Snowmobile Taiga Varyag 550: technical characteristics, reviews

05/09/2017 admin

The Taiga Varyag 550 snowmobile is a multi-purpose utilitarian vehicle of the WideTrack class, which is produced by Rybinsky. A distinctive feature of this snowmobile is its almost perfect balance, since the low center of gravity contributes to the ideal coincidence of the overall center of mass with the drive axle.

This snowmobile has a two-level seat with a removable backrest, which was also supplemented with special handles; heated steering wheel and throttle trigger; hydraulic brake; as well as a towbar. Taiga Varyag 550 has fairly high traction characteristics, thanks to which it copes well on almost any surface and with various loads. This snowmobile is ideal for fishermen and hunters, as its high cross-country ability allows it to reach hard-to-reach places, which is undoubtedly a big plus.

If previous snowmobiles of the Varyag model range had some difficulties with operation under high loads, this one has practically none. The installed engine allows you to develop a rated power of 36.78 kilowatts, which translates to 50 horsepower, and the rear suspension of the snowmobile was specially designed for transporting fairly heavy loads. Plus, to all this, the machine has an optimal ratio of cost and quality.

Modifications

The snowmobile is available for purchase in several trim levels, namely Taiga Varyag 550 (basic), Taiga Varyag 550 V, and Taiga Varyag 550 Limited. Let's take a closer look at each package:

1. The Taiga Varyag 550 V configuration is an extended configuration of this snowmobile. A power plant of the RMZ-550 model is installed, equipped with two Mikuni model carburetors, air cooling and a two-speed gearbox. Also used here was the DUCATI CDI programmable ignition system, which ensures optimal operation of the power unit regardless of operating modes.
2. Equipment Taiga Varyag 550 Limited. This package went on sale on October 1, 2016. The key features of this configuration are also two carburetors of the Mikuni models, allowing the engine to develop a rated power of 40.45 kilowatts or 55 horsepower. Instead of a conventional gearbox, the manufacturer equipped the snowmobile with a variator transmission (CVT). Otherwise, the Limited version is completely identical to the previous one, since it uses the same programmable DUCATI CDI ignition system, as well as air cooling.

What are snowmobiles for?

So, if it weren't for snowmobiles, communication in snowy areas would be seriously hampered indeed.

A snowmobile is used not only for moving from one point to another, but also for hunting and just for fun.

Snowmobile

After all, snowmobiles allow you to move at really high speeds and, at the same time, not lose good controllability of the unit. This is precisely the advantage of a snowmobile, which no other type of equipment has.

This is precisely the reason for the high popularity of such transport in snowy areas. Currently very popular snowmobiles are Yamaha, Ermak, Viking 540, Dingo 150, BRP, as well as new models from Yamaha in 2016.

For more information about snowmobiles, watch the video:

Specifications

Dimensional data:

• The structural length of the snowmobile is 2990 millimeters.
• Width - 1050 millimeters.
• The total height is 1380 millimeters.
• The total length of the track is 3937 millimeters.
• The width of the caterpillar track is 500 millimeters.
• The height of the caterpillar track is 22 millimeters.
• The track width between the ski centers is 900 millimeters.
• The track base of the snowmobile is 508 millimeters.

Operational values:

• Structural weight - 280 kilograms.
• The model of the installed engine is RMZ-550.
• Engine starting type: electric starter.
• The type of rear shock absorber of the propulsion unit is hydropneumatic single-tube.
• Fuel tank capacity is 40 liters.

Transmission:

• The type of optionally installed transmission is two-stage.
• The type of transmission installed is CVT.
• Number of speeds - 4: low, high, reverse, neutral.

Brakes:

• Control type: hydraulic.
• Braking mechanism type: mechanical disc.

Suspension:

• Front suspension type: telescopic.
• Front suspension travel is 105 millimeters.
• Rear suspension type: slip.
• Rear suspension travel is 190 millimeters.

Electrical equipment:

• Ignition system type - DUCATI CDI (capacitive programmable).
• Front headlight type: halogen.
• Heated steering wheel and throttle trigger are optional.

