Timbersled Review

A Timbersled is a unique conversion kit designed to turn a dirt bike into a snowmobile-like “snow motorcycle,” commonly known as a snow bike. The package contains a ski and a narrow track mounted on a specially designed skid. The latter replaces the back wheel while the ski replaces the bike’s front wheel. This conversion can be done in about three hours, even in your garage. Yes, it’s as simple as it sounds!

The main advantage of this conversion is that it is entirely reversible. Therefore, you can use the bike in the snow through the winter and transform it back to a dirt bike after snow season ends.

If you invest in a snow bike, you will have two vehicles in one! This setup offers less maintenance, lower running costs, and easier storage. 

Storing a large snowmobile through the off-season is always a headache. But if you choose a dirt bike over a sled, all you need to store is the ski and the rear assembly.

On the other hand, snow bikes are pretty expensive, have limited capacities, and offer a vastly different riding experience than regular snowmobiles.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and take a closer look at the history of Timbersled!

History of Timbersled

Who Invented Timbersled?

The Timbersled was invented by Allen Mangum and his wife, Natasha. The couple founded their company to develop and manufacture aftermarket suspension systems for high-performance snowmobiles. These advanced front and rear suspensions helped deal with the ski lift on the powerful sled. Along with suspension systems, Allen started modifying and building mountain sleds, and later his attention turned towards snow bikes.

When was the Timbersled Invented?

According to the manufacturer, the Timbersled was officially invented in 2009. While the idea came up in 2008, Allen built the first Timbersled prototype in 2009. One year later, in 2010, production was started in Ponderay, Idaho.

Does Polaris own Timbersled?

Yes, after a couple of years of production, Polaris acquired Timbersled. The industry-giant powersport manufacturer discovered the potential of this unique product and grabbed the opportunity to buy this amazing brand. It seems it was right, as many riders say that snow bike is the future of snowmobiling!

What year did Polaris Buy Timbersled?

Polaris acquired Idaho-based Timbersled Products, Inc. in April 2015. After the acquisition, the founder Allen Mangum didn’t leave the industry. Instead, he joined Boondocker as a fifty-percent business partner in 2017.

How Much did Polaris Buy Timbersled for?

There’s no clue to how much Polaris bought Timbersled for, as the financial details of the sale were not disclosed. But considering that Polaris estimated that the market potential of snow bikes is more than a whopping $1 billion, the price was certainly no small amount!

FAQs About Timbersled Kits

What does Timbersled RIOT mean?

Simply put, Timbersled RIOT is the brand name of the Timbersled kits with 120” tracks. These short snow bike tracks are playful, maneuverable, and offer easy handling.

According to the company, this setup offers the closest riding experience to a dirt bike!

What does Timbersled ARO mean?

The Timbersled Aro family is considered to be the “long track Timbersleds.” The available track sizes in this lineup are 129” and 137”. They are designed to optimize the performance, which results in lively rides and a generally better deep-snow experience.

What was the First Year of the Timbersled Aro?

The Timbersled ARO line debuted in 2017, followed by the RIOT in 2019.

Are Timbersled Systems Universal?

Yes, the good news is that Timbersleds are entirely universal. However, keep in mind that you will need a special “install kit” for the installation, which is already bike-specific!

How Long does it Take to Install a Timbersled?

As a rule of thumb, installing a Timbersled system takes about three hours. However, it depends on many factors like your skills, tools, and the type of bike you have.

What is TSS Timbersled?

Tibersled TSS, which is more commonly known as Timbersled Suspension Strut shock, is an aftermarket performance rear suspension. It’s specially designed for snow bikes to work together with the rear suspension system in the skid. The TSS air-filled aftermarket shock provides 70 percent more suspension travel than a regular unit, which results in advanced performance and handling.

Where are Timbersleds Manufactured?

Timbersled snow bike kits are designed and manufactured in Sandpoint, Idaho.

How Much is a Timbersled?

Timbersled prices range from $2,000 up to $7,500, but this price only applies to the system without the dirt bike! You can find out more about snow bike prices in this post.

Snow Bike vs. Timbersled – What is the Difference?

Timbersled is the brand name of a snow bike kit family manufactured by Polaris. However, it seems this trademark has become a victim of genericide. Therefore, the term “timbersled” is often used generically to refer to any type of snow bike.

The same thing happened with the brand name Jet Ski, the registered trademark of Kawasaki PWCs (personal watercraft).

Since Kawasaki was the first commercially successful manufacturer, the term “jet ski” became very well-known and is being used by the public and the mainstream media for any brand of PWCs.

Conclusion – What is Timbersled?

Timbersled is the most well-known snow bike kit manufacturer right now. The company was founded in 2002, but the first Timbersleds only hit the market in 2010.

Five years later, the company was acquired by Polaris, who still manufactures these fantastic products.

References:

Polaris Timbersled

Mountain Sledder

The Business Journals

If a snow bike is your cup of tea, but the price is off-putting, you may be able to find a snow bike rental shop near you to get your fun in. Here are some of the following places to check out!

Snow Bike Rental Shops Near Me: California

Tahoe’s Best Adventure Rental
Truckee, Ca.
530 386 2952
https://www.tahoedirtbikes.com/book-now/#timbersleds

Tahoe Dirt Bikes offers rentals of all types, from dirt bikes to street bikes to UTVs to side-by-sides and more.  The Truckee ranger district in the Tahoe National Forest helps run Tahoe Dirt Bikes and outfits with special use permits to offer customers a safe and fun off-road excursion.

