Tag Archive for: dirt bike

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Which Transmission Oil For KTM Dirt Bike?

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AMSOIL 10W-50 Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil

A reader asks: I have a 2017 KTM 300 EXC. The manual calls for 15W-50 oil in the transmission. I see that AMSOIL has the Metric Synthetic 15W-50 Motorcycle Oil and the Synthetic Dirt Bike Transmission Fluid. Which is the best option for me?

Our answer: We have a third option that we think would be the perfect transmission fluid for your 2-stroke KTM. That would be AMSOIL 10W-50 Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil. We’ll explain why below.

Let’s take AMSOIL Synthetic Dirt Bike Transmission Fluid off the table for your application. The Dirt Bike Transmission Fluid was designed for Japanese-brand dirt bike applications that require an SAE 80 oil. Keep in mind that gear oils use a different viscosity scale to prevent confusion with motor oil. An SAE 80 gear oil is actually the equivalent of 30-weight motor oil (in terms of actual viscosity). Your model requires a heavier 50-weight viscosity.

AMSOIL Metric Synthetic 15W-50 Motorcycle Oil would certainly perform and protect very well. There would not be any harm in using this product. Metric 15W-50 is designed to deliver smooth clutch engagement in street bike applications. Again, it will work, but the Dirt Bike 10W-50 is designed for off-road service.

An Ideal Transmission Oil For KTM Dirt Bikes

AMSOIL 10W-50 Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil was designed for dirt bike transmission service. It fights clutch fade by dissipating heat. This allows for maximum clutch plate preservation. It also provides instant clutch engagement in tight off-road situations. Dirt bike transmissions are commonly put under extreme loads in mud, deep sand and other extreme conditions. This aspect was a main focal point during product development.

AMSOIL Dirt Bike 10W-50 will also protect gears during rapid shifting. The 100% synthetic formula provides smooth, optimized shifting performance.

Replacing a 15W-50 with a 10W-50 is a non-issue. Keep in mind that at operating temperatures, both products are a 50-weight oil.

In conclusion, AMSOIL Dirt Bike Synthetic 10W-50 was designed to hold transmissions together under the rigors of professional motocross racing. Therefore, it will be the perfect upgrade for your bike too.

 

 

 

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Kit Converts Dirt Bike Into Snowmobile

If you have a big bore dirt bike or motocross bike, you’ve likely got it winterized and safely tucked away for the winter. Timbersled offers a conversion kit that gives “winterizing” your dirt bike a whole new meaning. Their Mountain Horse Snow Bike conversion kits add a track, rear suspension and ski that converts your dirt bike into a potent and extremely capable snowmobile. Timbersled has been marketing these kits since 2011.

The $6000-plus price tag may be steep, but the result is very impressive. We got a close-up look at a Yamaha YZ450F conversion a few weeks ago and this rig is quite stunning to behold. The Mountain Horse kit is available in three configurations:

  • ST is a short-track kit designed for trail and general snow riding. It has a 120-inch-long track that is 12.5-inches wide with 2-inch lugs.
  • LT is a long-track version for serious mountain and deep powder riding. This version offers a 137-inch track length which is also 12.5-inches wide with 2-inch lugs.
  • SX is a 10.5-inch-wide version designed to deliver tight handling for snow-cross racing, rough hard-pack and serious ditch-banging.

Timbersled Snow Bike vs. A Regular Snowmobile

While these kits add around 60 pounds to a dirt bike, the total package is still lighter and more maneuverable than a regular snowmobile. A snowmobile has more shear horsepower and stability, but the Mountain Horse allows for tighter maneuvers and superior handling in off-camber situations. It also gives the rider the ability to slalom down mountain sides and navigate through very tight trails. A snow bike is not going to beat most snowmobiles in deep powder or compete in terms of all-day riding comfort, but it certainly does look like an adrenaline rush and a unique thrill. If you already have suitable dirt bike kicking around, it would be hard not to envision one of these kits on your ride.

How The Snow Bike Kit Installed?

To install the Timbersled kit, both wheels, both brake calipers, swing arm, shock and suspension linkage are removed and set aside until spring. A ski assembly is bolted onto the front fork and the rear track assembly is bolted to the frame. The rider has the option of connecting the track brake to either the rear brake pedal or front brake lever.

How Long Does It Take To Install The Timbersled Snow Bike Kit?

Timbersled tells us that the initial installation and set-up takes about 3 hours. Subsequent installations will take about 90 minutes.

Which Dirt Bikes Are Suitable?

Timbersled offers kits for most big bore (450 to 500cc) two-stroke and four-stroke dirt bikes from Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, KTM, Husaberg and Husqvarna. They also make kits for a few 250cc, 300cc and 350cc bikes.

Will A Snow Bike Kit Cause Engine and Clutch Wear?

One would think that cranking over that beefy track in deep powder all day would be hell on clutches and engines. Timbersled claims that bike wear is no different than in summer and that the dirt-free operation of winter actually makes summer vs. winter wear a veritable wash.

Availability for This Winter?

As we head into the 2014-15 winter season, apparently the ST and SX models are already sold out and a few LT kits are available. This concept is quickly gaining popularity and Timbersled is working hard to keep up with demand.

Judging by the looks of these snow bikes, it’s not hard to see why.

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