fun although not true dirt machines. Im tall so the bigger bikes don't turn me off like some.

So enter the snow bike kit. Seems that the sweet spot for powering these is the 450 mx type bikes. From a perspective of power, weight and transmission ratios. If I'm incorrect here please inform.

So, to maximize the snow abilities I'm willing to make sacrifices on the street/adventure side of the bike, and i won't ride a ton of dirt so that's not a huge concern. I would like a lighting setup for street legal, however that may happen is fine.

So, my research leads me to a few bikes, but I'm struggling with a couple things.

Fuel injection! At first this seems like a brilliant idea, and a great benefit for snow bikes on several levels. However then I read about problems with them over fueling, temp sensitive and sensors are always a concern.

Electric start? I'd prefer backup kick if that's possible, but doesn't seem standard these days. How beneficial is elec start for snow machines? The kx450f is reported to start with flip flops.

Ktm 450sxf sounds like a great bike, good power, good brakes for Summer, juice clutch and e-start. FI since '13
Did the 12's put out as much power?

Would an "exotic" husaberg or beta or husky be as reliable as one of the big 5 machines?

Basically I had it narrowed down to a 13-14 kx450f or 450sx-F but I have doubts about the injection and if I can get a slightly older ripper for cheaper that will suit snow bikes better then I'm all ears.

Thank for the ramble.

 

[Bainan]

I would recommend renting one if you can find a rental place near you. It will help you answer your questions without any bias, as well as figure out some "personal preference" items.

Some of my experiences:
- I know many people ride kick starts, but personally electric start is a must for me for snow biking. Back-up kick start is very good to have too, but not absolutely necessary.

- I find the fuel injection bikes to be better both summer and winter, especially when dealing with large elevation changes. I have been fine with just a thermobob and a skidplate to prevent temperature issues on the bikes I have.

- I haven't heard of major reliability issues with any brand, but make sure you can get a fit kit for the bike you buy if you go with an exotic. For example, Husaberg has some left-hand drive 450's, and I haven't seen any fit kits for Betas.

- I don't think you will find huge differences in power among the 450's of equivalent years. I find dirtbikes are normally fairly close between the major manufacturers so get what you can get the best deal on. The enduro 450/500 options may be worth looking at, especially if you want a light. I find that the bigger flywheel and luggability is more important than the "snap" of the mx bike, although you won't notice a big enough difference to pay a whole bunch more for one.

 

[Popik]

I have been trying to figure out many of the same questions as you and right now im leaning towards the Husky FE 501S for the 3-way bike. Still haven't figured out what track kit to go with either but im betting next year will be a great year to be looking for one as there will be nearly twice as many options as there was last year with new manufacturers jumping in now.

GL

 

[Norma Stitz]

My thinking also, and a popular bike will assure a proper fit kit when and if new track kits arrive.

Betas are listed on timbersleds website

Renting is not an option for me at least not this year. I could drive to Idaho I guess and maybe that would be a good idea if I don't pick up a track this summer.

So if the major players put out adequate power across the range for a given year, what year minimum do we consider good to go? Seems like the early 2000's bikes might be a tad dated?

 

[Norma Stitz]

- I don't think you will find huge differences in power among the 450's of equivalent years. I find dirtbikes are normally fairly close between the major manufacturers so get what you can get the best deal on. The enduro 450/500 options may be worth looking at, especially if you want a light. I find that the bigger flywheel and luggability is more important than the "snap" of the mx bike, although you won't notice a big enough difference to pay a whole bunch more for one.

So if we demand button start and are shy of exotics then we are only talking about a few bikes right?
450sx-F
Wr450
And?

 

[Eric R]

I rented one for a couple days in W Yellowstone. 450 Husky with a Mototrax kit.

Before renting I never would have said E start was a must, but I've changed my opinion. Could be my personality, I'm sure it's is, but I ended up in too many pickles with steep side hills or whatever where just getting back up and moving was tough. The thought of kicking...nope, not me. Must have a magic button! Must! Again, it's just me and I do tend to find a challenge. Better riders may not.

