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Who is riding a UFO kit?

A

akopf

Free Member
Ok, I'm looking to get a snowbike kit next year. Who is riding a UFO kit? What do you think of it?
Is it worth the money?
Do you think it is all around better or worse then a Mountain horse?
How does it do in the powder?
Let's see some video.

Thanks for the information.
 
One of our Priest group has one.

He was out once. We will be out again later this week.

At this time it needs some adjustments, before a comment is in order.
Justin will be giving input to help us with set up.

It is unfair to compare to the MH with four seasons of refinements in the MH. And at this time, the standard is the MH.

Overall it is well put together, with rigidity exceeding current snowbike kits.
By using the Mountain Horse track and ski, which are proven components, the UFO has shown good intentions of building a quality product.
 
Yes, I do think the MH is a great kit, took one for a day ride last year, and two of my buddies have one. Just wanting more info, because it is up to those two kits, to buy next year. I do not want to pay out big money for something that does not work as well as the MH. I really like the seat height of the UFO, and the way the track is covered. It looks like you would not get as much snow thrown on the back side of the engine.

But like I said looking for information on the UFO kit, and video of the kit in action. I have been able to find a lot of information on the MH. Please let me know what your buddy thinks after it is setup.
 
retired motoman said:
He was out once. We will be out again later this week.

At this time it needs some adjustments, before a comment is in order.
Justin will be giving input to help us with set up.

It is unfair to compare to the MH with four seasons of refinements in the MH. And at this time, the standard is the MH.

Overall it is well put together, with rigidity exceeding current snowbike kits.
By using the Mountain Horse track and ski, which are proven components, the UFO has shown good intentions of building a quality product.
Click to expand...

I see what appears to be a used one for sale on craigslist in the Priest area - is that your buddies?
 
We were out today.

teal_210 said:
I see what appears to be a used one for sale on craigslist in the Priest area - is that your buddies?
Click to expand...
Yes it is.
He hauled it in to Justin (UFO builder) yesterday to get a redesigned skid frame installed at no charge. The new skid frame greatly improved the trail manners. When catching air it lands much softer without bottoming and now tracks well on the trail.

He has another appointment next week to get more upgrades, including revised gearing, skid frame, attachment brace change (will change the front mounting points) and longer rails. These upgrades are to improve the way it climbs on top of the snow.

It is nice to see Justin standing behind his product and updating the kit to improve the early season snow manners.
 
retired motoman said:
Yes it is.
He hauled it in to Justin (UFO builder) yesterday to get a redesigned skid frame installed at no charge. The new skid frame greatly improved the trail manners. When catching air it lands much softer without bottoming and now tracks well on the trail.

He has another appointment next week to get more upgrades, including revised gearing, skid frame, attachment brace change (will change the front mounting points) and longer rails. These upgrades are to improve the way it climbs on top of the snow.

It is nice to see Justin standing behind his product and updating the kit to improve the early season snow manners.
Click to expand...


I just got mine on my bike and haven't had snow to ride yet. Did he get a newer skid than the most current kits have? Mine arrived last week so I hope it is the most current design.
 
Better every ride.

Yesterday we changed a few things, set up wise. Today was the first time the UFO went everywhere all the MH's went. Seemed to climb on top of the snow better. Riding position (far back) helps greatly.
Justin is changing out the rails and mounting position of the skid frame(?), tomorrow. We will ride again on Thursday. Looking forward to seeing the improvement.
Better every ride.
Being a first year build it is a work in progress and progress is positive.
 
I just got mine bolted up and only have 1"of snow in the yard for testing but it feels a little low in the rear. Does it look like I should increase preload on the bike coil?

20131209_205134.jpg
 
More preload

We maxed out the preload with the stock KX shock spring. This helped it go in the powder.
From what I see happening is the bike bends at the swing arm pivot which causes the track to bore (submarine) into the snow and not climb out.
More preload keeps the bike level (parallel) with the track helping the track climb up and not bore. Huge improvement today.

Justin did swap out the skid frame and the new set up had the UFO shock reversed from stock. See pic. This would be a easy change for you.
This helped on its own, before we maxed out the KX shocks preload.

12.05.13 003.jpg
 
Mine came with the shock in that position. Maybe I got all the updates? I was looking at the suspension and considering a stiffer coil on the bike or shorter dog bones to increase ride height. Factory Connection is 10 minutes from me so I might haul it over there and see what they think about ride height. They even have a chassis dyno.

20131206_170004.jpg
 
I was very impressed with my UFO this weekend. I maxed the preload in the spring until Justin sends me the adjustable dog bones and it went great in the deep stuff. I race dirt bikes in the summer and have been riding Pro RMKs since they came out so I was hoping I wouldn't be disappointed. I would say I was satisfied considering I never unloaded my 13 Pro. This is the first snow bike I have ever ridden.

My thoughts now are to figure out how to get a Boondocker on it. I think with the higher ride height of the shorter dog bones and maybe a bigger bump stop there will be room under the fender

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I67vE1uPU8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

IMG_411191977943667.jpeg 20131215_140730-1.jpg
 
Last edited:
Stood next to a KTM 520 with LT yesterday, on the other side of the shop was a UFO on a YZF 450. Aesthetically, the UFO is much more appealing. Simple strong billeted aluminum just made the lines look so much cleaner. Like looking at a Porsche 911 vs a dodge power wagon with the LT. MH Still polished and well put together, and maybe much more durable. Just thinking if/when UFO comes out with a 137 they will put a serious dent in Timbersled's market share, if on snow performance is as good as better. Hope to demo ride a couple of each later this year. Competition is good for the consumer, just hope the price tag dos not keep going up with with the improvements. Safe to say most will be impressed when they see the UFO kit for the first time up close.

That being said, thanks to all for putting together such well built capable products. This time, the revolution WILL be televised! And it has begun!
 
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