Swapping Time

[Coldfinger]

After the initial installation, how long does it take to convert back to dirt bike mode and then back to snow when winter comes? Pondering getting a different dirt bike (sell my xr650r) and 2010 M8 and going with a snowbike.

Looking at Kaw 450, Yam 450, Hon 450 or KTM 450 or KTM Enduro 500exc.

 

[Hbmtr]

really depends on much you modify air box ,forks etc.if you are going to have 1 bike get two air boxes ,one that is modified and a stock 1.time depends on your mechanical ability.hope this helps

 

[honkuscracker]

I think if youre really good you could do it in 3 hours (5hrs for the first time to figure things out). It takes me about 5 if i can find everything. There are little steps that take time like looking up torque specs, etc. If you are wondering if you can, or would want to, switch to tires and back during the winter i would say it would be a pain in the a$$. Your time might be better spent working overtime and buying another bike if you really want to ride tires in the winter. If it is once or twice a season then maybe the switch would be worth it.

 

[Tride]

Also, buying a 2nd master cylinder ($70 for a wilwood on ebay) so you don't have to bleed the brakes every time could really help.

 

[Corban_White]

This spring I swapped from the timbersled back to wheels in 2 hours with one arm in a sling (crashed and broke my humorous at the end of the season). It only took 3 hours to do the initial swap (with 2 good arms). I don't really have too many winter specific mods tho. Mostly just bolt the kit on, change the jets, put the carb blanket on and ride!

 

[Uncle si]

I can swap in 2-3 hours with new equipment, but end of season we're looking at 10- 20 hours of finding worn and broken parts, and investigating damage. I've replaced 70% of my 2011 kit.

 

[Tride]

Also, buying a 2nd master cylinder ($70 for a wilwood on ebay) so you don't have to bleed the brakes every time could really help.

 

[kevinhoglund]

I can change mine out in 1-2hrs. I have a second sub frame complete for the winter, second master cylinder for the brakes.
And different springs for the snowbike. But I wouldn't change them during the winter. The snow would have to really bad to convert back to dirt for one day of riding.

 

[Coldfinger]

OP again. I would change to snow bike mode after Thanksgiving and back to dirt bike toward the end of march or mid-April.

I was just curious how long it was taking the people who have done it a time or three.

 

[IceAge Performance]

Stock bike just kit swap we've knocked them out in just under half an hour with 2 people on it. On average with winter specific mods, takes a single guy 2-4 hours depending on intensity of mods.

Biggest thing is not hacking stock stuff up then forgeting you did until you go back to put the wheels on and realize you don't have everything to do the job. Then your stuck waiting for parts.

Brakes are not a huge deal, bleeding the kit the first time is a pita, but once it has fluid in it its not bad from there. just make sure to cover the banjo fitting when yanking it off. We usually wrap them in electrical tape. This keeps fluid in it so when you re-install the kit brakes are a 5 minute job not 2 hours.