Stealth Leopard 600: powerful utility

One of the most famous domestic manufacturers of equipment is the company that has developed the utilitarian ATV Stealth Leopard 600. A well-protected machine with a steel frame and a powerful engine is perfect for work and leisure. The versatile vehicle easily overcomes wetlands, climbs hills and travels over rough terrain.

The prototype of the Stealth 600 ATV appeared in 2011, and production of the model began only in 2014. The long-awaited new product quickly captured the market. The reason for this popularity was the explosive characteristics and low cost of the device.

The manufacturer has released only two modifications of the machine, slightly different in design and equipment. The line included:

ATV 600 YS Leopard. The device, created on the basis of the ATV 500H, received a powerful engine, a reliable braking system and high-quality electrics. Under the hood of the car hides as much as 39 horsepower. A characteristic feature of the YS model is its short frame, designed for one passenger. The cost of a compact all-terrain vehicle ranges from 389 to 430 thousand rubles, depending on the configuration.
ATV Stels ATV 600 YL Leopard. The modification was developed on the basis of two devices: ATV 500H and 700H. The main difference between the device and the basic version is the elongated frame. This change significantly increased the functionality of the machine. Leopard 600 UL is perfect not only for work, but also for tourism. The cost of the device is not much different from the YS model; the new Leopard can be purchased for only 399-430 thousand rubles.

The Stels 600 ATV, like all the manufacturer’s equipment, received a rather “tasty” package. The developers installed mirrors, front and rear trunks, hand protection, alloy wheels, a winch and powerful LED lighting on both modifications. The improved version of the YL also received a passenger seat with a backrest.

Specifications

The Stealth company is one of the most famous domestic manufacturers. This popularity is due to the modern technical base. The manufacturer not only purchases parts, but also manufactures the ATV components itself.

Stels ATV 600 Leopard is equipped with:

Powerful four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 594 cc. Despite the fact that the motor was manufactured by a Chinese company, it is reliable and has a significant margin of safety. Engine power is 39 horsepower.
Liquid cooling system.
Electric and manual starter.
V-belt variator operating in three modes: 2W, 4WD and 4WD Lock.
Automatic clutch.
Independent double wishbone suspension.
Disc brakes (rear and front). The system was developed by a domestic manufacturer in conjunction with a Taiwanese company. The main feature of the brakes is reinforced hoses.
Fuel tank with a capacity of 14 liters.

The manufacturer paid special attention to safety. The Leopard 600 ATV is equipped with hand protection, a plastic bottom and arch extensions that protect the driver and passenger from dirt.

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High reliability is also due to elements with high reliability and strength, which include the frame and suspension. Long-known models were chosen as the base for the Stels ATV 600 Y Leopard version, namely Stels ATV500H and ATV700H. The choice fell on these two models mainly due to the fact that in addition to successfully conducted tests, the technology was also time-tested. The frame and suspension underwent many improvements and redesigns before being installed on the new car. They have received reinforcements, which guarantees an increased service life. The frame is manufactured using modern robotic equipment at ZhMVZ.

A large margin of safety for the suspension was also achieved through the use of forged elements and parts made of high-strength alloy. Forged steering knuckles and wheel hubs are installed, and upper and lower tubular arms are made from stamped parts. To increase the service life of the chassis, the hubs were supplemented with reliable bearings from Koyo.

The suspension is characterized by excellent smoothness and large travel (170 millimeters at the front, 225 millimeters at the rear), which was due to the presence of hydraulic shock absorbers from the Taiwanese manufacturer Forsa.

The Stels ATV 600 Y Leopard ATV has a reliable braking system, which was developed in Russia by a domestic manufacturer together with a Taiwanese company. Compared to previous models, the brakes of the new ATV have truly greater efficiency and better feedback, which guarantees safety when driving. The reliability of this element of equipment has been significantly increased due to the use of reinforced brake hoses in the system, which, compared to conventional ones, are designed for a longer service life.

The reliability and quality of the ATV has also been increased through the use of electrical wiring protected from moisture. Electrical components such as relays and fuses have been moved to a special box that is protected from dust and moisture to ensure increased service life.

