Snowmobile brands - the best models from famous manufacturers

A snowmobile is a pretty good means of transportation in the Russian winter. It copes well with both snowdrifts one and a half human height, and with ice, in which the entire city turns into a skating rink. And, moreover, the price for such vehicles is not always exorbitant - even a person with an average income can get a snowmobile and cause the envy of their neighbors, without worrying at all about covered roads.

To confirm this, we have compiled a rating of the 8 cheapest snowmobiles that most people can afford.

The best touring snowmobiles

Lynx ADVENTURE GT 900 ACE

This is an excellent option for long walks, this model is characterized by its versatility and luxury performance characteristics. The width of the working track is as much as 50 cm, the height of the lugs is 3.8 cm. The mass is distributed most evenly, providing excellent connection with the coating. If driving is carried out across a slope, then reliable shock absorbers will not allow the structure to fall to the side. The ROTAX 900 ACE engine offers a high level of performance without too much fuel consumption. The engine has three cylinders, its working volume is 899 cubic centimeters. The engine cooling system works most efficiently, as it is represented by a fan system and a radiator.

The front suspension is A-LFS and has a low weight, the rear suspension is PPS-5900-A. Together, they provide complete control over control accuracy. The driver will always keep the situation under control. If necessary, an additional seat can be installed on such a snowmobile, turning the product into a two-seater vehicle. There is a luggage compartment where you can put all the things you need on the road. On such a snowmobile it is comfortable to overcome both well-worn trails and untouched masses of snow.

Advantages:

• Spacious fuel tank – designed for 45 liters;
• The seats are very comfortable;
• Excellent maneuverability.

Flaws:

• Seat heating is not provided.

Ski-Doo Expedition SE 1200 4-TEC

Of all the snowmobiles produced by this manufacturer, this design has the largest engine capacity. It has three cylinders in its design, the working volume is 1170 cubic centimeters. This allows the product to feel great on both packed and problematic snow. There is a reverse gear that can be blocked if necessary. This snowmobile can be used to tow heavy loads. The front suspension is represented by a double A-arm system with a travel of 210 mm. The rear suspension of the SC 5U has a vertical travel of 340 mm - all surface irregularities are absorbed while driving. The weight of the snowmobile is 322 kg. The motor is equipped with an electric starter. Additional features include heated grips.

The model has several engine operating modes that allow you to customize the operation of the equipment depending on the specific situation - sports, standard and environmental. The maximum engine power is 130 horsepower, which allows you to develop significant speed. Users note the versatility of the product - it is well suited for transporting goods, tourist trips, and various household works. The eDrive 2 transmission has a hydraulic braking system - with its help, a good smooth ride is ensured, and the person will also keep the speed limit under control.

Advantages:

• Good engine power is combined with a reliable braking system;
• Excellent cornering performance;
• Suspension adjustable;
• Several engine operating modes.

Flaws:

• Quite expensive;
• Trunk capacity leaves much to be desired.

Yamaha RS Venture TF

This model rightfully took first place among the best touring snowmobiles; the engine power is such that the snowmobile can accelerate to 150 km/h within a few seconds. It handles excellently, holds the road well, and the suspension behaves stably both on straight sections and on corners. The width of the track is 38 cm. The windshield is quite large and does not bend under the influence of wind or other physical stress. The engine operates thanks to an electronic fuel injection system - EFI. Even at low revs the torque is quite decent. The caterpillar is not too long, thanks to which it gains maximum speed in any area. The shock absorbers on both the front and rear suspensions are adjustable - this allows you to change their stiffness depending on the number of passengers.

The rear suspension travel is quite large - 350 mm, the front travels a maximum of 219 mm. To stop the device as quickly as possible, a hydraulic caliper and an additional engine braking system are used. When the gas is released, the variator breaks the connection between the motor and the drive. The model is equipped with electric power steering. This allows you to significantly reduce hand fatigue when steering in densely packed snow. In this case, feedback on the handles is not lost.

Arctic Cat ZR900

The most expensive snowmobile was produced by Arctic Cat. The cost of the device exceeds 15,000 US dollars. The price is justified by the technical characteristics.

The engine for the ZR900 was specially developed by the famous company Suzuki. This is a powerful and at the same time reliable 4-stroke turbocharged engine with a volume of 1056 cm3, offered as standard with 177 horsepower. With such power, he can easily accelerate equipment in a matter of seconds to colossal speed. Therefore, you should not thoughtlessly pull the trigger all the way.

