Why Snow Check a Mountain Horse?

[Blaser]

We're getting a ton of good calls and emails about which version of Mountain Horse kits to Snow Check. We can see all the orders coming in, but we don't always know "why" people picked each kit.

If you've snow checked, post up what you ordered and why. "Why" would include things like riding style and ability, rider size, bike... those details others will relate to.

If you're on the fence and haven't decided which kit to Snow Check, tell us why you're not sure which model to pick.

This kind of discussion and reasoning will be very helpful for others who are on the fence between LT/ST/SX and TSS, and provide opinion "outside" of Timbersled. Even though we're always right... lol.

Thanks guys!
-Blaser

 

[Wheel House Motorsports]

I will be a riding a 2016 ST with TSS strut rod. getting strapped to a '15 yz450f when the snow flies.

im 155# in street clothes. I ride from the day the snow flies until the last flake is melted out of the hills. Deep or sun crusted/rotten junk. I don't care. I shoot for 50+ days a year no matter what.

After a lot of time on ST's in the past, and a smattering of hopping on an SX and an LT and commonly riding with both the choice for this season was clear. Although the suspension of the previous years SX had me hooked, the sacrifice on the deep days was not worth it for an all around rig. The LT is definitely king on the deep days but as a lighter rider the ST pushes me around surprisingly well and I didn't like the LT in lesser snow conditions.

Before the full lineup release for this year I was very torn on even upgrading. With the 2.5" track and TSS strut along with various other upgraded parts it became a no brainier. SX level suspension travel, increased traction, overall better kit design the '16 ST with TSS was now my obvious choice. It covered all of my want's from previous model years.

Now we wait! lol.

 

[Nytro71]

2014 WR450f

This is my setup
2014 YAMAHA WR450F
Grip hand warmers
Bark busters
Trail Tech Voyager GPS
Fork push button air release
GYTR RADIATOR GUARDS
GYTR FMF POWER CORE 4 EXHAUST
FASTWAY ADVENTURE FOOT PEGS
Grenade fuel cap Breather
ECU competition kit with YZ screw update
Thermo bob3 170 degree with temp sensor
Powermadd hand gauntlets
Outerwear prefilter
2016 Timbersled LT 137 with TSS
The reason I went with a longer track was because of my bike weight and I weigh about 180 pounds just figured that I needed the longer track to climb the mountains. I have friends with snow bikes and I have friends with moutain sleds that I will ride with And I wanted to make sure I would hang. This is my first adventure on a snow bike so I'm green to all of this.

 

[SEOINAGE]

Working on rebuilding my CR500 and converting to aluminum frame once motor is back.

TSS is for sure in. But debating between SX and ST. With the TSS it makes the ST a tempting option. I am still leaning towards the SX, and plan to snow check it with Honda red, with an added white tank if it lets me.

At times the LT tempts me just because my Father is in process of getting a 163 2.6 track put on his thundercat 1100. I know even then he would out climb me unless I was running a turbo.

But for the most part I want something extremely maneuverable that I can ride insanely fast, and take huge hits, and I can easily adjust the spring rate because I change body weight rapidly and frequently for powerlifting. I think the SX would suit me best, but the tempting part is the extra flotation from the ST, but that isn't enough to sway me away from the SX yet.

I could also try running an SX on my yz250 if I wanted to turn the 500 into more of a climber in the future. But that is a bit much invested. The 7k is already outrageous and the SO is going to probably kill me.

 

[lundracing]

Snow checked a 2016 ST kit with TSS. Will be putting it on a 2015 husky 450 FC. After doing the research I think the st kit will be for me for my first snow bike. I grew up with bikes but have not owned one for about 10 years. I am looking forward to switching it up from sleding. Almost went with the sx lt kit but price played a big part in it.

 

[MtnDoo]

As requested....

Seems like TS has a winner on their hands big time with these kits!

Looked into buying a used one. Wrapping up a few large over the summer for a used kit is tough to stomach(read: snake-eye from better 1/2).
Snow-checking the latest/greatest is more appealing.

Leaning towards snow check of the SX TSS for a 2007 CRF450r.
Why? Lighter/narrower, better handling, track for deep CO pow, out of the way of the heel of my boots.

Not quite sure why this is so expensive, seems like it should be priced like the other kits considering the trade-offs and the TSS now being offered separately. $7600 yikes. Honestly, that's carbon-fiber exotic, 45lb lighter Yeti territory. $135 jerry cans, dollies, tool boxes, fruit colors or logo'd bags don't do too much for me. Just want the bike to rip, and not break down.

Biggest concern is resale value (or lack-thereof). Seeing new 2015 ST kits are offered at $4k today, LT's a bit more. Seems like the product is still changing significantly each year. On one hand that's great - R&D dollars being spent. However, it's also a liability for an owner considering a $7600+ kit. At $6500 OTD, I'd bet TS would sell about 20% more of these. Not complaining, it's a hot product. Just sharing this buyer's view.

