The Japanese manufacturer Yamaha is one of the world's best developers of a wide variety of equipment, among which snowmobiles occupy a worthy place .
Well, among them, the Yamaha Viking 540 model is especially distinguished. This device is the most successful development of the company .
It is very popular and is used all over the world. The reason for this is the excellent performance characteristics.
When starting a conversation about this snowmobile model, from the first words I would like to note its great cross-country ability, excellent endurance and ability to transport cargo.
At the same time, we can talk about this snowmobile as an economical and reliable device.
But these qualities, however, can be attributed to any Yamaha equipment.
Features of Yamaha snowmobiles
Yamaha snowmobiles come in four types:
- Utilitarian, for movement in difficult conditions;
- Tourist, for thrills;
- Sports, providing more active recreation;
- Mountain, for snow-capped peaks.
These vehicles have engines of approximately 40 horsepower, long and wide tracks, and can be equipped with trailers and luggage racks. Sports models can accelerate to 200 km/h .
They easily cope with obstacles.
The legendary Yamaha Viking 540 family
In addition to high power, snowmobiles of the Yamaha Viking 540 family have good handling .
And this property makes them suitable for any need.
The plastic body kit of the Japanese snowmobile hides a two-cylinder two-stroke engine, the volume of which is 535 cubic meters.
The efficient carburetor of the Mikuni model ensures economical fuel consumption . At the same time, the engine produces 46 horsepower.
Forced air cooling is used here, so the equipment can be used at low positive temperatures.
Regardless of the two-stroke engine, the snowmobile will smoke only during warm-up. And when the operating temperature is reached, the smoke is almost invisible.
The power unit is equipped with a separate automatic lubrication system , so the owner does not need to prepare a mixture of gasoline and oil.
The octane number of gasoline poured into the tank must be at least 92. Well, the lubricant tank is filled with 2.5 liters of two-stroke oil specialized for snowmobiles.
It should be noted that similar models of domestically produced snowmobiles are not capable of mixing gasoline with oil automatically, but their price is much lower.
Reviews
- Konstantin, Yaroslavl. The car was purchased in 2021, and now it’s time to write about this device. I’ll say right away that I liked the Yamaha Viking 540 4 snowmobile primarily for its handling and stability on the road. The car travels in a straight line like a train. A working volume of 500 cubic meters is a good indicator for low fuel consumption - no more than 15 liters per 100 km. The two-stroke unit works like a clock, nothing malfunctions or creaks. There is a slight hum at idle. I liked how the snowmobile pulled heavy loads weighing up to 300 kg in low gear. The rear suspension is improved compared to the previous model. In addition, it can be adjusted, the stiffness of the shock absorbers can be changed, etc. The same can be done with the front suspension. Thus, you can choose the ideal settings for driving on a knurled, flat road or deep snowdrifts with obstacles. The trunk under the front seat is very roomy, you can put various accessories, fishing and hunting gear, food, etc. The fuel tank capacity is about 30 liters, which is not enough. As a result, you still have to take the whole canister with you. Overall, the snowmobile has more advantages than disadvantages. And I’m not going to sell it, it’s an excellent device for every day.
- Vitaly, Novosibirsk. A good workhorse, but not for off-road use. Alas. The Japanese make high-quality and expensive cars, but no matter how you look at them, they are not suitable for deep snowdrifts. The snowmobile quickly gets buried in the powdery snow, and you have to call someone for help - after all, the device is not light, even though it is lined with plastic around the entire perimeter. By the way, these supposedly durable plastics quickly crack in severe frost. The carrying capacity is a little small - you can transport no more than 300 kg, for me it’s like a cat crying. Where the Yamaha is good is on a packed and flat road, especially on a straight line, and it also performs well in sharp turns. Here the Yamaha Viking 540 4 reveals itself in all its glory. The technology pleased us from the point of view of controllability, but in terms of carrying capacity and maneuverability, it was not the best solution. But I wanted a universal car for all needs. In general, the snowmobile is created solely for pleasure. It is reliable, nothing in it breaks and does not overheat. I hope this continues.
- Rostislav, Irkutsk. Yamaha Viking 540 4 I have been using for 2 years. The machine is well suited for fishing and hunting needs. The equipment starts easily using an electric starter. During the break-in process, the spark plugs were thrown several times, but then this problem went away over time. The maximum speed is about 100 km/h, and it gets even higher on descents. A very dynamic car. True, I can’t say anything good about fuel consumption, since about 20 liters or more are required for every hundred. The snowmobile is high-torque, equipped with a unique customizable suspension that can be adjusted to suit the characteristics of the road surface.
Maximum performance on snow
To move on any snow, the Viking 540 is equipped with wide skis.
