Hello. Let's look at the question of choosing a snowmobile BRP Scandic vs Yamaha Viking. What to take? How to choose the right snowmobile with a 50 cm track: BRP Ski-Doo Skandic WT 550 or Yamaha Viking 540? What are the pros and cons of these top-end utilitarian models. I have often come across discussions on forums about what is better, what should I pay attention to? But for some reason I have never come across an article that doesn’t have 500 forum pages, in which I can simply read a short story and build some kind of foundation in my head based on these two models. Understand all the pros and cons, the differences that are important to you, compare the features, and calmly make a choice for yourself. If you are also interested, then let's continue!
First, let's look at each model separately, and at the end we'll summarize the pros and cons.
Description of the snowmobile
The Yamaha Viking 540 IV snowmobile is especially popular among users. The machine has high cross-country ability in deep snow. The snowmobile is distinguished by its reliability and unpretentiousness to the conditions of use. It can move along the snow cover regardless of its depth.
Exterior view of the Yamaha Viking 540-4 snowmobile - side view
The snowmobile can operate at very low ambient temperatures. The equipment can be operated by both a professional and a person with minimal driving skills.
The Yamaha Viking 540 IV model has a large reserve of power, sufficient to not only transport the operator and passenger, but also to tow a considerable weight. Thanks to the bright headlight mounted on the front of the machine, you can use the snowmobile in conditions of poor visibility and at night.
A comfortable seat, a high windshield, heated handles and an improved suspension make operating a Yamaha snowmobile comfortable for the operator. The manufacturer installed wider and stronger running boards on this model. Special handles are provided for passengers.
Operational purpose
The Yamaha Viking 540 4 is used to travel on snowy surfaces in many countries around the world, including the Russian Federation. High engine power allows the machine to be used for:
Yamaha Viking 540-4 - operation
- traveling long distances in difficult cross-country conditions;
- transportation of passengers and hand luggage;
- towing trailers of sufficiently large weight;
- participation in snowmobile competitions.
Yamaha's technical characteristics give it the ability to operate at very low ambient temperatures. Specialized antifreeze compounds are used to lubricate mechanisms and assemblies. Such lubricants do not freeze at low temperatures and ensure uninterrupted operation of equipment in the most severe climatic conditions.
How to choose
The choice is always based on operational plans. Snowmobiles are:
- workers;
- tourist;
- sports (racing);
- mountain
The Yamaha Viking 540 is a utilitarian machine, a real workhorse that is suitable for professional activities. The wide track will allow you to climb difficult climbs, tow cargo, and carry a passenger. The suspension is designed in such a way that, even under heavy load, it maintains all dynamic characteristics: speed, cross-country ability, low fuel consumption. The body and all parts are made from the most durable materials, because the main thing for a working machine is reliability.
Whichever Viking generation you choose, it will be the right decision. And Yamaha-Ostrovtsy will help you not to make mistakes. For more than 5 years we have been official representatives of the Japanese manufacturer. Our showroom features all the latest equipment for outdoor activities, as well as spare parts for it. All products have a warranty, and post-warranty service is also available. Delivery is possible anywhere in Russia. We have earned the trust of individuals and large public companies. If you have any questions or need to calculate the cost, call us by phone in Moscow or request a call back. We will be happy to help you!
Advantages and features of a snowmobile
One of the main advantages of the machine is the ability to move on snow surfaces of any complexity. High cross-country ability is achieved due to the fact that, compared to other models of Yamaha snowmobiles, this machine has a lower weight. The presence of a reverse gear makes it easy to get out of ravines hidden under the snow.
The manufacturer has equipped this model with wider skis than previous products, which are equipped with special runners. Thanks to this, the snowmobile has excellent handling.
Characteristics of the Yamaha Viking 540-4 snowmobile
The handles of the Yamaha Viking 540 IV are equipped with electrical heating. This eliminates the risk of frostbite on the operator's hands during long driving. The model has comfortable footrests for the driver and passenger, which are equipped with special hooks. Hooks prevent shoes from sliding on the surface of the footboard.
Compared to previous products, the manufacturer installed a wider track on the Yamaha Viking 540 IV. This makes it possible to move easily even on loose snow. The wide track and skis increase the area. The large area of the product reduces the pressure on the snow cover when moving.