Whether you are new to the venture or an expert, there are rentals and tours available to all. Rentals are supplied with goggles, helmets, gloves, boots, chest guards, knee/shin guards and elbow guards. Consumers bring the clothing.

Tahoe Timbersled Rentals
Truckee, Ca.
530-386-2952
http://www.tahoetimbersledrentals.com/

The Tahoe Timbersled Rentals shop has multiple Timbersleds to rent out that are outfitted with fuel-injected Yamaha 450s with Mountain Raw 120 kits. You can also rent snowmobiles if you’re going to enjoy the winter season.

Snow Bike Rental Shops Near Me: Oregon

Cascade Snow Bike
Bend, Or.
541-728-1119
https://cascadesnowbike.com/

The leading source of snow bike rentals, conversions and guiding of the Pacific Northwest can be found in Bend at Cascade Snow Bike.  Among their snow bike rental fleet are the Timberseld snow bike and Yeti Snow MX kits that can be attached to the Husqvarna and KTM motorcycles.

With Cascade Snow Bike, you can rent machines and gear that have been properly outfitted and have a guide who knows the area to show you around the backcountry. They also have special use permits that allow visitors to get a unique look at the winter background safely while maintaining the respect for it.  Ask a guide to come along with you to explore the Cascade Mountains while you ride a snow bike.

Snow Bike Rental Shops In Montana

SnowBike Nation
Kalispell, Mt.
https://www.snowbikenation.com/

SnowBike Nation, located outside Glacier National Park, has a love and respect for the SnowBiking sport. Its team of professionals are very passionate and want to share their love with other enthusiasts. At SnowBike Nation, the staff can personalize a tour for your SnowBike trip needs.  You can take advantage of its single-day or multi-day tours.

The rental shop also offers a great deal of warm and comfortable gear to keep you safe while on your excursion. The tour may also include food and lodging at the 5-Star House (it comes with a hot tub).

Check out the following YouTube video to learn more.

Other Rental Shops:

Action Rentals Montana
Whitefish, Mt.
406-820-1945
https://www.actionrentalsmt.com/snow-bike

Snow Bike Rentals In Utah

TRAX PowerSports
Provo . Morgan . Bountiful. Bear River Lodge, Ut.
801-447-5544
https://www.traxpowersports.com/snowbikerentals

There are a plethora of machines offered to snow lovers at TRAX PowerSports. The shop offers snow bikes and snowmobiles for anyone who wants to have fun in the winter season. What fun you can have by powering through an open field filled with snow or taking a slow ride to see what the backcountry scenery is like.

TRAX PowerSports uses the most up-to-date snow bike and snowmobile machines. Most snow bikes have the Yamaha YZ450 attached. The snow kits can turn the dirt machine into a snow carver within no time.

Other Rental Shops:

Ride Rentals
Salt Lake City, Ut.
(801) 671-4687
https://utriderentals.com/

Utah Enduro Adventures
Salt Lake City, Ut.
https://utahenduroadventures.com/product-category/snow-bikes/

The Cabins at Bear River Lodge
Kamas, Ut.
801-798-1008
https://www.bearriverlodge.com/snowmobilerentals

Snow Bike Rentals In Colorado

Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals
3 locations: Buena Vista, Vail / Minturn, Red Cliff, Co.
https://rmar1.com/timbersled-rentals/

Two brothers were the brains behind the start of Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals. Since its establishment, it’s become one of Colorado’s leading outdoor recreational shops. The shop is focused on offering education and safety to its customers and using sustainable practices. The highly knowledgeable experts at RMAR are a reputable source of information regarding the area while also ensuring only the best machines to drive.

The staff at RMAR look at themselves as being “custodians of the public land.” It is why they provide in-depth training to all riders on how to be safe and maintain the land.

When you visit RMAR for equipment rental, you can rest assured that you only get the best machines that arrive from Polaris Motorsports. Each piece of equipment is professionally cared for after every rental. Check out the YouTube link to learn more.

Vali Extreme Rentals
Vali, Co.
https://www.vailextremerentals.com/rentals/

The experts at Vali Extreme Rentals permit its customers to choose their next excursion on whatever schedule they want to abide by. It doesn’t offer any guided tours, which means you can ride at the speed you feel comfortable at.  You can go however fast or slow you want. All you need to do is tell Vali Extreme Rentals what you want out of your experience. They can offer you options with area descriptions and maps.

Vali Extreme Rentals has many machines to choose from, including but not limited to: timbersleds (snow bikes), dirt bikes, snowmobiles, scooters, e-bikes. Check out the different snow bile rentals they have to offer at http://vailsnowmobilerentals.com/product-category/winter-rentals/snow-bike-rentals/.

Throttle Therapy Rentals
Arvada, Co.
(720) 224-3122
https://throttletherapyrentals.com/

Get some outdoor therapy at Throttle Therapy Rentals, using any of their snow bikes to enjoy the snowy countryside that makes up the Rocky Mountains. If you don’t want to go it alone, and you don’t have to, take a group of friends or your family and go riding together.

Throttle Therapy Rentals offers unguided timbersled and Jet Ski rentals. When you need a little downtime from the busy life in Denver, this is the place to check out for your winter and summer fun.

Durango Adventure Rentals
Bayfield, Co
970-335-9311.
https://durangoadventurerentals.com/timbersled-snow-bike/

Timbersled Snow Bikes are the latest winter recreation fun to enjoy regardless of you’re an avid fan of dirt bikes or snowmobiles. If you’re uneasy driving a snowmobile, the Timerbland is less cumbersome to handle and is very comfortable on the body.  Within a couple of hours of driving or riding one, you’re going to wish you had your own.

