Snowmobile for hunting and fishing Taiga Varyag 500

Which country produces snowmobiles?

A few words about it belongs to one of the most successful lines of domestic production. In turn, the company is a recognized leader in the design and production of all-terrain vehicles in the mid-price segment. The RM machine-building plant is located in the suburbs of Rybinsk, Yaroslavl region.

The manufacturer specializes in the development, design, and production of snowmobiles, ATVs, as well as spare parts and components for them. At each stage there is constant quality control.

About the Taiga line

The first Tayga snowmobile rolled off the production line in 1997 and almost immediately gained popularity among lovers of active winter recreation. Since then, several lines of all-terrain vehicles have been released, which, in turn, had a number of modifications within them. Among them there was even a children's snowbike - "Lynx", which, in accordance with the nominal characteristics, could withstand a weight of up to 40 kg. A number of modifications of the powerful Patrol snowmobile have been adopted by the military services of our country.

The Varyag 500 model was first presented in 2010. It belongs to the universal type and has the characteristics of a utilitarian all-terrain vehicle. The car is used for economic purposes for traveling through the snow to the store, walking livestock. Due to its lightness and mobility, it is well suited for this. Hunters and fishermen often choose this model because of its relatively low cost.

Snowmobile weight

Did you decide to get behind the wheel of a snowmobile for the first time? Choose lightweight and maneuverable mountain or sports models to get more emotions and develop decent speed. If such a snowmobile gets stuck, it will not be difficult to return it to the track, even alone. Heavy touring and utility snowmobiles are more difficult to control, especially when cornering. In addition, due to the fact that they develop a relatively low speed, you risk being disappointed in your vehicle after the first trip on it. Heavy models of winter equipment are suitable for lovers of measured long-distance rides. If you are still in doubt about your choice, sign up for a test drive at the dealer.

Modifications

The Taiga Varyag 500 snowmobile is a modification of another machine produced by RM - the Varyag 550. While working on this model, engineers were looking for new ways to improve the basic version, which would reduce the cost of production without losing quality at the same time.

Main differences

The new all-terrain vehicle turned out to be 15 kilograms lighter than the prototype. As a result, engineers had to abandon the electric starter in favor of a manual one, and also lighten the design of the front bumper. At the same time, the car did not lose any strength. But the most important and successful decision was the replacement of the 553-ml engine with an analogue with a smaller volume - 407 cubic meters.

Another modification of the model is a change in the center of mass. The 500th model received a low center of gravity, which was now located next to the drive axle of the snowmobile. This made it possible to achieve good vehicle stability when moving along steep slopes.

Snowmobile price

The price range for snowmobiles is impressive: you can find copies for less than a hundred thousand rubles (they will be second-hand and of rather dubious quality), or for a couple of millions. Beginners should not rush to extremes - it is better to choose something in between. On the one hand, you definitely won’t regret the money spent, on the other hand, you’ll get a comfortable ride for a reasonable amount. Even if you find that snowmobiles aren't your passion, mid-range models will always be easier to resell.

Operating manual

Since the Varyag 500/550 and Ataka 551 II models have similar technical characteristics, they also have a common operating manual. The document contains detailed information on preparation for work, maintenance of all components, as well as the procedure for seasonal preservation and proper storage of the machine.

When operating a snowmobile, a number of requirements must be met:

• Before installing a battery that has been stored for a long time at sub-zero temperatures, it is necessary to keep it indoors for several hours.
• When starting the engine, you must slowly pull the start handle towards you until resistance appears.
• Do not fill the fuel tank to capacity. Otherwise, excess gasoline may spill out.
• Do not change gears until the snowmobile has come to a complete stop. In this case, the motor should be running.
• You can start the engine only after thoroughly checking the serviceability of all components of the snowmobile.

In addition, it is necessary to conduct a thorough inspection of the equipment, checking the serviceability of all important elements. The instruction manual provides detailed instructions on how to do this.

Break-in recommendations

Running in new equipment is an important part of its operation. Its performance and reliability in the future depends on the mode in which the snowbike operates at first, until the engine travels 300-350 km.