The rider receives all the necessary information when operating the ATV (fuel level, travel speed, oil pressure, fluid temperature in the cooling system and many other parameters) from the Italian Koso dashboard.

When choosing steering switches, the choice was made in favor of proven and proven remote controls on other similar motorcycles, provided by the Taiwanese manufacturer. The installed remote controls are also actively used in many Stealth models, usually in the D and GT trim levels.

In terms of appearance, this ATV took a lot from the world famous Japanese Yamaha Grizly. Facing elements made of plastic are provided by the Motovelozavod itself, located in Zhukovka. It should be noted that before the manufacture of these parts, the manufacturer carried out numerous analyzes and experiments, which made it possible to select the highest quality and durable material for the manufacture of the cladding. As a result, all plastic parts have an excellent combination of elasticity and strength. This lining is least susceptible to any damage, since it can withstand quite powerful blows. Thanks to this, the fenders and footpegs will last much longer, since it is they that often become unusable when driving in difficult conditions.

Comparison with competitors

In the Russian market, an ATV with a 600 cc engine has no competitors. But the main struggle takes place within the series. Many drivers prefer the universal Cheetah 650 vehicles or the more modern Leopard 650 vehicles. The younger stealth 500 gt vehicles have more modest characteristics.

In terms of construction and design, the brand’s ATVs are practically no different. The main differences are engine power, maneuverability and dimensions. For tourism and work, it is better to take a car from the Cheetah line, and for fishing, hunting and transporting cargo, the Leopard 600 or 650 is perfect.

Foreign ATVs Polaris Sportsman 600 Twin and Kawasaki KVF 650 also seriously compete with domestic equipment. The American and Japanese are inferior to the Leopard in technical characteristics, but are superior in reliability. The price of foreign equipment also attracts buyers. For example, a used Sportsman costs only 120-420 thousand rubles, depending on the year of manufacture.

Operating experience

Owner reviews of the Stealth 600 Leopard ATV are very mixed. Many buyers liked the inexpensive and powerful equipment, but the shortcomings of the utilitarian device immediately make themselves felt. Users noted that the device is too small to ride with a passenger. The flimsy front trunk, exhaust pipe and weak headlights also received negative reviews. The 14-liter gas tank causes particular inconvenience. A full tank is enough for only 100-120 km.

In positive reviews of the Stealth 600 Leopard ATV, the owners noted:

Affordable price for a horse. The new device costs 389-399 thousand rubles.
Cheap spare parts. Parts for domestic equipment can be found in any specialized store.
Not a bad set. The set includes everything you need for comfortable rest and work.
Patency. The car handles well even on difficult roads.
Power. The device is suitable for transporting and towing cargo, driving on difficult trails and even racing.

The advantages fully compensate for the disadvantages of the Stealth ATV 600 ATV. Most problems can be solved by modernization.

Reviews

In terms of appearance, I really liked the ATV. To some extent, the model resembles a more budget version of the famous Dinli. Before purchasing, I flipped through the forums and looked at who was writing what about this device. Many stated that the quad was very prone to breakdowns, although not so significant, while others, on the contrary, shared only positive impressions. I decided to purchase, so to speak, at my own peril and risk, since there was no other opportunity, but I really wanted to ride. I got a completely reliable ATV and for quite a lot of mileage there were no breakdowns. Many also recommend Cheetah, as it seems to be more reliable. But still, the serviceability of the car directly depends on the driving style and operation in general. So for me, the Stealth ATV 600 Leopard has become an excellent option for relaxation, since I don’t particularly torture my equipment.
The ATV is said to be very economical compared to other models. But as it turned out, its fuel consumption is simply unrealistic, about 17 liters not per hundred, but even per 50 kilometers. At first I thought that the model itself was so voracious, however, no matter who I asked, everyone said that its consumption varied from 15 liters to 20 liters per 100 kilometers, depending on the type of driving. After that, I decided to contact the service center, where they installed a different carburetor for me under warranty. With the new ATV, it has become much more economical, 10 liters per 60 kilometers, and this despite the fact that the last division remains on the odometer. I haven’t measured the full consumption yet, since I haven’t owned it for long. On the technical side, the model has fully justified itself, everything is reliable and of high quality, and the suspension works perfectly in almost any conditions. But we'll see what happens next.