Power loss up high was significant. Get as much as you can.

Let us know what you decide to get. I'm curious to hear as well.

 

[WingNutRacing]

Ok

I've been starring down the barrel of this same question and have read about everything I can find...... As of now, I'm gonna go with the YZ450FX. But, there are a lot of options out there. ....

 

[Bainan]

So if we demand button start and are shy of exotics then we are only talking about a few bikes right?
450sx-F
Wr450
And?

I am running a YZ450FX, was previously running a KTM 450SX and the yamaha is a great bike. There is also the huskies (they are pretty common so I don't consider them exotic anymore), and honda 450X. I think the only companies with no electric start bike suitable for a snow bike would be suzuki and kawasaki.

 

[Sketchy Red]

It's all a trade off

There isn't a simple answer to your questions. Everything is a trade off, performance vs. weight. A mx 450 will be awesome as a snobike but won't be a great woods bike not to mention hard to license for a true 3 sport. KTM 500 xcw is a good choice if you live in a state where they can be licensed and plated. There is not a lot of fans of the first air fork kawis for snobikes, save your money and buy a lightly used 11 or 12. Better yet the 14 and newer yami's seem to pull the best for a snobike. There is no do it all answer and there probably won't be. The suspension factor alone for snow vs. woods vs. street means lots of tuning.

 

[kidrman]

I bought a WR450 for just the reasons you are spelling out.

 

[Meadow Muffin]

I purchased a 12 YZF 450 last fall and rode it the first half of the season, fun bike, ok power, but it would wear you out trying to start it once you were on the hill. Being that this was my first snowbike I made a mistake buying a kick only bike. I traded at mid season for a Husky 501S, this is essentially a KTM as I understand it they are owned by the same company now. I like this bike ALOT better, more torque in the trees, electric start, better seat. I might have just bought a troubled 450 and that soured me on that bike but if they start easy cold as mine did I assumed it was good to go. No worries now I like the Husky even better.

 

[SnoFro]

IMO E-start and EFI are a must. Electric start for the awkward position in deep and saving energy. EFI for altitude compensation. Yes EFI bikes compensate for altitude. There is a MAP sensor. If you have an EFI bike you have the option later to put on a fuel controller with a wide band oxygen sensor. I'm very happy with the one I put on my bike. 450 MX bikes or 500s. I say MX bikes, because the KTM enduro 450s don't rev as high and have less power. 450 MX bikes have the best stock power for a snow bike, but it is hard to pass up the extras you get on a 500; the KTM 500 comes with lights and a 196 watt generator to power your goodies.

The stock 500(4 strokes) is a very close second when it comes to engine performance, but it does change a persons riding style a little. (NOT MUCH JUST A LITTLE) When riding a 500 you enjoy the low end torque pulling through. When riding 450 MXer you enjoy snappy fun factor.

All bikes I would consider are 2013 to 2016. In these years the Husky and Husaberg are basicly the same as the KTM. The sub-frame and air box is really the only differnce.

If I had tonnes of Money I would pick a 2015 KTM SXF 450. Here's why. This is the same engine as the 450 SXF and I can make up the little extras that come on a 500 with money to buy a bigger generator, lights, and etc. The KTM 450 has many option for a big bore if you decide you want to go that way later. The KTM is a very popular snow bike. So there is a better chance if you need a part someone will have a spare; and someone probably has already worked through any problem you may have. The 2016 KTM 450 has smaller cases that don't have as much room for big bores as the 2015s.

I started snow biking with an Explorer kit on a 2013 Husaberg FE 501. The next season I had 2015 Timbersled ST. And now I have a 2016 Timbersled LT. The good old Husaberg is still working fine.

My type of riding is: In the mountains. Steep and Deep. In the Trees or up a creek.

My background: 45, raced cross-country and motocross, Sledded for 7 years.