In this regard, the manufacturer recommends observing certain conditions during break-in:

• ride without passengers;
• choose compacted sections of the road;
• do not travel at temperatures above minus three degrees;
• monitor the engine temperature and the reliability of the fastenings;
• after 150 km, check the tension of the fan belt and tracks;
• before stopping the engine, it is necessary to keep it idling for half a minute;
• prepare a fuel mixture of gasoline and oil in a ratio of 50:1.

The manufacturer also does not recommend teaching other people how to ride an all-terrain vehicle, as this may lead to undesirable consequences.

Specifications

The Taiga 500 snowmobile has a classic design and average technical characteristics. “Varyag” received two guide skis and a Wide Track track. The motorcycle-type handlebar is set high, which makes it possible to comfortably pilot the car while standing.

Options and equipment

Optionally, the snowmobile has a spacious luggage compartment, which is located under the two-level seat. The reinforced towbar allows you to tow cargo sleds weighing up to 250 kilograms.

In addition, the standard package includes:

• passenger seat (without backrest);
• heating system for gas trigger and steering handles;
• windshield.

Daniila Rukin

Snowmobile specialist "Buran". I go fishing in my free time.

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The manufacturer provides a three-year warranty from the factory, which, however, does not apply to all parts of the snowmobile.

Dimensions and weight

“Varyag 500” is considered the lightest snowbike from the family of special equipment. The weight of an unloaded all-terrain vehicle without a pilot, passenger and cargo is 260 kg. In this case, the machine has the following overall dimensions (in meters):

The deviation in size is 3 cm in one direction and the other.

Suspension

One of the features of this unit is the telescopic front suspension. Its stroke is 10.5 centimeters. Additionally, the design is equipped with a monotube shock absorber.

The rear suspension is the same as on other modern models of snow all-terrain vehicles produced by Russian Mechanics, namely, skid-mounted. Its stroke is 19 centimeters. Among other things, the machine has a pipe-type hydropneumatic shock absorber at the rear. Thanks to this, as well as the mounting springs, the rear suspension mechanism has a good supply of energy and contributes to a smooth ride.

Chassis

Transmission

The described snowbike has a two-stage transmission. A variator is used as a transmitting device. The box has four gears:

• reverse;
• neutral;
• reduced;
• increased.

Brake system

The snowmobile is equipped with a mechanical hydraulic disc brake. The design is standard for all models of the Taiga series.

Propulsion parameters

The role of the propulsion device is performed by the Composit track mechanism with front-mounted drive sprockets.

Tape dimensions:

The length of the track support surface is 50.8 cm.

Electrical equipment

The standard equipment of the model includes a manual starting system, which has a programmable capacitive ignition - DUCATI CDI. Thanks to it, the engine runs equally smoothly even under heavy loads.

Daniila Rukin

Snowmobile specialist "Buran". I go fishing in my free time.

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Additional comfort while driving is provided by a powerful halogen front lamp with a power of 55/60 watts and optional heated steering grips. In addition, the model has an electronic reverse, speedometer and odometer.

Engine

The Varyag 500 is powered by a two-stroke carbureted proprietary (RM) engine with two cylinders. Their total volume is 497 cubic centimeters. The role of the main battery of the power unit is played by the Mikuni carburetor fuel system.

Main parameters of the motor:

In addition, the all-terrain vehicle has a muffler with a resonator at the outlet and an intake noise muffler at the inlet.

Performance characteristics

Maximum flow

Despite the fact that the snowmobile belongs to the class of semi-professional light special equipment, it is quite “gluttonous”. Owners note that in some cases, gasoline consumption can reach up to 30 liters per 100 kilometers, while the manufacturer claims a different figure - 22 liters. Of course, the amount of fuel consumed by the engine depends on many factors. These include driving style, driving speed, type of terrain traversed and the condition of the main undercarriages.

Fuel tank capacity and engine lubrication

A standard tank holds 40 liters of fuel. For refueling, it is advisable to choose gasoline with an octane number of at least 92. Since the power unit has a mixed lubrication system, engine oil should be added to the fuel, since there is no separate container for oil. The manufacturer recommends preparing the mixture in a ratio of 40:1. Thus, it is recommended to take one liter of oil for two-stroke engines for one full tank.

