Experience hunter. ATV Stels Hunter 400

On the Black Sea coast near Anapa, tests of Stels ATVs are carried out regularly: viscous sand, dunes and corroding sea water - what else is needed to test the strength of future workers of potholes and gullies!

Natalya Umnova
This time she gave us the first, basic model of the new line of Stels ATVs - the 400th Hunter. A special feature of this quad and its future brothers is the 60% localization of production: the frame, saddle, suspension elements and plastic body kit for it are produced in Russia.

It is unlikely that in “ordinary” life Hunter will ride along the dunes, but if this happens, he will find his way © Photo: “Velomotors”

To reduce cost, simplify the design and increase reliability, the Hunter was equipped not with a CVT, but with a 5-speed manual transmission with two clutches and an electric drive. Its disadvantages compared to a variator are obvious: the “speeds” do not reset themselves to neutral; if the battery runs out, you will have to screw the foot on and switch it; plus, when changing gears, the speed of movement is significantly reduced. However, this decision was made precisely in order to reduce the cost of the device to a minimum. I, who like to click with the box, liked the “mechanics” because... allows you to better feel the technique and select the desired gear yourself.

The single-cylinder engine with a volume of 359 cm3 was also chosen for reasons of economy and also because the quadric is a purely utilitarian entry-level machine. It has a low maximum speed: on a flat road about 60 km/h, on a country road - 30–40 km/h, but at the same time it is very friendly to drive and does not try to impose its will on the driver, which is important if a novice gets behind the wheel, fragile girl or teenager. The feedback on the steering wheel is within comfortable limits. At the same time, the power is 19 hp. sec., good traction at the bottom (the most useful is 2nd gear), ground clearance of 26 cm and a self-locking front differential are enough to overcome significant obstacles: sand dunes, mud ruts, fords (due to the high air intake - next to the gas tank cap - the ford depth can be quite decent). The winch that comes as standard serves as an additional calming factor: if you get stuck, you can cling to the nearest tree, stump or ingrown stone and pull yourself out on your own, like Baron Munchausen.

Stels ATV 400 Hunter © Photo: Velomotors

The manufacturer sees farmers, summer residents, fishermen and hunters as the main users of the Stels ATV 400 Hunter, so the quad was equipped with two luggage racks: the front one is designed for a weight of up to 45 kg and has a lockable glove compartment, the rear can be loaded with up to 90 kg. But with such a load, it would still be unwise to climb into clay or dunes.

Overall, the 400 left a very pleasant impression. During the test, it was possible to compare it with the “older” 600‑, 700‑ and 800‑cc Stels. When switching to Hunter, even from the 600, you immediately feel the lightness, maneuverability and obedience of the new quad. To be honest, I liked the 400 the most. Maybe because I'm a girl?!

You quickly get used to changing gears using buttons © Photo: Velomotors

ATV Stels ATV 400 Hunter

is actively developing in Ukraine and Russia; recently they have been specializing not only in motorcycle equipment, but also in ATVs.
Today, the lineup is represented by several excellent models, one of which is the Stels ATV 400 Hunter. If you are involved in active recreation, like fishing, hunting or just extreme travel, the Stealth ATV will be a great friend for you. The new product is great for beginners, because it has average technical characteristics and low cost. The big advantage is the assembly, because about 60% of the parts are manufactured and assembled in Russia. These include a seat, plastic body kit and suspension.

Pros:

• great price;
• good maneuverability;
• simplicity in design;
• high cross-country ability.

Minuses:

• slightly unclear gearbox;
• maximum speed up to 70 km/h;
• weak headlights.

Reviews from Stels 400 GS owners

5 years in the same hands, never saved on maintenance, mileage is already 60+ km and growing. I would replace it with a more powerful turunda, but I don’t have the money for a new one, and I have no desire to deal with old junk. But I can judge the quality and reliability of the Stealth objectively, the car is not without small flaws, but essentially indestructible, I don’t know what to do with it so that it doesn’t reach home even from the most distant farts. Vitaly, Omsk, Stels 400 GS '2013.

The mot requires the use of hands growing from the shoulders, like any Chinese technology, but all the main components are reliable. It drives briskly, consumes any gasoline, the most serious breakdown in three years is a short circuit due to oxidized contacts, which I myself did not keep track of. Marat, Volgograd, Stels 400 GS '2015.

