OK, you have my interest.... now what?

[Frostbite]

I have been riding sleds for decades from late 60's Skidoos to my current 09 M8 153. I am about ready to buy a new snowmobile and I have studied the Polaris Pro RMK, Skidoo XM and the Cat M8000. I love to boondock and the idea of a super lightweight and maneuverable machine is what I am looking for.

I was at the Spokane Snow Show yesterday and was blown away by how nimble and versatile the snowbikes look in videos. I have a small TTR225 I love to ride in the mountains grouse hunting and I have a BMW F650 I use for adventure touring but I bet neither of these bikes would be ideal for a snowbike. I like the idea of the Mountain Horse setup based on what I saw yesterday.

So, if I wanted to try one of these bikes, is there a way to do it?

Would I be better off buying a used bike from someone upgrading?

What are the top bikes to use for a snowbike application? Remembering I am looking for nimbleness, reliability with plenty of power.

What does it cost for everything one would need to convert a bike to a snowbike? Could I just buy a used WR450 and be happy?

Thanks for any insight you can provide.

 

[mountainhorse]

In January, Timbersled will have their fleet of brand new Husaberg FE501's setup with Timbersled kits... You can call them and book an appointment for a day of riding out of SandPoint...

Timbersled invests some serious money into their demo fleet...The reason, simple... They are confident that if they put butts in the seats and show them a what the bikes can do... they will have a new customer.

The rides are great... most of the time, you will be on the mountain for most of the whole day... NOT just an hour in a parking lot....They even pay for the gas.

All you need to do is get to Sandpoint Idaho (1 hr north of Spokane).

Look at it this way you get a full day pass to ride the best bikes with some of the best riders on those machines.

Life is good!!



.

 

[Gros Chien]

Sno-Moto Adventures

If you happen to come-up to Whistler, we have a fleet of KTMs for rent as well.

 

[snowbikekits.com]

If you happen to come-up to Whistler, we have a fleet of KTMs for rent as well.

What are your rates?

Thanks!

Mike @ snowbikekits.com

 

[Frostbite]

Wow, that sounds great! I will do so.

Now, I am very interested in learning what bikes make the best Snow Bikes?

 

[Gros Chien]

Check us out at Sno-Moto Adventures on Facebook or geoffkylesfreeride.com for details.

 

[funjunkie]

If you go for a demo ride with timbersled. you will get a really good idea of what the snow bile is capable of and how much fun it really is.

 

[Frostbite]

During the off season for bikes, I would like to search and score a deal on a used bike suitable for the Mountain Horse Long Track.

So, what would you say are the top three bikes that have the power to spin the 137" track and still be nimble?

Also, I would prefer a reliable four stroke with fuel injection if possible.

 

[funjunkie]

Husaberg Fe 570. If you can find one. They are a really good bike. I rode one for a couple years and still own it and ride it in the summer now. I ride a 11 ktm sxf450 with a st kit and really like this combo. The bikes are bullet proof and the st kit will go everywhere you would want to go and much more nimble then the lt kit. That my opinion.

 

[dennyb]

You are where I was last year at this time. I ended up with the Standard Track and a 2012 Yamaha WR 450. The first time I rode a Mountain Horse was the first day I took mine out. I also have a Polaris Pro RMK and the Pro didn't get ridden much last year and I doubt it will this season either.

I'd suggest that you pay for the premium membership to Snowest so that you have full access to all the threads on the Mountain Horse. Then just start reading - it will take some time to work your way through everything, but there is a thread on just about every issue involved. Everyone on this forum is very supportive and helpful. This is a new way to ride in the snow and we are all still working to solve some issues and continue to make it better.

Good luck with your many decisions!

 

[Frostbite]

Thanks for the info guys. I have been doing some bike searches and now I am wondering if a guy could use a Supermoto style bike for a snowbike? Dennyb, I have the Snowest premium membership. I have been reading the threads for hours.

I have always wanted one and I saw a 2011 Husaberg 570FS Supermoto and went, now that would be cool!

I do see a 2009 Husaberg FE570 as well.

I also see a Husky SMR511 Supermoto that looks good.

I found a Husky TE450 that I really like but, I have no idea how one would work as a snowbike. There is also a Husky TXC511

There are KTM 450 XC-F, KTM 525 EXC, KTM 525SX and on and on.

I know snowmobiles but not bikes. What does all this mean?

I don't know these bikes at all. I would like fuel injection and electric start and if possible, maybe even a kick start as a backup if the battery dies. I want a reliable bike that isn't temperamental and just plain works.

