Snowbike VS Snowmoible

[off road rider]

when they make a kit that works a gsxr 1000 or any other superbike i´m in for the snowbikes bigtime!
imagine a 180hp 4 cyl screaming trough the trees whit the ski high in the air and powerdrifting.
ahhh, one can dream right?

sorry for going a little offtopic. i know this will not happen any time soon but i like messing whit the idea...

Its been around since 06 The snowhawk 800 unfortunately you would have to sell your first born to purchase a new one now.

 

[off road rider]

Im sorry friends, but I just don't see it?

These are VERY talented riders for sure. On what one would presume are "built" snowbikes. And we all know this event well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzQoRSjnEK4

Again, the riders are extremely talented, but the machines appear pathetic compared to the performance of the sled.

Hopped up sleds for sure, but most likely hopped up snowbikes to "showcase" them as well.

I want this to work too, shoot, I own a Berg570, new 501 and a KTM 690.

My personal belief is that they might fizzle out such as the SuperMotard and Pit bikes did after the early 2000's, for example.

Keep the weight down, TWICE the power, and a much larger track and id buy one. But until Austria or Japan build such a machine to base a kit off of, it will still have a limited market.

Regards

I think I remember the skier saying something like that about the snowboarders.
Ive been riding single skies since 04 I Still like sleds, but Ill grab a single ski most of the time.

 

[more snow]

Been riding sleds for almost 30 years. Snowbikes for3 years. Sold most of my sleds now. I love the mobility and freedom riding the snowbike. Love the low maintenance, low depreciation, low fuel cost, no trailer needed. I love to ride extremely technical terrain and deep exploring. Super easy and fun on the bike. If you have ridden the other snowbike kits but not the Timbersled, then you really need to ride it before making any hard conclusions. The bike kits are progressing rapidly. They will never replace sledding completely, but it will continue to grow.

 

[Leaf27]

I love the mobility and freedom riding the snowbike. Love the low maintenance, low depreciation, low fuel cost

Low maintenance? Low depreciation? Low fuel costs? I am not sure I agree with any of these comments. Can you please give us a comparison? How much fuel do you use at WOT all day? Do dirt bikes really hold there value that much better than sled when you put on a 1500-2000miles a season, not sure about that? Parts are parts and they all wear out especially when you are loading up parts that (maybe) were not designed to operate under these conditions. Dirt bike parts are not cheaper than sled parts.

 

[Rush44]

Low maintenance? Low depreciation? Low fuel costs? I am not sure I agree with any of these comments. Can you please give us a comparison? How much fuel do you use at WOT all day? Do dirt bikes really hold there value that much better than sled when you put on a 1500-2000miles a season, not sure about that? Parts are parts and they all wear out especially when you are loading up parts that (maybe) were not designed to operate under these conditions.

Fuel: 12gal a day vs. 4.5-5gal a day. Pretty easy to understand that one. And yes, we travel just as far as a sled on that much fuel. I usually spend less than $20 a day on bike fuel.

Bikes: Engine hours are around 4-5 hours per ride. That is engine hours, not total time in the woods.

As far as durability is concerned we have not seen any extra abuse to these motors from snowbiking. To be completely honest when the motors are pulled apart they are in much better condition than a bike with comparable hours that only saw dirt. Why? Air quality. If you pull all the particulate out of the air you are going to get a very clean combustion environment. Probably the only snowbike related issues I've seen, and I've seen a lot of bikes and ridden with a lot of people, have been fork seal damage from improperly aligning the offset when you initially install the ski. The tubes might be towed in or out and the tube doesn't compress in a nice even stroke. There are ways to check this and eliminate the issue.

Maintenance: Well, I guess if changing the oil is really hard for you then yes, maintenance sucks. Otherwise all I do is wipe the bike down, grease my zerks, grease my chain, and put gas in it. Same routine as a sled.

Resale: I paid $5,000 for my kit almost 4 seasons ago. Today I could resell it for around $4200. Doesn't sound bad to me. The bikes I have been paying for since every year I have upgraded to something new. If you buy a new Pro or new XM you will eat depreciation for that season probably to the tune of around $2,000 if you sold it for the following season. Not sure why you think bikes would be any different.

If you haven't rode one, haven't owned one, and have just sat on the sidelines and laughed it's easy to be skeptical. My suggestion is to check one out before you play armchair general and declare something is stupid or will break far too easy.

