Stels snowmobiles: reviews. "Stealth 600 Viking": reviews and testing


Stels Viking S600 is a compact utilitarian snowmobile developed on the platform of the Stealth 800 model. The model under consideration has significant differences from the second option. In terms of functionality, the machine is practically no inferior, despite its more affordable price. So, during the development of the Stealth Viking S600 ST snowmobile, the creators tried to get rid of all the shortcomings inherent in its predecessor of the same name. According to the users themselves, the snowmobile from the 800 series was plagued by problems in the suspension, chassis and power plant. Moreover, in some cases, the Stealth 800 snowmobile traveled only a few hundred kilometers and was already falling apart. The updated car managed to eliminate most of the problems and increase reliability. But for this it was necessary to make significant changes to the design, equip the snowmobile with a new engine of our own design, as well as high-quality suspension with durable materials and parts. In general, the Stealth 600 Viking model was successfully tested in low-temperature conditions, and showed itself positively in the northern regions of Russia, in terms of reliability and maneuverability.

The changes affected not only the technical, but also the design part. The car received a modified appearance. The design of the model itself was developed on the basis of original solutions, without any borrowing from competitors. In particular, the machine has nothing in common with the design of the best Polaris, Yamaha or BRP snowmobiles. Moreover, the Stealth 600 Viking snowmobile is one of the only models in its price category that has LED headlights as standard. Such light optics provide bright illumination even in the dark, as well as during heavy rainfall. The headlights shine well, as they are located quite high. If you turn on the low beam, then the illumination range will be 50 meters, and when you turn on the high beam, this figure increases to 150 meters.

The snowmobile model in question comes with an original hood cover, which has an original design that matches the overall silhouette of the machine. But the material used to make the hood is much more important - it is lightweight, high-strength plastic that will not crack at low temperatures. In addition, it is very resistant to impacts, and in this case any deformations are absolutely excluded. There are similar plastic parts in other parts of the snowmobile, and they not only increase strength, but also reduce the weight of the body, and this has a beneficial effect on maneuverability and cornering speed.

Video

In addition to the above, we note the undeniable advantages of a high windshield, which protects the driver’s face from the cold flow of the oncoming wind, as well as from tree branches and other thickets found in forest conditions. Thanks to this glass, the driver will not have to bend over backwards in front of another hanging tree.

The developers paid special attention to organizing the workspace. In particular, we note the driving position with a comfortable seat and ergonomic controls that you don’t need to reach for. The reverse, gas and brake levers are located at hand, and the instrumentation does not glare in the sun. Let's pay attention to the glove box located above the dashboard. It can fit documents, books and, in fact, the gloves themselves.

In terms of handling, the Stealth 600 Viking snowmobile is similar to the Wolverine. To ensure reliable behavior on the road, as well as directional stability, the snowmobile is equipped with a wide caterpillar track (its width is 600 mm). Ski extenders are also still available. Thanks to these components, the car has become extremely stable in turns, which significantly reduced the risk of capsizing when performing sharp maneuvers. At the same time, this feature improved the uniform distribution of load on the surface and increased the off-road capabilities of the snowmobile.

Later, the manufacturer came to the conclusion that a track width of 600 mm was even an excessive option in terms of cross-country ability, and released a more affordable version with a 500 mm track, which also showed good off-road capabilities.

Other weaknesses

Advantages and disadvantages

Once every 150 km the gear falls out, and driving becomes possible only in neutral gear. Slowing down is very dangerous when going uphill.

Increased consumption - 42.5 liters per 100 km.

The track is rigid, does not sag, and functions well only after 300 km.

The highest possible speed is 80 km/h, then the snowmobile makes very loud sounds.

The variator is noisy.

The housing under the coating melts due to the strong heating of the collector.

The snowmobile's starter cable is loose.

