Tips / Info For First Timer

[DOM]

After MANY years of mountain trips, I am going to get to ride a snowbike for one of the days this year! The bike will be a Husky 450 with a 137" snotech kit.

A few questions for you guys...

With a full tank and 3.3 on the back can you run a full day similar to a mountain sled?

Do I need to worry about melting my Klim pants. Last year when we looked at a few of the rentals the pipe definitely had seen some goretex between the head and peg mainly at the base of the bend. If this is an issue, what do you guys do to deal with it.

How bad are they on the trail? I have heard everything from I ride it one handed now problem at cruising speeds to it is brutal and you absolutely need to trailer as close to the back country as possible. Most places we ride are 15-20 miles out of town and it would be nice if you could just cruise out to the riding areas.

Anything else I should know?

Thanks, really looking forward to it!

 

[Tuesday]

After MANY years of mountain trips, I am going to get to ride a snowbike for one of the days this year! The bike will be a Husky 450 with a 137" snotech kit.

A few questions for you guys...

With a full tank and 3.3 on the back can you run a full day similar to a mountain sled?

Do I need to worry about melting my Klim pants. Last year when we looked at a few of the rentals the pipe definitely had seen some goretex between the head and peg mainly at the base of the bend. If this is an issue, what do you guys do to deal with it.

How bad are they on the trail? I have heard everything from I ride it one handed now problem at cruising speeds to it is brutal and you absolutely need to trailer as close to the back country as possible. Most places we ride are 15-20 miles out of town and it would be nice if you could just cruise out to the riding areas.

Anything else I should know?

Thanks, really looking forward to it!

Gas consumption seemed not to bad. The usual depends how much wot you use. The main tank and a jerry can and I am sure you will plenty tired. I rode with my gortex pants just be careful of the pipe and if you tip over to the throttle side. I did 2 days of riding one was 20km of whooped hard trail. It was doable just try to get to the side when you can. My butt was sore after that day as standing just felt awkward. Second was on a groomed trail. It was a breeze compared to the whoops just keep a slow and steady pace and slow down in the corners they take a bit of time to get used to. Have to lean more than you think and takes awhile to trust that ski.

First day after a few km up my hands were cramping up bc I was hanging on to tight. Just takes time to trust that ski. After that it settled down, just grip the bike with your legs and embrace the lean.

After 20+ years of sledding, I cant wait to get back on the bike. So easy to ride in the deep and opens up all kinds of new areas/lines. They are not chute climbers but they do great imo.

 

[Grr]

You need to try and put a few miles on one before your trip. Also gloves are very important! If I wear my sledding gloves my hand cramps up in 10 minutes.
Where in mn are you

 

[scotty mac]

Snowbikes are hard to pick up by your self. If you tip over try to keep motor running then pick up bike while at same time letting out clutch.
The Centrifugal Force helps lift also digs a hole and is much easier to pick up
Takes some practice but works

 

[DOM]

Thanks for the responses...

I'm in the cities but a number of the guys we ride with are out of Fargo. I'm a NDSU grad!

What kind of gloves do you recommend?

 

[KTMDirtFace]

I like Fly Title Longs for snowmobiling, ( cold weather dirt-biking ).. and i used them on a snowbike for the first time the other day.
http://www.flyracing.com/product/snow/outerwear/gloves/title-glove/145/blackwhite


If its really cold though. I can't wear those or my fingers are numb instantly..but when I can wear them they are my favorite.

 

[AZ800]

Trail riding, feels sketchy for a first timer until you learn to trust how the ski bites and how much input is required to lean the bike compared to on wheels.
Trails are pretty enjoyable compared to a sled IMO unless it's ice or snocks. If it's soft at all where the ski will bite then they drive easy.
Best part is you can ride that outside foot that the sleds can't get to while they're riding the moguls. Or ride just off the trail where you'd have to sidehill a sled 3' above the trail.
If it doesn't have a soft seat prepare to not be able to sit down the next day lol.
Ice scratcher needed just the same as a sled if it's hard pack.
Powder is more intuitive than hard pack but plan on laying it over every time you stop until you realize you can't put your foot down when you stop in powder.
If it doesn't have hand warmers or gauntlets over the grips bring a selection of gloves including your warmest ones.
Getting unstuck is soooo much easier than on a sled. They're a little heavy when picking them up in powder and harder to roll them out of an uphill stuck. Most other sticks are easier because you do not have to dig out much or pick up the back end out of a trench.
Stomp down a launch pad. Rock the bike back n forth to clear snow away and drive out.
Most fun you can have with your pants on!