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My 2 cents
I started snowbiking with an 09 CRF450R, than an 11 300 XC and now a 19 Husky FX450.
IMO, a 450 MX/CC bike is the best snow specific bike, by far. I've ridden the 500 and it has good torque but I hit the rev limiter like crazy. 2000-3000 RPM less RPM to work with is annoying. The wide ratio box is also worse on snow IMO. I much prefer the close ratio. The 450s have more top end power, so don't confuse engine size with power.
However, a 450 makes the worst trail bike, by far. Awful IMO.
The thing no one else mentioned is the 4 strokes don't start in the cold during transport. My Husky makes me nervous if it rides in the back of the truck and its less than 10 F. I usually use my enclosed trailer just to eliminate no starts. I've had it not start below zero after an hour drive, even with a jump pack. Its a pain in the butt and something I never had to worry about with sleds. So, I recommend an enclosed trailer.
I put my Timbersled on my 300 XC and I fixed the cold start problem. Added a primer and it started right up below zero. My problem with the carb was running consistency. I had a carb heater but it always varied throughout the day. Never figured it out and gave up on it. When it ran good it was fine. Less power than a 450 but it still got around well. You just rode it like a 125 and do a lot more shifting and clutching.
Obviously the flip side is the 300 is the best trail bike, by far.
I would be interested to see how the TPI or now TBI would compare. I would much rather have the new TBI setup and premix personally. Also, even the XC gearbox was gappy. The SX would be nice but your top speed would be super low.
I'm half tempted to try a TBI, mostly because I'm a 2T guy anyway.
The 500 is probably the best compromise single purpose bike. Its very capable on single track and way better than a 450. Its not as good as the 450 on snow, but it still works well.
My ratings, Snow/Dirt
300 = 5/10
450 = 10/2
500 = 8/6
I started snowbiking with an 09 CRF450R, than an 11 300 XC and now a 19 Husky FX450.
IMO, a 450 MX/CC bike is the best snow specific bike, by far. I've ridden the 500 and it has good torque but I hit the rev limiter like crazy. 2000-3000 RPM less RPM to work with is annoying. The wide ratio box is also worse on snow IMO. I much prefer the close ratio. The 450s have more top end power, so don't confuse engine size with power.
However, a 450 makes the worst trail bike, by far. Awful IMO.
The thing no one else mentioned is the 4 strokes don't start in the cold during transport. My Husky makes me nervous if it rides in the back of the truck and its less than 10 F. I usually use my enclosed trailer just to eliminate no starts. I've had it not start below zero after an hour drive, even with a jump pack. Its a pain in the butt and something I never had to worry about with sleds. So, I recommend an enclosed trailer.
I put my Timbersled on my 300 XC and I fixed the cold start problem. Added a primer and it started right up below zero. My problem with the carb was running consistency. I had a carb heater but it always varied throughout the day. Never figured it out and gave up on it. When it ran good it was fine. Less power than a 450 but it still got around well. You just rode it like a 125 and do a lot more shifting and clutching.
Obviously the flip side is the 300 is the best trail bike, by far.
I would be interested to see how the TPI or now TBI would compare. I would much rather have the new TBI setup and premix personally. Also, even the XC gearbox was gappy. The SX would be nice but your top speed would be super low.
I'm half tempted to try a TBI, mostly because I'm a 2T guy anyway.
The 500 is probably the best compromise single purpose bike. Its very capable on single track and way better than a 450. Its not as good as the 450 on snow, but it still works well.
My ratings, Snow/Dirt
300 = 5/10
450 = 10/2
500 = 8/6