This guarantees excellent cross-country ability in deep snow, as well as good handling.
The snowmobile has individual features:
- Rear torsion bar suspension, which is responsible for comfort;
- With tracks of increased width, as well as a star equipped with external gearing, this allows the driver to easily overcome virgin snow;
- Simplicity for everyday use;
- Attractive design.
History of the Viking 540 model range
The Yamaha Viking VK540 snowmobile lineup is the result of continuous improvement of this technology.
Japanese manufacturers always try to ensure high quality, reliability and at the same time achieve maximum simplicity of design.
The first snowmobile of this line came out in the early 80s. To this day, a lot has changed in it, only its high popularity has remained unchanged.
From 2001 to 2011, the Yamaha Viking VK540 III model was used and actively improved.
In 2012, the world saw an improved version of the Yamaha Viking VK540 IV.
Wide plastic skis and a new adjustable rear suspension are already used here.
A new variator belt has also been used, the service life of which has been significantly increased.
In 2014-2015, fans of snow racing could enjoy the wonderful sensations of riding the Yamaha Viking 540 IV Limited camouflage.
All these models have their differences , and most importantly, improvements that were used on the basis of the latest modern developments.
Specifications
- Length (structural) – 3055 mm
- Width including skis/height with windshield – 1190/1355 mm
- Track – Camoplast Ripsaw
- Track width/height – 508/35 mm
- Track width between skis/track base – 900/508 mm
- Propulsion - hydropneumatic, single-pipe
- Gas tank capacity – 31 liters
- The installed transmission is a variator with low and high gears, as well as reverse and neutral modes
- Brakes – hydraulic
- Brakes – mechanical, disc
- Front suspension/front shock absorbers, pcs.: telescopic/Hydraulic, 2 pcs.
- Front suspension travel – 150 mm
- Rear Suspension – Flip Up Rails ProActive
- Rear shock absorbers, pcs. – 2, gas-filled
- Rear suspension travel – 385 mm
- Ignition system – Ducati CDI, capacitive programmable
- The front headlight is halogen.
Viking 540 models and their features
In 2010, a new and improved model, the Yamaha Viking 540 III, entered the market.
Its capabilities have received the best ratings from ordinary users and professionals.
Yamaha Viking 540 III
This snowmobile will undoubtedly become a faithful assistant . He is strong and very pliable.
It has already received high marks from residents of the north and hunters, who were able to fully experience the benefits of the Yamaha Viking 540 III.
It has a 535 cc 2-stroke engine with a power of 53 horsepower.
It is air-cooled, and the snowmobile itself weighs less than similar 4-stroke counterparts. The chassis is durable .
ProAction model rear suspension. The damping of the gas-directed shock absorber can be adjusted. The spring hardness is also adjusted and this ensures a smooth ride .
The track is wide - 508 mm, equipped with 25 mm lugs, which provide better traction with loose snow. This ensures the snowmobile can handle any conditions.
The Viking 540 III snowmobile is all about convenience.
Electric starter, soft seat, capacious trunk, heated handles, all this is created to ensure maximum comfort during trips.
Unlike a car, a motorcycle DVR will not only record everything you see, but will also remember the track and mark the acceleration.
This Yamaha motorcycle turned out to be not only solid and beautiful, but also very reliable, for which it is still in demand today.
Yamaha Viking 540 IV
This model provides a variety of options. But, in addition, the Yamaha Viking 540 IV has a reduced weight .
First of all, you should pay attention to the improved unique rear suspension mechanism .
Here you can also change the spring stiffness and the level of shock absorber deformation.
A reverse function is also provided, and the transmission is equipped with an increased number of gears.
Wide skis, stars with torsion clutch, as in the previous model, contribute to good maneuverability.
The reverse chassis was equipped with a twelve-inch vertical suspension.
Viking VK540 IV Limited
This improved model has features such as a powerful engine, an air-cooled system, a new torsion bar rear suspension, wide skis, and tracks.
Few serious players in the snowmobile market can provide a model that can compete with the Viking VK540 IV Limited.
What's so special here?
Firstly, the two-cylinder two-stroke engine has been retained from previous models. However, the skis have become even wider and more comfortable , equipped with optimized skates.
There is also a two-speed transmission with good reverse. The chest trunk has become stronger, and the double seat has become more comfortable.
Secondly, higher quality footrests are used here; they are stronger and more reliable . Enlarged windshield glass provides better protection.
In our article, we examined in detail Kawasaki ATVs, which have always combined and combine incredible reliability, the latest technology and a bright, easily recognizable design.
All components of this Kawasaki motorcycle are mounted on a diamond-shaped frame. When creating it, pipes made of high-strength steel were used.