My $00.025 Hope this helps!

 

[Rush44]

Why snow check a new 2016? Because I only live once and who wants old stuff in the garage?

LT TSS. On a normal snow year the LT is exactly what I want for the steep and deep but I don't like how hard it is on your body come spring time. I'm hoping the TSS will smooth out the ride and give that extra layer of cush my back so desires.

I'm torn between a 2015 KTM 450SXF/XCF, 2015 Husky FC450, and 2015 YZ450F... so at this time I won't know what I'll have until prices shake out in the fall. I'm going to have to go with a vendor neutral color on my kit lol.

 

[Blaser]

Working on rebuilding my CR500 and converting to aluminum frame once motor is back.

TSS is for sure in. But debating between SX and ST. With the TSS it makes the ST a tempting option. I am still leaning towards the SX, and plan to snow check it with Honda red, with an added white tank if it lets me.

At times the LT tempts me just because my Father is in process of getting a 163 2.6 track put on his thundercat 1100. I know even then he would out climb me unless I was running a turbo.

But for the most part I want something extremely maneuverable that I can ride insanely fast, and take huge hits, and I can easily adjust the spring rate because I change body weight rapidly and frequently for powerlifting. I think the SX would suit me best, but the tempting part is the extra flotation from the ST, but that isn't enough to sway me away from the SX yet.

I could also try running an SX on my yz250 if I wanted to turn the 500 into more of a climber in the future. But that is a bit much invested. The 7k is already outrageous and the SO is going to probably kill me.

Wow. Your internal debate runs deep! Are you leaning toward the SX137? It sounds like that might be your compromise between handling and float; especially if it ends up on the big 500.
Snow type and consistency would play a big part in your decision if it was me. Rush chose the LT (imo) because he's in deep powder Montana country. And with TSS, he'll have plenty of suspension for all the jumps he likes to hit.
What snow type do you ride in?

 

[Blaser]

As requested....

Seems like TS has a winner on their hands big time with these kits!

Looked into buying a used one. Wrapping up a few large over the summer for a used kit is tough to stomach(read: snake-eye from better 1/2).
Snow-checking the latest/greatest is more appealing.

Leaning towards snow check of the SX TSS for a 2007 CRF450r.
Why? Lighter/narrower, better handling, track for deep CO pow, out of the way of the heel of my boots.

Not quite sure why this is so expensive, seems like it should be priced like the other kits considering the trade-offs and the TSS now being offered separately. $7600 yikes. Honestly, that's carbon-fiber exotic, 45lb lighter Yeti territory. $135 jerry cans, dollies, tool boxes, fruit colors or logo'd bags don't do too much for me. Just want the bike to rip, and not break down.

Biggest concern is resale value (or lack-thereof). Seeing new 2015 ST kits are offered at $4k today, LT's a bit more. Seems like the product is still changing significantly each year. On one hand that's great - R&D dollars being spent. However, it's also a liability for an owner considering a $7600+ kit. At $6500 OTD, I'd bet TS would sell about 20% more of these. Not complaining, it's a hot product. Just sharing this buyer's view.

My $00.025 Hope this helps!

We definitely hear you on the price and re-sale side. We debate a lot over what the effect of new tech will do to our previous customers- because we want everyone to be able to upgrade yearly.

But the super cool new ideas need to be on snow, and we all want to ride better Mountain Horse kits!

I haven't heard it mentioned: We didn't raise prices for 2016- even though we've made some significant changes. We're doing everything we can to keep new prices down.

We also listened and made the SX chassis more affordable with a standard Fit Kit (yes, and more expensive with TSS). The TSS SX137 comes out a few hundred over last years SX137. The SX uses upgraded Fox Float 3 Kashima shocks, includes a Fox pump, we have to cut down the tracks, and it's a lower production/higher build cost item. And it's wicked fun to ride. But that part is free...

Have you considered the LT with TSS for the deep Colorado powder?

-Blaser

 

[mtn-doo]

Why? - After spending some time on the new 2016 kits, it is clear to me they are a quantum leap forward. I could install the new Convex 2.5 and TSS on a 2015 and have huge advantages for sure, but there is so much more left on the table. I have closely watched the new front arm and suspension in action. It articulates in a way that feels amazing and allows it to get "on top" and maintain speed. The other factor is the suspension/track travel efficiency. I can hold a higher RPM everywhere. Getting the full 2016 for me is a must.

