Short track or long track?

[dirtrebel]

why would you cut it down to 11 wide? if your gonna do that just go short track.

 

[Jimb]

why would you cut it down to 11 wide? if your gonna do that just go short track.

Might might not, dealer here has lots of bikes out said they cut one down and felt it had better powder performance than a 120 for a big guy and it restored some of the maneuverability lost in the lt kit.

 

[Blaser]

Might might not, dealer here has lots of bikes out said they cut one down and felt it had better powder performance than a 120 for a big guy and it restored some of the maneuverability lost in the lt kit.

Lots of great advice in this thread!
I'd highly recommend putting some solid seat time on your '15 LT before you decide to cut it narrower. The 2015 kits, both the ST and LT, are very much different in how maneuverable they are vs. previous models. Most riders don't notice or feel the difference between the 12.5 wide and 10.5 wide LT tracks on the 2015 LT, but there can be a powder performance difference between the two.

The 2015 rolled and raised chain case, shorter wheelbase, rail changes, and our final recent suspension re-calibrations allow the production 2015 LT to handle and feel much more maneuverable than even the 2014 ST's, as stated by dozens of our demo riders, an opinion I also share.

I would even go as far to say that last weekend with Pastrana I was easily quicker and more nimble through the Utah trees on the '15 LT than I was on the '14 SX kit. Some of that was due to bike setup and brand differences, but I spent a full day on the SX, and the second day I traded between the '14 SX, '15 LT, and '15 ST. We had spring powder conditions, and we were sinking about 10" on average. It was nearly impossible to wash the front ski and the terrain was excellent- with wind lips, booters, and drops everywhere. Elevation was between 7.5k and 11.5k.

My final conclusions for this season are really surprising me. The '15 ST is easily my personal top choice for how I ride, and for our snow type here in Sandpoint. When I lived in Boise and rode McCall, you couldn't pry me off my LT in the finer, drier powder. I'm about 165 plus gear and ride a stock '14 KTM 450SX with a PMB exhaust end cap, Fastway risers/hand guards, Adventure pegs, Trail Tech Vapor, and a Cyclops light. I also run a Fastway System 3 stabilizer and love it. A new Rekluse is next.

Here's what I love about this ST/LT/SX argument: we all ride different bikes, have different snow conditions, and have different body types. So my opinion, however accurate I may feel it is, may not apply to you because your snow may be different, and you might weigh more or less than I do. That's the beauty of having 3 different Timbersled kits, and why I try to provide information, mostly devoid of opinion...

Here's the jest of my opinion:
2015 ST= For the rider who wants the best of all worlds. Very capable in the deep, great in firmer snow, excellent jumper, great climber, very nimble on and off the trail. Takes a bit more throttle input in the deep than the LT. Now the best suspension ride on the trail in typical to rough conditions.

2015 LT= Recommended for riders over 220lbs, or those who never want to worry about how deep it is, how steep, or coming in second. Floats like a butterfly, and tractors like a beast on waist-deep days. The most stable and forgiving kit we sell. Takes the least amount of throttle in the deep (because it stays on top) and will pull steeper lines and hold a side hill better than other kits. Feels surprisingly nimble on the hard pack, and is rapidly gaining in popularity.

2015 SX 120- Takes big hits the best. Great for the rider that loves big drops, or who takes hard flat landings a lot. 20.5" of rear travel. Only edges the ST on the trail if the whoops are massive. Is the most nimble kit we offer for hard pack or lower snow conditions. SX race track is 5 or 6 pounds heavier than the powder track, and pulls my motor down about 10% according to my tach, vs. the ST powder track. Requires more focus and speed on deep days compared to the ST and LT, but is still very capable. Basically built for the extremely aggressive racer/jumper.

Hopefully that helps some of you decide which way to go. In the end, all our kits offer the same grin factor- which is why we all ride anyway!
Blaser

 

[teal_210]

I would even go as far to say that last weekend with Pastrana I was easily quicker and more nimble through the Utah trees on the '15 LT than I was on the '14 SX kit. Some of that was due to bike setup and brand differences, but I spent a full day on the SX, and the second day I traded between the '14 SX, '15 LT, and '15 ST. We had spring powder conditions, and we were sinking about 10" on average. It was nearly impossible to wash the front ski and the terrain was excellent- with wind lips, booters, and drops everywhere. Elevation was between 7.5k and 11.5k.

I find this part interesting - the 14SX's that were there had fox floats, flex arm and a powder track correct? Which is essentially what the 15 SX will be, just missing the longer tunnel and new bearing housings?

So basically the 15 ST is more nimble than the 15 SX will be, or are there some changes to the 15 SX that I'm not aware of?

My understanding of the kits (and I could be wrong) is that the 14 SX already had the suspension mounted higher in the tunnel as well as the driver being placed higher and farther forward than the 14 ST. So the 15 ST suspension / driver location is similar to the 14 SX... So how is the 15 ST more nimble than the 14 SX with powder track and flex arm installed?

Just hoping to gain some knowledge here!

 

[Reedhunter]

Rage on the ST

This is my first season of snowbiking and first year on a dirt bike ever. I am 6'4" 165lbs and 22 years old. I have a 2011 KX450F with the 2014 ST Timbersled. I have logged 55+ full days on my kit this year... no lie. I live in Big Sky and have been blessed with tons of riding this year. I ride with a wide range of bikes and kits from Cameron Weaver on his 250 2 stoker to big bore 450's with thousands dumped into them. I can honestly the ST is the best all around kit for guy under the 220lb mark. I ride trees, jump, and climb equally as well as the SX and LT, but every kit has an advantage/disadvantage. A quick summary of my opinions on each kit. SX- best for huge hucks, and raging speed/control down the trail. LT- best for stupid deep days, stability, and holding super steep side hills. ST- best for maneuverability, tight trees, spring conditions, average sized jumping. Best all around kit (and it is the cheapest). Shred on!!!

 

[allpowersports]

The ST is more playful and easier to dart through the tight stuff side to side than the LT. On the hard, setup days you do notice the extra length which usually translates to ride harshness vs. the ST. I haven't seen an occasion where the LT gets to where the ST doesn't.... the ST just has to be more creative about the route and possibly throw an extra switchback into the climb. But that is only on those blower snow deep powder days.

A 129 3" track would probably be an awesome compromise. Just need someone to make it. The deepest lug 129 I can find is a 1.75 and that just doesn't cut the mustard.

9257C 129 x 15 x 2 Back Country X2, 2.86 Pitch, Single ply