All lovers of traveling through snowy fields are well aware of the fact that first you need to select high-quality equipment. Otherwise, you won’t be riding a snowmobile, but it will be riding you. One of the most interesting domestic brands is the Taiga snowmobile. In fact, this vehicle is a kind of high-quality SUV among similar cars (unlike the Buran brand).
History of appearance
Taiga snowmobiles have been produced since 1997. This version was developed for use in army units located in the north and by rapid reaction brigades. For many years (until 2015), snowmobiles were prohibited for retail or wholesale sale to private individuals.
And only in the last few years have civilians had the opportunity to fully appreciate all the capabilities of equipment with the Taiga 500 brand. Many immediately began to compare them with Buran snowmobiles, deciding which is better.
The model range of this brand includes several lines of double seats:
- Patrol;
- Leopard;
- Varangian;
- Leader;
- Satellite;
- Attack.
There are also lighter single-seat options:
- Rybinka;
- TIKSY 250.
Technical specifications
In total, in addition to the basic version of the Taiga 500 (not to be confused with the Buran brand), there are 9 more versions of these snowmobiles. They are assigned special markers (for example, snowmobile Taiga St500d). Let us consider in more detail the description of the basic parameters of technical characteristics:
- Case features. The frame is made of high-quality steel and is all-welded;
- Hood. Made from fiberglass. Elements such as a windshield (tuning is possible), a headlight and an instrument panel with a speedometer are mounted on it;
- Engine. The main ones are RMZ - 500 (power 38 hp and 1 carburetor) or the newest RMZ - 500 - 10 (power 50 hp, 2 carburetors). In addition, there are differences in lubrication. In the first option, the oil is mixed with gasoline, and in the second, the lubricant is separate. There are also versions with engines for different types of gasoline (76, 80 and 92). Fuel consumption depends on the version and the speed developed by the Taiga 500;
- Transmission (automatic V-belt variator);
- Disc brakes (controlled using a cable);
- The suspension (front) is equipped with a spring or hydropneumatic shock absorber. The rear (slime) is also shock-absorbed;
- The gearbox is a gear drive with manual gear shifting, of which there are 4 in the taiga (neutral, low, high and reverse).
Specifications
Dimensional data:
- The structural length of the snowmobile is 3210 millimeters.
- The width of the body is 1025 millimeters.
- The total height of the snowmobile is 1325 millimeters.
- The ski track width is 960 millimeters.
Suspension:
- Front suspension type: telescopic.
- Rear suspension type: slip.
- Number of front shock absorbers – 2.
Propulsion:
- The type of propulsion is caterpillar with front drive sprockets.
- Number of caterpillars – 1.
- Tension mechanism type: screw.
- Type of caterpillar track – rubber-fabric, reinforced.
- The total length of the track is 3937 millimeters.
- The width of the caterpillar track is 500 millimeters.
Transmission:
- The model of the installed transmission is a variator.
- CVT gears – low (L), high (H), reverse, neutral.
Brakes:
- Brake type – disc, adjustable.
- Brake drive type – hydraulic.
Operating parameters:
- Start type of the power unit – manual/electric starter.
- Type of power system – carburetor.
- Ignition system type – DUCATI.
- Type of lubrication system – combined (mixture of oil and gasoline).
- The structural weight of the snowmobile is 280 kilograms.
- The capacity of the main fuel tank is 35 liters.
- Number of places – 2.
- The highest speed of movement is up to 80 kilometers per hour.
Basic equipment:
- Electric starter – available.
- Reverse gear – available.
- Heated steering wheel grips and throttle trigger are available.
- Windshield – available.
- Passenger backrest available.
- Rear towbar – available.
- Speedometer – available.
- Odometer – available.
Lighting technology:
- Headlight type: halogen, 55/60.
