The PM 800 ATV is a flagship, released in 2021. The all-terrain vehicle was based on the RM 500 model, but the manufacturer changed the equipment beyond recognition. The developers changed the design, installed a powerful engine and modern hardware, and eliminated the shortcomings that its predecessor had.
The PM 800 is radically different from other devices in the series. The line includes:
- PM 500, introduced in 2014. The model is equipped with a 503 cc engine. cm, hydraulic brakes, CVT, independent adjustable suspension and electric starter.
- PM 500-2, developed in 2015. The device that replaced the RM 500 received a lot of design changes. The car has a 493 cc engine. cm, drive with differential lock, transverse independent suspension and much more.
- PM 650 and 650-2. The RM 500-2 was taken as the basis for the devices. The manufacturer increased the power of the equipment and made minor changes. The models differ only in length, load capacity and equipment.
In addition to the Russian Mechanics RM 800 ATV, the line includes six-wheeled models RM 500 6×4 and 650 6×4. In fact, these are basic vehicles manufactured in 2015, equipped with a spacious trailer. This technique is ideal for agriculture and tourism.
ATV Russian Mechanics RM 800 DUO Model year: 2021, Price: RUB 555,000.
The world of Chinese and near-Chinese ATVs is wide and multifaceted. But one of its facets is clearly larger than the rest, because often the quality of workmanship, to put it mildly, smells bad, even if it looks great.
Today we came across another near-Chinese friend, and his name is RM 800 DUO - the brainchild of the Russian plant “Russian Mechanics”, based in Rybinsk.
Why about Chinese?, you ask. Yes, because initially it was Odes Assailant. And as you can see in the photo below, they are not much different from each other, but more on that later.
Let us remind you that Russian Mechanics is still a company that still produces the legendary Buran snowmobile. If someone is not in the know now, then a rare resident of the north of our country can do without it. Your grandfather will also tell you what Buran is and how he drove it somewhere.
This means that the company has at least traditions and design knowledge. Yes, there was a serious period of stagnation, but today it is again a rapidly developing plant. Well, okay, that’s not what we’re talking about...
The last ATV I rode for a long time, namely during the life test, was the first generation CF Moto X8... Its reliability then, and this was in 2014, left much to be desired. Rumor has it that the situation has now changed. And like other Chinese variations on the theme, of course, we are talking exclusively about the leaders of the Asian quad industry, to which ODES also applies, they have become much better, and they can be safely taken.
So, RM 800 DUO 2021 is the second generation of the RM 800 ATV (you can read the test of the firstborn from Yuri Solonovich here) and according to the chief designer of the plant, there are as many as 18 changes.
Advantages and disadvantages of an ATV
In reviews, owners of the Russian Mechanics RM 800 ATV noted the quality and reliability of the equipment. Users compare the all-terrain vehicle to a small tractor, which can not only drive through mud, but also pull other equipment out of the swamp. The device is truly universal and can be used for work, leisure, tourism, hunting, etc. Its dimensions are a little confusing, but with proper dexterity, the rider can even drive through the forest.
Users rated:
- Easy maintenance of the PM 800. Thanks to the simple design and removable protective elements, most breakdowns can be eliminated even in the field. The availability of spare parts was also a plus. The necessary parts can be ordered from the dealer or from the online store. For the first couple of years, while the equipment is under warranty, there will be no problems with maintenance at all.
- Reliability. According to the experience of owners, serious problems appear only after 2-3 years of operation, if the car is “killed”. If the equipment is used only for economic purposes, serious maintenance will be required only after 5 years.
- Low cost. The utility will cost only 469-499 thousand rubles, depending on the modification. In fact, this is one of the cheapest 800 cc ATVs.
- Good equipment. The delivery set includes a double seat with a backrest, a winch, a bump stop, hand protection, and mirrors.
If necessary, the user can carry out light tuning: repaint the body, install heated handles, bleed the brakes, etc. Surprisingly, there are practically no negative reviews from owners of the PM 800 ATV. Users note minor shortcomings, but their advantages fully compensate for them.
Key changes for the RM 800 DUO 2021
The ATV is still equipped with an 800 cc V-twin engine with an output of 60 hp. and a torque of 73 Nm, which is quite good within the scope of the class, and this is not a sports equipment.
On the move, of course, I would say that there are 50 forces there, but the test was short-lived, so we’ll believe the numbers. The RM 800 DUO 2019 ATV is already equipped with electric power steering, which is certainly a plus in its karma.
In addition, the front and rear bumpers were changed, which increased the approach and departure angles, and they also fixed the radiator differently, which previously “departed” along with the front bumper if it was torn off.
The designers also took care of the convenience of refueling; now the filler neck lives on the wing, and the fuel tank itself is now plastic, which also helps save 10 kg. weight and achieve a dry weight of 398 kg, which, given the basic equipment, which includes a winch, electric power steering, front and rear luggage racks, a double seat with a backrest, etc., is certainly not the best indicator, but also quite good by standards class.