A Timbersled rental may be the best choice you make on your next winter excursion.

It’s a lightweight machine with lots of load power, and when combined with a plethora of snow, it’s not hard to understand why everyone is talking about it. Go places that snowmobiles can get to – tight spaces between trees, jumping off cliffs or steep sidehills. You can conquer even the most extreme terrain.

Check out Durango Adventure Rentals line of products and have fun in the Rocky Mountains driving a snowbike rental. There are no guided tours, allowing you to go at the pace you feel comfortable at.  When you go back home, you’ll have the memories to remember and stores to share.

Snow Bike Rentals In Wyoming

Togwotee Mountain Lodge
Moran, Wyo.
866 278 4245
https://www.togwoteelodge.com/

Near the Jackson Hole in Wyoming is the Togwotee Mountain Lodge, where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. Here, you can enjoy the wintertime scenery snowmobiling or snow biking. In the summer, do a little hiking around Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. There is much to see and do in this part of Wyoming; you’ll never be bored. Check out the following YouTube video to learn more.

Bucky’s Outdoors
Pinedale, Wyo.
(307) 367-4561
https://www.buckysoutdoors.com/rentals

Since 1961, Bucky’s Outdoors has been helping people enjoy the great outdoors.  The shop became a Polaris dealer in 1975 and is also now a Husqvarna Motorcycle dealer (2014). The company sells all kinds of sports machines, from snowmobiles to motorcycles to ATVs and more. It also offers accessories, parts, clothing and other gear. 

Bucky’s Outdoors will also provide tune-ups and specializes in high-altitude set-ups and more.  Check out this video to learn more about Bucky’s Outdoors.

Snow Bike Rentals In Idaho

CM Backcountry Rentals & Adventure
McCall, Idaho
https://www.cmbackcountryrentals.com/

There are many wide-open spaces in the backcountry of McCall that can be enjoyed all winter long.  Snow bikers can start their snow adventures in November, riding along the forest roads and into May.  The area of McCall is regarded as a snow lover’s winter utopia.  In fact, the town takes part in the Winter Carnival’s National Snow Bike Race Series, which happens at the end of January or the first part of February. 

Finally…

The U.S. has many places to enjoy the winter fun when the winter season is upon it. If you enjoy the fun times that snowmobiling has to offer, consider taking advantage of snow bikes. If you don’t have a snow bike rental near you, just go to Google and type in “snow bike rental near me” to locate the one closest to you.

And, if you like the idea of snow bikes, you can also create your own out of dirt bike with the help of a snow bike kit. Check out the fun you have with a dirt bike in the winter! You’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it sooner!

If you are wondering what type and brand of bikes are most commonly used for snow bike conversions, this post is for you.

We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all of them under one roof!

Factors to Consider When Selecting the Bike

Since turn-key snow bikes aren’t available off the shelf, the only way to get one is to build your own machine. There are many important factors to consider when it comes to selecting the best bike for a snow bike, but the most important ones are as follows:

• Engine power
• Weight
• Compatibility
• Price and availability

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about each in one in detail!

Engine Power

Powersport vehicle riders are typically looking for the most powerful engines, and snow bikers are no exception.

More engine power always results in more fun and safety. You never know when you’ll get into a situation in which you will need some extra HP!

This is why the most commonly used bikes for snow bike conversions are the 450-550cc, 2-stroke machines. These bikes crank out about 45-55 HP, which is significantly more than you can expect from a 250-300cc bike.

Keep in mind that you can expect a completely different performance on a track compared to wheels. This means that after the conversion the bike will be much less powerful.

Why?

This is because the track is large, heavy, and has a lot of drag, which robs engine power.

As a rule of thumb, riding on the snow always requires much more engine power, which is why regular snowmobiles come with high-performance engines.

What’s more, don’t forget that snow bikes are typically ridden in the backcountry. If you’re also heading into the mountains, you will need a powerful engine that offers adequate climbing ability.

You will also appreciate the extra power when you find yourself in a deep powder. Small dirt bike engines can’t handle many situations, so you may end in a stuck machine or even have engine damage.

Finally, even if you find a small-bore dirt bike fun at first, once you become more experienced you can easily get bored with it.

That’s why you should stick to the 450-550cc bikes, especially if you want to primarily ride off-trail!

Weight

Another reason why 2-stroke bikes are the best choice for snow bike conversions is their low weight.

The weight of a 450-550cc 2-stroke snow bike is in the ballpark of 280-320 pounds. In contrast, 4-stroke snow bikes with the same displacement often can reach the range of 350-370-pounds.

And this difference is always huge in deep snow!

It’s safe to say that most snow bikes are built using 2-stroke machines, and there is a good reason for that.

They are lively, lightweight, and offer great power to weight ratio.

Compatibility

Snow bike kits are typically universal, meaning that they can be mounted on all major dirt bike brands.

However, they always come with an install kit, which is already bike specific. (Sometimes this kit is sold separately.)

Before you make your purchase, you need to make sure that the installation kit is available for your bike or the bike you’re going to buy.

While most tracks fit on bigger (450-550cc) bikes, compatibility can always be an issue on a smaller bike.

Keep in mind that only certain tracks, especially the shorter ones, are compatible with small-bore bikes.

Since they have lower performance, they can’t drive large heavy tracks.

