Scientists are frightened by inevitable global warming, but so far Russian winters, especially in the northern regions, remain long, cold and snowy. Snow cover lasts for several months, which attracts lovers of such active recreation as skiing, rapid descents on snowboards, winter hunting or ice fishing.
Snow covers roads, hollows and fields, making it difficult to move along them. Traditional skis and sleds come to the aid of people, but they, of course, do not correspond to the spirit and speed of the modern world. That's why snowmobiles are becoming more and more popular. They not only allow you to get extreme sensations, but also turn into reliable, universal transport, for which snow-covered fields and roads are their native element.
Snowmobile "Itlan Cayur"
There are a great variety of snowmobile models. They differ in design, power, and maneuverability, which is why they are chosen depending on the intended goals. One buyer wants a fast and maneuverable sport snowmobile; another is looking for a powerful off-road vehicle with a long range for long hunting trips; the third one needs a steel, unpretentious horse for daily use, for example, for work at ski resorts or for fishery inspectors and rangers.
But many people prefer universal snowmobiles that combine diverse advantages. And if at the same time they are also cheap, then very good. Such models undoubtedly include the Kayur snowmobile. Reviews from owners about it are mostly laudatory. It is important that this is the first domestic snowmobile, made not as a copy of foreign analogues, but on the basis of the experience of Russian engineers and the wishes of Russian consumers, who are well aware of the peculiarities of our realities and the Russian climate.
Design features
The Shikhan snowmobile has a short welded frame with a specially designed cargo compartment and trusses located on the sides of the chassis. The trusses facilitate self-cleaning of tracks from ice and allow for visual technical inspection of the undercarriage. This feature is very popular with fishermen and hunters who often ride snowmobiles in muddy conditions.
“Shihan” is a snowmobile with one front swivel spring ski and two wide (380 mm) long (2878.5 mm) load-bearing tracks - an excellent all-terrain vehicle for moving through snowy terrain. 34 hp two-stroke snowmobile engine. With. starts from a manual starter.
The large total area of the load-bearing tracks creates minimal snowmobile pressure on the ground. The front suspension swivel ski allows you to easily maneuver among trees, bushes or other obstacles. "Shihan" (snowmobile) has excellent cross-country ability.
Manufacturer
Rybinsk is rightfully considered the snowmobile capital of Russia. As a rule, this city is associated with, which created the most famous Russian snowmobiles “Buran” and “Taiga”. Therefore, it is not surprising that it was in Rybinsk that the first purely Russian snowmobile appeared. Another surprising thing is that its creator was not Russian Mechanics, but the young enterprise Spetsenergokomplekt LLC.
Initially, the engineers were given an ambitious task: to create an inexpensive, lightweight, unpretentious snowmobile aimed at the mass domestic consumer. Judging by the positive customer reviews, the Itlan Cayur snowmobile was a worthy result of these ambitious goals. It is easy to use, not prone to breakdowns, easily withstands frost, fast, economical, versatile, in a word, optimal for the conditions of the Russian winter.
Description
The “Kayur” snowmobile is designed according to the principle “the simpler, the more reliable.” This is a lightweight tracked snowmobile equipped with two skis from the Canadian company Camoplast. It has a welded, lightweight tubular frame to which the front fairings, side covers and driver's seat with luggage compartment are attached.
Thanks to three adjustable shock absorbers from the Izh motorcycle, the rear suspension is raised high, so dirt and snow do not accumulate in the track tunnel when traveling on loose snow. In addition, shock absorbers allow the suspension to support the weight of two riders. The rear fender and track tunnel are made of high-quality and durable polyethylene, which works great at low temperatures. The tracks are the same as on the Buran snowmobile and are equipped with special steel brackets.
Easy to control using a motorcycle-style steering wheel. All controls are located on the dashboard and steering wheel: brake lever, switch for high and low beam headlights, gas lever, ignition switch, emergency engine stop switch, lever for controlling the air damper, speedometer (some versions do not have a speedometer installed).
Engine
The Kayur snowmobile received a proven engine with a carburetor fuel system. This unit is made from high-quality Japanese components. Its working volume is 389 cubic meters. see. The level of environmental performance of the engine complies with European standards Euro-2, and the list of supported fuel types includes 92nd gasoline. According to practical information, the power plant consumes an average of 10 liters of gasoline per 100 km, and a spacious fuel tank provides a range of 200 kilometers. The basic package includes an electric starter, complemented by a manual starter. The latter can be used in emergency situations - for example, when the electric starter does not start due to low air temperature. The motor has good traction characteristics; it successfully pulls uphill or in a deep snowdrift. The unit is well adapted to such conditions, and the air cooling system effectively combats overheating of internal combustion engine components.