The wheels, namely the disks themselves, are now produced in Krasnoyarsk according to automotive standards, and Russian Mechanics claim that they will withstand very heavy loads. We can’t say anything about this, there was no opportunity to fully shake the “square”, just as there was no opportunity to test it in serious mud - they simply weren’t allowed there... I think the main reason was the base tires, if it had been worse, there would have been problems would not have arisen at all.
Another important change in the RM 800 DUO 2021 is the complete replacement of plastic, namely its composition. If in the first generation it pricked and broke even from minor blows, now it easily survives 180º breaks, which the representatives of the plant happily demonstrated to us, like children.
By the way, plastic, just like suspension elements, and much more, is now produced directly in Rybinsk. This means that, given the 3-year warranty, you will always have in stock the spare parts that most often require replacement.
Main competitors
Reviews of the RM 800 ATV indicate serious competition between the company’s flagship and the RM 800 UTV model. ATVs are chosen by fans of extreme driving and drive, while a buggy-like design is more suitable for agriculture and tourism. Both vehicles are almost identical in technical terms, but the UTV is different in design.
Also, in reviews of the PM 800, many buyers compare it with an ATV:
- CFmoto X This is a real monster created by a famous Chinese company. The ATV stands out for its versatility, modern features and reliability. The device outperforms the PM 800 in terms of power and functionality. But the RM 800, with a price of 469-499 thousand rubles, looks more attractive than the Chinese for 594 thousand rubles.
- Polaris Sportsman American utility sportsman has always been in demand. The car, with an 800 cc engine, stands out for its high level of safety, reliability, comfort and versatility. Compared to the Sportsman, the PM 800 looks like an ordinary hard worker.
- Stels ATV 800 Guepard ST. Cheetah 800 is a stylish and multifunctional ATV created by the Russian manufacturer. The equipment surpasses the RM 800 in power, technical equipment and maneuverability. Guepard is suitable for tourism, work, leisure, etc. And the price of the cars is not much different; the new Stels ATV 800 Cheetah ST will cost only 574 thousand rubles. But for this money the buyer will receive underbody protection, arch extensions, a comfortable seat, mirrors, a bump stop and much more.
Considering that the Russian Mechanics RM 800 ATV successfully competes with market leaders, the equipment definitely deserves attention.
Technical characteristics of the ATV RM 800 DUO 2019 (Russian Mechanics):
- ENGINE Engine type – V-shaped, Four-stroke Displacement – 800 cm³ Maximum power – 60 hp Fuel – Gasoline with an octane rating of at least 92. Fuel tank volume – 24.5 liters. Maximum speed -100 km/h +/- 10 km/h
- CHASSIS Transmission – Mechanical with CVT. Drive – 2/4WD + electric differential lock. Transmission – gears/number of gears L/H/N/R/P, 3. Brake system – front/rear Disc hydraulic/Disc hydraulic.
- SUSPENSION Wheel formula/drive wheels – 4x4. Suspension front/rear – Independent double wishbone with hydraulic shock absorbers. Suspension travel, front/rear – 190/200 mm Front/rear wheel track, mm n/a. Minimum ground clearance – 295 mm.
- STEERING Electric power steering (EPS) is standard.
- OVERALL DIMENSIONS Number of seats – 2. Overall dimensions (L/W/H), mm – 2340/1210/1480. Dry weight – 398 kg. Tire size, front/rear – 26x9-14/26x11-14
- LOAD/TOW Max. load on the front trunk - 40 kg. Max. load on the rear trunk - 80 kg. Max. weight of towed cargo – 250 kg.
- EQUIPMENT Standard equipment - electric winch, alloy wheels, rear-view mirrors, driver's hand protection, full set of lighting equipment, towbar Warranty - 3 years
- PRICE
555,000 rub.
Tags
RM 800 Video ATVs Russian Mechanics Tests and Reviews
PM 800 – Test
Russian edition
Photo: Roman Romanishin.
PM 800, model year 2021, 800.0 cm³,
408 kg., price 455,000 rub.
>>The times of widespread hypocrisy and hypocrisy in the quad world are inexorably becoming a thing of the past. And here, perhaps, there is nothing surprising! After all, after the introduction of a recycling fee, not every lover of off-road adventures can afford expensive equipment from Western manufacturers!
And now the unfunny and stupid jokes about all-wheel drive motorcycles, which are assembled or, if you like, produced on the territory of our long-suffering homeland, have already subsided. And some especially resourceful citizens, who have been pouring homespun manure on domestic brands for several years, are now vigorously praising it from the free spaces of social networks. But that’s probably not what I’m talking about! Today, I would like to tell you my personal, albeit subjective, feelings from meeting the flagship of the Russian Mechanics model range - RM 800.