It is worth mentioning separately about the suspension, the design of which is taken from sports snowmobiles. At the front, double wishbones are used in conjunction with air shock absorbers. The vertical travel is 25.5 cm. At the rear, 34.5 cm is provided by the Slide-Action system. The suspension of the device is adjusted perfectly, which has a noticeable effect when driving on snow-covered hills.

The developers did not forget about comfort. Thanks to the special shape and heating of the seat, it is comfortable to spend long periods of time on the move. By the way, it is installed slightly higher than usual, which gives the driver a better overview. For various small items, such as gloves or keys, there is a glove compartment heated by the motor. The dashboard has all the necessary options, as well as the ability to switch from analog to digital display or vice versa.

By purchasing the Arctic Cat ZR900, the buyer will receive a cool production snowmobile with a powerful engine, thanks to which it is possible to reach a speed of 200 km/h without noticing. Due to this, the ZR900 is called the fastest snowmobile in the world.

Which brand of snowmobile to choose?

List of the best manufacturers of the products in question:

1. Arctic Cat is a leading American company producing currently popular ATVs and snowmobiles. At first, starting in 1951, it was engaged in the production of steam cleaners and poisonous substances for insects.

2. Ski-Doo is a popular brand of excellent snowmobiles from the Canadian corporation Bombardier. BRP was founded in 1942, in which it immediately began producing tracked vehicles.

3. Polaris is an international holding company that produces a variety of high-quality household appliances and equipment. The brand of the same name also produces snowmobiles that are in demand in northern latitudes.

4. Lynx - narrow tracked vehicles produced in Finland from the aforementioned Bombardier.

5. Yamaha is a world-famous Japanese company created in 1955. It manufactures and exports large quantities of high-quality motorcycles, golf carts, snowmobiles and other equipment based on engines of its own production.

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Rating of the cheapest snowmobiles

Russian Mechanics (RM) Taiga Varyag 500

Rating: 4.9

Why it: Maximum reliability and ease of use.

This snowmobile is designed to be comfortable, reliable and safe. So, it is equipped with a high steering wheel, a reinforced steel bumper and a special RMZ-500 engine with a power of 43 horsepower. The drive is adapted for use in low-temperature conditions and is complemented by the Ducati CDI ignition system, which ensures quick starts even in frosty conditions and optimally controls engine operating parameters.

The high steering wheel with heated grips makes driving the snowmobile comfortable regardless of the driver's position - sitting or standing. The vehicle is also equipped with a two-level seat, a high windshield and a halogen headlight, which ensures visibility regardless of weather conditions.

The rear suspension, which has a travel of 190 mm, is characterized by increased energy intensity. This is due to the use of special torsion springs and a hydropneumatic shock absorber.

Advantages

• High power;
• Ergonomic design;
• Mikuni and Ducati components.

Flaws

• High noise level;
• Relatively high gasoline consumption;
• It is nominally considered a single seater, so there is no backrest for the passenger.

Stels 600L Ermak

Rating: 4.8

Why it: One of the cheapest and most powerful snowmobiles with an extended wheelbase.

The main advantage of this snowmobile is its extended wheelbase, thanks to which it can be used to transport various large-sized cargo or transport two passengers (equipped with a modular collapsible seat). In addition, it offers improved driving comfort. Thus, the snowmobile is equipped with a gear transmission, which is similar in control to a car automatic transmission, and a 50-horsepower engine equipped with a muffler with resonators and 2 carburetors.

The rear suspension, made in the roller type, is responsible for the reliability of movement on any surface. Its stroke is 190 mm thanks to two shock absorbers. The caterpillar track with which this suspension is equipped has received an increased lug and lanterns on the inside, due to which it is stable on ice and is automatically cleaned of various “sticky” contaminants such as slush or dirt. The front suspension has a travel of 150 mm.

Advantages

• Caterpillar on a rubber-fabric base;
• Difficult self-service;
• In most cases, it is supplied without PTS.

Flaws

• Poor stock equipment;
• The ski on the front suspension is made of plastic;
• High gas consumption.

Motoland Snowmax

Rating: 4.8

Why it: Economical and suitable for beginners.