Price and Availability

To the greatest regret of many fans, snow bike kits come with hefty price tags. Many of them cost as much as a brand new snowmobile!

And besides the conversion kit, you also have to budget for the bike and some gear as well. To the greatest of many fans, dirt bikes are not cheap either.

So, if you are on a budget, you can consider buying a used bike as your first machine.

Which is the Best Bike for a Snow Bike?

If you are looking for the best bike for a snow bike conversion, best practice is to stick with 450-550cc 2-stroke machines from the major brands. These are respectively Beta, KTM, Husaberg, Husqvarna, and the “big four” (Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha). When it comes to specific models, some of the most popular bikes used for building snow bikes are as follows:

• Husqvarna FC450
• Yamaha YZ450FX
• Kawasaki KX450F
• Honda CRF450
• Honda CR500
• Husaberg FE 570
• KTM 450SX
• KTM 500 XCW (4-stroke)

Sure, there are many other great bikes out there for this purpose, but this list may help you get some idea.

Many riders say that one of the best dirt bikes that can be used to build a snow bike is the fuel-injected Yamaha YZ450.

It’s not only affordable but also known for its great reliability.

Keep in mind that if you want to ride in the mountains a fuel-injected engine is a must.

Another game-changer on snow bikes is the electric start. While kick-starting the bike is not an issue on flat terrain, it can be quite tricky after falling into deep snow or on a steep slope.

Are 250cc Bikes Sufficient for a Snow Bike?

As a rule of thumb, 250cc bikes are not recommended for a snow bike conversion. Although a few snow bike tracks can be fitted on a smaller 250cc dirt bike, its poor performance can be an issue in deep snow or on a steeper hill. And the last thing you want in these situations is a weak engine! However, if you ride primarily on flat terrain (especially on trails) then you may be happy with a smaller engine.

The main problem with small-bore bikes is that they usually do not have enough power to drive long tracks. And as we know short tracks don’t do a very good job on powder.

The general rule is that the average 450-550cc bike cranks out 45-55 HP, while the 250cc bikes provide only 40-45.

At first glance, the difference is not huge, but once you try to climb a steep hill you will realize why you need the extra power.

Because of the drag, driving the track of a snow bike is much harder than a rear wheel. Therefore, tracks are pretty hard on the engine even on bigger bikes.

Therefore, small-bore snow bikes work only on flat terrain and you should certainly avoid them if you want to ride in the mountains.

Besides, once you get some experience, you will instantly need more power to go more extremes. And it may happen sooner than you think!

Between these two worlds, you can find 300 and 350cc snow bikes. Some riders say that they could be a compromise as they work well under certain conditions.

But again, if you want to regularly ride in deep powder or on steep slopes, you should stick to one of the most powerful 2-stroke bikes.

Conclusion

Experts and riders agree that the best bikes for a snow bike are the 2-stroke 450-550cc dirt bikes. If you want to ride in higher elevations, you may want to go with a fuel-injected engine. An electric start can also make your job easier when you have to start the machine in deep snow. Regarding brands, it’s recommended that you select from the fleets of the major manufacturers. You can’t go wrong with one of these brands: Beta, KTM, Husaberg, Husqvarna, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, or Yamaha.

Keeping weight in mind, best practice to use a 2-stroke bike for the conversion. They are livelier and have a much better power-to-weight ratio compared to 4-strokes.

Although you may find a few 250 and 300cc snow bikes out there, keep in mind that they are recommended only for trails and flat terrain.

This is because their engines offer lower performance, which can be an issue in the mountains. When it comes to climbing or riding in very deep snow, you need a ton of engine power!

Besides, don’t forget that the tracks are very heavy, so the engine has to work much harder on snow than on dirt.

If you ride a small-bore snow bike very hard, it can lead to faster wear and tear or even a seized engine.

As a final word, more engine power always means more fun, more versatility and higher safety.  That’s why you should stick to the bigger 450-550cc bikes!

If you want to find out more about average snow bike dimensions and weights, this post is for you.

We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled them all under one roof!

Snow Bike Track Dimensions

Snow Bike Track Length

Just like snowmobile tracks, snow bike tracks also come in different dimensions. As a rule of thumb, the most common snow bike track sizes are 120”, 129”, 137”, and 141”. If your kids are also interested in riding, the good news is that kid snow bike tracks are also available for the smallest 110cc dirt bikes. These tracks like the Timbersled Ripple are only 90-100” long.

The 120” track length is considered to be the shortest snow bike track, which is recommended for trails and other hard-packed surfaces.

In contrast, the more popular long snow bike tracks are typically 137-141” long. These tracks are designed for riding in powder and on steep hills. That’s why bikes with these tracks are often referred to as “mountain snow bikes” as well.

Between these two sizes, you can find the 129” track, which can turn your dirt bike into a crossover snow bike.

Just like crossover sleds, these snow bikes do a good job on trails and in deep snow as well.

It’s safe to say that the 137” track size is the most popular among riders, and with good reason.

As Timbersled’s slogan (“Anywhere You Want to Go”) suggests, snow bikes are primarily designed for backcountry riders. These machines are pretty lightweight and easy-to-handle, which is why they work well in deep-snow conditions.

What’s more, it’s good to know that snow bikes are not allowed on all snowmobile trails. This is another reason why most snow bike riders are heading to the backcountry!

How Wide is a Snow Bike Track?

The majority of snow bike tracks are about 10-12.5” wide. The short (120”) tracks are typically 10” while the width of long tracks (137” and 141”) is about 11.5-12.5”. The smallest snow bike tracks for kid bikes are usually only 7” wide.

