When winter storms hit and driveways disappear under heavy snow, most people reach for traditional snow blowers. But there’s an innovative alternative that’s gaining attention among winter enthusiasts and DIY mechanics: the motorcycle snow blower. This unique combination of motorcycle power and snow-clearing capability offers an exciting solution for those looking to tackle winter weather with style and efficiency.
What is a Motorcycle Snow Blower?
A motorcycle snow blower is a custom-built or modified vehicle that combines a motorcycle chassis with snow blower attachments to create a mobile snow removal machine. These inventive machines typically feature a front-mounted or side-mounted snow blower mechanism powered by the motorcycle’s engine or a separate motor, allowing operators to clear snow while riding. Popular among creative DIYers and winter sports enthusiasts, motorcycle snow blowers represent the intersection of practical snow removal and recreational riding.
Types of Motorcycle Snow Blower Configurations
Front-Mounted Snow Blower Attachment: The most common design features a snow blower unit mounted to the front of the motorcycle, similar to a plow blade but with rotating augers that throw snow to the side.
Sidecar Snow Blower Conversion: Some builders attach a snow blower unit to a motorcycle sidecar, creating a three-wheeled snow clearing vehicle with improved stability on icy surfaces.
Motorcycle-Powered Walk-Behind Conversion: Innovative mechanics repurpose old motorcycle engines to power custom-built walk-behind snow blowers, creating powerful clearing machines at a fraction of commercial costs.
All-Terrain Snow Motorcycle: Modified dirt bikes or adventure motorcycles equipped with snow tracks and front-mounted blowers for extreme winter terrain navigation.
Benefits of a Motorcycle Snow Blower
Unique and Fun Approach: For motorcycle enthusiasts, a snow blower attachment allows year-round use of their beloved bikes while making winter chores more enjoyable.
Compact and Maneuverable: Motorcycles navigate tight spaces, narrow driveways, and confined areas more easily than bulky riding snow blowers or tractors.
Cost-Effective DIY Solution: Building a motorcycle snow blower from salvaged parts and an older bike can be significantly cheaper than purchasing new commercial snow removal equipment.
Powerful Snow Clearing: Motorcycle engines deliver substantial horsepower, providing excellent snow-throwing capability even in heavy, wet snow conditions.
Storage Efficiency: Unlike dedicated snow blowers that sit idle most of the year, a motorcycle with removable snow clearing attachments serves multiple purposes throughout all seasons.
DIY Motorcycle Snow Blower: Building Basics
Choose the Right Base Motorcycle: Older dirt bikes, dual-sport motorcycles, or affordable used street bikes make excellent candidates. Look for models with strong frames and adequate engine power (250cc minimum recommended).
Select Your Snow Blower Mechanism: Salvage a snow blower auger and impeller assembly from a non-functioning snow blower, or purchase aftermarket components designed for custom applications.
Design the Mounting System: Create robust mounting brackets using steel tubing or channel iron that securely attaches the snow blower unit to the motorcycle frame without compromising structural integrity.
Power Transfer Options: Connect the snow blower to the motorcycle’s power through belt drives from the rear wheel, hydraulic systems, or install a separate small engine to power the blower independently.
Add Stability Features: Install wider handlebars for better control, add weight to the rear for traction, consider training wheels or outriggers for balance, and use studded or chain-wrapped tires for ice grip.
Safety Considerations: Ensure all moving parts are properly shielded, install kill switches within easy reach, add bright lighting for visibility in winter conditions, and always wear appropriate cold-weather safety gear.
Popular Motorcycle Snow Blower Projects and Videos
The motorcycle snow blower concept has gained viral attention on YouTube and social media, with creative builders sharing their ingenious designs. From Harley-Davidson snow blowers to Honda dirt bike conversions, these projects showcase the creativity and mechanical ingenuity of winter DIY enthusiasts. Many builders document their process online, providing inspiration and guidance for others interested in creating their own snow-clearing motorcycles.
Commercial Alternatives and Inspirations
While true commercial motorcycle snow blowers are rare, several manufacturers produce motorcycle-style snow removal equipment including snow bikes with track systems, ATV snow blower attachments adaptable to some motorcycles, and compact tracked vehicles that blend motorcycle ergonomics with snow clearing capability.
Practical Considerations Before Building
Climate and Snow Conditions: Motorcycle snow blowers work best in areas with moderate snowfall and relatively flat terrain. Deep snow or steep inclines may require more substantial equipment.
Legal and Safety Regulations: Check local regulations regarding custom vehicle modifications and operation on public roads or sidewalks.
Mechanical Skill Requirements: Building a safe, functional motorcycle snow blower requires welding skills, mechanical knowledge, and engineering problem-solving abilities.
Maintenance Demands: Custom equipment requires ongoing maintenance, adjustment, and winterization to ensure reliable operation throughout the snow season.
Realistic Expectations: While incredibly fun and functional for appropriate conditions, motorcycle snow blowers may not match the efficiency of purpose-built commercial snow removal equipment for large areas or extreme conditions.
Cost Breakdown
Building a motorcycle snow blower can range from $500 to $3,000 depending on whether you’re using salvaged parts or new components. A used motorcycle suitable for conversion typically costs $300-1,000, salvaged snow blower parts run $100-400, mounting hardware and materials cost $100-300, and custom fabrication and welding adds $200-800 if not DIY.
Is a Motorcycle Snow Blower Right for You?
Consider a motorcycle snow blower project if you’re a motorcycle enthusiast looking for winter riding opportunities, enjoy custom fabrication and mechanical projects, have moderate snow clearing needs on smaller properties, want a conversation-starting piece of functional art, or appreciate unconventional solutions to common problems.
Ride Through Winter with Style
A motorcycle snow blower represents the perfect fusion of practicality and passion for those who refuse to let winter sideline their love of two-wheeled machines. Whether you’re building a custom snow-clearing motorcycle or simply appreciating the creativity of others who have, these innovative machines prove that winter weather doesn’t have to mean the end of riding season.
Ready to start your motorcycle snow blower project? Gather your tools, source your materials, and prepare to turn heads while clearing snow this winter season.