Viking 540 IV Tough Pro
Maximum reliability and affordability - this is the Viking 540 IV Tough Pro.
It is these two properties that domestic consumers are always lacking.
This new modification, which appeared in 2015, was created specifically for use in Russia . All the features of the difficult conditions of this country are taken into account here.
A specially prepared mixture of oil and gasoline (premix) is used for lubrication. The result is high reliability in sub-zero temperatures.
And the use of manual start provides a significant reduction in weight . It also features a simple but particularly robust bumper design.
As a result of these innovations, the VK540 Tough Pro snowmobile is 16 kg lighter than its predecessor.
As a result, controllability, stability and mobility have increased, and the operational capabilities of the vehicle have become wider.
So the latest model of the VK540 snowmobile has excellent consumer qualities .
Review of the BRP Ski-Doo Skandic WT 550 Snowmobile
Scandic 550 W, after looking at it you already understand that when buying a snowmobile in 2021, you are taking a snowmobile that is not inferior in appearance to its more premium brothers. And at the same time it doesn’t make you feel somehow disadvantaged. This is a huge plus for BRP, and at the same time its starting price for the BRP Ski-Doo Skandic WT 550 starts at RUR 769,000. I think everything is clear here even without publicity. And if we add that the Scandic can be equipped not only with a traditional two-stroke engine, but also with the more economical WT 600 E-Tec with 115 hp. or four-stroke engine WT 900 Ace 90 hp. And if you need a super utilitarian and off-road Skandic snowmobile? Then BRP is ready to offer to buy a snowmobile with the 600th Skandic SWT 550 track at a price of 849,990 rubles.
Characteristics of the BRP Ski-Doo Skandic WT550 snowmobile:
- The engine here is a 2-stroke Rotax 553 cc, with a power of 57 hp. These are the saving 11 horses. And we must pay tribute that this motor has been installed on snowmobiles for more than 10 years. It has established itself as the most reliable and trouble-free.
- With a dry weight of 270 kg, which again gives an advantage. If you are still stuck and need to leave on your own.
- Our front suspension is also telescopes, SC™-5U, with adjustable position and suspension travel, the same as on the Viking 150 mm. To be honest, the suspension is a bit harsh on compacted roads and hummocks in reservoirs when driving over 60 km/h. It will be softer on the Viking. But on Scandic there is nothing to break and there are fewer backlashes. The suspension is as reliable as a concrete block. After all, the issue of minimal investment of money for the repair and maintenance of a snowmobile is far from in last place.
- The ski track of the Scandic ski is 60 mm smaller, amounting to 900 mm. This is a significant plus in the forest.
- The SC™-5U rear suspension with HPG shock absorbers is more clamped with 239 mm of travel. The travel is less, but the suspension is more efficient than the Yamaha. You can’t tear off the mudguard on the Scandic when driving through ravines and crossing the road over the parapet - it is located high up. It is also worth noting that the rear heel of the caterpillar on the Canadian snowmobile is movable, which helps to cover a larger spot when hanging the caterpillar in ravines and on plots. Not everyone thought about this!
- For more than 10 years, the BRP Ski-Doo Skandic 550 WT snowmobile has been equipped with a five-hundred-millimeter track with 38 lugs.
Estimated cost
The cost of the Yamaha Viking 540 IV Tough Pro snowmobile - 2014-2015 model year is within 400,000 rubles.
Its predecessor, the Yamaha Viking 540 IV, produced in 2013, will cost about 350,000 rubles.
And, of course, the Yamaha Viking 540 III, produced in 2010, was valued at 300,000 rubles on the domestic market.
There is also a 1994 model - Yamaha Viking 540 E, for which you will need to pay 200,000 rubles.
But the Yamaha Viking 540, 2007 costs 240,000 rubles.
To ride a Husky snowmobile, you don’t need any special skills; it can be used by both adults and teenagers.
The presence of a special bag helps snowmobile owners decide how to transport certain things and objects.
Video
We bring to your attention a video featuring the hero of our article. The author of this video shows us how easily the Yamaha Viking 540 moves through deep snow.
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Technical characteristics and equipment of equipment, conditions for purchasing equipment, prices, special offers and equipment configurations indicated on the site are given as an example and can be changed at any time without prior notice.
Price
The average price for a new Yamaha Viking 540 4 snowmobile on the Russian market is 400 thousand rubles. The price is indicated for the car in the basic configuration. Taking into account additional options, the price will be significantly higher, depending on the number of modifications. This also applies to pricing for a used Yamaha Viking 540 4 snowmobile, but in this case you should also take into account the technical condition of the device. According to the latest data, the approximate cost of a used 2013 model can be 350 thousand rubles for a well-equipped car.
