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

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Russian Mechanics is the most famous snowmobile company in Russia. It functioned in the days of the USSR. Then the first snowmobiles were produced specifically for the opening of the congresses of the CPSU.

The manufacturer in general has almost half a century of history. During this period, snowmobiles were created, which provided the whole country, and other off-road equipment. At that time, probably everyone heard about the snowmobiles "Buran" and "Taiga". These models have long been the hallmark of the company.

The combination of advanced modern technologies and reliable Soviet designs provide equipment with stability, durability and convenience. Product characteristics are almost as good as those of Japanese counterparts, but it costs much less. Hundreds of thousands of winter cars left the assembly line of the plant.

Among the wide range of vehicles, the Taiga Varyag snowmobile seems interesting. In terms of price category, this is an average model of winter all-terrain vehicles. Our article will tell about this type of technique.

Snowmobile "Taiga 500":Specification

"Varyag 500" became the third among its brothers. The car was created in a very short time due to the fact that the project had already been prepared for a long time.

Its engine is 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". The Japanese manufacturer Mikuni is now responsible for fuel generation, and the Italian Ducati is responsible for the electronic ignition system. But this company does not belong to Multistrada. They just have the same name.

Electric start and separate lubrication system in the snowmobile is missing. The car is a single seater, although there is also a seat for a passenger.

As for the chassis, the front shock absorbers have received 115 millimeters of travel instead of 150 on the previous model. The rear suspension has also become simpler. But despite such reductions in price, heated handles were already left in the basic configuration. An important addition was the high tubular steering wheel, which was borrowed from Tiksi. Thanks to this, the ergonomics have become very good.

"Varyag 500" on trials

When testing the car, it was noted that a simple suspension still affects the ride quality. But if you drive a problem area while standing, then the situation is easily corrected due to the high steering wheel. On the other hand, a small mass easily takes height. At least, this is the impression compared to how the other, heavier Taiga snowmobile behaves.

Reviews about him pilots say that the "Varyag" proved to be a hardy and reliable machine. This manifested itself when the pilots overcame a considerable distance with melted snow, as well as areas with the so-called frozen storm. The car passed all tests with dignity. Therefore, according to the general opinion, the simplification of details and the reduction in the cost of the device, with the exception of minor inconveniences, did not worsen its quality characteristics as a whole. But you can save decent money.

Snowmobile "Taiga 550"

At the end of 2012, the Varyag 550 V model appeared. The car has become convenient, comfortable, while maintaining its affordable price and unique functional qualities. The Varyag Taiga snowmobile received such components that are necessary for residents of the Central District of Russia.

In the North, the Urals and Siberia, snowmobiles are mainly used for household needs, and in the middle lane they prefer to spend their leisure time. Therefore, the equipment must have the optimal combination of comfort and low cost.

Specifications

The developers have tried to meet these requirements. The snowmobile "Taiga Varyag 550 V" received a telescopic suspension from its brother "Bars 850". As a result, the course was 277 millimeters. This front suspension has a horizontal shock absorber that is able to smooth out bumps and add energy.

Track grouser guarantees excellent snow flotation, excellent acceleration and braking dynamism, and stable cornering. High handlebar adds ergonomics withon one side and enhances the look on the other. The developers emphasize that the model does not compete with the Varyag, but is its special equipment.

Our "Varyag" and their ATV

On one of the tests, it was decided to bring the Taiga Varyag snowmobile and an imported ATV with a similar engine to the start. The track was a continuous mud stream. But the domestic equipment withstood the test with dignity, behaving briskly on straight sections, but inferior in maneuverability, since the snowmobile needed a much larger turning radius. The ATV, of course, won, but in one of the races it was not clear until the end which vehicle would come to the finish line first.

Comparison with Yamaha

The only company that has been able to gain a foothold in the Russian market among budget snowmobiles is Yamaha Motor. She even managed to push the equipment of a domestic company, in particular, the Taiga snowmobile.

Reviews can be found in comparisons of the Viking and Varyag models. In general, according to many, one gets the impression that they are similar in reliability. However, in the event of a breakdown, domestic equipment will certainly be much easier to repair, since all parts are always available. But in the dealership of the "Japanese" something may not be. Because of this, the process of restoring equipment can not only drag out in time, but also cost much more.

At the same time, the Viking's ergonomics are clearly superior to those of the Taiga snowmobile. Comfort for the pilotthe latter due to weak suspension and too noisy operation of the motor, an order of magnitude lower.