How to strengthen the chassis

The chassis of a snowmobile directly affects fuel consumption. Low cross-country ability and poor maneuverability add stress to the engine when traveling over rough terrain. To improve the driving properties of the all-terrain vehicle, you can try adjusting the rear suspension and ski toe. The second factor affects the vehicle’s maneuverability in difficult areas. If the ski base is not adjusted correctly, the driver will feel vibration in the windshield and steering wheel while riding.

Rear suspension adjustment

Under the weight of the load, the snowmobile sags, like any other mechanism. With a driver and passenger, the rear of the car invariably lowers. To improve the driving performance of the car, it is necessary to adjust the springs so that this indicator is in the range from 5 to 7 centimeters.

In this case, the weakening of the tape stop should be about 3 - 3.5 cm. The traction force of the unit with the road depends on how much weight presses on the tracked base. The shorter length of the limiter helps reduce pressure on the track, which in turn allows for more efficient vehicle control.

To set up a tape stopper, you need to:

• press on the front springs;
• unscrew the nut of the limiter bracket;
• move the bolt on which the belt is attached to the desired position;
• secure the nut.

It should be remembered that to reduce the steering gain, the bolt is fixed in the lower hole. If the skis are too upturned, the bolt is moved to the upper position.

Tips for adjusting the rear suspension

Yaw noticeable

First check the alignment of the skis. Adjust if necessary. Reduce spring tension at rear.

You feel stiffness (or lack thereof) of the rear suspension while driving

Reduce (or increase) spring tension.

The caterpillar mover slips a lot when starting off

Move to the passenger seat. Move the limiter bolt to the lower hole on the bracket.

Noticeable interruptions in the operation of the front limiter

Again, move the bolt to the lower position.

Alignment and adjustment of skis

In order for a snowmobile to behave confidently on the road, it is necessary to check the alignment of the skis from time to time. This indicator can be calculated by measuring the distance between the front (A) and rear (B) edges of the ski track and finding the difference between them. In this case, the equality must be satisfied: A-B = 10mm.

Toe check

The following manipulation should be carried out before and after adjusting the skis. To function properly, the ski base must be positioned straight and forward. Checking this is quite simple - you need to apply an even beam first to one and then to the other ski track.

The distance between the beams at the front end of each of them should be exactly 5 mm.

Adjustment

To adjust the toe of the ski track, you must perform the following sequence of actions:

• check the position of the steering wheel and set it to the “straight forward” position;
• loosen the locknuts of the rods;
• rotate the tie rods until the distance between the front edges of the skis is 10 mm less than between the rear ones;
• retighten the locknuts.

Daniila Rukin

Snowmobile specialist "Buran". I go fishing in my free time.

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Under no circumstances should you try to adjust the position of the steering wheel by turning the bolt on a regular 20.27 rod.

Engine

The Taiga Varyag 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. In the basic configuration, this engine is equipped with one Mikuni model carburetor. The rated output power of the RMZ-550 reaches 36.78 kilowatts, which translates to 50 horsepower. The cooling system of this unit is air type. Starting is carried out using an electric starter, but the engine can also be started manually. The programmable ignition system of the DUCATI CDI model is used. It is worth noting that the manufacturer often uses this ignition system in its products, as it ensures smooth and stable engine operation in all operating modes.

The engine has high traction characteristics and reliability. According to the manufacturer, this unit is designed for a fairly long service life, and serious breakdowns occur extremely rarely. In terms of maintenance, the RMZ-550 is very simple and unpretentious, and all spare parts are widespread and affordable.

About the manufacturer

One of the most reputable manufacturers of snowmobiles is domestic. This company has been producing equipment for more than 40 years, which allows it to use not only the latest production technologies, but also rich experience and the specifics of use on our land.

Russian Mechanics Company

In addition, snowmobiles from Russian Mechanics were involved in the longest snow expedition in the country, so you can absolutely trust such equipment without fear that the unit will let you down at an important moment.

The equipment from this manufacturer has truly Russian durability, so breakdowns occur extremely rarely.

