What would you like to see changed for 2014 timbersled?
- Thread starter bb27
- Start date
I could say X 3 ----- But hold your horses for a sec.
We have a snow-bike that actually works --- finally --- a ski that actually works
and a company that is dedicated to keep going and growing the sport
Yes they are a bit rough compared to a Yamaha or BMW Or other OEM stuff.
Some hardened shafts with splines be nice .Do away with the chain case run the chain inside a slightly wider Tunnel Put the pegs on the tunnel for better weight distribution etc.
Do not mess with new materials unless they are proven in the application.
For example we had nothing but grieve with titanium suspension parts in any application I ever tried them on. Looking at the spec sheet they were supposed to be way superior. Stick with what works and is easy to fix.
Lets realize that this is a bike conversion kit and it can only evolve around the Bike, ultimately we will see the rebirth of a Snow Hawk type bike.
With what has been learned from the Bike conversion it will be able to dominate the off trail Snowmobile market within a few Years .
Ad Boivin was just 10 Years ahead of its time with the Snow Hawk.
I am looking forward to it.
We have a snow-bike that actually works --- finally --- a ski that actually works
and a company that is dedicated to keep going and growing the sport
Yes they are a bit rough compared to a Yamaha or BMW Or other OEM stuff.
Some hardened shafts with splines be nice .Do away with the chain case run the chain inside a slightly wider Tunnel Put the pegs on the tunnel for better weight distribution etc.
Do not mess with new materials unless they are proven in the application.
For example we had nothing but grieve with titanium suspension parts in any application I ever tried them on. Looking at the spec sheet they were supposed to be way superior. Stick with what works and is easy to fix.
Lets realize that this is a bike conversion kit and it can only evolve around the Bike, ultimately we will see the rebirth of a Snow Hawk type bike.
With what has been learned from the Bike conversion it will be able to dominate the off trail Snowmobile market within a few Years .
Ad Boivin was just 10 Years ahead of its time with the Snow Hawk.
I am looking forward to it.
B
bb27
Member
I dont want to sound like im just bashing timbersled, cuz im not. Our group has a blast everytime we go out. I have no plans to by a sled again.
Timbersled has done a geat job with pushing this new sport and bringing a great product to the market. that being said we are paying a premium for these kits. I think if you uped the durability of a few things on these you would be set. A thicker side panel at least on the drive side, maybe a wider heavier duty bearing on the driveshaft. A brake that works on the first pull in the snow. I know that one will be a little harder because the brake is so exposed.. the first two iteams would be an easy fix im my simple mind..
And on the shocks, all im asking for is the choice. The boys at Arsfx im sure would love get a piece of the action on these kits. I spent 5k+ for this kit if i could have spent a few hundred more for a shock option that could adjust to fit me I would have done it in a heartbeat. A set of EXIT Comp, rebound and preload adjustable shocks would be awesome in my book. Like I said it dont have to be standard on the kit but an option would be nice..
Timbersled has done a geat job with pushing this new sport and bringing a great product to the market. that being said we are paying a premium for these kits. I think if you uped the durability of a few things on these you would be set. A thicker side panel at least on the drive side, maybe a wider heavier duty bearing on the driveshaft. A brake that works on the first pull in the snow. I know that one will be a little harder because the brake is so exposed.. the first two iteams would be an easy fix im my simple mind..
And on the shocks, all im asking for is the choice. The boys at Arsfx im sure would love get a piece of the action on these kits. I spent 5k+ for this kit if i could have spent a few hundred more for a shock option that could adjust to fit me I would have done it in a heartbeat. A set of EXIT Comp, rebound and preload adjustable shocks would be awesome in my book. Like I said it dont have to be standard on the kit but an option would be nice..
I would like the kit to be more ready to ride out of the box. I feel like I did a lot of research before purchasing and shipping a kit to Alaska. However now that its on the ground and I am out riding I feel a little vunerable to the bike not being set up correctly for the snow.
What I mean is if there was a thermostat included with instructions to install, a pod filter included for each bike and any other things that might be useful. Something to keep carbs warm etc.
I think long term running my bike in its current configuration is going to cause some problems. For instance I burnt up a clutch Saturday doing some pretty easy riding in the flats. Just my opinion, had I known there was so much "project" left to do after the purchase I probably would have changed my mind. Especially when you consider a new bike is 8500 and the kit to Alaska is 6000, I would be 14,500 into this thing before the "projects" even started.
Just complaining really, but thats what I want.
What I mean is if there was a thermostat included with instructions to install, a pod filter included for each bike and any other things that might be useful. Something to keep carbs warm etc.
I think long term running my bike in its current configuration is going to cause some problems. For instance I burnt up a clutch Saturday doing some pretty easy riding in the flats. Just my opinion, had I known there was so much "project" left to do after the purchase I probably would have changed my mind. Especially when you consider a new bike is 8500 and the kit to Alaska is 6000, I would be 14,500 into this thing before the "projects" even started.
