Moto365 Snowbike FAQ
What is a snowbike?
A snowbike is a dirt bike converted for winter use by replacing the rear wheel with a track system and the front wheel with a ski. The result is a lightweight, highly capable machine that can access deep snow and technical terrain that would be difficult or impossible to reach on a traditional dirt bike.
Why ride a snowbike instead of a snowmobile?
Many riders prefer snowbikes because they're lighter, more agile, and easier to maneuver in tight terrain. For dirt bike riders, the transition is natural since the riding position and controls are familiar. Snowbikes excel in technical terrain, tight trees, steep climbs, and deep powder while providing a riding experience that's hard to match.
How much does a snowbike cost?
The total cost depends on your starting point and goals. Typical investments include:
Dirt bike: $4,000–$12,000+
Snowbike kit: $7,000–$10,000+
Riding gear, avalanche equipment, and accessories
At Moto365, we develop a custom package for every rider based on your budget, riding style, and long-term goals.
Is a snowbike harder to ride than a snowmobile?
Most experienced dirt bike riders find the transition surprisingly easy. The riding position, controls, and overall feel are very similar to a dirt bike, making the learning curve much shorter than many people expect.
Can beginners ride a snowbike?
Absolutely. Many riders learn to ride a snowbike before ever riding a snowmobile. However, beginners should start in manageable terrain and ride with experienced partners whenever possible.
What is the best dirt bike for a snowbike conversion?
Several bikes make excellent snowbike platforms, including:
KTM 450 SX-F
KTM 500 EXC-F
Husqvarna FC450
GasGas MC450F
Yamaha YZ450F
The best choice depends on your riding style, terrain, elevation, and whether the bike will be used exclusively as a snowbike or for year-round riding.
What size bike is best for snowbiking?
For most riders, a modern 450cc four-stroke offers the best balance of power, reliability, and rideability. Riders looking for maximum horsepower often choose 500cc models, while lighter riders may be perfectly happy on a 250F or 350F.
Should I buy a complete snowbike or build my own?
If you already have a bike you know and love, adding a snowbike kit can be a great option. If you're looking for a dedicated winter machine, a purpose-built snowbike may be the way to go. Used snowbikes can also offer tremendous value and often include thousands of dollars in upgrades.
Our advice is simple: choose the option that you're most comfortable with. There is no wrong answer.
Can I finance a snowbike build?
In many cases, yes. Financing options may be available depending on the bike, kit, and dealer involved. Contact us to discuss current financing opportunities.
What size track should I choose?
For most riders, the MTN.TOP 126" x 3.25" track has become the industry standard. It provides an excellent balance of flotation, maneuverability, climbing performance, and playfulness, making it a great choice for approximately 90% of riders.
What is the difference between the MTN.TOP TRKSTR and TRANSFER?
The TRKSTR is the hot new thing. It's playful, responsive, and ridiculously fun to ride. If you love wheelies, side hits, technical riding, showing off for your buddies, or capturing epic clips for social media, the TRKSTR is your machine.
If your riding style is more focused on exploring new terrain, covering miles, and enjoying all-day adventures, the TRANSFER is likely the better fit. It offers a more predictable and confidence-inspiring ride while still delivering exceptional mountain performance.
Is MTN.TOP better than Timbersled?
Both systems are capable and have passionate followings. We carry MTN.TOP because we believe it offers outstanding performance, innovative design, excellent reliability, and incredible value. The best kit often comes down to rider preference, terrain, and intended use.
How long does it take to install a snowbike kit?
Most riders can install a kit in 2–4 hours once they're familiar with the process.
However, a complete build often includes accessories such as heated handlebars, thermostats, temperature gauges, GPS units, ECUs, exhaust systems, lighting, and protection components. A fully outfitted build can easily take 10–12 hours or more.
Can I switch between dirt and snow setups?
Absolutely. Most riders can convert their bike back to dirt configuration in a few hours, allowing one motorcycle to be used year-round.
Do I need special gearing?
In most cases, no. Modern snowbike kits work extremely well with stock gearing. Some riders choose to fine-tune gearing for specific conditions, but it's generally not required.