Tuning and repair

Leopard 600 is a reliable car, so serious faults will appear only after 2-3 seasons. Spare parts for the Stealth 600 Leopard ATV can be found in almost any service center, specialized online store or dealer.

Immediately upon purchase, many owners begin to modernize the car. First of all, they change the exhaust pipe, install powerful headlights and a durable trunk. A new passenger seat is also being installed on the Stels ATV 600 Leopard ATV.

Stels ATV 600 Y Leopard – TEST

Naturalized

2014 onwards, 319 kg, 594 cm3, 39 l. s., 210,000 rub.

text: Yuri Solonovich photo: Roman Romanishin

in the photo: Yuri Solonovich

“Looking at the TV screen or plunging into the information quagmire of the World Wide Web , one might think that the world around me has gone crazy. Political convulsions shaking entire states, bleeding ulcers of military local conflicts and constant financial crises inevitably drag this planet into the fiery abyss of the underworld. But as soon as you turn off the power to the monitors and look out the window, you begin to understand that everything is probably not so bad! Despite rotten human ambitions, conspiracies of world governments, the bearded Conchita Wurst and the general rise in price of hydrocarbon fuels, the sun still rises every day in the east, so that, having followed its usual path, it wearily sets behind the western horizon.

Despite all the geopolitical troubles, Crimea was, is and will be one of the most vibrant and beautiful places on the entire Black Sea coast. It was here that unique nature, climate and a rich, very eventful ancient history were amazingly mixed. The subtropics of the southern coast and the rocky slopes of the Crimean mountains, the central steppe expanses and the waves of the Black and Azov Seas washing its shores... it’s hard to imagine a more picturesque and beautiful place for “combat” testing of any utilitarian ATV!

The first step We have already written about the new four-wheeled utilitarian vehicles produced under the nationally famous Stels brand. But then these were just pre-production prototypes, which were subjected to only a small ersatz test at the plant site in the city of Zhukovka. Now we have at our disposal brand new Stels ATV 600 Y Leopard ATVs, just off the production line. And a full-fledged test, without compromises and any journalistic discounts, only untested cars and a two-day difficult route through the surrounding Crimean beauties.

Let me remind readers that the test subject is built on the basis of the Stels ATV 500H, a well-known and well-proven ATV, but is equipped with a new 594 cm3 engine with a capacity of 39 horsepower, producing 54 Nm of torque (almost like a Yamaha Grizzly). For now, this power plant is of purely Asian origin, but in the very near future they plan to begin assembling it at the Stels company’s own production facilities. By the way, this motor was originally designed for use on heavy and massive side-by-side all-terrain vehicles. That is, the engine and transmission elements are manufactured with appropriate margins of strength and reliability. For example, the noticeably protruding right crankcase cover hides a reinforced variator of increased size, which without any problems “digests” the loads that befall the ATV. Instead of traditional liners, the engine uses rolling bearings, making it less picky about the quality of the oil used. And also, in addition to traditional liquid cooling, the Stels Leopard is equipped with an additional radiator, which cools the engine oil in the system, preventing the engine from overheating. The suspension of the ATV is classic, independent, assembled on steel A-arms and Forsa shock absorbers, front travel 175 mm, rear travel 225 mm. When designing and manufacturing the machine, it was decided to completely abandon the low-quality components from China that discredit the brand. And now, according to the manufacturer, all equipment and attachments of the new machine are supplied only from Taiwan and Japan. But the “wild cat” frame, plastic protective linings and seat are of our own production. Another interesting feature of the Leopard is that a number of new components and assemblies installed on the new product will be unified with the Hisun ATV 500H and Stels ATV 500H models, which were successfully sold by Velomotors at one time, which will make it possible to maintain spare parts parts of the owners of these ATVs throughout Russia.