To improve traction on a Yamaha snowmobile, the manufacturer installs 7T drive sprockets. the front of the vehicle has a small bumper. Despite its light weight and small dimensions, the front bumper of the snowmobile is highly durable. The bumper protects the product body from small mechanical shocks. The car has an external trunk, which can carry hand luggage and other small items.
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 2022, 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.
Characteristics of Yamaha Viking
The Japanese-made Yamaha Viking 540 IV snowmobile has the following technical characteristics:
Snowmobile Yamaha Viking 540-4 - side view
- Overall dimensions – 3.055x1.190x1.355 meters (length, width, height);
- The track width on the outer sides of the skis is 96 centimeters;
- Overall dimensions of the caterpillar – 392x51x0.35 centimeters (length, width, height);
- The material from which the skis are made is high-strength plastic;
- The total weight of the car is 290 kilograms;
- Fuel tank volume – 31 liters;
- Oil tank volume – 2.5 liters;
- Power plant type – two-cylinder petrol engine;
- Front suspension – telescopic;
- Front suspension travel – 15 centimeters;
- Front shock absorbers - hydraulic;
- The rear suspension is torsion bar, with a travel of 27.5 centimeters;
- Rear shock absorber – gas;
- Brake – the brake system drive is hydraulic, the brake mechanism is mechanical disc;
- Minimum octane number of fuel used – 92;
- Tow hitch – yes;
- Heated grips - only heated driver's steering grips and accelerator grips;
- Transmission – continuously variable variator;
- Number of gears – two forward, reverse gear, neutral gear;
- Drive sprockets - 7T have external gearing;
- Front headlight power – 60/55W;
- The type of lamp in the front headlight is halogen;
Load capacity
The last important technical characteristic of this snowmobile is its load capacity. As mentioned above, it literally surprises - with its own weight of less than 300 kilograms, it can easily carry more weight at an excellent speed of 60 kilometers per hour. Please note that you can also secure a load of even greater weight behind you - a reduction gear will help you drag it. The result is a virtually ideal snowmobile, which has deservedly earned its worldwide fame and has repeatedly confirmed that it is ideal for any tasks assigned to it.
Snowmobile power plant
The Yamaha Viking 540 IV snowmobile is equipped with a two-stroke two-cylinder gasoline engine. The minimum octane number of gasoline on which the power plant operates is 92. The unit is equipped with forced air cooling.
Engine Yamaha Viking 540-4
This allows the engine to operate at positive air temperatures. The diameter of each cylinder is 73 millimeters. Engine lubrication is carried out by forcibly adding two-stroke oil to gasoline.
The displacement of the Yamaha snowmobile two-stroke engine is 535 cubic centimeters. With this engine size, the car has a power of 34 kilowatts, which equals 46 horsepower. This power is quite enough to quickly cover long distances, even when carrying heavy loads.
The carburetor prepares and supplies the fuel mixture to the combustion chamber of the power unit. The diameter of the carburetor working chamber is 38 millimeters. This carburetor makes the snowmobile engine both powerful and economical. The fuel mixture intake system is a reed one-way valve. The exhaust system is a muffler.
The power plant is distinguished by its reliability. The engine has a long service life and starts well even at very low ambient temperatures. It is easy to operate and maintain.
Chassis
Chassis Yamaha Viking 540-4
The Yamaha front suspension is made in the form of telescopic struts. It consists of two hydraulic shock absorbers. The travel of each of the front shock absorbers is 15 centimeters. This allows you to smoothly overcome uneven snow cover.
The rear suspension is made in the form of two springs and steel gas shock absorbers. The gas in the shock absorbers is under high pressure. The travel of the rear shock absorbers is 38.5 centimeters. This makes it possible to transport passengers and cargo of sufficiently large weight on a snowmobile. The manufacturer has provided the ability to quickly adjust the rigidity of the rear suspension. This is necessary so that the user can customize for specific purposes.
From the above it follows that the Yamaha Viking 540 IV snowmobile is one of the best in its class. This model perfectly combines high power, reliability and comfort for the operator and passenger. This snowmobile is suitable for a variety of purposes.
