Snow bike for shorter riders???

[searle7]

I have been snowmobiling most of my life and wanted to try out a snow bike. Problem is that I am only 5' 5" and most 450 bikes are WAY to tall for me.
Is there a way to modify a timbersled to make it more friendly for us shorter riders?

Thanks,

 

[adamd1979]

I don't know of any way to modify the kit to drop the ride height down. I'm 5'8" and find myself in situations where a go-go gadget leg extension would be nice. It's not like dirt riding and the thing that has helped me the most, is having an e-start magic button. Also, the bike stays upright very well by itself most of the times. Try to demo one if possible to see how comfortable you are on one.

 

[CW Timbersled sales]

Yup you can drop seat hight 1 1/2 inches by using different shims in the suspension and adjusting some things including the limiter strap. As long as you can sit and stand while touching the pegs your fine. If you get off your bike you should already be waist deep in snow so you think you have a hard time now swinging your leg over a 450. You wait. They are very stable. I always tell people one of the hardest things to do is not put your foot down when you come to a stop because its normal habit to thing im gonna tip over when really you wont with the timbersled.

 

[searle7]

What about when you stop when there is a small slope or hill? We do live in the west you know... Touching the ground would be nice. But then I have never tried one so I can't really say!

 

[mookster]

I'm 5'6" and it does take some getting used to and learning. I tried a lower seat and lowering the kit. The bike stays upright on even snow and deep snow pretty good. On uneven terrain the best is jump off and hold bike up. always look for a good place to stop, even taller riders have trouble keeping there bike up in uneven areas. It helps having good people to ride with. we always help each other get the bike upright or hold it up in bad areas. Just like a sled though if your not getting it unstuck your not challenging yourself enough.

 

[mookster]

Its not like a bike and you have to put a foot down. Even a tall rider does not do that. It just takes some time to learn the tricks to make it easier. Its easy keeping the bike upright on a slope, unlike a sled.

 

[CW Timbersled sales]

I dont know many people that can touch the ground when its on solid concrete. they act like a snowboard with the right balance and enough snow you can sit a side hill and watch sledder try and high mark the same angle you are immobile at just sitting on your bike like its bolted to the mountain.

 

[JimBridger]

One trick that I have found is that as I pull up to my buddies, I lock up the track and skid to a stop so it kind of packs some snow around my track. It makes it more stable for crawling on and off and kick starting. On side hills or uneven ground, I always lean to the uphill side as I stop. I'm 5'6" On a good day, so I feel your pain. Sometimes I feel lucky that my legs are long enough to touch the ground. lol

 

[retired motoman]

29" seat height

The first year MH we lowered one of our groups KTM 530 to a seat height of 29". Shortened rod and sucked up the limiter strap.
Also put bar risers to pull up the forks to the max.
It was so low you could almost plow snow in your driveway.
He could touch but it would not go in the deep snow (like a stocker) due to the engine dragging in the snow.
I have a pic some where if anyone is interested.

 

[relentless rider]

Im 5,6 and dont have any problems with riding the MH, but come to thank about it ,only time I stop is the end of the day to load it back into the truck

 

[powdermuncher]

I run my back suspense a bit lower than stock on the shock rod.

That also gives me better ski lift under power.

That said you do not want to get of this thing unless you have to, in 2 feet

of pow it is a climbing exercise get back on even at my hight 6 foot 2".

Luckily even my MC kit with the narrower track stays up real good

and I very seldom end up stuck , these things do well in that department.

Just keep your feet up its easier than you think.

 

[Sledhead6]

Please check out www.ufosnowbikes.com

This kit sits very close to the stock seat heat of a bike. It uses the stock bike shock and a custom linkage setup. (kit fits linkage bikes only right now)

100% machined construction, no welds, rides like a bike!

 

[mtn-doo]

There will be a few proto-type kits built this year for the XR150 and 200 class bikes. They will cover all the popular smaller bikes for youth, ladies, or anyone riding smaller bikes. There has been a large demand for this. Start asking your local dealer later this winter. There is an anticipated production, limited to +,- 100 units. They will likely be pre-sold this spring and no kits available next fall. There will be more info later this winter.

 

[more snow]

Please make a smaller unit for the crf150r. That bike rips!!

 

[powdermuncher]

Even for smaller people you will need power.

I remember when a 600 cc sled was the big boy toy and the kids and girls had 340s

Now the 600cc sleds have even more power and around here is what we consider a beginner ride lets not go through all that again.

What is needed is a low 450 kit with the big ski the pushing snow issue is mostly fixed . Kids bikes are a seperate issue but also needed--think 250CC

 

[more snow]

The problem with a 250 bike is that it is still a full size bike. Would be nice to have something smaller in size.

 

[retired motoman]

This is the bike the new jr kit will fit

Please make a smaller unit for the crf150r. That bike rips!!

I already purchased used CRF150R for the upcoming jr kit. Want one for my wife.