Help please...

 

[PalousePoo]

Where in Eastern Wa are you? You would learn a lot by going on a ride with a snowbike or two, and trying one. If you want nimbleness, go with a short track, not a 137. Its really hard for people to tell you which bike is best, because we all have our own opinions on it. I chose a motorcross 450 for its lightness and quick reving, and for what I want in the summer time.

 

[dooman92]

Frostbite, I was in your situation a few months back. I ended up with a husky te 510. FWIW, It has e/s, f/I, kick start, close ratio trans, lights and more than adequate stator. I have added heated grips, GPS, temp gauge, and exh wrap. I was not able to install a thermostat because of space limits and ended up with a valve to manually reduce coolant flow. Lots of options and the more info the better. Great info in this forum. Good luck.

 

[tillbuilt]

If your first choice is the way you are leaning I support your decision all the way. I love the 570 Husaberg!!! The FS Berg is a little lower in the suspension and a little stiffer valved, but ecentually the same bike as the FE. If you end up in a 570 and still want more, I can sell you a KMS turbo kit for it.

Thanks for the info guys. I have been doing some bike searches and now I am wondering if a guy could use a Supermoto style bike for a snowbike? Dennyb, I have the Snowest premium membership. I have been reading the threads for hours.

I have always wanted one and I saw a 2011 Husaberg 570FS Supermoto and went, now that would be cool!

I do see a 2009 Husaberg FE570 as well.

I also see a Husky SMR511 Supermoto that looks good.

I found a Husky TE450 that I really like but, I have no idea how one would work as a snowbike. There is also a Husky TXC511

There are KTM 450 XC-F, KTM 525 EXC, KTM 525SX and on and on.

I know snowmobiles but not bikes. What does all this mean?

I don't know these bikes at all. I would like fuel injection and electric start and if possible, maybe even a kick start as a backup if the battery dies. I want a reliable bike that isn't temperamental and just plain works.

Help please...

 

[Frostbite]

Thanks for being SO supportive guys. I was a little excited about buying a new sled but, I am completely ecstatic about switching gears (no pun intended) and going to a lightweight snowbike. The idea that I could get something I could use year around and is also very appealing.

I have been riding mountain sleds for so long that completely changing my riding style to the wrong foot forward style feels like kissing your sister, just wrong! The idea that I can ride a bike like I always have ridden one, sounds appealing as well.

By the way PalousePoo, I live north of you between Cheney and Medical lake in Eastern Washington.

A Supermoto would work huh? Is the gearing ratio close enough to not be an issue?

I do like the idea of the bike already having electric start, a headlight, tail light. blinkers, fuel injection, an electrical system that is powerful enough to run some accessories and it has to be a tad bit lower than a full motocross bike. That's why I bought a TTR225, it has a lower seat height so in off camber situations, I can actually touch the ground.

If a Supermoto will work, I am looking at a 2012 Husky SMR511 Supermoto and the 2011 Husaberg 570FS right now.

What are the downsides (other than maybe a few pounds of weight) of using a Supermoto style bike?

How is the reliability of Husaberg? Are they still in business? Are there parts available?

I will have to see if there is a dealer in Spokane......

 

[funjunkie]

I believe the 570 fs has a wide ratio 5 speed trans. I would go with the Fe.

 

[PalousePoo]

By the way PalousePoo, I live north of you between Cheney and Medical lake in Eastern Washington.



Yes, we are pretty close. Take the plunge, you wont regret it. What sled do you have? Maybe a Spokane dealer will take a sled on trade for a bike. There's a KTM dealer in CDA that sells Ski Doo also. Or if buying a bike outright, talk to Dave Russell, KTM dealer across from the White Elephant on Sprague.

 

[Frostbite]

I have an 09 M8 with the SLP stage III setup. It has MDS weights and a 2.6" Powerclaw and really works well.

I went to the mountains with my son this fall to do some grouse hunting/scouting. I let him ride the ATV and I rode the TTR. I was shocked at how much fun it was riding the nimble bike vs. the ATV. I am thinking the same rules apply when riding a snowbike vs. a snowmobile.

I sure like the looks of the Husaberg FS570. Dang..... I was really hoping it would work out for a snowbike. I see a couple of FE570s for sale as well but, they just don't trip my trigger like the looks of the FS570 supermoto.

How would a SMR511 Husky Supermoto work? I imagine it has the same wide ratio gearing?

Another bike that looks great is the 07 Husky TE450. How are they?

 

[funjunkie]

I would stay away from the older huskys. They vibrate like crazy.