Control
Of course, the Kayur snowmobile does not differ in the power and dynamics of sports models, but at the same time, thanks to a good engine, lightness and maneuverability, it becomes a fast and passable means of transportation in the right hands.
Despite its rather modest dimensions, sitting on a snowmobile is very comfortable. The saddle is soft and raised high, so your legs are in a comfortable position and do not become numb during long rides; driving the car is a real pleasure. But it should be noted that a snowmobile shows its best qualities with one driver; if a passenger is added, then maneuverability and speed noticeably drop, and there is not enough space for two adults in bulky winter clothes.
The narrow track and light weight make the snowmobile easy to control; it reacts sensitively to all steering movements and to all driver commands, even on clean ice. On well-trodden, level ground, the car quickly reaches speeds of up to 55 km/h; on loose snow, the speed limit fluctuates around 30 km/h.
The “Itlan Cayur” snowmobile, the characteristics and design of which allow it to be piloted sitting, standing, with emphasis on the knee, half-standing, can be safely called a universal “winter scooter”: after all, it rides perfectly on prepared trails and virgin snow; on loose ice and dense snow; across flat fields and hilly terrain.
Video
We bring to your attention the official promotional video for the Itlan Kayur snowmobile, which has not yet gained much popularity, which is equipped with an excellent engine from Honda. It allows him to overcome snowy terrain with ease.
The machine, built on the principle “simplicity is the key to reliability,” is truly uncomplicated. However, the “snowball” is well-tailored and well-equipped: a simple and reliable Honda GX-390 engine (well-proven on gas generators and other power equipment) is coupled with a variator, a hydraulic disc brake, single-lever suspension with hydraulics (the shock absorbers look very similar to Izhevsk). There is no reverse gear, but this is compensated by the light weight and modest dimensions of the car. But the absence of any fuel level indicator is a serious disadvantage. How to calculate mileage before refueling? By odometer? So it is also missing, as is the engine hour meter. Although there is a casting on the body of the “tidy” for the device. So why didn’t they install at least a simple speedometer? There is only one way out: carry a spare can of gasoline in the seat tank. And there is enough space for a five-liter “can.”
But let’s not be so critical, we still need to remember that the “Kayur” is not a tourist equipment, but a kind of “snow scooter”. He evoked such associations among all our test pilots. The dynamics are similar, the dimensions, weight and ease of control are also comparable. The almost weightless device steers easily, requiring virtually no force from the pilot. It obeys the steering wheel perfectly and even on bare ice does not turn into an uncontrollable “bowling ball”. The tendency of the device to “ear” ceases to bother you after just a few minutes of driving. A feature that initially seemed like a drawback turns out to be an amazing fan. The “musher,” like a trained horse in a circus, at the command of the pilot, almost imperceptible from the outside, willingly lifts any of the skis into the air, allowing you to ride in this position for an unlimited time, not only in an arc, but also in a straight line. True, our experiments with driving at two points ended in a caterpillar falling off. It turned out that it was not tensioned well enough, so it is worth watching it more closely.
RESULT. At first glance, we have before us a dead “hole”, incapable of either driving fast or carrying heavy luggage and only conditionally suitable for carrying a passenger. But on the other hand, the “Kayur” is an excellent and, perhaps, the only option offered by the market for those who cannot afford to buy, store and maintain a large snowmobile. The same “Buran” takes up half the garage, absorbs a huge amount of fuel, is capricious in operation and difficult to maintain. Imported equipment is much more expensive. "Kayur" is light and compact, equipped with a simple and reliable engine that does not require complex maintenance. What else does a fisherman need, for example, who has to travel many kilometers across the ice in search of a fishing spot? And just as a winter dacha attraction, this device will be perfect! Few people can afford to keep a full-fledged device for occasional rides around the dacha, but this “snow scooter” will not break even the average family budget and can easily fit in the shed next to shovels and a lawn mower. But the main advantage of the Cayur, in our opinion, is that anyone can handle it and enjoy the ride. It’s not scary to put even a child on it - this device is really safe.
The snowmobile for the test was provided by TvoyGarazh.ru.
Snowmobile operation and care
The technical characteristics of the Kayur snowmobile and the operating rules are stated in the documentation and should become a strict guide to action for the owner. After all, for all its simplicity and friendliness, a snowmobile requires proper operation and care, only in this case it will serve for a long time and fully. It should not be given unbearable tasks, it should not be overloaded or used for a long time at its maximum capabilities.