Within the framework of this article, I personally don’t see much point in fully dissecting the machine and sorting out its metal and plastic guts, because there are no techno-revelations or nanoinnovations in it. This is the most ordinary, medium-sized and, importantly, very budget ATV. In my opinion, the convenience and reliability of operating a machine is much more important than its design features and the know-how used in production. Here’s a little more detail about these factors: let’s be honest, a few years ago the equipment assembled in Zhukovka was not particularly reliable. With the deterioration of the condition of machine kits, parts and assemblies supplied from China, quite naturally, the quality of the final product produced in Russia began to decline.

And Velomotors solved this problem with the company’s typical scope. Instead of continuing to educate suppliers who had failed, it was decided to localize the equipment produced as much as possible on the territory of Russia. And, if possible, launch full-cycle production of motorcycle and snowmobile equipment in Zhukovka. That is, not just engage in large-scale assembly, but manufacture almost all parts of future ATVs and snowmobiles at our own facilities. And Stels ATV 600 Y Leopard became the first step in the implementation of this, I must say, very ambitious plan. This ATV has actually received full Russian citizenship and in the near future will be finally and irrevocably naturalized in our country.

Crimea is ours To my surprise, the Crimean test route turned out to be quite difficult and interesting. Dry limestone rocks in the Bakhchisarai area, ancient cave cities and ancient churches. High-speed dusty runs at the foot of the mountains, the slopes of Ai-Petri and giant canyons, fast mountain rivers and impassable forest roads filled with sticky and liquid mud. Passing obstacles of this level would be a credit to ATVs from any famous world brand. And it was all the more interesting to observe the behavior of Stels “state employees” in these very difficult conditions.

I’ll start with ergonomics: the long-time ancestor of the test subject, the Hisun ATV 500H, was “molded” from the then best-selling off-road market – the Yamaha Grizzly, making it quite comfortable to sit and operate the ATV. Having spent the whole day under the scorching rays of the Crimean sun, I experienced virtually no discomfort. Everything is as convenient and thoughtful as possible. The force on the gas trigger is quite adequate and does not cause any inconvenience on a long journey. The ATV has an excellent, informative Koso dashboard, which is easy to read even in sunny weather. The next item on my list of characteristics required for a utilitarian ATV is the vehicle’s cross-country ability.

Here the ATV 600 Y Leopard is also doing well. A good ground clearance of 320 mm, 26-point “toothed” Wanda tires and a torque engine mean you don’t have to worry about the quality of the surface under the wheels. It was possible to “get cold” only once, and even then only thanks to the huge ruts, more than a meter deep, completely hidden by water and liquid mud. And in most cases, all ATVs passed the problem area without assistance. And, of course, the most exciting and pressing question remains - the reliability of the car. I must say that after two days of a rather tough test, I was immensely surprised! You may not believe me, but in all this time there have been practically no serious problems with cars from Zhukovka! Several tires punctured on mountain roads and a couple of variator belts slipping after overcoming a deep ford. That's all!

To my memory, this is the first time I have seen such a result in the Stels off-road utility vehicle! If a column of journalists was driving along a high-speed section, then, rest assured, we were “gritting for all the money”; if we climbed into impenetrable mud, we looked for the deepest and most disgusting puddle; if we stormed some rocky slope overgrown with small bushes, then we found the most inaccessible . And Leopard endured all the bullying with honor. Well what can I say - bravo! I think at this rate we have every chance to seriously change the balance of power in the market for budget (and not so budget) utilitarian ATVs. We can already testify with confidence that over the past six months the quality of Stels equipment has grown quite significantly. Made in Russia, comfortable, with a classic, non-irritating appearance and, most importantly, a completely reliable ATV for 210,000 rubles? For many it will be just a gift! And if in the near future all the innovations planned by Velomotors come to fruition and we see our own, Russian power plants, then we can say with confidence that the company has not lived all these difficult years in vain! And the country will finally receive its first full-fledged and, most importantly, independent manufacturer of motorcycle and snowmobile equipment! /