- Taillight type: LED.
additional characteristics
- Caterpillar. Its average width is about 500 mm. The cord is made of high-quality fabric, reinforced at the edges with fiberglass links in the form of rods;
- Also included in the chassis are ski runners made of high-quality steel. This allows you to better navigate areas with bare soil. To soften the ride, plastic ski linings are used. The main feature is that there are always 2 skis (the Buran snowmobile comes with one). In addition, this element provides the possibility of tuning (for example, installing extensions for skis on a Taiga snowmobile);
- Imported belts are installed (Dayco);
- The sock is secured with rivets and is made of molded polyethylene;
- With a total load capacity of 200 kg, it is possible to attach a trailer weighing up to 220 kg. And this despite the fact that the dimensions of the snowmobile are quite modest. If you don't need a trailer, then choose a model with its own trunk.
The owner of "Taiga". Russian snowmobile for extreme conditions
I am a victim of the production technology of the Klaxon newspaper. This New Year's issue was prepared back in November. And deputy Editor-in-chief Alexander Bakharev was adamant: “Your problem is that there is not enough snow! We need a snowmobile test in the December issue!” The next day I get a call: a car with a tow bar is near the entrance, a snowmobile is on a trailer. Forward! Demand from the deputy Most importantly, I didn’t risk another car with snow, fearing for the fee. Forward and forward... Fortunately, on the trailer there was not some “delicate” imported car, but a Russian “Taiga”. A tough off-road snowmobile for extreme conditions.
THIS is the newest generation of domestic snow machines. For “Taiga,” in my opinion, everything should work out “Thank God.” It even looks strikingly different from other domestic snowmobiles such as “Buran” or “Lynx”. Sometimes funny things happen to the latter.
...There are several brand new Lynxes standing in the showroom. A buyer arrives. He begins to question the manager. What motor? So-and-so... And the power? Such and such... How much does it cost? So much... I see! How much will a new one cost? “For mercy, there is a new snowmobile in front of you!” — the manager is amazed. Next is a silent scene...
Russian "Taiga" looks no worse than foreign snowmobiles
Previously, all domestic snowmobiles, even new ones, looked like used ones. And that’s why “Taiga” immediately captivates with its neat “foreign” appearance. Do not decorate the fairing with inscriptions in the native Cyrillic alphabet; the device can indeed be mistaken for an imported one. “T&yga” flaunts not only external gloss. I meticulously examined the nooks and crannies under the hood, the front suspension, and the mechanism that rotates the track. Everything was done carefully, with dignity, with skill. “A snowmobile like this should run well,” I thought, sitting in the saddle and pressing the electric starter button.
...Have you heard the joke about a swimming pool in a madhouse? The commission asks patients: “How are you living? Are you happy with everything?” And the psychos answer: “Everything is fine. The food is excellent. They even built a swimming pool. We swim, we dive... The head doctor promised that if we behave well, they will pour water into him...” At first, driving through a ten-centimeter layer of first snow seemed analogous to “swimming” in a pool without water. It shook quite a bit on the frozen arable land, but the suspension adequately coped with such a barbaric surface. Moreover, at the edge of the forest there was a kilometer-long section where there was a little more snow. There the Taiga willingly reached 100 km/h. I saw how the skis twitched on uneven surfaces, but the snowmobile confidently held a straight line and clearly obeyed the steering wheel. Great!
The second trunk is hidden under the saddle
There was even more snow in the forest. There were several turns in the clearing. which I tried to complete in different modes. Up to extreme ones, when you had to “hang” your body to the side, as if on a sports bike. On turns, the Taiga behaves quite reliably. Without much agility, of course... So, don’t forget that this is not a sports model, but a heavy “off-road” snowmobile, capable of moving not only on flat fields, but also on rough terrain. If it is covered with loose, deep snow, it will not hurt to put wide plastic “bast shoes” on the skis - they are offered as additional equipment and significantly increase cross-country ability. With them, the Taiga becomes an excellent snowmobile for a hunter, in the saddle of which it is not scary to climb into the wilderness.