 

[Wheel House Motorsports]

amen, the bikes are 10x as reliable as sleds imo. you can flog the crap out of them and they just dont care.

sleds.. not so much. Im still a sledder thru and thru but the bikes are a blast especially in the lesser snow conditions as you can just go out and explore terrain you have never really been able to access practically.


also, If you buy bikes in the fall to use all winter, its there off season, so you get them cheap. Honestly i have seen guys buy bikes cheap in the fall, snowbike all winter and sell it for more with just the wheels next spring. Hence the killer resale. they are being used offseason only.

 

[teal_210]

Low maintenance? Low depreciation? Low fuel costs? I am not sure I agree with any of these comments. Can you please give us a comparison? How much fuel do you use at WOT all day? Do dirt bikes really hold there value that much better than sled when you put on a 1500-2000miles a season, not sure about that? Parts are parts and they all wear out especially when you are loading up parts that (maybe) were not designed to operate under these conditions. Dirt bike parts are not cheaper than sled parts.

In my experience bikes are much lower maintenance, depreciate less, and burn less fuel.

Like mentioned above, 4 gallons of gas is an average day - 9:00 AM to dusk.

I buy left over bikes, paid $5200 for my current one a few days after I sold the one that I'd been riding for $5,000.

Kit wise, I sold my kit used for the same price that I paid for it new, so I'm out the cost of some bearings, sprockets, and 2 chains. I was fortunate to get a good deal on one of the first mountain horse kits. (I took a bath on the 2-moto that I had before)

I've been snowbiking since 2008, I have not had a single bike problem during that time. Some broken plastic here and there, but that's cheap. I've only had to adjust valves one time - not every ride like someone mentioned. I do change oil every or every other ride, lube the chain and you're ready to go again.

For comparison, my last sled was a 2006 M-7. Had it for 900 miles, lost the top end 3 times, multiple bushings is the front end, diamond drive and the spedo sensor a few times. Tunnel was bent to crap, running boards couldn't hold me at 160lbs... That sled was a total money pit!

 

[Leaf27]

Good info guys. This is the type of info that really helps sway a guy to have another option for winter fun.

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[Leaf27]

If you haven't rode one, haven't owned one, and have just sat on the sidelines and laughed it's easy to be skeptical. My suggestion is to check one out before you play armchair general and declare something is stupid or will break far too easy.

Why so defensive? I am just asking questions. Never said they were stupid not trying to be armchair general. If you can't give info without this bull****, just let someone else share the answer.:beer:

 

[Rush44]

It wasn't really directed at you but at people who make the "it will stink because of X reason" without ever throwing a leg over one. It has been insane the doubters that have come out of the woodwork to thrash on the concept without giving it a fair shake. I get a lot of it and I am a *little* defensive because the truth is so far outside of the standard "that 55hp POS is JUNK... you won't ever see me on one!". Again not you, just the movement to trash it.

It's especially apparent to me since I've been fortunate enough to convert a good number of people and have done a LOT of demo rides and loaner rides. I would say that of the first time snowbikers who are good sledders AND who can afford the setup and aren't out for the "free ride day" the conversion is a solid 70%. No joke. The motto is "Get asses in seats and you'll make the sale".

 

[Leaf27]

It wasn't really directed at you but at people who make the "it will stink because of X reason" without ever throwing a leg over one. It has been insane the doubters that have come out of the woodwork to thrash on the concept without giving it a fair shake. I get a lot of it and I am a *little* defensive because the truth is so far outside of the standard "that 55hp POS is JUNK... you won't ever see me on one!". Again not you, just the movement to trash it.

It's especially apparent to me since I've been fortunate enough to convert a good number of people and have done a LOT of demo rides and loaner rides. I would say that of the first time snowbikers who are good sledders AND who can afford the setup and aren't out for the "free ride day" the conversion is a solid 70%. No joke. The motto is "Get asses in seats and you'll make the sale".

Hey no worries, your input was greatly appreciated. I have no doubt that these kits work great. I swear that the main reason I am not totally lost on a sled is from my days of dirt biking. Thanks for your input, greatly appreciated!!! Cheers

 

[The Fourth Wolf]

When a snowbike can pull a 35* slope for 1,200 vertical feet I'll buy one

 

[summitboy]

Snowbikes look like a ton of fun but I think Sleds are a lot easier to work on and more reliable plus not having to adjust valves and change oil after every ride is another plus.

Nope. Bikes are way easier to work on period. I own 4 sleds and 8 bikes. Ill take wrenching on a bike any day of the week. Simple !

