Yamaha Viking 540 - review and characteristics of the snowmobile family

Japanese snowmobilesYamaha snowmobiles (Yamaha)

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.

Operating manual

Before starting the engine, apply the parking brake to prevent the brake disc from overheating. You should not allow anyone to be behind the machine when starting to move, checking the device, or making adjustments.

Be careful when handling fuel as it may ignite. Do not add gasoline while the engine is running or running. After running the engine, you need to let it cool down a little. Fuel must be stored in a canister.

The operating manual instructs machine owners to use protective equipment: wear a suitable type of helmet, protect your face with a shield or goggles. You also need a suit, boots and gloves that do not restrict the movement of your fingers while operating the controls.

Exploitation:

Do not run the engine indoors in a garage unless you need to wheel the snowmobile into a building or take it outside. Open the doors from the outside.
While driving you need to be careful; under the snow cover there may be various objects that are not visible. In order to prevent danger, you need to stay on the knurled track. After leaving it, they move slowly and carefully. If you hit a rock or other obstacle, injury may occur.
Icy surfaces or snowy surfaces (thick snow) can increase braking distance. Keep in mind that you need to plan your stop in advance and brake in advance. The best way to brake on surfaces is to release the throttle and apply the brake as smoothly as possible.
The snowmobile is only suitable for travel on snow or icy surfaces. Do not drive the machine through mud, sand, grass or rocks, as this will damage the device.
It is important to try not to run into ice crust, dirty snow, sand, so that there is no damage to the vehicle or wear on skis, tracks, and sprockets.
When setting out on a journey, it is recommended to travel not alone, but in pairs.

Maintenance and storage

When laying the snowmobile on its side for maintenance, it is recommended to use a special support to ensure that it is in a level (horizontal) position and is strong.
Modifications to the snowmobile not approved by Yamaha or removal of original equipment may cause the snowmobile to become unsafe for use and may result in personal injury. If changes are made to the design, operation of the snowmobile will be illegal.
Do not store a snowmobile with a full fuel tank in a room where there are possible sources of heat: water and room heaters, flames, clothes dryers. Allow the engine to cool completely before storing the unit.
When installing the device for long-term storage, follow the instructions given in the “storage” category of the instruction manual.
If necessary, the sticker installed on the equipment body should be updated or replaced.

Standard and emergency engine starting

Before starting, it is recommended to read the safety rules again and make sure that the parking brake is on.

Note. Make sure the powertrain switch is in the up position.

Starting principle:

First, lift the fuel enricher lever and open it fully if the engine is cold or halfway to warm up the power unit.
Close the element if you decide to start a warm engine, turn the main switch to the “Start” position, release the switch and move the mixture enricher lever to the half-open position.
Warm up the power unit until it stops running intermittently or runs steadily while the mixture enricher lever is returned to the “closed” mode.

Perform an emergency start like this:

fully raise the mixture enricher lever when starting a cold unit;
open ½ to warm through;
close while starting up the warmed-up device.

Turn the main switch to “ON” mode and gradually pull the starter without force until resistance begins, continue to pull with force. After starting the power unit, the mixture enricher lever must be moved to the half-open state. Warm up the engine until there are interruptions or until it stalls when the lever is returned to the closed position.

Run-in

An important stage in using a snowmobile is the break-in stage. The equipment should not be subjected to excessive load beyond 10 hours of use or 200 km of travel. There is no need to keep the valve open for long. It is important to avoid overload: excessive power when moving in wet snow. If irregularities occur in the operating mode of the machine, you need to contact a specialist.

Note. To properly run-in the power unit, when initially filling the tank, you need to fill in a mixture of gasoline and oil with a ratio of 50:1. For example: 10 liters of gasoline per 200 milliliters of oil equals a component ratio of 50:1.

It is important to pay attention to the information provided in the manual and read all the notes on the stickers on the body of the snowmobile.

Driving lessons

You should check before traveling. A little time spent on monitoring equipment will be rewarded with the safety and quality of the product. It is recommended to always wear suitable clothing that will not only keep you warm, but will also protect you from injury in an emergency.

It is important to start riding the Yamaha 540 at low speeds, even if the driver is experienced. It is recommended to switch to high speed after studying all the features of controlling the machine and its characteristics.

Carefully! Always hold both handlebar handles. There is no need to take off your feet and accelerate to high speeds until you have a good understanding of the snowmobile and its controls.

Driving

Yamaha is a vehicle that requires the driver to be more active when driving it. When driving a snowmobile and maneuvering, the driver’s position and the ability to maintain balance are of greater importance. Control skills are acquired practically and gradually, so before performing complex maneuvers you need to master the technique well.

Driving a snowmobile can be an exciting activity that provides a lot of fun over long periods of time. But for this, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with snowmobile control in more detail in order to achieve a safe level of skill. It is recommended that you read the manual carefully before starting operation.