Just complaining really, but thats what I want.
improvement
I made these snowdeflectors to get a little less snow at the engine and brake .So far it work well .
I made these snowdeflectors to get a little less snow at the engine and brake .So far it work well .
your brake is missing some bolts 
Had to save weight somewhere since the deflectors were added.
M
mtn-doo
Well-known member
I agree with as light as possible and strong. Just like sleds. They make performance gains by reducing weight but not to the point of loosing strength. I personally feel the Kit, as a whole, is plenty strong. After three years of hard riding I haven't bent anything. Hope I didn't just jinx myself!!! It seems when hitting a rock or log is when damage occurs. We all bent a-arms on our sleds. When side-hilling at warp speed and catch a rock or stump, the a-arm is toast. That wasn't the sled manufacturer's weak a-arm. We just bashed into some "terra firma" Ha. When we hit stuff, stuff breaks. I've watched Allen, Derick and the wild gang thrash, and I mean THRASH the back country and never a bent or broken part. "disclaimer"; unless a log, stump, or rock was involved! Ha Look at what Reagan Seig is doing! Huge cliff drops and insane abuse with no damage to the kit. Pretty impressive. I personally would not opt for a "heavier" duty kit, but some great ideas out there concerning chain case mod's, bearing and axle mods, brake mods, snow flap for the LT, etc.
By the way, my proto tipe Ti kit is holding up awesome. No issues.
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Rush 44 & others
Never had to leave the bike on the mountain due to a bent side panel, but almost. Jumping on the tunnel with the bike hanging with a tree was not cool. Got the track turning again eventually.
Anyways, I got very bored of unbending panels after hitting bumps in the snow. Decided to replace the front end of the drive side panel with a plate of 5mm alloy. Leading edge reinforced with an additional layer. No lightening holes mean it packs up quickly with snow, but it certainly doesn't bend any more. I will probably start drilling some holes in strategic places... Definitely not around the mounting holes, a weak point in the original panel.
Modifying the chain case cover to deflect vs impact seems to work very well - No damage to sprockets and no dented covers. Mounted on rubber anti-vibration blocks to allow some "give" in the system.
The bike weighs a bit more, but as mentioned light is good until you gotta walk. The original stuff bends too easily for isolated riding IMHO.
Idler sprocket in alloy since they break. Some would say the should've been adjusted correctly, but why not bulletproof aluminium? Finally, bearings.
The issue is alignment, not corrosion. The bottom sprocket taking a decent impact will also kill the bearing. Can't do much about that, but for the others self-aligning bearing 1205 is the same dimension as 6205s and seems to work.
So, Timbersled - Thanks for the MH, it's great fun but reliability needs to be improved. Give us a beefed up drive panel and a redesigned transmission/chain case cover for next year please
Shouldn't be too much heavier!
Never had to leave the bike on the mountain due to a bent side panel, but almost. Jumping on the tunnel with the bike hanging with a tree was not cool. Got the track turning again eventually.
Anyways, I got very bored of unbending panels after hitting bumps in the snow. Decided to replace the front end of the drive side panel with a plate of 5mm alloy. Leading edge reinforced with an additional layer. No lightening holes mean it packs up quickly with snow, but it certainly doesn't bend any more. I will probably start drilling some holes in strategic places... Definitely not around the mounting holes, a weak point in the original panel.
Modifying the chain case cover to deflect vs impact seems to work very well - No damage to sprockets and no dented covers. Mounted on rubber anti-vibration blocks to allow some "give" in the system.
The bike weighs a bit more, but as mentioned light is good until you gotta walk. The original stuff bends too easily for isolated riding IMHO.
Idler sprocket in alloy since they break. Some would say the should've been adjusted correctly, but why not bulletproof aluminium? Finally, bearings.
The issue is alignment, not corrosion. The bottom sprocket taking a decent impact will also kill the bearing. Can't do much about that, but for the others self-aligning bearing 1205 is the same dimension as 6205s and seems to work.
So, Timbersled - Thanks for the MH, it's great fun but reliability needs to be improved. Give us a beefed up drive panel and a redesigned transmission/chain case cover for next year please
Shouldn't be too much heavier! 
I dunno, but it sounds to me like your bike was well used before the kit got installed. I know of 20 kits that ride hard alot, and none have seen a clutch issue yet. I bet you aren't buying "motorcycle" specific oil are you, and your probably running some aftermarket clutch.. I think with some limited intake changes to your bikes in general the kits result in happy customers.
Going out for a picnic are ya bud? (reference to the cooler on the back).. Holy crap, you have alot of extra weight on that thing. At least I know my bike is 2nd heaviest out there now.
Rush 44 & others
Never had to leave the bike on the mountain due to a bent side panel, but almost. Jumping on the tunnel with the bike hanging with a tree was not cool. Got the track turning again eventually.