A purely Chinese motorcycle, here and there a nut is missing, wires are hanging, or something else. The only problem was the original carburetor, I replaced it with a Japanese one a year later and forgot about it. There is tuning for the motorcycle, but not much, I had to farm it. I bought a used one in good condition, drove it for 2 seasons without problems, then sold it and bought a fresh Cava Versus. Heaven and earth, of course, but for the money Stealth is very good. When I bought it, the choice was between it and the Japanese half-corpses of the mid-90s at best, in the end I took the Chinese one and did not regret it even once. Alexander, Krasnodar, Stels 400 GS '2014.

Technical characteristics of Stels ATV 400

When creating the ATV, great emphasis was placed on low cost and maximum quality, so this could be achieved by setting average technical indicators. Thus, the engine with 1 cylinder and a volume of 359 cubic meters is responsible for the work. The Stealth 400 Hunter is positioned as a regular budget model, and accordingly its maximum speed is low. On a flat road it is up to 60 km/h, on a difficult country road 45 km/h.

The engine power is 16 horsepower, cooling occurs through an air-oil system. Another part that has been reduced in price is the gearbox. A CVT should be standard, but it was decided to install a 5-speed manual transmission. In turn, the box received an electric drive and two clutches.

Video Review

Specifications

Review of Stealth 400 Hunter

Many people know that Stealth brand equipment has excellent quality and at the same time a very affordable price. This model is of good quality and simple characteristics. Despite its origins, the main competitor is the Honda TRX 420. The maximum speed may seem insufficient to some, but if you feel the excellent traction of the ATV and the quick gear changes, this drawback will be insignificant.

The gearbox has one peculiarity: despite the fact that it is mechanical, shifting occurs from the steering wheel. Thus, the driver can better feel his ATV and change the desired gear as quickly as possible. All the characteristics of the stealth 400 hunter allow not only a beginner, but also a woman to control this ATV; on dangerous roads, the feedback from the steering wheel is minimal. To feel the power of the Stealth as best as possible, it is best to move in second gear.

We recommend looking at reviews of equally high-quality equipment from the Stealth brand – Stels Enduro 250 and Stels Delta 200 motorcycles.

The device is perfect for the most extreme severe tests, despite its low price and average characteristics. You can easily navigate through fords, sand dunes and other surprises of nature. For this purpose, a special arrangement of parts was developed, for example, the air intake was placed as high as possible, which made it possible to delve into the most unpredictable fords. And even if you get stuck, you can pull you out of the adventure with the help of an installed winch. With this system you can do without other equipment; you can connect it to a winch or something similar.

Price Stealth 400 Hunter

The biggest advantage in this case is the low competitive cost. The manufacturer tried to make the model as cheap as possible by installing inexpensive parts, while replacing some with simplified options. Due to the crisis in the country, the current price of an ATV sold is 170,000 rubles (as of 2016). Additionally, it is possible to order spare parts and select the required color.

Pros and cons of Stels 400 GS

Advantages

• Excellent suspension , energy-intensive and efficient. There is no desire to modify them.
• Comfortable fit . The Stealth 400 GS is truly designed to cover significant distances without discomfort for the pilot.
• Affordable cost of service and maintenance. Spare parts, consumables, tuning - everything is quite cheap.
• Good wind protection . For the speed that this motorcycle is capable of developing, it is completely enough.
• Without exaggeration, excellent suspensions that can be fully customized to suit your driving style.

Flaws

• Secondary design . The motorcycle still looks, of course, not bad, but it’s too Chinese.
• Some lack of dynamics . For driving around the city and on the highway in general, the Stealth 400 GS has enough power, but overtaking is a problem.
• Uncomfortable standard seat . Due to the lack of a “step”, the passenger gradually slides towards the driver.
• Ergonomics are strange in places . For example, the clutch and front brake levers are installed at different heights for some reason. And adjusting mirrors “to suit you” is not a trivial task at all.

Chinese new product assembled in Russia - Stels ATV 400 Hunter

Well, the engine here is simple: carburetor, air-oil cooling, with a longitudinal crankshaft. The working volume is 359 cubic meters. cm, power - 18 l. With.