Parts are way more expensive on a sled. Doo belt is 200 bucks. Chain on a bike is 50 lol. Motor cost on a blown up Doo is 2-4000 depending on ability. Motor on my 500 is 700 bucks lol. Thats with a crank rebuild LOL

I burn 15gals of fuel on my sled a day. My bike will be 5-8gal a day. Bike is a little thirsty ha ha

They both have there places. Im a big power guy and the bike does bring a grin to my face even though its 60hp. Fun to explore new area and not hang with 400 of ur closest friends. Bike just into the trees and ur set ! No need to try and find 3-4ft of fresh like on a sled to have fun. Thats where the bikes will be great, low snow conditions in the early fall and late spring ! Sledding blows in 6" of fresh.

Sleds cant be beat for climbing ! And.... Hmm. Thats about it !

Dont get me wrong im a hardcore sledhead ! I wont be selling my sleds.... This year lol

 

[kidwoo]

-2006 M-7.

-Had it for 900 miles,
-lost the top end 3 times,
-multiple bushings is the front end,
-diamond drive and the spedo sensor a few times
-Tunnel was bent to crap,
-running boards couldn't hold me at 160lbs

I'd be into snowbikes too if one of the more reputable sleds ever made hated me that much.


Seriously, WTF? I don't think I could have that many repeating problems in 900 miles if I tried. Was it cursed?

 

[Mafesto]

I hope they are here to stay.
There is no doubt that they bring new people to our sport, and that is something our sport needs if it is going to survive!

Also, if the sno bikes are hitting area that the rest of us can't get to, well that means less pressure on the areas we can get to. Win, win.

I could see one of the big 4 producing one themselves within 5 years.
One would naturally think Yami here, but it would not surprise me if it were Doo.

Bottom line.....it is a good thing, whether you intend to ever try it or not.

 

[up-high]

When did you turn into the voice of reason on SW?

 

[Coldfinger]

Is there a brand or size of bike that is considered better than most for the snobike application?

I have an xr650r but don't see a timbersled kit listed.

Also, is a recluse clutch a good option to have on a snobike?

Lastly, is starting a 4 cycle in freezing cold, with a cold engine, easy to do? I assume the electric start on some models wouldn't be strong enough to start a bike after sitting overnight outside in single digit temps but maybe it's possible.

I see a big advantage in that you don't need to worry about hitting something and bending an A-arm

 

[Ausm7499]

Is there a brand or size of bike that is considered better than most for the snobike application?

I have an xr650r but don't see a timbersled kit listed.

Also, is a recluse clutch a good option to have on a snobike?

Lastly, is starting a 4 cycle in freezing cold, with a cold engine, easy to do? I assume the electric start on some models wouldn't be strong enough to start a bike after sitting overnight outside in single digit temps but maybe it's possible.

I see a big advantage in that you don't need to worry about hitting something and bending an A-arm

Bike choice is very subjective and based more on user preference, they all seem to work very well if setup properly. I recall reading about a couple people that have installed MH kits on XR650's so I am sure Timbersled has a fit kit for them.

As for starting a thumper in the cold I ran my KTM525 for a season and never had any issues with it starting with the button. I would say even if you have to kick one as long as your jetting is setup properly starting shouldn't be an issue.

Bike's do have several advantages over sleds but you can still hit things and bend stuff up. Back when I got my first MH kit I smacked a rock on two different rides in marginal snow conditions and did a significant amount of damage.

 

[teal_210]

I'd be into snowbikes too if one of the more reputable sleds ever made hated me that much.


Seriously, WTF? I don't think I could have that many repeating problems in 900 miles if I tried. Was it cursed?

It was definitely cursed. First top-end went at 160 miles, ruined cylinder, piston and the head. Dealer replaced under warranty, 300 miles, same thing. 700 miles yet again coming out behind a rope. Besides the motor, the chassis didn't seem to be up to my riding style.

 

[Draxxus]

I had a 09 doo then a bb doo then the 11 and 12 Polaris still have a 13xm and it isn't goin for sake, but I find myself inclined to throw a leg over the new single ski more often now . Bought it for the wife but it is way easier to ride and way way more fun in crapy snow conditions . You will never beat a sled when it's 2.5' plus of fresh and the air miles on a sled are way more frequent and fun. That said I'm gona have to get another single ski set up cause the wife is pissed I keep leaving her at home while I go ride her toy....


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