Snow Bike Track Lug Sizes

When it comes to track dimensions, the sizes of the lugs are no less important. The general rule is a long snow bike track typically comes with 2.5-3” lugs while the short tracks feature 2.25-2.5” lugs. The smallest tracks for kid bikes are usually designed with 1-1.25” lugs.

Keep in mind that the dimensions of the lugs can significantly influence the riding experience.

Long lugs do a good job in powder but cause a rough ride on a hard-packed surface.

Let’s move on and take a closer look at the average snow bike dimensions!

Average Snow Bike Dimensions

How Long is a Snow Bike?

As a general rule, the overall length of a snow bike is in the ballpark of 10-11 feet. The overall length of the machine is strictly dependent on the dimensions of the dirt bike as well as the size of the track. Some approximate examples of the overall length of snow bikes:

• Husqvarna 510 + short track (120”):  cca. 10.5 feet
• Honda CR500 + long track (137”): cca. 11 feet
• KTM 530 + long track (137”): cca. 11 feet
• Suzuki RMZ 450 + long track (137”): cca. 10 feet 2 inches

If you want to measure your bike, keep in mind that the overall length of a 120” snow bike track is about 65-66” while a 137” track is about 72-73”.

The shortest snow bike tracks for the 110cc kid bikes are about 46” long.

How Wide is a Snow Bike?

Since the tracks aren’t wider than the base dirt bike, the width of a snow bike is always equal to the width of the original bike. Therefore, an average 450-550cc snow bike is about 32-33” wide.

How High is a Snow Bike?

To the greatest regret of short riders, snow bikes are very high. First, most dirt bikes used for this conversion have a seat height of 37-40”. On top of that, with the track installation the seat of the bike rises slightly higher. Because of this, the seat height of a snow bike is typically around 40”.

But don’t worry, as these machines balance themselves very well at standstill. The track is wide enough to offer reasonable support for the entire bike and keep it balanced.

This means you can sit on the seat with both of your feet on the foot pegs, even if the machine is not in motion. Unlike a regular motorcycle, it doesn’t tip over!

However, it requires some learning and practice until you get used to it.

But if you feel snow bikes are too tall for you, don’t worry.

You can still lower the seat on a snow bike with some tweaking like adjusting the limiter strap or replacing the shims in the suspension.

With these simple tricks you can drop the seat a couple of inches. But if you want to lower the seat even more, it’s recommended that you consult with a professional.

There are rumors that it’s possible to go as low as 30” or even lower. However, it definitely requires some expertise.

A lower saddle on a snow bike may come in handy especially if you want to ride in powder.

This is because if you jump off the saddle into deep snow, getting back onto the bike can be difficult.

Snow Bike Dimension Chart

For your convenience, we’ve listed the average snow bike dimensions in one chart:

The chart is for informational purposes only! For exact specifications please contact a snow bike kit manufacturer.

How Much Does a Snow Bike Weigh?

Let’s move on and take a closer look at the average weight of a snow bike!

Snow Bike Kit Weight

To calculate the weight of the entire machine you need to beware of the weight of the kits. The overall weight of a snow bike kit ranges from 110 pounds up to 140 pounds. The weight of the ski is only 15-16 pounds, while the entire rear assembly weighs about 95-120 pounds depending on the track dimensions.

The majority of long snow bike tracks weigh 130-140 pounds with the skid. In contrast, short tracks are slightly lighter, as they weigh only 95-100 pounds.

Overall Snow Bike Weight

The most popular snow bikes are built on 450-550cc 2-stroke dirt bikes, which typically weigh about 240-250 pounds. As a general rule, to calculate the weight of a snow bike, you have to add 40-70 pounds to the weight of the bike. Therefore, you can expect the overall weight of a snow bike to be in the ballpark of 280-320 pounds.

To be more precise, here’s the formula for calculating a snow bike’s weight:

Snow bike weight = dirt bike (240-250 lbs.) – rear assembly and wheels (cca. 70 lbs.) + conversion kit (110-140 lbs.)

Based on this formula, a short track means an additional weight of 40 pounds, while a long track is about 70 pounds.

Since most of these machines are equipped with long tracks, it’s safe to say that the majority of snow bikes weigh 300-320 pounds.

In contrast, the weight of the lightest mountain snowmobiles starts at 408 pounds.

Sure, 4-stroke snow bikes are always significantly heavier. For instance, a KTM 690R snow bike weighs about 350-360 pounds.

Dimensions of Timbersled Tracks

Timbersleds are arguably among the most popular snow bike conversion kits on the market. Let’s check the dimensions of these kits!

Timbersled Track Length

Timbersled tracks are available in the following lengths: 120”, 129”, 137”, and 93” (for kid snow bikes).

How Wide is a Timbersled Track?

Nearly all full-sized Timbersled tracks are 11.5” wide, except for the Timbersled 120 SX, which is only 10” wide. The kid-size Timbersled track is only 7“ wide.

Timbersled Kit Weight

The weight of Timbersled kits ranges from 72 up to 138 pounds. For your convenience, we’ve compiled the weight of these kits into one list:

• Timbersled Riot 3 weight: 138 lbs (front 16 lbs, rear: 122 lbs)
• Timbersled Aro 3 weight: 136 lbs (front: 16 lbs + rear: 120 lbs)
• Timbersled Aro 137 weight: 133 lbs (front 16 lbs, rear: 117 lbs)
• Timbersled Aro 129 weight: 129 lbs (front 16 lbs, rear: 113 lbs)
• Timbersled Riot weight: 126 lbs (front 16 lbs, rear: 110 lbs)
• Timbersled 120 SX weight: 110.5 lbs (front 16.5 lbs, rear: 94 lbs)
• Timbersled Ripper weight: 72 lbs (front 13 lbs, rear: 59 lbs)

Conclusion

Depending on the dimensions of the dirt bike and the track, you can expect the overall length of a snow bike to be in the range of 10-11 feet.