A caterpillar over half a meter wide gives the Taiga excellent cross-country ability
The skis themselves are made of steel. Yes. Most imported snowmobiles are equipped with plastic runners - they glide easier and have better handling. But steel ones are stronger. In the saddle of a snowmobile with such skis, it is not scary to cross, for example, a cleared asphalt road. In a word, “Taiga” is not afraid of difficult conditions.
...There are, I think, half a dozen models of snowmobiles in the world, in the saddle of which I would dare to climb this steep slope, where the wind blew the snow out in places, exposing the sandy soil. I engage a downshift (as befits an “SUV”). I'm slowly moving forward. And “Taiga”, in front of the amazed photographer’s eyes, slowly carried me to the top of the hill. Thanks to its grippy track, which is more than half a meter wide (which is the envy of other imported “off-road” snowmobiles), the Russian vehicle is distinguished by excellent cross-country ability.
Here I catch myself thinking: “The reader may think that I am overly praising the car.” Therefore, I want to “comfort” the skeptics: “Taiga” is not only the most advanced of domestic snowmobiles, but also the most expensive. Depending on the configuration, the device costs $3,500-3,700. The amount is decent, but incomparably less than the money asked for the most primitive imported cars. And foreign “off-road” snowmobiles with wide tracks and reduction gears generally cost seven to nine thousand.
By the way, the high price of “Taiga” is not just a fantasy. In my opinion, as a consumer, it is quite justified due to the widespread use of expensive components. Thus, an unbreakable windshield was made in Russia, but from imported material. The electric starter is Czech. The variator belt is made under German license. In the bowels of the 2-cylinder 500 engine, pistons with the brand “Made in” move
Austria". Fuel distribution is controlled by a Japanese Mikuni carburetor. With it, the engine develops 43 horsepower. The transmission has a reverse gear - also an important point!
Next year, a more powerful 53-horsepower “Taiga Sport” modification with two carburetors and a separate lubrication system should appear (for the device provided to us, we had to prepare a gasoline-oil cocktail). The snowmobile will be lighter than the standard version and, apparently, very suitable for fast driving...
Brief technical characteristics of the snowmobile "Taiga ST-500D"
Length...321 cm Dry weight...260 kg Load capacity...200 kg Towed trailer weight...up to 220 kg Engine...2-cyl., 2-stroke, 497 cc. cm Power….43 hp Fuel consumption….from 18.5 l/100 km Fuel reserve….40 l
Here I want to make a small digression regarding the rules for operating snow machines. Moreover, this applies not only to the Taiga, but also to all snowmobiles - “off-road vehicles”. Models of this class should not be driven headlong: accelerate to the limit of the engine's capabilities, drive often and for a long time at maximum speed. Service mechanics know how quickly would-be drivers finish off “SUVs” when riding with friends who are driving high-speed sports or touring vehicles. Attempts to maintain a high speed of movement in an SUV usually end in burnt-out pistons, a collapsed transmission and other troubles. Say, while driving a Land Rover or Pajero, it wouldn’t even occur to you to stay on the tail of a BMW M5 or Porsche. So why disfigure a snowy SUV trying to keep up with some high-speed Ski-Doo Adrenaline?..
"Taiga" fully reveals itself in calm long voyages at speeds of 60-80 km/h. The heated steering wheel fills your palms with warmth. A friend sits behind her, leaning on the high soft back of the passenger. In the trunk, which is included in the standard configuration of the Taiga, there is a bag of coal and a barbecue. In the second - under the saddle - meat for shish kebab and a bottle of good vodka. Behind you remain kilometers and kilometers of silent winter forest... And then you understand how good it is to be the owner of the Taiga.
Vyacheslav KITSIS, photo by Sergei IVANOV
Video
Advantages of a snowmobile
All models demonstrate the ability to reach speeds from 60 to 100 km/h even in heavy and deep snow. It also handles corners very well. In this regard, all models are much better than Buran snowmobiles. And this is primarily due to better stability.
