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.

How is the Taiga Varyag 550 V snowmobile controlled? Owner reviews

The steering of the Varyag is designed in such a way that the rider can be quite comfortable in a standing position and control the car. In early versions this was quite problematic due to the low position of the steering wheel, and the windshield interfered with visibility. This problem has been completely solved by the developers of the 550 Varyag.

The snowmobile accelerates quite quickly and picks up good speed without any problems. When moving, the car moves smoothly and softly, which is facilitated by the telescopic suspension and powerful engine. In general, coping with road “delights” is not a serious problem for the Varyag. And to overcome the forest thicket, it is enough to reduce the distance between the skis, and it will be much easier to control the snowmobile.

Despite the fact that the Varyag is still a utilitarian snowmobile, in skillful hands it can overcome significant ascents and descents, as well as perform complex maneuvers.

Specifications

Dimensional data:

• The structural length of the snowmobile is 2990 millimeters.
• Width – 1050 millimeters.
• Total height – 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.

Maintenance and repair

Taiga snowmobiles should be maintained in accordance with the recommendations given in the user manual. The first maintenance is carried out after 500 km.

Main malfunctions and methods for their elimination:

1. If the crankshaft rotates, but the power unit does not start, it is recommended to check the level of working fluid in the tank, turn on the ignition mechanism, pull up the button and put the safety cord cap on the switch.
2. When the engine does not develop full power, you need to clean the spark plugs from carbon deposits and conduct an external inspection of the ignition mechanism for damage and defects.
3. If the motor operates intermittently, it is necessary to lift the fastening screws of the transformer device and replace the fuel fluid.
4. A large amount of fuel is consumed. To eliminate this problem, you should adjust the carburetor and inspect the power system for breakdowns.
5. Malfunction of the brake levers. In this case, it is recommended to replace the damaged cable or brake casing.

Track replacement

In order to replace the track for the Taiga-500 snowmobile, you must:

1. Drain the working fluid from the fuel tank.
2. Remove the rear suspension mechanism by removing the protective cover and unscrewing the mounting screws.
3. Remove the muffler.
4. Remove the gearbox, drive shaft, axle mechanism.
5. Remove the caterpillar.
6. Install the new part, taking into account the direction of rotation, which is indicated by the arrow on the track belt.
7. Check the adjustment of the driving wheels.
8. Raise the rear part of the equipment body and secure it in this position.
9. Measure the distance between the pad and the lower inner part of the track mechanism.
10. Adjust the tension (45-50 mm on each side).
11. Start the power unit.
12. Check track alignment on both sides of the snowmobile.
13. Turn off the engine.
14. Tighten the idler wheel mounting bolts.
15. Check the functionality of the new caterpillar track.

Carburetor adjustment

Procedure for adjusting the Mikuni carburetor:

1. Check the opening of the carburetor throttles for synchronism.
2. Remove the muffler.
3. Using a 140*40 mm mirror, inspect the carburetor diffusers. Depress the gas pedal; if the throttles do not move synchronously, adjust them.
4. Inspect the mechanism for play on the fuel drive shell.
5. Inspect the locks that regulate the carburetor needles.
6. Carry out diagnostics of the main fuel jet.
7. Tighten the mounting bolts until they stop.
8. Unscrew the jet screws 1-1.5 turns.
9. Set the gap to 0.7-0.8 mm for the spark plugs.
10. Start the vehicle and let the engine warm up for 3-5 minutes.
11. Drive the snowmobile 4-5 km to check the adjustments made.
12. Turn off the engine and check the color of the carbon deposits on the spark plugs. It should be dark brown.
13. If the color differs from the specified one, move the locks of the metering needles to the upper part of the carburetor.

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 ease of movement

We have already considered in the article both the characteristics and capabilities of the engine, and the design features of the chassis. Now a few words about snowmobile skis. Gliding not only on snow, but also on other types of surfaces depends on the quality of skis. In addition, they experience greater stress, as this is facilitated by the sheer weight of the snowmobile and continuous friction with the road. Therefore, skis can quite often wear out and fail, despite the special strength of the plastic from which they are made. Therefore, it is recommended to use special pads that do not in any way affect the deterioration of the cross-country ability and speed qualities of the snowmobile.

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.

About some of the machine's capabilities

The steering on the Varyag is located high, making driving the car much more convenient.
The handles are equipped with rubberized pads, which makes them ergonomic. If the snowmobile falls upside down, the heavy-duty glass will not break and will remain the same as before the impact. This was made possible thanks to the use of special polycarbonate fiber. In addition, the windshield provides the rider and passenger with reliable protection from oncoming gusts of wind and snow.

Traveling through deep forest thickets is also not scary for the Varyag. The blows of branches and trees will be absorbed by the glass and hood, and the snowmobile can easily overcome the most difficult irregularities thanks to the breaking heel on the rear suspension. This also helps ensure that when reversing, it will not get stuck in deep snow.

The luggage compartment of the car is spacious, and you can put up to 100 kg of hand luggage there. In addition, there is a place under the driver’s seat for some things and various tools. With a vehicle weight of only 280 kg, you can drag a load of over 200 kg behind you on a drag sleigh or sled, for which a tow bar is provided in the snowmobile. Well, if the need nevertheless arises to increase the space for luggage, no one bothers to install a comfortable and roomy chest. Fishing gear and hunting accessories can also be stored here.