The main advantage of these bikes is arguably their light weight, as they are only 280-320 pounds. In contrast, regular snowmobiles are as heavy as 400-650 pounds!

Snow bikes are smaller and lighter compared to snowmobiles, which results in easier handling.

That’s why these amazing machines are gaining in popularity!

References

Timbersled

Cascade Snow Bike

If you want to learn more about the performance of snow bikes, this post is for you.

We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know under one roof!

What Does the Top Speed of a Snow Bike Depend On?

The top speed of a snow bike depends on five main factors, which are as follows:

1. Performance and features of the dirt bike
2. Gearing
3. Track design and dimensions
4. Overall weight of the machine
5. External factors (altitude, temperature, terrain, etc.)

When it comes to the top speed, the biggest factor that affects it is arguably the performance of the engine.

Most snow bikes are built using 450-550cc dirt bikes, which typically produce only 45-55 HP. In contrast, snowmobile engines crank out 65-211 HP.

That’s why sleds are much faster!

Just like on regular dirt bikes, you also have an opportunity to play with the gearing. However, you can’t expect a miracle from this modification.

If you really need more power, you should consider some aftermarket performance mods.

If you are curious about the performance of a turbocharged snow bike, don’t miss this video!

As in the case of snowmobiles, the design and dimensions of the track can also affect the available speeds.

Short tracks are smaller, lighter, and feature smaller lugs, so they need less power to reach the same speed.

As a general rule, short tracks corner better and go faster on hard-packed surfaces.

Furthermore, the overall weight also matters. The weight of a 2-stroke snow bike ranges from 280 up to 320 pounds, while a 4-stroke can exceed the 350-pound limit.

Don’t forget that your weight and the gear you carry also affect the performance, and finally the speed.

Last but not least, the top speed of snow bikes is also dependent on many external factors like the terrain, temperature, and altitude. A big differences in altitude can be an issue especially on carbureted bikes.

Let’s move on and take a closer look at the top speeds of different snow bikes!

How Fast do Snow Bikes Go?

It’s safe to say that nearly all snow bikes are built using 450-550cc, 2-stroke dirt bikes. These machines produce 45-55 HP and top out at 80-100 mph on dirt. But surprisingly converting them into a snow bike cuts their top speed in half. Therefore, the average snow bike can only go as fast as 40-60 mph. It’s safe to say that the majority of them top out at 40-50 mph, so only the most powerful or modified bikes can hit the 60 mph mark.

This shocks many performance-minded riders who are used to the high speeds of their bikes. But unfortunately the large track and the snow robs engine power, which finally results in lower speeds.

The lack of power and speed can be an issue on the trails but don’t forget that snow bikes are designed for backcountry riders.

In powder lower speeds are not such a big problem, as bikers typically prefer to play around instead of maintain higher speeds.

Riding a snow bike at full throttle for an extended period of time is not a great idea anyway. Why?

First, a snow bike doesn’t feature any fairings, so you are completely exposed to the cold air. Since it provides less stability than a sled, riding a bike too fast can even be dangerous.

Too much speed can be an issue especially on trails where the front ski tends to follow the grooves.

Last but not least, don’t forget that 2-stroke engines are more sensitive for WOT (full throttle) operation compared to 4-strokes.

Running a bike too long at WOT can cause its engine to run lean or overheat. In the worst-case scenario, it may end in a seized engine!

Conclusion

Most snow bikes offer a top speed of 40-50 mph, while a few powerful models can hit 60 mph.

Since their engines produce only 45-55 HP, they are far less powerful than regular snowmobiles. This results in lower top speeds.

Nevertheless, riding a snow bike is really fun. They are typically used in the backcountry where the lower top speed is not such a big deal!

If you’re hesitating between a snow bike and a snowmobile, you are in the right place.

We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled the key differences of these machines into this comparison post!

Snow Bike vs. Snowmobile

Snow Bike vs. Snowmobile Comparison Chart

Without further ado, let’s compare the key specs of these two machines head-to-head!

This chart is for informational purposes only! Snow bike weights and dimensions are calculated based on 450-550cc dirt bikes.

Snow Bike vs. Snowmobile: By the Numbers

There’s no question that the biggest difference between snowmobiles and snow bikes is their different sizes and weights.

Snow bikes are typically 120-130” long while the overall length of mountain sleds ranges from 130 up to 175”. Snowmobiles are also significantly wider (42-50”) compared to bikes, which are only as wide as 32-33”.

The track of snow bikes is also significantly smaller and lighter, and they feature only one ski.

Don’t mention their weight!

You can expect the weight of the average mountain sled to be in the ballpark of 400-500 pounds, while snow bikes weigh about 280-320 pounds.

Thanks to their lightweight and small body, snow bikes are much more nimble and playful!

But there’s a lesser-known disadvantage of snow bikes. Since they are built on bigger 450-55cc dirt bikes they typically feature a very high saddle.

The seat height of these machines ranges from about 37” up to 40” or more.

This can be an issue, especially for shorter riders!

