Snowmobile "Taiga": "Varyag 500" and "Varyag 550"

"Russian mechanics" - the most famous company for the development and production of snowmobiles in Russia. It functioned back in Soviet times. Then the first snowmobiles were released specifically for the opening of the Congress of the CPSU.

The manufacturer in general has almost a half-century history. During this period, snowmobiles were created, which provided the whole country, and other off-road vehicles. About snowmobiles "Buran" and "Taiga" then, probably, everything was heard. These models have long been the company's calling card.

The combination of the use of advanced modern technologies and reliable Soviet designs provide the technique with stability, strength and convenience. The characteristics of the products are almost the same as those of Japanese analogues, but it is much cheaper. Hundreds of thousands of units of winter cars came off the assembly line of the plant.

Among the wide range of technology, the snowmobile "Taiga Varyag" is interesting. According to the price category, this is the average model of winter all-terrain vehicles. This article is about our technique.

Snowmobile "Taiga 500": technical characteristics

"Varyag 500" became the third among his fellow men. The machine was created in a very short time due to the fact that the project has long been prepared.

Its engine is represented by a two-cylinder two-stroke unit with a volume of 503 cubic centimeters. It has an air cooling system and one good carburetor - RMZ 500. For fuel generation is now responsible for the Japanese manufacturer Mikuni, and for the electronic ignition system - Italian Ducati. But this company does not belong to Multistrada. They just have a similar name.

There is no electric start and a separate lubrication system in the snowmobile. The car is single, although space for the passenger is also allocated.

As for the chassis, the front shock absorbers got a stroke of 115 millimeters instead of 150 from the previous model. The rear suspension is also easier. But despite such a reduction in price, already in the basic configuration left heating pens. An important addition was the tall tubular steering wheel, which was borrowed from Tiksi. Thanks to this ergonomics has become very good.

Varyag 500 on tests

When testing the car it was noted that a simple suspension still affects the ride quality. But if you drive a problematic site standing, then the situation due to the high steering is easily straightened. On the other hand, a small mass easily takes height. At least, this impression is formed in comparison with how the other, heavier snowmobile "Taiga" behaves.

Reviews about it pilots say that the "Varyag" has proved to be a hardy and reliable car. This was evident when the pilots overcame a considerable distance with melted snow, as well as areas with a so-called frozen storm. All the tests the machine withstood dignity. Therefore, according to general opinion, simplification of details and cheapening of the device, with the exception of minor inconveniences, on the whole did not worsen its quality characteristics. But money can be saved decent.

Snowmobile "Taiga 550"

At the end of 2012, the model Varyag 550 V appeared. The car became comfortable, comfortable, while retaining its affordable price and unique functional qualities. Snowmobile "Varyag Taiga" received such components that are necessary for residents of the Central District of Russia.

In the North, the Urals and Siberia snowmobiles are used mainly for household needs, and in the middle zone they prefer to spend their leisure time. Therefore, the technique should have the optimum combination of comfort and small cost.

Specifications

The developers have tried to meet these requirements. Snowmobile "Taiga Varyag 550 V" received a telescopic suspension from his brother "Barca 850". As a result, the stroke was 277 millimeters. This front suspension has a horizontally located shock absorber, which is able to smooth out irregularities and add energy intensity.

The caterpillar grapple guarantees excellent cross-country ability in snow, excellent dynamism during acceleration and braking, as well as stable cornering. The high steering wheel adds ergonomics on one side and improves the appearance on the other. The developers emphasize that the model does not compete with the Varyag, but it is its special complete set.

Our Varyag and their ATV

On one of the tests it was decided to bring to the start a snowmobile "Taiga Varyag" and an imported quad bike with a similar engine. The track was a continuous mud stream. But the domestic equipment with dignity withstood the test, briskly behaving in direct areas, but yielding to maneuverability, since the snowmobile required a much larger radius for the turn. Quad bike, of course, won, but in one of the races it was not clear until the end, what technique will come to the finish line first.

Comparison with Yamaha

The only company that could successfully gain a foothold in the Russian market among budget snowmobiles is Yamaha Motor. She managed to even press the technology of the domestic company, in particular, the snowmobile "Taiga".

Reviews can be found in the comparison of the Viking and Varyag models. In general, according to many, it seems that they are similar in reliability. However, with a breakdown of domestic equipment, of course, it will be much easier to repair, since all the details are always available. But in the dealership of the "Japanese" something may not be. Because of this, the process of restoring technology can not only stretch out in time, but also cost much more.

At the same time, the ergonomics of the Viking clearly outperforms the Taiga snowmobile. Convenience for the pilot in the latter because of the weak suspension and too noisy motor work is an order of magnitude lower.