TWIN BROTHER Having looked at the compact, fairly neat car, I immediately recognized the Canadian Can-Am Outlander, which, in general, is not bad at all. The controls and everything else are standard, only the usual selector for selecting transmission modes is missing. There is no downshift here; its role is played by a gearbox that rigidly transmits torque. The gearbox control is concentrated on the left side: two keys for shifting gears up and down and a reverse gear lock lever.

In fact, this gearbox is mechanical, but the stages in it are switched by electric drives at the command of the driver, who presses the arrow buttons on the steering wheel. While moving, shifting did not cause any difficulties; moreover, on a flat road, the precise operation of the control unit is delightful. But I wouldn’t call beach rides smooth: the low-power engine is “sad” on the sticky sand. Just imagine: there is beauty all around, the sea is splashing and the warm wind is in your face, and the car can barely reach 30 km/h. Everyone has already left, and you are barely dragging yourself, trying to squeeze something even with the trigger of the gas, because manipulations with the box lead to nothing. It’s clear that comparing 359 “cubes” with high cubic capacity brethren is futile. But what can you do if there were 700s and 800s from the factory!

OVER THE WAVES OF THE DUNES The real drive began on the dunes. The gearbox gives everything that the engine is capable of, and this is the biggest plus of this quadric. You just need to get used to the correct choice of modes: let off the gas, press the right button and drive up the hill. Switching occurs quickly, without delay. You ride from second to third (it gets stuck in first, but it doesn’t hold up in fourth), and the ride is better everywhere. There is only one catch: if you get slightly stuck, it is not possible to switch. The design does not allow such liberties, and, having gotten stuck at the beginning of the climb, you have to actually drag the Hunter back, and not like with a variator - you rock the device back and forth and engage the rear. Since the gearbox is mechanical, you will have to push the buttons down to reverse gear through all the steps, like on a motorcycle, which really slows down the whole process and is seriously depressing at first. But that’s not all: you can only start a stalled engine in neutral gear, which is, of course, correct from a safety perspective, but a stuck amateur will still find “tender and affectionate” words about this safety!

It will take an ignorant person a long time to get used to such things, and going to extremes on this device is an unrealistic activity (the upper classes want it, but the lower classes cannot) and is also dangerous: the suspensions are not designed for that, and the next thing you do is a coup.

ATV Stels ATV 400 Hunter

Often the most affordable model on the market or in the range. If we develop this idea, it turns out that the new Stels ATV 400 Hunter is not even a ticket, but a counterbrand to the world of ATVs!

The introduction to the new product took place on the Black Sea near Anapa. Here, on a relatively small section of the coast, you can find a wide variety of off-road options: a deserted beach, sand dunes, salt marshes and deep “mud” near the estuary... In general, ideal conditions for testing such equipment.

The goal of the developers was to create the most affordable medium-sized ATV. For this purpose, its design was simplified as much as possible and the use of a variator in the transmission was abandoned. But since controlling a vehicle with a manual transmission can be somewhat difficult for novice quad pilots, it was decided to use the so-called robotic gearbox. It is equipped with an auxiliary gear shift drive, and they can be “clicked” not only with a traditional foot, but also with buttons located on the steering wheel. And we are all good at pressing buttons!

In addition to “abolishing” the variator and replacing it with robotic mechanics, the designers also abandoned downshifts to reduce costs.

In practice, its role is played by a very short first gear, which has to be used only to overcome obstacles. In this case, you can (and even need) to move off quite confidently in second gear. There is no need to depress the clutch when changing gears, but it is advisable to shift while releasing the gas to avoid jerking and prolong the life of the transmission.

But what the creators of the quad did not skimp on was the suspension. It is completely independent: both front and rear have double wishbones. So, in terms of comfort and controllability, the Hunter even has an advantage over rivals with a rigid rear axle suspended on a pendulum.

The device really turned out to be quite easy to operate. There are no problems with mastering “push-button switching”. As soon as your fingers “remember” the location of the corresponding keys, the process of changing steps becomes quick, and you completely stop being distracted by it.

Of course, the dynamics turned out to be quite modest. “Maximum speed” on hard surfaces is somewhere around 50 km/h. On loose sand or mud, even less - 40-42 km/h. Moreover, you don’t even think about fifth gear in such a situation—fourth would be enough traction. Sometimes you have to go down to third, otherwise the engine begins to lose speed and the speed drops. A little more power from Hunter would not hurt... However, if we remember the intended purpose and price, then the claim is removed by itself.