Taiga Varyag 550 is a high-performance utilitarian snowmobile made in Russia. The machine is the best among domestic utilitarian-type snowmobiles. This device uses the most advanced developments available to our engineers. The developer of the machine is, which produces this snowmobile in the city of Rybinsk. The main characteristic advantages of the model under consideration are good handling, low center of gravity, high load capacity, maintainability and proven technical solutions.
The model under consideration is distinguished by its high level of cross-country ability and practicality. Let's pay attention to the rich package, which already includes a two-level seat with a removable backrest. In addition, the driver and passenger are provided with heated grips. Including, there is a function for heating the gas trigger. The hydraulic brake and towbar deserve special attention - these components are integral to the basic version of the Taiga Varyag 550 snowmobile. Thus, the towbar is very useful when transporting sleds with large and heavy loads. The hydraulic brake, in turn, provides effective braking even when the car is fully loaded - along with two passengers (including the driver) and cargo.
The Taiga Varyag 550 snowmobile stands out for its excellent driving characteristics, which can be emphasized by high maneuverability and excellent traction thanks to the power reserve of the internal combustion engine. The machine is designed to drive on any road surface, including rolled and smooth snow, as well as loose and deep snowdrifts. There will be no problems driving on icy roads. As a result, the car is able to quickly and efficiently get to the designated place, overcoming any obstacles, which is a big plus in favor of cross-country ability.
It must be admitted that previous models of the Varyag family had significant problems with cross-country ability and high loads. Based on the above, these shortcomings were eliminated in the Taiga Varyag 550 snowmobile. The device is equipped with a powerful and compact engine designed for increased loads. In addition, thanks to this, the snowmobile has good acceleration potential, comparable to its closest foreign competitors.
Modifications
There are several different modifications of the snowmobile of the same name, which differ in purpose and set of capabilities.
- Model Varyag 550V. This machine is an improved version of the original snowmobile. Among the features of this device is an expanded configuration with additional options. In particular, this model has a two-carburetor Mikuni system, improved air cooling and a two-speed gearbox. In addition, there is also Ducati CDI electronic ignition from a foreign supplier. The technology is a programmable system that can be tuned to optimize powertrain performance at low or high loads.
- Taiga Varyag 550 limited. This snowmobile complies not only with basic standards, but also with advanced equipment elements typical of more expensive imported models. We are talking about a continuously variable transmission, which is a simplified analogue of a car CVT. The rated power of the power plant is 55 horsepower. The engine has a dual cylinder system, as in the previous version. There are changes in the design part, as well as the design of the dashboard. Overall, the 550 Limited is slightly better equipped than the 550V. The Limited modification entered mass production in October 2016.
About the manufacturer
One of the most reputable manufacturers of snowmobiles is domestic. This company has been producing equipment for more than 40 years, which allows it to use not only the latest production technologies, but also rich experience and the specifics of use on our land.
Russian Mechanics Company
In addition, snowmobiles from Russian Mechanics were involved in the longest snow expedition in the country, so you can absolutely trust such equipment without fear that the unit will let you down at an important moment.
The company is really popular, so purchasing a snowmobile from this company would be an excellent decision.
Specifications
- Snowmobile length – 2990 mm
- Width/full height, mm – 1050/1380
- Track length – 3937 mm
- Track width/height – 500/22 mm
- Track width between skis/track base – 900/508 mm
- Weight – 280 kg
- Engine – petrol, RMZ-550
- Electric starter - yes
- Rear shock absorber - monotube, hydropneumatic
- Fuel tank volume – 40 liters
- Basic gearbox - two-speed
- Optional transmission – continuously variable, CVT
- Speeds: down, forward, neutral, reverse
- Control – hydraulically driven
- Brake mechanism - mechanical, disc brakes
- Front suspension – telescopic – with 105 mm travel
- Rear suspension – slide, with a stroke of 190 mm
- Ignition system – Ducati CDI (programmable)
- Front headlight – halogen
- Heated steering wheel and throttle trigger functions are standard.
Chassis
Like many snowmobiles in this series, the Varyag 550 received a telescopic front suspension with travel increased to 150 mm. The rear suspension has undergone a similar modification, the travel of which has been increased to 190 mm. This general layout, together with a lower center of mass, made it possible not only to increase the speed characteristics of the snowmobile over rough terrain, but also to make movement more comfortable. To help the rear suspension, the manufacturer equipped the model with torsion springs, which soften the movement of the snowmobile when empty (only with the driver) and when fully loaded. The Composit track, 500 mm wide, has already become traditional for snowmobiles of this class.
Engine
The vehicle in question received the only power plant in the engine range, the RMZ-550, which has proven itself to be reliable and unpretentious over long runs. The unit is a two-cylinder, two-stroke design with a working volume of 0.5 liters. The basic version uses a single Mikuni carburetor system, and the optional version has two carburetors. The engine develops a power of 50 horsepower, which is an increase of 5 liters. With. less than the forced version (Limited). Cooling is air type, starting type is electric starter, which can be replaced with a manual starter (if necessary). Thanks to the listed components, the engine has increased reliability; it starts confidently in cold and warm weather. Due to this, it can be argued that there is no need to change the RMZ-550 engine to a more modern one. After all, the proven engine still shows excellent results in terms of reliability and endurance.