Even when the size of the vehicle increases due to the trailer, the snowmobile demonstrates very good uphill climbs. In general, the Taiga behaves on the road like a full-fledged all-terrain vehicle, and can be a good alternative for fans of extreme off-roading. In addition, tuning fans note the good adaptability of modifications to modifications.
Noticed shortcomings
According to owner reviews, there are not many disadvantages. Some people note that under increased loads the smell of fuel is felt. Also, a snowmobile is often recommended for those who are just starting to train in extreme driving. Still, the taiga cannot replace a full-fledged SUV.
But for training, all models will be good. Experienced drivers often lack power when driving through deep drifts. But overall the reviews are mixed. Some people claim that a snowstorm is better, others say the opposite.
Many note rather high prices. But it’s worth noting right away that this is due to the large number of imported parts in the assembly. Even those elements that are produced here are often made from new imported materials (which will be better).
Repair of snowmobiles "Taiga"
Like most domestic equipment, this snowmobile is easy to repair yourself or in a workshop, and buy the necessary spare parts. The address of the warranty workshop can be found when purchasing from a dealer. You can also carry out out-of-warranty and post-warranty repairs there. It is not advisable to repair a snowmobile somewhere in a car service center, since a snowmobile repair specialist has more experience working with them than a car repair specialist.
If you are the owner of a garage and have time for repairs in the summer, you can easily purchase the necessary spare parts and do everything yourself. You can buy any spare parts directly on the manufacturer’s website. They are sorted there in a convenient catalog according to the aggregate principle - engine and frame parts in one block, suspension, tracks, hood - in others, and so on. You can purchase the part in a store, by mail, or find out where this can be done from your local dealer.
Criterias of choice
First of all, you should pay attention to snowmobile skis. They provide stability on snow and high maneuverability. On average, the normal track will range from 900 to 1000 mm. Please note that this parameter is calculated between the centers of the ski runners, and not from the edges.
If you are not afraid of independent tuning, then you can purchase a version with a more modest configuration. Otherwise, it is better to give preference to improved versions (even installing heated seats and windshield).
Naturally, a more powerful engine provides better cross-country ability. But which option to choose is up to you. You should focus on your needs.
Repair and service
Unless you are a specialist, it is better to entrust the repair of a Taiga snowmobile to a service center. Fortunately, the case provides fairly easy access to the structure. Although, breakdowns do not happen very often. This is due to the high quality of the spare parts used (most often imported) in the domestic assembly.
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Flaws
As already mentioned, one track when driving on a wide track rolled by cars is a weak plus. Every now and then it will fall into it with one edge or the other and interfere with movement. Also, when driving through the forest, two skis is not a very good option. On a snowmobile with one ski, it is almost impossible to drive into a tree so as to break the ski - it will be knocked off by the front part of the body. Here, if it gets between two skis, it will break them when trying to go around.
There are some people who think that he is not fast enough. Of course, there are more powerful and faster snowmobiles, but the Taiga was initially created not as a complete replacement for them, but as a universal snowmobile that is nevertheless capable of showing sufficient speed. Rushing at a speed of 150 km/h over ice hummocks, snowdrifts, under which a snow-covered pile, stretched wire, log or other obstacle may stick out, is suicide. Even on a motorcycle when driving on a relatively flat, non-slippery road, it is not recommended to do this, and even more so for a snowmobile!
Recently, "Taiga" began to arrive with defects. It happens that the snowmobile does not start or requires adjustment. This is probably due to the general problems of Russian business, the heavy burden of taxes, which reduces the quality of life of people and the products of enterprises, and their competitiveness. Snowmobiles are bought less and less often, taxes on their production are increasing, and in order to stay afloat, the plant is forced to reduce costs - use lower-quality materials and components, and hire inexperienced workers.