Which one? - I couldn't decide between the full LT for those occasional cold, deep, dry pow days, or the ST for the majority of the season. That's track length to decide. Next is width. The new 2016 ST and LT with the Convex track and pivoting arm "feel" and "roll" like the previous SX kits. They feel like you are on tires. Not that "flat footed" feel of the past. Also with TSS offering more suspension than the previous SX kits, the ST or LT with TSS became the obvious choice for me. Rounded, rubber tire SX "feel", in a wider track for a little bigger foot print. A win/win deal.

Conclusion? - I got both!!! lol I have a new 2015 Husky 450FC for the 2016 LT with TSS, and a ported, modded, 62HP KTM 330 for the 2016 ST with TSS. With this combination I will have my entire season, all conditions covered. I will spend 80% of my time on the 330 / ST combo. It is super aggressive, light, and super fast in steep technical conditions. I will spend the other 20% of my time on the 450f / LT combo for those few deep, cold, bottomless days. I bit the bullet with both so we, "family", will have a second set-up. My favorite riding buddy is my son Brian. Now we will always be able to ride together and with this unique combination of bikes and kits, have a pair that excel in every condition.

 

[camo323]

Blaser- Curious to hear your opinion on 2016 ST VS 2016 SX (handling wise). I prefer the handling advantage of the SX models compared to the ST models of 2015 and older.(I have a 15 sx that cant be upgraded to TSS...) Cant wait to see the TSS video you keep referring to.

Question- Are the eye to eye shock lengths (skid) on the 2016 SX and 2016 ST the same?

Thanks

 

[IceAge Performance]

We just got our 2016 ST floor model installed and have it side by side with a 2015 SX on the floor. The new track makes a world of difference and like Randy mentioned above. The SX was always super tire like mainly because the super narrow track created an easier to roll over flat bottom. Now with it rounded the ST rolls over like a dream.

As for how it will feel on the snow, we'll have them both out tommorow finalizing some testing on our nitrous kits. We had hoped we could get a TSS kit on the new kit out for testing but for now we will have a solid lineup regardless!

2013 ST
2014 ST
2015 SX
2015 LT
2016 ST


We will report back with our findings as we get back in the office!

 

[DenverSnowBike]

I chose to snow check a 2016 SX 137 w/ TSS...

My choice was fairly easy...I live in Colorado, I am going to see some deep pow pow days, I'm around 190#s in street clothes, so this is why I went with the 137 vs the 120.

I am a big moto guy, so to mimic the feel of riding a dirt bike is ideal for me. I am an aggressive rider, launching anything and everything. I need the SX for both of those variables.

The TSS should make this one hell of a ride!!

I am running a 2010 KX450 (fuel injected)...I'm going to throw a KMS turbo on it this fall.

I think with the new 2.5 track and the SX width the 2016s will run way better on a stock 450 than previous years. Most will still say under powered compared to the big 800 sleds but that's the only real comparison we can make.

I'm a big mod guy...and I like to rip anything I ride, so that's why I am going to go with a turbo.


I should also add....I snow checked and got a '16 because of all the great new stuff TS keeps coming out with. For previous year guys it does kind of suck that the technology keeps changing so much, but it's the nature of the beast right now. In a few years these kits will have all the bugs worked out of them and no huge year to year changes. Until then...we will keep emptying our wallets and praying!

 

[raytherace]

LT 2016 for me on my YZ450 turbo, cant wait to see what the 2.5" paddle can do !!

 

[Blaser]

Blaser- Curious to hear your opinion on 2016 ST VS 2016 SX (handling wise). I prefer the handling advantage of the SX models compared to the ST models of 2015 and older.(I have a 15 sx that cant be upgraded to TSS...) Cant wait to see the TSS video you keep referring to.

Question- Are the eye to eye shock lengths (skid) on the 2016 SX and 2016 ST the same?

Thanks

Owning the '15SX, you know how nimble they are. The new ST, having the curved Convex track, and the new rear suspension; feels better on the trail than it ever has. It's amazing how the curve and composition of the track makes such a difference in how much more nimble the ST feels. I would say the ST feels closer to the SX120 in handling than it ever has- but the SX120 is still more nimble, and the track does spool up a bit quicker.

Both kits are equal in strength and durability. .The SX has a more aggressive approach angle, and it's suspension differences make it easier to transfer and wheelie; but it still climbs- which is what I like to do.
I put the new Convex 2.5 track on my '15 SX and that made a massive difference in performance in all conditions.

I've ridden them all quite a bit, and you can see I'm still discussing with myself to some extent with which kit I like the best. When we go on demo rides I have just as much fun on whichever kit I'm riding. Overall, the 2016 ST is the all-around best do-it-all choice that will make any rider happy. The SX and LT models build off the ST platform and bring appeal to those that prefer a bit different flavor. How's that for vague specifics?
This is exactly why I wanted to hear everyone's opinions, and reasons why they snow checked the kit they did.