Another common complaint about snow bikes is their low speeds.

Unlike sleds, which come with powerful engines and the flagship models can reach a top speed of 100-120 mph, most snow bikes top out at only 40-50 mph.

A few of them can reach 60 mph even in stock condition, but this is not typical.

Finally, don’t forget that snow bikes feature tiny gas tanks with a capacity of only 1.5-3 gallons.

According to RoadRunner, snow bikes get about 10-25 mpg, which results in a very low fuel range. This is why carrying extra fuel on a snow bike is a must on longer trips!

In contrast, snowmobiles are manufactured with much larger, 9-12-gallon fuel tanks.

Although they can burn more gas in powder than bikes, thanks to this fuel capacity you can expect a better fuel range on them.

Let’s move on and talk about the riding experience!

On the Trails

“Anywhere you want to go” – This is the slogan of Timbersled, which suggests that snow bikes are primarily designed for off-trail riding.

And yes, you can really go anywhere you want on a snow bike, except for state trails!

This is because snow bikes can’t be ridden legally on trails. Why?

Simply put, snow bikes are not legal on state trails because they are not originally designed for riding on snow. They also lack lights and feature completely different controls than sleds.

Dirt bikes just like most motorcycles feature a manual transmission, which requires you to shift the gears manually.

In contrast, snowmobiles come with a CVT clutch, so they work basically like an automatic motorcycle.

But even if they were legal, snow bikes don’t really do a good job on trails.

They are much slower than sleds, so they typically lag behind if they are riding in a mixed group. And being much slower on the trails than sleds is never safe!

What’s more, don’t forget that unlike snowmobiles, bikes don’t feature any windshields or fairings.

This means they don’t offer any protection, which leaves you completely exposed to the cold and wind.

This is not an issue on a backcountry ride as it involves lower speeds and more physical effort, which can keep you warm.

In contrast, when you ride fast on a trail the cold air continuously hits you, which can be very uncomfortable.

On top of that, just as snowmobile skis tend to dart, the ski of snow bikes is also prone to following the ruts on the trails.

But since the bikes are much more unbalanced, there is a higher risk of the ski ripping out, which can lead to an accident.

This is another reason why riding a snow bike at high speeds on a trail is not a good idea.

In Powder

Although they are not the best on trails, snow bikes shine in deep snow and on mountains.

Compared to snowmobiles bikes are lighter, more nimble and easier to maneuver. Therefore, they are playful, responsive, and really fun to ride!

Thanks to their easy handling, beginners can go further and higher on bikes than they could on a sled.

It’s safe to say that bikes can really do things and can go anywhere that sleds can’t.

Another key advantage of snow bikes is that unlike sleds they are less prone to getting stuck.

All of these are great points, especially for unskilled riders!

However, sinking with a snow bike is not impossible as you can see in this video:

On the other hand, keep in mind that snow bikes are very nimble, so you have to move more to control them.

This means snow biking can be a little more challenging, especially on harder terrain. That’s why snow bikes are so popular among younger riders!

But surprisingly, thanks to its lightweight, riding a snow bike is not only easier but leads to less fatigue as well.

Some riders say that the feeling they get of snow biking is halfway between riding a jet ski and a dirt bike.

Compared to bikes, snowmobiles are much wider and feature two skis and a wider track, which leads to better stability.

When it comes to climbing ability, riders say that snowmobiles do a better job. It’s especially true if you want to go straight up! Sleds are more stable, and their wider tracks offer better traction.

On steeper slopes, snow bikers prefer to ride in “figure-8” or side hill while going up. But don’t worry, as in most cases snow bikes can go up almost anywhere that sleds can go.

Since side-hilling with a bike is very close to normal riding, going uphill with a bike can cause far less fatigue.

However, it always depends on the terrain and snow conditions. No two hills are the same!

Since they are lighter and less exhausting to ride, snow bikes are certainly recommended for female riders as well.

Another key strength of snow bikes is their much narrower body, which comes in handy in densely treed areas.

You can easily snake the bike through these terrains as it’s much less likely you would get stuck or slam into a tree.

Finally, don’t forget that a snow bike can’t accommodate any passengers.

Sure, it’s quite rare to ride with passengers in the mountains, but snowmobiles can be used to carry other riders or gear if needed.

This may come in handy in emergencies, for instance if one of the sleds gets stuck or breaks down and towing it is impossible.

In such a case another snowmobile can carry the rider of the broken sled, which would be impossible on a snow bike!

Versatility

Many people say that snowmobiling is a declining sport, as today’s sleds have become too expensive and harder to maintain.

Another common problem is that there’s less and less snow each year, which means a shorter season for snowmobiles.

But thanks to their versatility, snow bikes can be used all year round. A shorter winter season only means that you have to replace the track with wheels on your bike earlier!

Unlike a snowmobile, it won’t sit and hog space in your garage most of the year.

Snow Bikes and Snowmobiles – Riding Together

Since snow bikes are gaining in popularity, you can see more and more of them riding together with sleds.

But do these mixed groups work?

Well, it always depends on the terrain and the riders, as a degree of tolerance is usually required.

Some riders say these machines can ride together without issues as bikes can keep up with sleds in most cases.

Sleds can go faster when climbing or in flat open areas, but tight places can slow them down. This means bikes can easily catch up with them!

In general, these machines take different lines as bikers prefer playing around in the bush while sledders typically head to the more open and “predicable” areas.

Because of this, some bikers claim that they can easily get bored when riding with sleds. Let’s face it, open areas don’t hold many challenges for a snow bike!