Specifications

  1. Snowmobile length (structural) – 3150 mm
  2. Width/height of the windshield – 1160/1470 mm
  3. Seat height/skate track width – 1090/920 mm
  4. Ground clearance/turning radius – 150/5520 mm
  5. Ski length/width – 1065/180 mm
  6. Length of skis with extender/width of skis with extender – 1115/250 mm
  7. Propulsion - caterpillar type
  8. Drive sprocket location - front
  9. Track chain drive – yes
  10. Links in the chain, pcs. - 12
  11. Chain pitch length/track – 16 mm/reinforced, rubber-fabric
  12. Track length – 3935 mm
  13. Height of track lugs/number of track windows – 22 mm/43 windows
  14. Caterpillar pitch length – 50 mm
  15. Track tension mechanism – screw
  16. Brakes – hydraulic, disc
  17. Front skis - support-turning
  18. Front suspension – independent, telescopic type, with springs and hydraulic shock absorbers
  19. Rear suspension - pendulum, with springs and hydraulic shock absorbers
  20. Front and rear suspension travel – 150 and 170 mm, respectively
  21. Front headlight - LED
  22. Ignition is electronic non-contact.

Spare parts

Indeed, the technical parameters of the Stealth Wolverine 800 snowmobile, as well as the number of its standard options, look very attractive. This is a two-seater vehicle equipped with a winch, heated trigger and handles, and large cargo capacities. In addition, it has an attractive design, often unusual for domestic snowmobiles.

However, the first reviews of the product indicate that the prices of the equipment are in a fairly high price segment.

At first, the owners were faced with the considerable high cost of spare parts offered by official dealers. For a small rubber band for a muffler, an eyelet or a mount, they can charge up to three thousand rubles. But in China, spare parts for the Stealth 800 Wolverine cost only 200-300 rubles. Snowmobiles are known to be prone to frequent breakdowns. The only option that will save money is in this case to order parts from China yourself.

Engine

The machine is equipped with a gasoline engine of its own production. The two-cylinder power plant is manufactured using lightweight components. Each cylinder has a diameter of 74 mm and a piston stroke of 66 mm. The engine has a displacement of 565 cc. cm. The power output of the engine is 54 horsepower. For comparison, the engine of its closest competitor, the Yamaha VK540, produces 46 horsepower. In addition, the Stealth engine has less weight - 291 versus 365 kg. As you can see, the use of lightweight components has been beneficial. The power plant of the Stealth 600 Viking snowmobile has enough power to confidently move through deep snowdrifts, overcome serious obstacles, and tow heavy loads. Of course, the engine also has disadvantages typical of all two-stroke power plants - first of all, noise and vibration at idle, as well as the characteristic smoke and smell of exhaust gases.

Price

The cost of the new Stealth 600 snowmobile varies from 300 thousand rubles to 340 thousand Russian rubles. The cheapest option, as a rule, is an early version with basic equipment, while the most expensive, on the contrary, is a later version with a lot of additional equipment. Used snowmobiles are also available on the markets, costing from 270 thousand rubles to 310 thousand Russian rubles. In this case, the price directly depends on factors such as the year of production, equipment, general technical condition, and the number of kilometers driven.