-Blaser

 

[mxracer299]

I decided on a LT TSS, I ran a SXLT this year and i LOVE it, with the new track on it, it is everything I could ask for, which is why I'm going to be keeping it in the household again this year.... just in case the LT isn't my thing. I havent rode a lt with the new track, but my sxlt with the new track would walk over the lts with the old track so im guessing the new lt will be another step better, but it may have too much traction for a 2 stroke? I went with the LT because I'm around 200lbs, our snow is usually deep and dry and my riding season is december-february, by march I'm too busy at work to get out much.

But like other people have said, every kit will get to the same place, they just all do it a different way. The sx's are still the most fun to ride imo... but im thinking the new track and suspension on the st/lt are closing that gap, maybe... haha

 

[Blaser]

I missed one question from above- the length of the SX and ST/LT shocks.
The SX shock length is longer than the ST/LT, but not by much: .00002

Mounting locations and shock angles are more responsible for the difference in travel and suspension action between the SX and the other kits.

-Blaser

 

[MtnDoo]

Lots of Timbersled kits @ The Ultimate Snowmobiler event today. PIC attached.

Crested Butte, CO

 

[Jakethesnake125]

What sparked my interest-

1.) The cool factor. These kits are so different and new and creative that its just cool to be able to try something that few others (in my area especially) will ever get to experience. Never be afraid of being different as long as you believe in the idea. Timbersled made it easy to believe in them.

2.) I can ride my dirtbike all year long. This in itself is a dream come true. I always found after riding bike all summer I would loose some skill over winter and have to re-learn or regain confidence at the start of the next summer.

Used VS New-
It would probably make sense for someone new to the sport to buy a used 15 kit, upgrade the track and add TSS. but its difficult to find used kits near me plus I wanted a sx kit and you can't upgrade them to have tss.
No matter what sport it is your going to have to pay a premium to be riding the newest best technology. In this case, the newest technology happens to be MUCH better than slightly older kits since the company is relatively new and things are changing rapidly in the snowbike industry. It really comes down to what you can afford.

Kit Selection-
I'm 150 pounds in normal clothes so I'm plenty light enough to get away with riding a st or 120 sx. I went with the 137 sx because I like to jump and if I feel comfortable and have an opportunity to go big I am going to take it and don't want my kit selection to hold me back. I also want the ability to play with suspension settings and see how it effects the ride. Another reason I went with the 137 over the 120 is because I don't think any kit will be that great to ride around the hard snow in MN (if we even get snow). It's really no different than people buying big 163' sleds that only get ridden 5 times a year out west. so why not go with the 137' and hope the mountains get a bunch of snow before you head west.

Conclusion-
the more I read about these the more I couldn't resist getting one. In the end I drank the TS coolaid and went with my gut.
This is just a very expensive experiment for me. I am way to curious of a person to not find out first hand what these kits can do. I'll ride this kit for a few years and if i think a 120 sx would be better I'll trade and get one. for now I want to start with something I know will climb well and go through pow so I can keep up with my sled friends on trips up the mountain.

I cannot stress enough how important the videos, pictures and forum/facebook responses from Timbersled and other members were to me deciding to buy a TS. I didn't have a chance to ride one so i had to do research get others opinions and make and educated guess.

-Jake

 

[IceAge Performance]

For those curious about the new 2016 kits and how they are going to stack up compared to the old ones. We did a lot of riding and swapping bikes this weekend and the 2016 ST from timbersled is a serious winner. We were able to ride from rock hard spring snow to 1' of fresh softer snow to get a feel for how the kit handles!
We did not have a TSS to test and hope it continues to add to the performance of these kits.

Heres what we found.

2.5" Curved track -

Pros
This is the biggest improvement to the TS kits since going to the 10" ski. Side by side with an '15 SX kit on the trail, we prefered the new ST. On the hard frozen morning we rode friday the new ST just glided around and felt impressively close to a wheel allowing you to easily carve around and not feel like your balancing and risking flopping over. the new 2.5" center paddles also hook up insanely well. They just keep digging away finding traction where the older kits tend to sign off and trench in. The ST is very close to previous LT's in traction. The new LT's should bring a whole new level of riding in the deep as well!

Cons
It doesnt balance on the floor quite like the older kits and you have to be a little more balance concious when getting on to take off. 1000 fold worth the gains in performance.


The reworked skid is also an astounding improvement in performance. It soaks up the bumps WAY better then previous ST kits. It does not buck nearly as hard off whooped out bumps in the trail. Without the TSS it is has almost bridged the gap to the previous SX for bump control. It "pops" better when hitting jumps, meaning you can jump it not just wheelie off obstacles like the older kits tended to. It also transfers weight far better. The kit allows the ski to actually be hopped over things where previously it stayed on the snow unless you hit a jump.

The traction of the new track combined with the performance of the new skid design has made for a much welcomed improvement to the Timbersled lineup!