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.
Reviews
Model Taiga ST-500
Igor, Ulyanovsk. Not a bad snowmobile for the money. I drove it from 2006 to 2015, and then changed it to a Viking. But I remember Taiga only with kind words. Quite durable and repairable equipment, which has many advantages. Of these, I would like to note the effective reserve of a manual starter at any low temperature - largely thanks to the Japanese carburetor. In addition, the weight is quite light compared to foreign cars, which is especially noticeable in early spring on the river on thin ice - fishermen will understand.
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).
Video
This model has quite a large number of modified versions, namely these:
- Modification C40500500. This model comes in a basic version and has one carburetor. The basic configuration does not provide for starting the engine using an electric starter.
- Modification C40500500-01. The car also has one carburetor, but unlike the previous version, this basic version includes an electric starter.
- Modification C40500500-02. There are already two carburetors used here, as well as an electric starter and a separate lubrication system for the power unit.
- Modification C40000010-003. Only one carburetor is used. There is no electric starter in the basic configuration of this model. The DUCATI ignition system is used. The engine runs on AI-92 fuel mixture.
- Modification C40000010-004. Only one carburetor is also used. An electric starter is included in the basic configuration of this model. The DUCATI ignition system is used. The engine runs on AI-92 fuel mixture.
- Modification C40000010-005. The snowmobile is equipped with two carburetors. The basic configuration includes an electric starter. The DUCATI ignition system and separate engine lubrication system are used. The engine runs on AI-92 fuel mixture.
- Modification C40000010-006. Only one carburetor is used. There is no electric starter in the basic configuration of this model. The DUCATI ignition system is used. The engine runs on AI-76 fuel mixture.
- Modification C40000010-007. Only one carburetor is used. An electric starter is included in the basic configuration of this model. The DUCATI ignition system is used. The engine runs on AI-76 fuel mixture.
- Modification C40000010-008. The engine has only one carburetor. There is no electric starter in the basic configuration of this model. The power plant runs on AI-76 fuel mixture.
- Modification C40000010-010. The snowmobile is equipped with two carburetors. The basic configuration includes an electric starter. The DUCATI ignition system and separate engine lubrication system are used. The carburetors have a 190 jet. The front suspension has increased travel. The engine runs on AI-92 fuel mixture.
- Modification C40000010-011. The snowmobile is equipped with two carburetors. The basic configuration includes an electric starter. The DUCATI ignition system and separate engine lubrication system are used. A caterpillar track 600 millimeters wide is used. The engine runs on AI-92 fuel mixture.
Optionally, the following can be added to the snowmobile package: electric starter; separate lubrication system (helps increase reliability and reduce oil consumption and harmful emissions); another fuel system (helps increase the rated output power to 38.98 kilowatts or 53 horsepower); as well as a more powerful and improved power unit (has new intake and exhaust systems).
The manufacturer has achieved increased stability and maneuverability by choosing the optimal ski track width (960 millimeters). As a result of this, the car is able to maintain these qualities even when cornering at very high speeds. A high level of depreciation and smooth running of this model were achieved thanks to the track slide suspension and telescopic front suspension.
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.
Electrical equipment:
The Taiga Patrol 550 snowmobile is equipped with a power plant of its own production, namely a two-stroke engine of the RMZ-550 brand. The block of this unit contains two cylinders, the total volume of which is 0.553 liters. The fuel system consists of two Mikuni model carburetors. The rated output power reaches 40.45 kilowatts or 55 horsepower, which is more than enough for the total weight of the snowmobile. Air-type power unit cooling system. Starting is carried out using an electric starter, but the engine can also be started manually, like earlier models of snowmobiles. In order to ensure optimal operation of the vehicle's power plant and for confidence during long-distance runs, the manufacturer has used an advanced ignition system that does its job perfectly even in the most severe weather conditions. This engine can be easily started at fairly low temperatures.
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.
Single
The specified clearances are ensured by sorting by diameter into size groups of bearing rollers, piston and crank pins and the corresponding holes of the connecting rods. Power unit type Two-stroke Cylinder diameter 7.6 cm Piston stroke 6.1 cm Fuel system type Two-carburetor Carburetor model Mikuni Cooling system type Air Exhaust system Muffler equipped with a resonator Intake system Petal-type valve Lubrication system Combined Maximum speed 80 km h Snowmobile transmission Taiga Varyag-500 Variator SVT Type of braking device Hydraulic Engine starting system Manual and electric starter Ignition Capacitive, programmable Reverse Yes Headlight Halogen Speedometer Yes Front suspension type Telescopic Front suspension travel 10.5 cm Rear suspension type Slimy Ski track 0.
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).
Appearance
The design has a masculine character - it has quite aggressive sporty details, and is presented in strict black or bright red. A fairly high windshield is installed in front, although it is quite narrow, unable to protect from snow during side gusts of wind.
The instrument panel is minimalistic. It consists of an analogue (pointer) speed sensor and a fuel sensor, warning lamps - everything is assembled in a single housing. All lights and control lights are made using LEDs.
The body is made of impact-resistant ABS plastic, which has proven itself well in test drives. The seat is double (for the driver and one adult passenger), quite soft, but not “sagging”. The back of the snowmobile has a backrest and small side rails that the passenger can hold on to while riding.
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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