Reviews

  • Vadim, Nizhny Novgorod region. I have a used snowmobile, but it’s practically new – with only 500 kilometers on the clock. The previous owner stated that he urgently needed to move, and he did not have the opportunity to transport this unit to another country. Technically, the snowmobile is absolutely in good working order. And I also liked the appearance of the car - strict and practical, without any frills or bells and whistles. But when you turn on the snowmobile, it almost turns into a Christmas tree... The car is just too pampering with an abundance of lights. Moreover, the floor lighting can be changed to red, green and blue. This may seem pleasant and cool to some, but I immediately turned off this function, since I do not need the snowmobile for fun. The snowmobile is quite powerful and high-torque, and copes well with transporting large loads. I liked the good maneuverability and maneuverability. The engine is a little noisy and there are noticeable vibrations, but you can get used to it.
  • Dmitry, Irkutsk. The Stealth 600 Viking is a good snowmobile for its price, but it has many shortcomings, mainly expensive maintenance and poor maintainability. It is necessary to fill in high-quality fuel, for example, to unlock the potential of the internal combustion engine, you need 95-grade gasoline. But the 92nd is enough for me, the dynamics are enough for a leisurely drive. Not Wolverine, of course, but you can live. The snowmobile is equipped with wide tracks that perfectly cope with serious off-road conditions. I start the engine with a manual starter, since the electric starter often fails at low temperatures and does not inspire any optimism. It’s good that there is a spare starter, otherwise what would I do... The snowmobile has an inflated windshield that protects from headwinds.
  • Ruslan, Smolensk. In the current winter season, which is already coming to an end, we rode with this snowmobile on settled snow with zero temperatures. It got sharply cold in the evening, so I had to turn on the heated grips - this is a very convenient and effective option. I say this because my Stealth 600 Viking snowmobile is still adapted to low and warm temperatures, despite the mileage of over 3000 kilometers. Yes, and it starts with half a click. The car is not as fast and sharp in turns as the Wolverine, but the engine is generally not bad and pulls well. The variator works slowly, sometimes it does not have time to change gears when accelerating intensively - this is clearly noticeable on a straight highway, on flat and compacted snow. I didn’t have to adjust the driving position, because I’m only 180 cm tall. It doesn’t blow my hands, and it never gets into my head thanks to the fact that the high windshield is installed.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Stealth Viking 600 model

The main advantage of the Russian snowmobile is its affordable price. The device costs significantly less than foreign analogues. Surprisingly, the desire to save money did not affect reliability. The owners who left reviews about the Stealth Viking 600 noted:

  • Stylish design. Buyers appreciated the appearance, especially the hood of the model.
  • Great motor. The owners noted the smooth operation of the engine and good starting. According to rumors, Chinese developers took the “heart” of the VK 540 model, which has already proven itself, as the basis for the engine.
  • Smooth ride and handling.
  • High steering wheel that does not rest on your knees when turning.
  • Powerful battery that starts the engine in the most extreme conditions.

Any budget technology has drawbacks, and the Viking 600 was no exception. Moisture gets under the glass and headlights, which turns into ice. The slightest blow to the icy plastic fastening of the wind protection will be fatal.

Modifications

Created according to the “Wolverine” type, it has a 2-stroke engine, which is why it has become lighter and cheaper, reliable in severe frosts. The model has a built-in seat with an adjustable backrest, a trunk that protects cargo from snow - this makes it possible to use it as a utilitarian snowmobile.

Re: Stels snowmobile

Post by Morfius » 24 Nov 2012 18:20

I was also interested in this snowball. This season (according to dealers) it will not appear. The most optimistic forecast is the 2013-2014 season.

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Car body

The Stealth Viking 800 snowmobile uses plastic elements in the body design, which made it possible to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle while maintaining strength. The model is equipped with an additional passenger seat with an adjustable backrest and a trunk that protects cargo from snow, which allows it to be used as a utilitarian snowmobile, but also as a full-fledged tourist.

First snowmobile

Reviews from owners of Stealth 800 Wolverine snowmobiles state that, first of all, the front sliding struts of these machines with a stroke of 15 cm break down. These devices stop working, sometimes even after two hundred kilometers. Owners also experienced difficulties with the cooling system - because of this, one series of snowmobiles was recalled to the manufacturer. This product has many minor flaws: the hood rubs against the engine, chains break, hoses crack and become disconnected, and there are difficulties with the fuel pump. Many owners complain about problems with ignition and poor fastenings. Very often, owners complain that the ignition coil and headlight holders on this model quickly fail.

Of course, the Stealth 800 Wolverine has many advantages. The owners of this car say that it starts easily in any frost (thanks to electronic injection). They say that the layout of the snowmobile is quite convenient, it is comfortable for two riders to move around on it, and the trunk is large. Many argue that the car is practical and has excellent cross-country ability. Thus, the Stealth 800 Wolverine consumes 12 liters of fuel per hundred kilometers, which is a pretty good indicator.

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