Speed

In accordance with the design features of the motor, the snowmobile is capable of reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h on a flat surface. Some owners note that they were able to overcome this mark while driving on ice. At the same time, the pilot feels most comfortable when accelerating to 60-65 km per hour.

Engine

The Taiga ST-500D snowmobile is equipped with a two-stroke power unit of the RMZ-500 brand, which runs on the AI-80 fuel mixture. This engine has two cylinders with a total displacement of 497 cubic milliliters and one carburetor. Air cooling system. The rated output power reaches 27.95 kilowatts, which translates to 38 horsepower.

Owner reviews

The Taiga Varyag 500 snowmobile model has mixed reviews from owners regarding fuel consumption. Some say that the SUV consumes too much fuel, others note that a full tank lasts for a long time. Many praise the car for its affordable price, but note a lack of comfort.

Eugene

“I purchased this model in 2013. I've been riding it for over five years now and I love it. As for consumption, it takes me 19 liters for rolled snow, and about 25 liters for freshly fallen snow. Although all two-stroke engines are voracious"

Danil

“I bought this “miracle of technology” in 2015. I was simply shocked when I discovered that the car consumes 40 liters per hundred kilometers. I contacted the service center and it turned out that the corrector cable was faulty. After replacing the part, the snowmobile began to consume 24-26 liters. Still, it seems to me that this is too much, despite the fact that the manufacturer claims 22 liters.”

Sergey

Filippovo: “I took the Taiga 500 two years ago. During this time the car never broke down. Used strictly for economic purposes, for walking livestock on the farm. I had to change the spark plugs from time to time, because when driving at low speeds, carbon deposits appeared on them. My device consumed about 18-19 liters per 100 km.”

Types of snowmobiles

To the uninitiated, it may seem that all snowmobiles are the same. In fact, there are five varieties of them: transport (utilitarian or traction), tourism, mountain, sports and crossovers. Why so many? Different types of snowmobiles have different characteristics: power, speed, maneuverability, maneuverability, comfort and, of course, dimensions vary. Agree, trying to set a speed record on a transport snowmobile is a dubious idea.

Transport snowmobiles

ideal for cargo transportation. Their main advantage - cross-country ability - is provided by wide and long tracks. Such snowmobiles can easily carry two people, and for a comfortable trip they have everything you need: a comfortable backrest for the passenger seat, rear-view mirrors, a spacious trunk that can easily accommodate equipment. In addition, this type of snowmobile is usually equipped with a towbar.

Great attention is also paid to comfort and cross-country ability in the production of touring snowmobiles.

, because riders spend more than one hour on them. Touring snowmobiles are almost as powerful as transport snowmobiles, but have greater speed.

Snowmobile PM Vector 551

Meanwhile for sport snowmobiles

comfort and cross-country ability are not at all the main thing: speed and weight are more important. Such priorities determine the equipment: a powerful engine, energy-intensive suspension, low weight, narrow and short tracks, which are best suited for movement in shallow snow.

Mountain snowmobiles

In many ways they resemble sports ones. Mountain models also have a powerful engine and are lightweight, making these snowmobiles very maneuverable. The tracks are just as narrow, but longer than those of sports tracks - reaching four meters. In addition, they are equipped with lugs, which can significantly increase grip on the surface.

2. Snowmobile design

We should dwell in a little more detail on the features of the snowmobile. Modern models are made primarily with one rear track and two front steering skis. This support allows for high stability. Unlike versions with two tracks and one ski, these snowmobiles are more maneuverable. The skis, made of durable, light and flexible plastic, have a handle (thanks to it you can turn the skis in the snow or pull out a snowmobile) and a skate that increases controllability and is capable of cutting not only dense snow, but also ice. The tracks are solid belts with lugs.

Engines for snowmobiles are gasoline, injection, two- or four-stroke, liquid- or air-cooled. The body of a snowmobile is often made of steel, durable aluminum alloys or fiberglass. Other important components of every snowmobile are the transmission and suspension.