Snowbike Track Speed: Spooling up a 120 short track
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- What size track do you ride? Maybe you are in the process of deciding what length to go with. In this video I'm on a 120" CMX snow bike kit on a stock KTM xcf450. While short tracks are generally capable of higher track speed and make easier handling snow bikes, they do have less traction and flotation than the maybe more popular 129 or 137 options. Riding a 120 requires way more rider input and throttle control through the terrain. But spooling up a "shorty" is just way too much fun! For me, crushing sub alpine lines with the ability to hold a higher gear really takes the snow mx experience to another level . I have a serious need for track speed.
When I switched from snowmobiling to snowbiking 7 years ago I rode and preferred a long track 137. With all the traction and float, I had found the ultimate pleasure in farming pow on my "tractor". Well one day I melted the hyfax on a long icy trail and had to switch to my 120 kit while I waited for new parts. At first I was really frustrated having lost so much of that traction I had grown to love. My 120 riding buddies who had a couple years experience on me laughed and explained how fun track speed is. I argued with them while I thought my day was ruined, wishing I was riding my tractor.
Then after a while I got used to the 120. With the handling improvement in the woods, I became hooked real quick. I had to spool up the track speed to get anywhere, but that became the fun part. It's a more aggressive way to ride a snow bike, but definitely now my preference on any day that's not extremely deep. At that point I was so stoked on the 120 riding experience, I changed my Instagram handle to @short___track.
In addition to a short track setup I prefer the tall handlebar risers available from C3 Powersports. I find the added leverage gives more control of the ski while technical woods riding and easier pull up on the wheelies. This also takes a bit of getting used to and I suggest giving the mod a full day if you're interested to see the different riding experience tall risers can offer. I didn't like them at first but by the end of my first day trying them I was completely hooked, and will never go back down in bar height.
CMX specializes in 120 kits. With the forward mounting position, 12 1/2" wide track and easy spooling , low resistance drive system...these are very fun snowbike kits to ride. From a short track rider perspective the CMX 120 offers the perfect balance of traction and track speed.
For all types of riders and all snow conditions, CMX offers 120", 129" and 137" track lengths:
crazymtn.com
Tall risers and much more at:
c3powersports.com
Follow cam shots by Kent Antoniak & Justen Trefry
I just read your description and it kind of makes me worried because I’m a new rider at 56 years old, I love snowmobiling but I bought me a 2020 CRF 450 L brand new and finally decided to get me a snow bike kit which I’m waiting for, it’s the rale Industries 120 MT, i’ve done mods to the bike to get more power and after 30 years of not being on a bike I’ve got 450 miles on this thing. Oh and by the way all of my previous experience was on street bikes so you could imagine how fun it’s been learning this thing at my age, can’t wait to get it in the snow though.
I'd be more excited than worried if I were you! The great thing about 120 kits is you can hold third, sometimes 4th gear when climbing. So much more fun than "tractoring around" in 2nd...(IMO). Doesn't take too long to get the hang of making track speed banging gears... while you have the handling advantage of a shorter bike. Easier riding in the woods, where snowbikes really shine.
Would love to see a direct comparison climbing between this and the Aro 127 or longer.
Just to see exactly how much that length costs.
Awesome that their are ways for old people to still enjoy the snow without the wear and tear on the body!
hahaha you're spot on. rider and filmer here both in the 50+ class
Years ago I had a Summit X which I had a blast on but these look so much more fun. The only thing I can say I wished they fix on both of them is the noise levels, I’m not one of these people that enjoyed them when I had one then try and stop everyone else as I get older. I’m also a very avid snowboarder and enjoy the tranquility of a bluebird fresh dump day, with the birds flying around and the occasional “WhooHoo”.
The other day I seen a company that makes smaller versions of snow bikes and one of them is electric, but I’m not an electric vehicle believer. What’s the run time in those cold conditions, two years from now is the company going to be closed and no replacement batteries available
120" for jumping!
if you dont have big pow and big hills would you only ride 120s? and whats most comfrotable on trails as far as track length (i dont expect anything as far as trail performance)
Shorter the better on hard pack and tight trails.
Didn't hear any spooling, what do you mean?
I'm using "spooling" as a descriptive word about making track speed here. Nothing to do with turbos in this context. This bike has a stock motor.
I think I just got a chubby sitting here on the couch watching......lol