For beginners, it is better to start getting acquainted with a snowmobile on a wide surface. It is important to make sure that there are no obstacles or other traffic. Before driving on difficult roads, they learn how to control the throttle and brake, and also master the technique of turning.

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.

Owner reviews

“I’ve been driving Viking 4 for four years now, during which time I had to change the variator and fan belts. I liked the snowmobile, it just gets hot at high speeds, and when warm weather becomes uncomfortable due to the blowing of the engine, there is a slight lack of power, and the gas consumption is high. Among the positive qualities, I would like to note: reliability, cross-country ability.”

“Viking 540 4 is a good car, it starts without problems in severe frosts. But after the purchase and delivery from the showroom, I made modifications: I installed the boiler, sealed the gap with a sealant, installed a primer, and temperature sensors.”

“One of the advantages I would like to note is the cross-country ability. The car is well suited for rural areas and has an automatic transmission. But the design has a manual start - I didn’t like it, it’s too hard to start. But overall the product is excellent for the price.”

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.

Technical characteristics of Yamaha Viking (Yamaha Viking) 540 IV
Dimensions, mm	3,055 x 1,190 x 1,3552
engine's type	two-stroke
Working volume, cubic meters cm	535
Cooling	air
Transmission	variator with reduction gear
Front suspension	telescopic struts, Hydraulic shock absorbers
Front suspension travel, mm	150
Rear suspension	Flip Up Rails, ProActive, 2 Gas Shocks
Rear suspension travel, mm	385
Track type, width, mm	Camoplast Ripsaw, 508
Fuel tank capacity, l	31,0

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.

Technical characteristics of Yamaha Viking (Yamaha Viking) 540 IV
Dimensions, mm	3055 / 1190 / 1355 mm
engine's type	two-stroke
Working volume, cubic meters cm	535
Cooling	air, axial fan
Transmission	YVXC, stepless, 2 forward + reverse
Front suspension	telescopic stand
Front suspension travel, mm	150
Rear suspension travel, mm	385
Track type, width, mm	3922 / 508 / 35 mm
Fuel tank capacity, l	31,0

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 .

Specifications

Before purchasing a snowmobile, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with its technical characteristics:

Engine: 2-stroke type with a volume of 535 cc.
Double cylinders
Cooling - axial fan. Diameter 73x64 mm.
Fuel system - flat throttle with 2 heating devices.
Clutch and gears: High/low/reverse transmission, CVT.
The intake system is a reed valve.
Ignition is electronic.
The exhaust is a muffler with a resonator device.
The brake system is disc.
Tank capacity 44 l.
Height 1.43 thousand mm.
The overall length is 3.05 thousand mm.
Overall width 1190 mm.
Track 940 mm.

The Yamaha snowmobile has a built-in headlight with improved power and 2 lamps: the head light fits well with the overall design and provides excellent visibility in the dark. The device has a lifting seat that hides the trunk, which can accommodate a small set of different tools needed for work, and there is room for transporting necessary things on the road.

The comfortable seat of the car is higher than the previous one, which increases comfort, especially on a rough road. The passenger side is the same height as the driver's side, so a long trip will be a comfortable rest.

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.

Photo gallery

Yamaha equipment satisfies the needs of real professionals, for whom winter travel is not a novelty, and who know what to demand from a premium car. In terms of appearance and ergonomics, the design of multi-purpose snowmobiles is exceptional in terms of comfort for the passenger and driver.

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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Comments (4)

Andrey Dobryansky:
02/28/2015 at 10:35
I have always been amazed by the quality of Japanese technology. 40 horsepower with an engine capacity of 535 cubic meters is solid! Another concern is the price issue. Has the Yamaha Viking gone up in price much in the last couple of months?
Answer
Lubomir:
02/28/2015 at 11:11
Great snowmobile. I drove this with my relatives in the Carpathians. For a beginner, it seemed very easy to control, excellent speed and stability. A very useful form of transport for those who live in snowy areas.
Answer
Dana:
03/02/2015 at 11:25
My husband and I are lovers of outdoor activities and high-speed snowmobiling! That year we purchased a snowmobile - a Yamaha Viking 540. Crazy about this purchase! Easy to operate, high speed, stylish design. Indeed, this is the most successful device of the company.
Answer

Tuning and additions

Yamaha allows you not only to purchase a really high-quality Viking 540 snowmobile, but also all kinds of add-ons for it.

They will significantly expand the capabilities of the unit:

a finder headlight will help you in the dark so that the driver can easily illuminate absolutely any area, regardless of the direction of travel;
protection from branches for confident driving in areas where there are trees;
an improved driver's seat, which will provide even more comfort;
case for snowmobile Yamaha Vikingt 540;
various additions that will help improve engine performance;
all kinds of external tuning options;
trailer so that you can transport even really massive and oversized loads.

So, the Yamaha Viking 540 will be an excellent snowmobile that will allow you to cover long distances on snow without any problems.

Whichever sled you choose, it's worth remembering that you may also need an AI sled license.