The Comparisons
Photo credit: brewsterwest.com
Dirt Bikes
If you couldn't tell already, riding a snow-bike is very different than riding a normal dirt bike. The most noticeable difference is simply getting on and off. A snow-bike is wide enough that it will stand on its own in nearly all environments. When first getting on or off, the rider must trust that the bike will remain standing. Another large difference is the steering. A dirt bike requires a bit of leaning, but is very simple to steer. The combined length and weight of the rear end however, make the front ski of a snow-bike nearly useless on hard-packed surfaces. Once out in the deep powder however, a snow-bike becomes much more maneuverable. It is critical to lean into every turn, and stay active on the throttle, but once you get a feel for the way it handles, a snow-bike becomes quite manageable.
If you couldn't tell already, riding a snow-bike is very different than riding a normal dirt bike. The most noticeable difference is simply getting on and off. A snow-bike is wide enough that it will stand on its own in nearly all environments. When first getting on or off, the rider must trust that the bike will remain standing. Another large difference is the steering. A dirt bike requires a bit of leaning, but is very simple to steer. The combined length and weight of the rear end however, make the front ski of a snow-bike nearly useless on hard-packed surfaces. Once out in the deep powder however, a snow-bike becomes much more maneuverable. It is critical to lean into every turn, and stay active on the throttle, but once you get a feel for the way it handles, a snow-bike becomes quite manageable.
Photo credit: sleddermag.com
Snowmachines
A snow-bike may seem relatively similar to a snowmachine at first look. However comparing the two is like comparing apples and oranges. They are very different, however both have their areas of dominance. A snow-bike is substantially lighter, narrower, and in some instances, more maneuverable than a snowmachine. This means that in steep, heavily-treed terrain, a snow-bike will dominate every time. However the floatation and speed of a snow-bike is rather limited. Deep powder combined with steep, open-terrain is where a snowmachine will always outperform a snow-bike. In the end, the comparison comes down to rider preference. Each machine is unique, however both offer the potential to have endless amounts of fun.
A snow-bike may seem relatively similar to a snowmachine at first look. However comparing the two is like comparing apples and oranges. They are very different, however both have their areas of dominance. A snow-bike is substantially lighter, narrower, and in some instances, more maneuverable than a snowmachine. This means that in steep, heavily-treed terrain, a snow-bike will dominate every time. However the floatation and speed of a snow-bike is rather limited. Deep powder combined with steep, open-terrain is where a snowmachine will always outperform a snow-bike. In the end, the comparison comes down to rider preference. Each machine is unique, however both offer the potential to have endless amounts of fun.