Anyways, I got very bored of unbending panels after hitting bumps in the snow. Decided to replace the front end of the drive side panel with a plate of 5mm alloy. Leading edge reinforced with an additional layer. No lightening holes mean it packs up quickly with snow, but it certainly doesn't bend any more. I will probably start drilling some holes in strategic places... Definitely not around the mounting holes, a weak point in the original panel.
Modifying the chain case cover to deflect vs impact seems to work very well - No damage to sprockets and no dented covers. Mounted on rubber anti-vibration blocks to allow some "give" in the system.
The bike weighs a bit more, but as mentioned light is good until you gotta walk. The original stuff bends too easily for isolated riding IMHO.
Idler sprocket in alloy since they break. Some would say the should've been adjusted correctly, but why not bulletproof aluminium? Finally, bearings.
The issue is alignment, not corrosion. The bottom sprocket taking a decent impact will also kill the bearing. Can't do much about that, but for the others self-aligning bearing 1205 is the same dimension as 6205s and seems to work.
So, Timbersled - Thanks for the MH, it's great fun but reliability needs to be improved. Give us a beefed up drive panel and a redesigned transmission/chain case cover for next year please
P
portgrinder
Well-known member
Ide like a setup that rode more like a bike, not like a bike with a 4ft swingarm extension.
Would be nice to brap the front up over things. Or be able to hold it wide open in 4th on a rough trail and get right over the tank like a desert bike. I think the only way to do that is have it pivot at the swingarm
For me it seems like a great early season or powder sled but it needs some more mx traits to make it more fun in spring.
Would be nice to brap the front up over things. Or be able to hold it wide open in 4th on a rough trail and get right over the tank like a desert bike. I think the only way to do that is have it pivot at the swingarm
For me it seems like a great early season or powder sled but it needs some more mx traits to make it more fun in spring.
MH SX or Frozen Moto or UFO, are the kits for you.
J
JimBridger
Well-known member
I'd like to have more options for gearing, Stronger side panels, the adjustable knobs like on the real mountain tamer skid, a redesigned spindle and fork attachment, billet with plastic inserts on the flex arm adjustment ( those plastic pieces are way to flimsy.) A harder material for the dual skag, And lastly splined hardened shafts with better bearings.
Hard pack 'ride ability '
I know it is a mono ski and accept the fact that is steers like a shopping cart at 60 mph in a parking lot ... But somewhere ... Somehow ... Some smart guy should be able to come up with something that offers better stability on the trail. Whether we like it or not we all have to spend some time on the trail getting to the powder and hills.
I know it is a mono ski and accept the fact that is steers like a shopping cart at 60 mph in a parking lot ... But somewhere ... Somehow ... Some smart guy should be able to come up with something that offers better stability on the trail. Whether we like it or not we all have to spend some time on the trail getting to the powder and hills.
Those complaining about trail manners need to know the 2014 kits is light years ahead of my old 2011 in handling. I am running trails at whatever speed I am able, more relaxed in control.
Great work TS
Great work TS
D
DieselTwitch
Well-known member
My only problem is with the vulnerability of the chain case and right side cover. Other than that I love the performance. It's a new sport. Can't really compare it to snowmobiling or dirt biking. It's going to be awesome to see what happens in the next few years.
P
portgrinder
Well-known member
I've got a '13 LT kit with the new ski and single runner center, not the new one. on a kx500af.
got about 10 mountain rides on it now, first year ever riding one. rode lots of sleds and lots of bikes.
i hafta say if you cant ride it on the trail, can't handle the front ski ect...you're probably just not that good of a rider yet. sorry, just the truth.
We have a saying around here. Quads are just for guys who cant ride dirtbikes. i think it holds true in the winter too.
took me about 10 rides, but now i can go as fast down the trail in almost any conditions as i did on my sled. you get used to the longer rear end even though its not ideal.
To keep my buying a TS kit, and not any of the newer interesting ones out there i would be looking for:
-more weight transfer
-lets get serious and sort out the flimsy rear tunnel
-sort out a way to haul more fuel, the mtn addiction can is C+ at best
-better shocks
All in all its a pretty nice product. time to start working on quality now is my vote. Make it look like it was engineered by an engineer, not a farmer.
got about 10 mountain rides on it now, first year ever riding one. rode lots of sleds and lots of bikes.
i hafta say if you cant ride it on the trail, can't handle the front ski ect...you're probably just not that good of a rider yet. sorry, just the truth.
We have a saying around here. Quads are just for guys who cant ride dirtbikes. i think it holds true in the winter too.
took me about 10 rides, but now i can go as fast down the trail in almost any conditions as i did on my sled. you get used to the longer rear end even though its not ideal.
To keep my buying a TS kit, and not any of the newer interesting ones out there i would be looking for:
-more weight transfer
-lets get serious and sort out the flimsy rear tunnel
-sort out a way to haul more fuel, the mtn addiction can is C+ at best
-better shocks
All in all its a pretty nice product. time to start working on quality now is my vote. Make it look like it was engineered by an engineer, not a farmer.
