Can someone tell me what the changes are with the Timbersled kits for the last three years or so? Someone told me to avoid a couple years back but I'd like to know what changed over the years. I'm considering a used '15 setup.
Timbersled Changes
- Thread starter AndrettiDog
- Start date
Tsled website has a thorough synopsis of the changes year by year. Check it out.
I don't think there's a bad year, get the newest one you can afford.
I don't think there's a bad year, get the newest one you can afford.
I'm sure I'll miss a few items, but here's what I recall.
The 2015 had new sidepanels, revised suspension geometry with a little more travel and the seat height of the bike is slightly lower than what it would be on a 2014 kit. It also was the first with the plastic chaincase cover, double row bearings and integrated gas can rack.
The 2016 has new rails, new suspension design (slide arms are gone) 2.5" convex track, splined sprockets made by JT and was the first year for TSS but you can put TSS on any kit. The new sprockets are 1/2 lb lighter each and are under $20 vs. the $70+ of the previous sprockets. The plastic chaincase cover also became a lot less fragile.
The 2017's have new rails and stiffer side panels. It may not seem like much, but I think 17 owners will be pleased at what this has done for the handling. The kits seem quicker and more responsive. I think suspension valving has been updated also but can't confirm.
I'd go as new as you can afford. The convex track really is a game changer.
The 2015 had new sidepanels, revised suspension geometry with a little more travel and the seat height of the bike is slightly lower than what it would be on a 2014 kit. It also was the first with the plastic chaincase cover, double row bearings and integrated gas can rack.
The 2016 has new rails, new suspension design (slide arms are gone) 2.5" convex track, splined sprockets made by JT and was the first year for TSS but you can put TSS on any kit. The new sprockets are 1/2 lb lighter each and are under $20 vs. the $70+ of the previous sprockets. The plastic chaincase cover also became a lot less fragile.
The 2017's have new rails and stiffer side panels. It may not seem like much, but I think 17 owners will be pleased at what this has done for the handling. The kits seem quicker and more responsive. I think suspension valving has been updated also but can't confirm.
I'd go as new as you can afford. The convex track really is a game changer.
Thanks for that info. I couldn't find it on their website. Was there a bad year for chain issues? It seems that was a problem for snow bikes early on.
Not certain about all years but, lots of hours on my 13 kit and no issues with chains, the JT chains on my 16 kit were junk. If you encounter a JT chain replace it.
I have a '13 kit. Prev owner claimed a half dozen rides on it. I have about 10 full day rides on it.No issues so far, not one. Bearings are good still chains and sprockets look like new. Have t even found a loose bolt.
So far so good. Haven't done a bearing upgrade either.
I don't have a comparison to riding a newer kit, but after the first ride or 2, the trail handling didn't feel notchy at all unless there was no loose snow at all. Suspension seems great. Of course there are times when I'd like more traction, bigger track.
I may not know what I'm missing, but I can't say I'm left wanting for anything or feel like it needs improvement. Jmo.
So far so good. Haven't done a bearing upgrade either.
I don't have a comparison to riding a newer kit, but after the first ride or 2, the trail handling didn't feel notchy at all unless there was no loose snow at all. Suspension seems great. Of course there are times when I'd like more traction, bigger track.
I may not know what I'm missing, but I can't say I'm left wanting for anything or feel like it needs improvement. Jmo.
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