 

[byeatts]

IMO E-start and EFI are a must. Electric start for the awkward position in deep and saving energy. EFI for altitude compensation. Yes EFI bikes compensate for altitude. There is a MAP sensor. If you have an EFI bike you have the option later to put on a fuel controller with a wide band oxygen sensor. I'm very happy with the one I put on my bike. 450 MX bikes or 500s. I say MX bikes, because the KTM enduro 450s don't rev as high and have less power. 450 MX bikes have the best stock power for a snow bike, but it is hard to pass up the extras you get on a 500; the KTM 500 comes with lights and a 196 watt generator to power your goodies.

The stock 500(4 strokes) is a very close second when it comes to engine performance, but it does change a persons riding style a little. (NOT MUCH JUST A LITTLE) When riding a 500 you enjoy the low end torque pulling through. When riding 450 MXer you enjoy snappy fun factor.

All bikes I would consider are 2013 to 2016. In these years the Husky and Husaberg are basicly the same as the KTM. The sub-frame and air box is really the only differnce.

If I had tonnes of Money I would pick a 2015 KTM SXF 450. Here's why. This is the same engine as the 450 SXF and I can make up the little extras that come on a 500 with money to buy a bigger generator, lights, and etc. The KTM 450 has many option for a big bore if you decide you want to go that way later. The KTM is a very popular snow bike. So there is a better chance if you need a part someone will have a spare; and someone probably has already worked through any problem you may have. The 2016 KTM 450 has smaller cases that don't have as much room for big bores as the 2015s.

I started snow biking with an Explorer kit on a 2013 Husaberg FE 501. The next season I had 2015 Timbersled ST. And now I have a 2016 Timbersled LT. The good old Husaberg is still working fine.

My type of riding is: In the mountains. Steep and Deep. In the Trees or up a creek.

My background: 45, raced cross-country and motocross, Sledded for 7 years.

good info. If have a new 450SX as well. How do you find the 5th gear on the trails?

 

[Rush44]

Husky FC450 makes a SICK supermoto....

 

[SnoFro]

I don't have the 450, I have the FE 501, so I got the cruise of 6th gear. But one of my buddies has a 2015 SXF 450. I haven't ridden it on the trail, but he has mentioned it needs a 6th gear. He said it is possible to put the 6th gear in it and plans to split the cases this summer.

 

[byeatts]

I don't have the 450, I have the FE 501, so I got the cruise of 6th gear. But one of my buddies has a 2015 SXF 450. I haven't ridden it on the trail, but he has mentioned it needs a 6th gear. He said it is possible to put the 6th gear in it and plans to split the cases this summer.

why not just gear up to 14 tooth? also ewe can change gearing on the skid, pretty easy really, most say they don't use 1st anyway.

 

[Norma Stitz]

Okay in a major development I've learned that Oregon has made it much more sticky to get dirt bikes registered for street. I did not know this. So, I'm now limited to bikes that already have plates.

Is there an acceptable option here? 525exc? Husaberg 498?
(Timbersleds site only lists bergs up to 450)

I'd really like it to be street legal if possible as it will open up other uses in summer. If it's not possible then let me know.

 

[byeatts]

Okay in a major development I've learned that Oregon has made it much more sticky to get dirt bikes registered for street. I did not know this. So, I'm now limited to bikes that already have plates.

Is there an acceptable option here? 525exc? Husaberg 498?
(Timbersleds site only lists bergs up to 450)

I'd really like it to be street legal if possible as it will open up other uses in summer. If it's not possible then let me know.

Just a side note, I just hang a new 16.5 Factory edition 450SX and tank is topped off ready to ride 234 lbs with digital scale.

 

[SnoFro]

I think you can get a KTM 500 In a street legal model.

 

[Norma Stitz]

Just a side note, I just hang a new 16.5 Factory edition 450SX and tank is topped off ready to ride 234 lbs with digital scale.

Good to know thanks. That's very svelt. If I could find one at auction with two broke wheels cheap I'd make a dedicated snow bike. That's unlikely though lol

How many have tried 500exc for snow bikes? Timbersleds seems to offer a kilt for them.