Snow Biking?

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toyotajeep

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I have been always thinking about this. I have a spare motorcycle or three and I'd like to try snow biking. Decent rider, and I can pick up a kit for $1500-ish bucks for one of my older bikes.

Is it really as great as everyone says? At least initially I would likely be riding around home (2-3 miles from home but close enough). Not going to be riding in huge groups etc. Likely will see some good depth of snow, but not not riding 30 miles off road in 10' of powder.

Thoughts on the ride? Is it really that awesome? Waste of time compared to a snowmobile?

Just thinking as snow is getting closer.
 
Squamch

Squamch

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Everyone I know who has one loves it.
Everyone I know who has a sled loves it.
Everyone I know who has a sled or snowbike has a helicopter flying buddy that has done recoveries for their group.
The internet suggests that its really hard on bike's engines.

I would like to try one.
 

toyotajeep

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Squamch said:
Everyone I know who has one loves it.
Everyone I know who has a sled loves it.
Everyone I know who has a sled or snowbike has a helicopter flying buddy that has done recoveries for their group.
The internet suggests that its really hard on bike's engines.

I would like to try one.
Click to expand...
Yes agreed. I actually do know one guy (in his 60's) who has one. I will ask him as well. I have an older KTM RFS era bike that has a stroker kit and is real clean. Found a complete kit for around $1500. Thinking pretty hard. I know that you do not want to kick start one in 3' of powder that is for sure but mine has electric.

The cats meow seems to be a modern 450 with EFI and all the warmers etc. Just not sure that I want to spend 10K or so on this endeavor.

As you say, some people say a sled does most of it and is way easier. Other people say that the maneuverability of the bike exceeds the fun of sled power.

I do know that if you have a catastrophic issue you're really screwed....
 
Squamch

Squamch

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toyotajeep said:
Yes agreed. I actually do know one guy (in his 60's) who has one. I will ask him as well. I have an older KTM RFS era bike that has a stroker kit and is real clean. Found a complete kit for around $1500. Thinking pretty hard. I know that you do not want to kick start one in 3' of powder that is for sure but mine has electric.

The cats meow seems to be a modern 450 with EFI and all the warmers etc. Just not sure that I want to spend 10K or so on this endeavor.

As you say, some people say a sled does most of it and is way easier. Other people say that the maneuverability of the bike exceeds the fun of sled power.

I do know that if you have a catastrophic issue you're really screwed....
Click to expand...


Chuck hardr on hipstergram has a bunch of videos of setting them up and common problems. The heaters and covers to keep them warm is a strange juxtaposition from normal 450 life!
 

Steve300xcw

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Everybody I have met, who has had one. Loved the thing. Like alot :laughing:

They also all have pointed out that its not really a thing you do solo unless you are just ****ing around a play area. As you tend to do stupid **** with them, and the bikes/you generally dont break down near the truck
 
JayMcJay

JayMcJay

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I rode (rental) one once during a epic powder day.
It was an absolute hoot.
That's about all I have to add on the subject.

Oh, I also wouldn't want to be out there alone.
 

SomeGuyFromOlympia

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I rode a sled once for about 100 yards and immediatly turned around and parked it. I had to give it back or I was going to buy one
My love in life is MX, and I can't imagine blending those together and have it not consume you :laughing:

also, a break down is a scary thought out there by yourself


OP should get one and report back
 

toyotajeep

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Steve300xcw said:

Facebook

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I asked a few questions. I’ve been thinking for about a year of getting rid of my RFS bike and my newer husky and combining into a newer 500 and just having one.

I do have a few concerns, though, as I think the load is pretty high on snow bikes as far as wear and tear. We’ll see what he says.
 
JayMcJay

JayMcJay

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yeah, it's gotta be a VERY heavy duty cycle.
That track takes a ton of power to turn, and they're not fun unless the snow is deep!
You'd want to maintenance like it's an MX bike I'd think.
 

toyotajeep

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Well, his response was kind of I don’t really wanna sell it. Not sure on hours one poor picture. I’m not interested to be honest. I don’t think he’s interested either.

Must be a wife is making him sell it not sure😊
 
JayMcJay

JayMcJay

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My buddy built up a 500cc 2-stroke KTM timbersled, but he just sold it.
Would have loved to try it!
 
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