Do I need a thermostat on my snowbike?
We highly recommend one. Maintaining proper engine temperature helps improve performance, reduce engine wear, and extend engine life, especially in extremely cold conditions.
Do I need an aftermarket ECU?
Not always, but many riders choose to add one for improved throttle response, smoother power delivery, and better performance in varying elevations and snow conditions.
What modifications should I make to my snowbike?
Popular upgrades include:
Thermostat
Heated handlebars
Temperature gauge
ECU tuning
Exhaust system
Pipe guard
Reinforced foot pegs
GPS or navigation system
Tunnel bag or storage system
Auxiliary lighting
The best setup depends on your riding style and budget.
How much horsepower do I need?
Most riders find that a modern 450cc four-stroke provides excellent snowbike performance. These bikes offer a great balance of power, reliability, and rideability.
Can a 250F be used as a snowbike?
Yes. A 250F can make a great snowbike, particularly for lighter riders, beginners, and those riding at lower elevations.
Are two-strokes or four-strokes better?
Two-strokes are lighter, more playful, and often feel more nimble.
Four-strokes offer smoother power delivery, excellent traction, and strong reliability.
The best choice comes down to personal preference and riding style.
How deep of snow can a snowbike ride in?
A properly set up snowbike can handle several feet of powder. Snow conditions, rider skill, elevation, and machine setup all play a role, but snowbikes are incredibly capable in deep snow.
What elevation affects snowbike performance?
Higher elevations reduce engine power regardless of the machine. Riders who regularly ride above 6,000 feet often benefit from fuel and ECU tuning optimized for mountain riding.
Does rider weight matter?
Yes, but probably less than you think. Proper suspension setup, rider technique, and machine setup are generally more important than rider weight alone.
Does snowbiking put more stress on the engine?
The short answer is probably yes. Snowbikes operate under sustained load and often spend long periods working hard in deep snow.
That said, engines can last a very long time when maintained properly and operated at appropriate temperatures.
How often should I change the oil?
As a general rule, we recommend changing oil every two to three rides depending on ride length, snow conditions, and riding style.
How long does a snowbike track last?
Track life varies significantly depending on snow conditions, terrain, maintenance, storage, and riding style. With proper care, a track can provide many seasons of reliable performance.
What maintenance should I perform before every ride?
Before every ride, we recommend:
Check chain tension
Inspect ski spindle hardware
Check track alignment
Verify suspension settings
Check coolant level
Check engine oil level
Inspect all critical fasteners
A few minutes of inspection can prevent a long walk back to the truck.
Do I need avalanche gear?
If you're riding in avalanche terrain, absolutely. At a minimum, riders should carry a beacon, shovel, and probe and know how to use them.
Should I take an avalanche course?
Yes. An avalanche course is one of the best investments you can make as a backcountry rider. Knowledge and preparation are just as important as the machine you're riding.
How do I transport a snowbike?
Most riders use pickup trucks, trailers, or enclosed trailers. Specialized snowbike tie-down systems are also available to make transportation easier and safer.
Will a snowbike fit in my truck?
Most full-size pickup trucks can accommodate a snowbike with the tailgate down. Depending on the truck and setup, a bed extension may be beneficial.
Do you ship snowbike kits?
Yes. We ship snowbike kits, parts, and accessories throughout the United States. Many products can also be shipped directly from the manufacturer when available.
What brands do you carry?
We carry many of the industry's leading brands, including MTN.TOP, CMX, C3 Powersports, SXS, Mtn Addiction, Trail Tech, Pro Armor, Kolpin, and more.
Can you build a custom snowbike for me?
Absolutely. Custom snowbike builds are one of our specialties. Every rider is different, so every build should be too.
Where are you located?
Moto365 is based in Post Falls, Idaho, serving riders throughout North Idaho, Eastern Washington, Montana, and customers across the United States.
How do I get started?
Give us a call, send a text, shoot us an email, or reach out through social media. We'll help you determine the best bike, kit, accessories, and setup for your riding style and budget.