Timbersled best bike?

[KTMDirtFace]

Was out yesterday on my ski doo summit.. a timbersled came out of the woodwork ( real tight trees ). passed me on the trail like i was standing still in a corner.

Now I want one lol.

I have a '14 KTM 500 EXC, but don't want to swap dirt/snow constantly.

What would make the best timbersled bike? sorry if this has been asked a million times but I couldn't find anything.

2 stroke or 4? (I'm a huge fan of two strokes..but don't know how they would work with that track and all the weight?)

 

[Sketchy Red]

The bike in your garage! It really only takes a couple of hours to switch back to tires. Your 500 already has a thermostat if I remember correctly, just add an engine cover for the powder and your done. After you spend some time riding there is a wish list a mile long as far as accessories! I just recently got into snowbiking and bought a used kx450f because my other bikes are 2 strokes that are set-up for singletrack and everyone said a FI 4 stroke was the way to go. I picked up a used but well maintained and updated 14 ST Timbersled kit. So far I have added a thermostat, big plastic skid plate, temp gauge, and big homemade hand guards and I am having a blast! The front suspension is the only thing you need that will be somewhat permanent. Some guys even have a different set of forks set up for the summer, so it is as simple as changing forks with your ski. I wish I already had a big FI 4stroke in the garage when I decided to take the plunge.

 

[Adobe-Al]

I have been around all makes and own a Yamaha, Honda and KTM.(with kits) I think bang for the buck injected YZ 450 is your cheapest most reliable buy. Just my 2 cents! Good luck, once you go 1 ski you will never go back!

 

[MotoTrax LLC]

Your KTM would make a great snowbike, and as said above, it doesn't take that long to switch between snow and dirt. We have our MotoTrax kits on a Husky and a Yamaha (FC450 and YZ450) they both work really well, but I think the YZ might work a little better for the Timbersled.

 

[cade123]

I ride a kx450f with a 2015 timbersled st just bought a turbo. Anyways I like the kx450f.

 

[SEOINAGE]

Depends what you want to do, a 500cc two stroke can be one of the best for power to weight ratio.

 

[KTMDirtFace]

Thanks. What would I do to my front suspension that you say is somewhat permanent?

 

[Sketchy Red]

You are going to need to firm up the front forks, the stock exc is going to be way to soft. I don't know the in's and out's of your specific fork, my kx is getting .54 springs and 10 wt oil in the forks. I say it is somewhat permanent because unless you have the tools and a little expierence suspension work can be a pain.

 

[orangeyz]

EXC fork springs are easy to change. The only tool you would need that won't be in the KTM tool kit is a 22 or 24mm open wrench.

 

[AZ800]

Your KTM would make a great snowbike, and as said above, it doesn't take that long to switch between snow and dirt. We have our MotoTrax kits on a Husky and a Yamaha (FC450 and YZ450) they both work really well, but I think the YZ might work a little better for the Timbersled.

If you love 2 strokes, I'd think about getting a 300 2stroke for dirt and making your 500 the dedicated Sno bike.
Idk much about how different bikes are as snow kits cause I've only rode mine and don't have buddies with bikes but I am thoroughly impressed with my 2011 yz450 with the TS ST kit.
Being in OR I imagine you're running low altitude like me in WA. That helps the hp game a lot compared to hi alt riders.
Couple things I like about my yzf is the rear exit exhaust. No pants burning pipe. I've had a couple good powder days and no intake plugging with a pre filter in place of the foam in the air box and a set of pre filters over the intake holes by the radiators. Used some spare M sled hood filters and stuck them on the radiator shrouds.
Bike runs like a top. Only thing I'd wish for is E start for when you're buried in deep snow, it's kind of a biatch to climb back on, balance and kick start.
It's probably not the best bike but I'd reccomend a yz450.

 

[KTMDirtFace]

Yea my EXC forks are easy to change I already put.48's( I think..can't remember ) in there for my weight. But sounds like i would have to bump that up again for a snowbike?

That YZ450FX seems cool? On the new YZ's are you stuck with the dinky 2 gallon tank though?

MY EXC is my dual sport bike( plated ) so I can't leave it as a snowbike all the time.

 

[Adobe-Al]

Yea my EXC forks are easy to change I already put.48's( I think..can't remember ) in there for my weight. But sounds like i would have to bump that up again for a snowbike?

That YZ450FX seems cool? On the new YZ's are you stuck with the dinky 2 gallon tank though?

MY EXC is my dual sport bike( plated ) so I can't leave it as a snowbike all the time.

Yes 2 gallon- almost all sx are 2 gallon. We get a pretty good day of riding on fuel tank and one TS gas can. Your EXC is a wide ratio tranny. If it is like my 450 xc-w the gearing between 2nd and 3rd is a little wide so I have found it less desirable than my honda and Yamaha. Still a good bike though.

 

[KTMDirtFace]

Oh yea how long is a snowbike overall? with either the ST or the LT?

I fit my 163" summit in my Ford raptor with a custom single deck/ramp... it hangs off quite a bit but are the bikes shorter or longer than that?

 

[needpowder]

My 137 is exactly the same length as my pro 155. It is however significantly more fun to ride.

 

[KTMDirtFace]

I notice people are sitting down 99% of the time. do you have to sit? on dirt its the opposite.

 

[Sketchy Red]

I have noticed that I sit more on the snowbike. I am pretty big for my ST kit and getting my weight back over the track seems to help in some situations. That being said I also stand up for some things, it kinda helps to use the knee shocks. I am still experimenting with riding style to try and get the most out of my particular set-up.

 

[SnoFro]

EFI and electric start are must for me. EFI for the elevation changes and E-start for the awkward spots I fall in that are difficult kit start.