For long trips, the engine must be allowed to rest every hour of driving. It is necessary to ensure that substances that destroy them do not get into the tracks: alkalis, lubricants, etc. When going on a long journey, you should take with you a set of tools and a supply of fuel. When parked for long periods, the car is covered with a protective cover. The rest of the time, the snowmobile should be stored in a dry place.
No less important is the maintenance of a snowmobile, which is the key to the serviceability of the mechanisms and is divided into:
• Daily before and after departure.
• After the first 200 km, break-in.
• After 1000 km, TO-1.
• After 2000 km, TO-2.
• Seasonal, after long-term storage.
Advantages
• Reliability. Structural simplicity and thoughtfulness make the Kayur snowmobile a reliable machine capable of operating in the most severe conditions.
• Ease of Management. A light and original chassis, a narrowed ski base, and a well-designed suspension give the snowmobile increased maneuverability and responsiveness to commands; even beginners quickly learn to control it, and in the hands of experts it turns into a passable and nimble scooter.
• Weight. Light weight makes the unit easy to transport.
• Comfort. The ergonomics of the driver's seat are similar to those of a motorcycle. A high and soft seat combined with a comfortable steering wheel allows the driver to ride a snowmobile comfortably without feeling tired.
• Price. Prices for the Kayur snowmobile depend on the configuration and start from 160 thousand rubles, which is significantly lower than the prices of more popular brands.
Photo gallery
Lightweight and most importantly economical Itlant, one of the first domestically produced snowmobiles. Due to its small size, it can be transported in a regular car trailer. This device is perfect for fishermen, hunters and just lovers of active recreation.
Flaws
This model also has its drawbacks, but where would we be without them? But we are pleased with the attitude of the manufacturer, who does not brush aside the dissatisfied comments of the owners, but tries to consistently correct shortcomings and shortcomings. Thus, in the budget configuration, a speedometer and fuel gauge are not installed on the dashboard, this is very inconvenient, especially on long trips, where it is important to note the distance traveled and the amount of gasoline.
Savvy owners solve this problem with the help of GPS navigators and the obligatory spare fuel canister. Buyers also complain that the first versions of the Kayur snowmobile are not equipped with a gas trigger and a heated steering wheel, and most importantly, they do not have a reverse gear. This reduces the mobility and capabilities of the snowmobile. But there is hope that gradually all the shortcomings will be eliminated.
Reviews
- Anton, Leningrad region. Lightweight and economical snowmobile, consumes about 10 liters per 100 km. It is well assembled and equipped with a Japanese engine, which is very high-torque and dynamically accelerates the Kayur snowmobile. It has a small carrying capacity, and in general it is better not to overload the car, otherwise the dynamics will suffer. Still, the power is not enough, and when traveling together, the car goes very hard uphill. Over two years of use, no serious breakdowns have occurred; the device works like a clock. The maximum speed is about 55 km/h, but only if you drive alone. The engine is very noisy, but you can get used to it. The windshield is mounted low, and it itself is low, so snow quickly accumulates in the dashboard area. The snowmobile must be regularly cleaned of snow, especially the tracks, otherwise the cross-country ability will deteriorate. The machine does not require high maintenance costs and is easy to repair.
- Vladimir, Smolensk. This car has many advantages, but there are also disadvantages. The snowmobile can reach 50 km/h, which is commendable. But acceleration is very slow, and the engine is so noisy that vibrations are transmitted to the steering column and seat. By the way, this seat can accommodate two passengers. There is a small trunk under the seat. Fuel consumption does not exceed 10 liters. The Japanese engine consumes 92 gasoline without any problems. One day, my 15-year-old son managed to accelerate to 60 km/h, lost control and crashed into a pole. The car remained intact except for some minor scratches on the front. The snowmobile went off the road into a deep snowdrift, and the snow probably allowed it to slow down before the vehicle crashed into a pole. If not for the snow, the damage would have been much more serious. But the snowmobile has no safety, just like any other similar machine.
- Nikolay, Novosibirsk. This is my first snowmobile. It looks like a toy, but behaves like a completely serious and adult device. The car is compact and stylish, handles and accelerates dynamically. Despite the noise and vibration, I quickly got used to the controls. Unfortunately, the basic configuration does not include a speedometer, tachometer, or other basic instruments. But you can ride together, although this reduces the maximum speed - in this case it is no more than 40 km/h. With a load, the device is completely endowed with a snail's pace, and there is nothing to be done about it. The track quickly becomes clogged with snow and is easy to clean. But sometimes you have to clean it right on the road, otherwise the snowmobile will sit on its belly in deep snow. Not a bad car for an undemanding owner.