This snowmobile is perfect for novice riders. It is not as powerful and large-sized as the previous models in the rating, but it has a low price, increased efficiency and an attractive “aggressive” design.

The snowmobile is equipped with a low-power 7.6 horsepower engine (volume is 200 cubic centimeters). At the same time, it is capable of accelerating to 50 kilometers per hour, and thanks to the automatic transmission, you don’t have to make much effort to control it. The engine is economical, the nominal fuel consumption is 5 liters per 100 kilometers, and the autonomy is about 90 kilometers from one refueling. All necessary data, including speed and fuel reserve, is displayed on the liquid crystal display.

Another important advantage of this snowmobile is its large trunk, making the vehicle suitable for transporting cargo.

Advantages

• Low price;
• Easy to operate;
• Suitable for use by two people (driver and passenger).

Flaws

• Caterpillar on a rubber-fabric base;
• Difficult self-service;
• In most cases, it is supplied without PTS.

Russian Mechanics (RM) Tiksy 250 Lux

Rating: 4.7

Why it: Combination of professional components and compact dimensions.

This snowmobile is largely based on the flagship Taiga model, but is made in more compact dimensions and is largely aimed at use by novice drivers. The main difference between it and the top-end vehicle is the engine. Tiksy 250 “Lux” is equipped with a single-cylinder PM3-250 engine with a power of 22 horsepower, which is complemented by a Mikuni carburetor. With this engine, the snowmobile can reach speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour.

One of the most important advantages of a snowmobile is increased maneuverability. This is achieved by reducing both the weight (up to 180 kg) and the track. In particular, the track width is 380 mm, and the front ski track based on the lever illumination is 875 mm.

Passable

Good cross-country ability is a feature of powerful snowmobiles for transporting goods, utilitarian or tourist. Powerful models are also suitable for hunting - they can easily pull heavy trailed sleds with heavy animal carcass. A passable “off-road” snowmobile will easily pass through deep snow, through snow hummocks, rubble and even pull a heavy load.

Polaris PRO RMK 850 Patriot 3

pros

• Confidently climbs steep hills
• Stones and branches fly under the bottom easily
• Very light throttle trigger
• Instant throttle response
• Handling is excellent
• You can traverse the slope even while standing on the footrests

Minuses

• The junction of the outlet and the sax is filled with oil emulsion
• "Whiskers" break off

From 1,077,000 ₽

The device’s engine is a leader in the class of reliability, responsiveness, and speed of dialing. The weight to power ratio is ideal. This is the most powerful snowmobile created by Polaris. During break-in, a constant increase in power is felt. The variator belt is of poor quality in new models - 1 cm shorter with a different wedge.

SKI-DOO Freeride 165” 850 E-TEC SHOT

pros

• Excellent Kayaba shock absorbers
• Feels great in the mountains
• Sports shock absorbers
• Easy and precise control
• Very responsive gas
• Very maneuverable

Minuses

• The headlight is constantly covered in snow
• On new engines, belts break due to vibration and overheating

From RUB 1,399,000

The SHOT system allows the magneto to be used after one manual winding. Racing model with reliable Brembo brakes, reinforced brake hoses. Suitable for mountains. You only have to start it with a manual starter once. Then - as if from an electric starter. The capacity of the box is up to 50 kg, only the load needs to be moved towards the rider.

The best sport mountain snowmobile models

Yamaha SR Viper X-TX SE

This rather practical vehicle is equipped with a four-stroke engine and has a special chassis in its design that allows it to easily overcome various types of terrain. The engine capacity is 1049 cubic centimeters, its power can reach 130 horsepower. The suspension design is such that this snowmobile maneuvers with ease even on difficult terrain. He easily passes uncleared roads and slopes covered with a thick layer of snow. The product can withstand even sharp turns, which is most important in forest conditions when you have to maneuver between trees.

Yamaha Apex XTX (approximately $14,000)

This luxury snowmobile is designed to handle harsh conditions. Impassable mountain routes with steep slopes and the most difficult trails are not able to moderate the ardor of this Japanese stallion. The creators of this snowmobile tried to find the perfect balance of handling both on hard surfaces and on snow and uneven trails. While driving the Yamaha Apex, you will experience unprecedented power, dynamics, excellent handling, reliability and comfort.

The snowmobile is equipped with an EPS system with a revolutionary electric power steering, 4-stroke 4-cylinder engine from Genesis.

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