Will a 250cc Dirt Bike Work Well as a Snow Bike?
At Timbersled, one of the most common questions we get is “Will my 250cc bike work as a snow bike?”. The short answer is yes, but to get the full picture join Brett Blaser as he goes into the finer details as to why 2- and 4-stroke 250cc & 300cc bikes perform with flying colors as a snow bike.
Ready to get started on your Timbersled conversion? Check out our current lineup to find the system that fits your riding style best.
Video Highlights
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Topic(s): |
110cc to 500cc dirt bike performance in the snow, 2-stroke vs. 4-stroke |
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Narrator/Persons featured: |
Former Timbersled Product Pro, Brett Blaser |
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Location(s): |
Timbersled Garage and mountains in Sandpoint, Idaho |
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Terrain: |
Meadows and mountains |
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Product(s) featured: |
2 and 4-stroke Husqvarna 250cc dirt bikes, 300cc 2 & 4-stroke dirt bikes |
Video Transcription
Brett Blaser: “So why do the smaller bore bikes punch well above their weight? Well, before I share what we’ve learned, I think it’s important to point out that Timbersled systems are universal and can be used with a myriad of different off-road and motocross dirt bikes. Install is quick and bolt-on easy. If you change bikes in the future, you can use the same Timbersled kit with your new bike. So, if you’ve got a 250cc or bigger dirt bike, there’s a great chance you can ride year-round with a Timbersled kit. You can use our easy tool at Timbersled.com to find your bike and to verify fitment.
In the last decade or more, we’ve converted and tested nearly every worthy motocross or off-road bike, from the little 110cc’s all the way up to the big bores. These are just a few of our current units. We’ve also built up several 2- and 4-stroke 250s, including these 2 Husqvarna 250s just for this video. Both the 2-stroke and a 4-stroke, and one with a horn and blinkers. We also have 300s and 350s as well.
Let’s talk about the 4-strokes first. The smaller bore 4-stroke engines spin between 2400 and 4300 more engine RPM than the bigger 4-strokes 450s and 500s. That’s a lot more RPM. Now all those extra engine RPMs help the smaller 250s and 350s generate impressive track speeds that keep them in the hunt with the bigger bikes. This is one reason why the short track Timbersleds work so well on the small bore 4-strokes, because these 250s, they love to rev out.
Now, from a horsepower perspective, some of the new 350s produce horsepower on par with the early generation 450s, which is pretty impressive. Now, a 250 isn’t going to out pull a 450 on a deep day up a steep ridge in the powder, but the 250s will hold their own with their lightweight power and gripping performance and because of a Timbersleds extreme side hilling capability, they get you to all the same places as the bigger bikes, you may just pick a slightly different line on occasion. The smaller bore bikes also have a lighter feel and they’re really agile and nimble. They can be less tiring to ride than the 450s which are more powerful, but they can also take more energy to hold onto.
And the great thing about riding Timbersleds is it doesn’t matter which bike you’re on; the fun factor is the same. It’s never worth missing a season just because you’re saving for a different bike. Ride the one that you’ve got.
So, what about the 2-strokes? Well, riding the 2-stroke 250 and 300s, it’s like opening a can of fun. There’s just something totally unique about the thrill and the sound of riding a 2-stroke and slicing through the woods, like a hyper-active ninja. It just puts a massive smile on your face.
Here’s some helmet footage I took while riding a 250 2-stroke so you can see exactly and hear exactly how potent a stock 250 2-stroke is in some great mountain terrain and powder. Imagine riding your bike in amazing terrain like this, just going anywhere. You’re no longer limited to the track or the trail, there’s no ruts, roots, or rocks, no logs, no dust, and better yet, no need to wash your 250 when you get home.
The 2-stroke 250s are incredibly light and really nimble and you instantly feel like Ronnie Mac as you shred through the tight trees in the powder. Personally, I ride my own 2-stroke in the winter and in the summer. You’re not going to set any records on a 2-stroke in the winter, but they’re just an absolute blast. So, don’t miss a winter. Set your bike up and ride.
So, let’s recap. The 250 and 300 2-strokes, and the 250 and 300 4-strokes, they’re great platforms for a Timbersled short track, especially if you already have one of these bikes or if you want a light weight, less intimidating bike for both summer and winter use. With their high horsepower and high RPM engines, the small bore 4-strokes generate impressive track speeds in powder. And the 2-strokes, well, ride one and you’ll see what I mean about opening that can of fun.
Now, we’ve had a lot of fun with these smaller bore bikes, both in the winter and in summer. So, don’t hesitate to setup your 250 with a Timbersled system. And if you decide on a new bike in the future, check the install kit page at Timbersled.com to get what you need to easily swap it over to your new bike. And if you stick with the same color bike, there’s a good chance you won’t need anything.
So, if you like riding dirt bikes at the track or out on the trails, you’ll absolutely love railing burms or carving lines through the trees on your own Timbersled. So, grab 2 buddies, put 3 snow bikes in the back of your truck and go see for yourself. The fun factor with these bikes is off the charts. Go to Timbersled.com or your local Timbersled dealer for more info or to test one this winter.”
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