What are snowmobiles for?
So, if it weren't for snowmobiles, communication in snowy areas would be seriously hampered indeed.
Snowmobile
After all, snowmobiles allow you to move at really high speeds and, at the same time, not lose good controllability of the unit. This is precisely the advantage of a snowmobile, which no other type of equipment has.
This is precisely the reason for the high popularity of such transport in snowy areas. Currently very popular snowmobiles are Yamaha, Ermak, Viking 540, Dingo 150, BRP, as well as new models from Yamaha for 2021.
For more information about snowmobiles, watch the video:
Price
The average cost of the Taiga Varyag 550 snowmobile on the Russian market is in the range of 320-380 thousand rubles. The price is for a new car in various configurations. In this price category, the model in question has practically no analogues when compared with imported cars with similar characteristics. Since the model has been produced for quite a long time, you can find supported versions for 250-300 thousand rubles. In this case, the final cost depends on the mileage, model year, technical condition and equipment of the snowmobile.
Exploitation
The box of the Taiga 500 snowmobile is located quite intelligently, which makes it accessible for maintenance. Simple actions such as topping up or changing the oil can be done in a matter of minutes. It is impossible not to mention the technical aspects that the owners of this snowmobile model use for individual customization. One of the most important is adjusting the carburetor on the Taiga 500 snowmobile. Many lovers of long trips will appreciate the ease of adjusting the mixture, thanks to which you can vary the power/consumption ratio as needed. All body parts are fastened with special latches and bolted connections, which allows you to quickly change one or another part, even in a garage. I would like to note that spare parts can be easily found both on the manufacturer’s official website and in a variety of online stores, Moreover, the cost differs significantly from models from imported manufacturers.
Reviews
- Igor, Smolensk. I've driven several thousand kilometers on this car, and I still can't say anything bad. A good device by domestic standards. Not a foreign car, of course, but it behaves very decently. The unit does not have significant problems, unlike its predecessors, and evokes mostly positive emotions. In my opinion, this is a good alternative to the Buran snowmobile, which is too long and clumsy. The Taiga Varyag 550 model is, on the contrary, nimble and maneuverable, suitable for hard-to-reach places. In addition, the car drives briskly uphill and pulls a loaded sled perfectly. Fuel consumption is very high per 100 km, which is almost the only drawback.
- Valentin, Tambov. This model has undergone 300 kilometers of running-in, and has already begun to break down regularly. Some kind of arch broke, which was poorly welded - this is an element for the muffler mounting spring. After the bow broke, the mounting bracket on the muffler fell off. I somehow welded it myself, and also had to fasten other structural elements. But everything that was my doing did not help, as it fell off again after 100 kilometers. The service center fixed everything as expected, but demanded payment, despite the presence of a warranty. After this snowmobile I have only negative emotions, I will never get involved with domestic equipment again.
- Valery, Yaroslavl. I am a huntsman by profession, and I decided to buy a snowmobile. Purely for work purposes, since the official vehicle did not suit me in terms of handling and cross-country ability. It's strange that he hasn't been written off yet. The army seems to be strong, but still they are in no hurry. In short, I have only positive emotions from the Taiga Varyag 550 snowmobile, and I never expected it from a domestic car. This model is no worse than foreign cars like Yamaha, which I also had the opportunity to drive with friends. The snowmobile actively accelerates and is controlled, and is able to quickly turn and go around obstacles - branches, trees, stones, etc. At the moment, the range is 1,100 kilometers. The Yamaha Viking snowmobile, which my work friend owns, is not much different in quality and controllability, and at the same time costs much more. After that, I decided for myself that we need to support the domestic auto industry. All that remains is to write off the old snowmobiles...
- Nikolay, Primorsky Krai. A good Russian car, but nothing more. And it is good in the sense that it is easy to repair, and there are many cheap spare parts that you don’t have to look for. All I say is that the Taiga Varyag 550 snowmobile is like a broken construction kit that needs to be regularly repaired and lubricated. It was run-in, as it should be at the beginning of use. After running-in, the car was plagued by major and minor malfunctions - oil seals were leaking, problems arose with the variator, and the wiring and electrics of the snowmobile often malfunctioned. The instruments showed something incomprehensible, incompatible with reality - the reason was related to a malfunction in the control unit. I regularly did repairs - I went to the garage just like I was going to work. In short, then I came to the conclusion that this device was not intended for long trips, and began to drive mainly close to home - I drove the children, wife, mother-in-law, etc. - and so on until the car completely fell apart. After 800 kilometers it was time for a major engine overhaul. Sold the car for parts.
Advantages and disadvantages
Varyag 550 has the following advantages:
- reasonable price;
- excellent maneuverability;
- convenience in transporting goods and passengers;
- good technical performance;
- good speed capabilities;
- high controllability;
- Parts and service for such equipment are easy to find, because the snowmobile is domestic;
- multifunctionality.
But, despite all the advantages, this technique has several negative aspects:
- the build quality varies, so a lot depends on how lucky you are with your purchase;
- the case is not strong enough, which can cause damage to case parts even with minor contact;
- problems with electronics may occur in severe frosts;
- The starter often causes complaints from owners.