The company is really popular, so purchasing a snowmobile from this company would be an excellent decision.

Price

The Taiga Varyag 550 snowmobile belongs to the equipment of the inexpensive price segment. The cost of a new one starts from 320 thousand rubles and reaches 380 thousand Russian rubles. In its class, this snowmobile is the most practical and powerful, and it can also compete with imported models of snowmobiles a class higher. The cost directly depends on factors such as year of production and equipment. A used car will cost in the range from 250 thousand rubles to 300 thousand Russian rubles. In this case, the price also fluctuates taking into account the year of manufacture of the snowmobile, technical condition and its total mileage.

User manual

The snowmobile operating manual contains detailed information on the location of the main control elements, indicators, and warning labels. The manual provides detailed instructions for starting the engine using an electric and manual starter, as well as stopping it. Documentation comes complete with the new all-terrain vehicle, but if necessary, it can be found on the Internet or downloaded from the manufacturer’s official website.

Maintenance

In order for any equipment to serve for a long time and always be in good condition, it must be maintained. The manual provides detailed descriptions of the stages of maintenance of the main components of the all-terrain vehicle:

• engine;
• carburetor;
• manual starter;
• chassis;
• transmissions;
• control elements;
• braking system.

A control inspection, checking fluid levels, and brake serviceability should be carried out every time before and after a trip. If complex operational problems occur, you should contact a specialized service center rather than trying to fix the problem yourself.

Types and frequency of maintenance

The first comprehensive maintenance of the vehicle must be carried out after running-in. Further, its frequency decreases:

Break-in recommendations

How the equipment is used during the first time after purchase will determine its future performance. The duration of this period is from 250 to 350 kilometers.

In this case, the snowmobile owner must follow some recommendations:

• ride without passengers;
• choose areas with dense or compacted snow;
• do not drive on very rough terrain, wet and loose snow;
• observe the temperature regime from -25 to -3 degrees (higher temperatures increase the risk of engine overheating);
• do not allow the engine throttle to open completely;
• check the condition of fasteners;
• after 150 km, check the alignment and tension of the caterpillar tracks;
• Fill the tank with a mixture of fuel and engine oil in a ratio of 50:1.

It is also strictly not recommended to teach someone how to operate a new all-terrain vehicle during the break-in period. This can lead to unexpected overloads of the variator and power unit.

Dimensional data:. Self-assembly

• “Varyag” is a supple and obedient SUV.
• Easily overcomes obstacles and moves on various types of road surfaces.
• With proper care after running-in, the Varyag consumes about 18 liters for every 100 km traveled. A 40-liter tank is enough to cover 220 km.
• Modern appearance, nice design, increased comfort and excellent maneuverability.
• Comfortable seating and easy operation of the machine.
• It is quite roomy and allows you to transport a considerable amount of cargo.
• Starts quickly. It pulls equally well in both impassable mud and deep snow.
• It starts with an electric starter at very low temperatures (-37 ºС) without preheating the engine.

Service name

Maintenance Requirements

The main work involves cleaning the engine. It should be regularly removed from dirt and deposits. The condition of the cylinder-piston group and the quality of tightening of threaded connections are also checked. It is advisable to clean surfaces with hair brushes or scrapers without damaging the plastic consumables. Functional spare parts must have sufficient fastening reliability. The same snowmobile track is installed on the base with the optimal load level for the mounting force. Next, the electrical equipment, connections in the wiring contacts, as well as the operability of the devices are checked.

Alternative proposals from Russian Mechanics

The Rybinsk manufacturer not long ago released a junior version of the model in question called “Varyag 500 V”. Accordingly, the engine size was reduced, as was the power output. This version costs about 50-70 thousand rubles cheaper. It has a separate lubrication system, a simplified suspension and a short transmission stroke. Interesting snowmobiles from Russian Mechanics are also represented in the Bars line.” In particular, modification 850 can be considered, on the contrary, as an older snowmobile relative to the Varyag 500 V. This option is suitable just for those who want to get a real utilitarian snowmobile, and with a hint of touring performance.