Mimicry
The first thing that catches your eye, hmmm... externally, the domestic ATV suspiciously resembles the ODES ASSAILANT 800. I would even say that it is a copy of this all-terrain vehicle, which is quite in demand in the West. Whether this is good or bad is up to the buyer to decide, but in my opinion ODES is far from the worst example to follow. In case anyone doesn’t know, this Chinese company has been one of the leaders in Asian quad construction in the United States for about 10 years, and, perhaps, in Europe too. So I would rather chalk up such external and technical similarities as advantages of the PM 800 than as disadvantages.
At first glance, the domestic variation of the ASSAILANT 800 is a completely traditional all-wheel drive all-terrain vehicle. The skeleton of the PM 800 is a space frame made of steel pipe, on which a classic double-wishbone independent suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers is mounted. The front travel is 190 mm, the rear travel is 200 mm. respectively. The minimum ground clearance is a very impressive 295 mm. Everything is quite familiar and simple.
But in the mass of banal technical solutions, the impressive highlight is, of course, the power plant. Technical characteristics of the V-shaped four-stroke engine with a volume of 800 cc. cm, a power of 60 horsepower and a maximum torque of 73 Nm look somehow completely un-Chinese. Keen readers will be able to see in it variations on the theme of the Rotax motor, well known to the quad public, but, as they say, so much the better! After all, looking up to industry leaders rather than outsiders is a completely winning strategy. By the way, a very similar unit, although produced under the Gaokin brand, is now used by direct competitors of Russian Mechanics - the Velomotors company. The powerful and torquey engine is coupled to an all-wheel drive transmission with an electric differential lock.
Externally, a full-fledged two-seater ATV looks solid and expensive. With overall dimensions of 2340 mm. in length, 1210 mm. wide and 1480 mm. in height, he weighs 408 kg. in a “dry” state. The front trunk can hold about 40 kg. useful and not very cargo, and the rear one is about 80. Plus, the all-terrain vehicle can tow a trailer weighing up to 250 kg. In stock configuration: electric winch, alloy wheels, rear-view mirrors, driver's hand protection and tow bar. Well, for the passenger there is a comfortable two-seater multi-level seat with a backrest and handles. By the way, cars designed for two riders are especially popular in our country, so you may not be alone when traveling on a PM 800.
Life truth
If you, dear reader, are interested in how this ATV rides, then I will say that in terms of price/quality ratio, it rides quite well. And according to subjective feelings, it is better than any average-sized “square” of more branded competitors. Whatever you say, the V-twin engine is power! I would even say that during dynamic piloting, the suspension of the PM 800 does not keep up with its power supply. As you understand, there is also plenty of power on rough terrain. The Rybinsk 800 successfully storms even very neglected areas of Russian off-road. In general, the ATV behaves as it should be from a powerful, 60-horsepower, high-torque all-terrain vehicle - predictably boring! That is, it accelerates well and happily kneads any available dirt with its wheels.
But, no matter what the happy and not so happy owners of this car say, EPS, that is, electric power steering, is simply necessary for it. As with any similar vehicles. Firstly, turning 26-inch wheels is much more pleasant with someone's help. And secondly, in the case of an electric assistant, feedback during high-speed passage of rough terrain is significantly damped, protecting the driver’s hands. But despite the lack of EPS, the PM 800 is a typical and, it should be noted, a fairly successful representative of its family “quadcyclus bolshekubaturus”.
As an epilogue, I will try to answer the virtual questions of a potential owner of the PM 800:
- Pret? Oh yes, he drives quite well!
- Eats? Of course, 92 gasoline!
- How much it costs? Well, absolutely, cheaper than its competitors!
- Does it break? Naturally, just like all other ATVs, regardless of the brand.
– Quality of production and assembly? The flaws are visible to the naked eye and this is a possible price to pay for “a lot of ATV for little money.”
Can an elephant defeat a whale? Or who is stronger - the Terminator or the Alien? Asking yourself whether a Russian-Chinese ATV is better or worse than the same Can Am Outlander is as futile as trying to answer the first two questions. On one side of the scale is the international precision and manufacturability of the final product and 1,499,000 rubles and - Asian brand secondary, but for 455,000 rubles on the other. Whether the achievements of Canadian technical progress are worth 1,044,000 rubles is, of course, up to you to decide. But what if there is no extra million and most likely not in sight? Choose from what you can afford. Among the closest competitors are Stels ATV 800G Guepard and its 534,000 rubles and CF MOTO X8 Basic for 568,900 rubles. In terms of price, the PM 800 is a clear leader! It is 79,000 rubles cheaper than the ATV from Zhukovka, and its purely Chinese counterpart will be 113,900 rubles more expensive.
Some will say that the undoubted advantage of CFMOTO is its reliability. And he will be right about something. But the myths about its complete indestructibility are rather the result of the work of the PR department of the distributor company. But the difference in price is quite significant. On the side of Velomotors products, there is undoubtedly a more advantageous design and the availability of various configurations. But for its part, the PM 800 can boast of having an eminent forefather, a competitive price and an extensive dealer network in our country. So when choosing, take into account all these factors, remembering the average, similar technical problems of all Chinese all-terrain vehicles!
