Russian Mechanics is 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 specially 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. Probably everyone heard about the Snowmobiles “Buran” and “Taiga” then. These models have long been the hallmark of the company.
The combination of the use of advanced modern technologies and reliable Soviet designs provide the equipment with stability, durability and convenience. Product specifications are almost not inferior to those of the Japanese counterparts, but it costs much cheaper. Hundreds of thousands of units of winter cars rolled off the assembly line of the plant.
Among the wide range of vehicles, the Taiga Varyag snowmobile is interesting. By price category, this is the average model of winter all-terrain vehicles. About this type of technology and tell our article.
Snowmobile Taiga 500: technical specification
"Varangian 500" became the third among his brothers. The car was created in a very short time due to the fact that the project has long been prepared.
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 production, while the Italian Ducati is responsible for the electronic ignition system. But this company does not belong to Multistrada. They just have a similar name.
There is no electric start and separate lubrication system in the snowmobile. The car is single, although a seat 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 has also become easier. But despite such reductions, already in the basic configuration they left the handle heating. An important addition was the high tubular steering wheel, which was borrowed from Tiksi. Thanks to this, ergonomics has become very good.
"Varangian 500" on the tests
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 due to the high steering wheel is easily corrected. 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 of pilots about him suggest that the "Varangian" proved to be a hardy and reliable machine. This manifested itself when pilots covered a considerable distance with melted snow, as well as areas with the so-called frozen storm. The car passed all tests with dignity. Therefore, in the general opinion, the simplification of parts and the cheapening of the apparatus, with the exception of minor inconveniences, as a whole did not impair its qualitative characteristics. But you can save decent money.
Snowmobile Taiga 550
At the end of 2012, the Varyag 550 V model appeared. The machine has become convenient, comfortable, while maintaining 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, Urals and Siberia, snowmobiles are used mainly for household needs, and in the middle lane they prefer to spend their leisure time. Therefore, the equipment should have the optimal combination of comfort and low cost.
Specifications
The developers have tried to satisfy these requirements. Snowmobile "Taiga Varyag 550 V" received a telescopic suspension from his brother "Bars 850". As a result, the move was 277 mm. This front suspension has a horizontal shock absorber that can smooth out bumps and add energy intensity.
The caterpillar grouser guarantees excellent snow traffic, excellent agility during acceleration and braking, as well as stable cornering. A high steering wheel adds ergonomics on the one hand and improves the look on the other. The developers emphasize that the model does not compete with the "Varangian", but is its special equipment.
Our "Varangian" and their ATV
At one of the tests, it was decided to launch the Taiga Varyag snowmobile and an imported ATV with the same engine at the start. The track was a continuous mud stream. But domestic equipment withstood the test with dignity, acting briskly in straight sections, but yielding in maneuverability, since the snowmobile needed a much larger radius for a turn. The ATV, of course, won, but in one of the races it was not clear to the end what equipment would come to the finish line first.
Comparison with Yamaha
The only company that was able to gain a foothold in the Russian market among budgetary snowmobiles is Yamaha Motor. She even managed to squeeze out the equipment of the domestic company, in particular, the Taiga snowmobile.
Reviews can be found in comparisons of the Viking and Varyag models. In general, according to many, it seems 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 restoration of equipment can not only stretch in time, but also cost much more.
At the same time, the ergonomics of the Viking are clearly superior to the Taiga snowmobile. Convenience for the pilot in the latter due to the weak suspension and excessively noisy engine operation is an order of magnitude lower.