Short track in powder?

[chopper]

I'm new to snowbikes but not sledding, going to run a new KTM 450 mx and was thinking about going a short track, I'm in Hokkaido Japan, we get a **** load of powder, pretty much all we ride, what's people s thoughts, always ridden long track sleds just sick of handling the size, dragging the things around , outta holes, the shed , on the trailer, you hear what I'm saying
Am I thinking a better rider will still get 99% of places on a shortt track due to skill

 

[Tride]

Well, I haven't been to Hokkaido (yet!) but I'm in SW Colorado. We don't get as much snow as you do, but it is high and cold and what we often don't get until spring is a solid base. The short track does pretty well, but it gets overwhelmed with a couple of feet of new on a soft base. I'm going to a longtrack for that reason. The LT also seems to be easier on the bike because with the ST you're really pinning it in the deep. Springtime the ST is awesome, but my buddy with the LT was grinning too...

 

[M5-]

The long track really shines once the snow gets over 18 inches deep or so. I personally like the LT better having owned both.

M5

 

[madmax]

If all you ride is deep powder I'd get a long track for sure. A KTM, seems like an interesting choice for someone in Japan, good job! My guess is orange bikes are hard to come by there.

 

[chopper]

If all you ride is deep powder I'd get a long track for sure. A KTM, seems like an interesting choice for someone in Japan, good job! My guess is orange bikes are hard to come by there.

Funny as it seems ,KTM are huge here with a great presence, fantastic dealer support, and they flat work, Japs love em, Dont think Husky will be the same though...I can get a new KTM 450 in a matter of days , a KXF 450 might be lucky to get one within the month...
I spend a lot of time in Australia and KTM is by far the # 1 bike there also, easy to get with a great dealer network and support

Plus **** kick starting your bike and I like warm hands?

 

[madmax]

Whats the off road market like in japan? I had heard with such a large population in such a small land mass emission laws are very strict and I would assume this limits sleds and other off road activities.

 

[chopper]

I'm up in Hokakkido, we have a land mass of 90,000 km2 with a population of 5 mill, mainly mountains, there is no restrictions on riding area other than stay of private land uninvited, and stay off summits inside national park, we have no sled regos, don't need permits, average about 20metres of snow a year, we doing it pretty tough�� my summer car is a beat up old 4wd Toyota hi ace with 850,000 kms on the clock, I reckon she's not to worried about emissions, just had a another 2year roadworthy on her!
Get on google images have a look at Hokkaodo You'll see where I'm coming from

 

[mikew5945]

I would say long track....but. You could go with a 129" if a 137" is too long for you. Another item I would look at is the 450. If you own the bike great. If you are looking for a new bike watch this video.
https://www.facebook.com/201063969970389/videos/vb.201063969970389/848410591902387/?type=2&theater
It is a 500 on the right with a 450 on the left. Second run the riders changed bikes with the same results. The 450 had a 120" and the 500 had a 129".

 

[mtn-doo]

I'm new to snowbikes but not sledding, going to run a new KTM 450 mx and was thinking about going a short track, I'm in Hokkaido Japan, we get a **** load of powder, pretty much all we ride, what's people s thoughts, always ridden long track sleds just sick of handling the size, dragging the things around , outta holes, the shed , on the trailer, you hear what I'm saying
Am I thinking a better rider will still get 99% of places on a shortt track due to skill

You are correct. All of our pro riders do all the cool powder footage on short tracks. Big pillow jumping, downhill pow turns, all of it is done on short tracks in our Pro Rider vids. The long track is superior in deep pow and the over all day success in those conditions, however it is not "required". It is nearly impossible to keep up with some of those guys on a short track while we're riding a long track. The Long Track is the easy to get anywhere Cadillac for the guy who wants that. The Short Track takes speed, skill, and endurance but gets to the same places, sometimes even faster. I simply recommend being honest with yourself. If you're fast, athletic, and wound tight then you will love the ST. If you enjoy backing off and cruising everywhere with ease, then you're an LT guy.

 

[Summitseeker]

I just googled Hokkaido. That place looks amazing!!! Ocean, mountains, lakes and forests. You definitely do get a lot of snow!

I am going to have to put that on my "places to go". I have been to Tokyo but now I want to go back in winter!

 

[madmax]

That is some deep azz snow!