On the other hand, when it comes to climbing, bikes typically lag behind as they can’t go straight up on steeper slopes. Besides, they are also much slower on the flat.

So, it is not uncommon for sleds to wait for bikes, which can lead to frustration after a while.

Conclusion

When it comes to the evergreen snow bike vs. snowmobile debate, it seems there’s no clear winner here! It seems that both machines have their pros and cons.

As a takeaway, the main advantages of snow bikes are as follows:

• Smaller and lighter
• Easier to handle
• More playful and agile
• Riding it is less exhausting
• Offer more success for beginners
• Less prone to getting stuck
• Can go into tight places
• Takes up less space in the garage
• Can be used all year round

That’s why snow bikes are perfect for backcountry rides!

But don’t forget that snowmobiles also have their own strengths:

• Faster and more powerful
• Better for tricks and jumps
• Greater stability and reliability
• Better climbing ability
• Higher fuel range
• More storage capacity
• It can be towed if it breaks down
• Can carry a passenger in emergencies
• Legal on state trails
• Does a better job on trails

As a final word, don’t forget that snow bikes are primarily designed for riding in powder.

Therefore, if your area has a lot of trails but no mountains, you should consider a snowmobile instead.

Another important factor is what your friends ride. If all of your buddies have a sled, purchasing a bike may prove to be a bad decision.

Keep in mind that bikes are slower on flat areas or when going uphill. This means your buddies will have to regularly wait for you, which they may not be happy about.

This is our short snow bike vs. snowmobile comparison. We hope you find it useful!

References:

RoadRUNNER

RideMcCall.com

If you want to find out more about the average prices of a snow bike kit, you are in the right place.

We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled the average costs as well as current Timbersled prices under one roof!

How Much is a Snow Bike?

Since complete snow bikes are still not available off the shelf, if you want to own one you basically have two options.

You can build your own snow bike from a dirt bike or you can also consider buying a used one.

If you already own a dirt bike, the good news is that you only need to purchase the conversion kit.

The price of snow bike kits ranges from $2,000 up to $8,000 depending on the make and model. The cheapest snow bike kits cost around $2,000, but they only fit on the smallest 110cc kid dirt bikes. In contrast, the price of full-size snow bike kits can reach a whopping $4,000-$8,000.

Since the installation kits for snow bike tracks are always bike-specific, this means you have to purchase this kit separately. It may cost you an additional $250-$350.

As you can see, a snow bike kit isn’t cheap.

But your budget can skyrocket if you have to purchase a dirt bike as well! For a full-sized dirt bike, be prepared to pay about $8,000-$10,000.

So finally, the total price of a complete snow bike can range from $13,000 up to $18,000! In contrast, used snow bikes typically cost about $3,000-$12,000 depending on the bike’s age and condition.

Besides the bike and the conversion kit, don’t forget to budget for safety gear and proper clothing. They cost more than you think!

What’s more, if you want to haul your new bike around you will also need to invest in a decent snowmobile trailer as well.

Even if you only need a small single trailer, it may add another $1,500-$2,000 to your budget.

Are Snow Bikes Worth Buying?

Let’s face it, a complete snow bike is quite expensive. For the same price, you could purchase a decent brand new snowmobile! Then what makes snow bikes so consistently popular?

The answer is simple, since snow bikes can be used year-round, they are a much more cost-effective investment than a snowmobile!

Unfortunately, there is less and less snow in each season, which means that snowmobiles can run a shorter period of time each year.

But if you have a snow bike, a shorter winter season only means that you have to switch out the skis for wheels on your machine earlier!

Besides its versatility, there are many hidden advantages of a snow bike.

Thanks to its small dimensions and light weight, a snow bike can be loaded on a sled deck much easier. What’s more, if you have a larger pickup truck you can even haul it right in the truck bed.

No trailer, no worries!

On top of that, a snow bike features a much simpler design and burns less gas compared to regular sleds.

Therefore, they are easier and cheaper to maintain.

How Much Does a Timbersled Cost?

Timbersled is arguably one of the most popular snow bike kit manufacturers on the market.

Their products come with hefty price tags, but with good reason. Timbersled kits are known for their high quality and durability. Besides, the company offers a wide range of different kits for various riding conditions.

How much does a Timbersled cost? The price of Timbersled snow bike kits starts as low as $2,000 and goes up to $7,500. Here’s our list with the prices of some of the most popular Timbersled kits:

• Timbersled Ripper: $2,000 (for 110cc kid dirt bikes)
• Timbersled RIOT Sport: $4,000
• Timbersled RIOT Premium: $5,500
• Timbersled ARO 129 S Sport: $5,500
• Timbersled ARO 137: $6,000
• Timbersled RIOT 3 Premium: $7,000
• Timbersled ARO 3 Pro: $7,300
• Timbersled 120 SX: $7,500

Prices are for informational purposes only! For exact prices please contact a local Timbersled dealership!

Conclusion

To the greatest regret of many fans, out-of-box snow bikes are still not available. This means if you want to ride a snow bike, you have to purchase a dirt bike and a conversion kit separately.

As a rule of thumb, snow bike prices range from $12,000 up to $18,000. For this price, you can get a brand new dirt bike and a decent snow bike conversion kit. But if you’re a dirt bike owner just looking for a conversion kit, be prepared to pay about $4,000-$8,000.

Besides the machine, don’t forget to budget for the gear and the trailer, unless you want to haul your bike in a truck bed!

References

https://www.timbersled.com/