Oil

Lukoil 2t is not for snowfields, have mercy on the equipment. Is the dealer really not carrying Taiga 2t semi-synthetic oil or Ekoil? Well, or Motul from foreign cars, people drive. Run-in 1:25. 1:20 is a lot, this is not Buran. After running in 1:40, 1:35 in cold weather and under load. Lukoil 2t for Soviet motorcycles and boat engines, you can also use Buran, its other name is MGD-14, it’s a mineral water with God knows what additives. Lukoil is NOT SNOWMOBILE oil.

But still, where can I get the “+” and “-” sensors under the hood, please tell me, otherwise they write that you can’t change the variable time, you have to take a constant one, I’m at a dead end. So install the cheapest battery, charging relay (our price is 1700 ), and then power all additional equipment from the battery, starting with temperature sensors and ending with the cigarette lighter socket.

From various sources, as I understand it, the Varyag 500 is built on the basis of the old Taiga, as if taking into account the jambs.

The declared appetite is 22-25 liters per 100 km, depending on the snow cover it can be 60, almost the same as that of the Taiga Patrol 550. But the powerful Yamaha nitro snowmobile eats less - 15-20 liters.

There are holes for the starter. The crown must also be placed.

The compression in the cylinders for the Varyag 500 should be 9.6 atm. the norm for air.

the best spark plugs NGK BR9ES made in Japan, A 20 D.

set the belt on the varik to 35

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

Why is it so important to choose the right oil?

Significant load on the mechanism when driving on difficult surfaces, temperature changes between the regularly overheating engine and the external environment cause increased demands on oils for snowmobiles.

Putting the wrong lubricant into your snowmobile means risking not only your machine, but also your own safety. Some manufacturers, for example, the same Canadian BRP, generally insist that only their original oil should go into the box of a snowmobile of their brand.

Sometimes you can hear the opinion that other fuels and lubricants are also suitable for BRP, but such statements are often inspired by unscrupulous sellers.

You should choose oil for a snowmobile even more carefully than for a car, and also take into account a number of criteria determined by the specifics of snowmobile engines.

Since two-stroke engine lubricant is added to and burned with fuel, it obviously must have:

• high solubility;
• low smoke or ash content - that is, does not form a large amount of soot during combustion.

These properties are mainly possessed by high-quality synthetic oils for snowmobiles, which, when mixed with gasoline, do not affect its detonation resistance (octane number).

Advantages

Most of those who bought this snowmobile are satisfied with the purchase.
It is distinguished by its smooth running, the ability to start even in severe frost, heated seats, handles, gas valve and other useful little things that are not always found on domestic vehicles. Many people had previously owned a Buran snowmobile from the same company and noted how much more stable a two-lane snowmobile with one track was when driving along a slope. For driving on a snowy track, however, this is a controversial factor. With a narrow track, the caterpillar will not fit into it and can fall off along the edges when driving, but the Buran overcomes such a road, keeping its only ski in the track, where it easily fits. Among the advantages, many also note the high-quality gasoline engine, which does not consume much fuel. This happens largely thanks to a high-quality carburetor.

Minuno is an excellent model that allows you to reduce fuel consumption, even when the engine operates in extreme conditions.

What oils do you prefer?

The gear oil for snowmobiles from the well-known German brand Motul, which has developed a lubricant specifically for low temperatures, enjoys a good reputation. According to consumer reviews, Motul is good for a snowmobile due to the complete absence of carbon deposits and a low threshold for loss of fluidity (up to forty-five degrees below zero).

Among other things, thanks to a unique additive complex, this lubricant:

• increases engine life;
• ensures the cleanliness of internal parts;
• reduces exhaust toxicity;
• reduces noise during operation;
• economically used.

The only more or less significant drawback that distinguishes this motor oil is its specific, not very pleasant smell. But this is typical for almost all “transmission” cars and does not stop those who are used to driving a Motul.

Important: we must not forget that under no circumstances should you mix the “transmission” with regular oil - because of this, not only can the transmission “fly”, you risk that the engine will have to be seriously repaired. Transmission lubricant does not tolerate upward temperature changes

Lukoil

On the other hand, some consumers consider the cost of Motul oil to be too high and prefer fuels and lubricants from domestic manufacturers, for example, Lukoil oil. According to many reviews, Lukoil 2t, which costs several times less than Motul, works no less reliably

The most important thing: domestic oil has the same tolerances and is also practically never counterfeit (unlike, for example, the already mentioned BRP, which is quite often counterfeited)

Ravenol

No less popular is Ravenol lubricant, also made in Germany. This brand produces high-quality, fully synthetic oil for two-stroke snowmobile engines, characterized by a high fluid loss rate. Ravenol fuels and lubricants retain their properties up to forty degrees or more below zero, thanks to which they can be used even in the conditions of the Far North.

BRP

As mentioned above, owners of BRP brand snowmobiles must use only “original” lubricant if they want to have a guarantee of normal operation of the machine in the future. You can hear from some BRP users that this is nothing more than a marketing ploy by manufacturers and, in fact, other fuels and lubricants can be filled into BRP. However, more experienced people argue that it is better not to risk the “health” of your snowmobile by using an untested lubricant.

Operating manual

Since the Varyag 500/550 and Ataka 551 II models have similar technical characteristics, they also have a common operating manual. The document contains detailed information on preparation for work, maintenance of all components, as well as the procedure for seasonal preservation and proper storage of the machine.

When operating a snowmobile, a number of requirements must be met:

• Before installing a battery that has been stored for a long time at sub-zero temperatures, it is necessary to keep it indoors for several hours.
• When starting the engine, you must slowly pull the start handle towards you until resistance appears.
• Do not fill the fuel tank to capacity. Otherwise, excess gasoline may spill out.
• Do not change gears until the snowmobile has come to a complete stop. In this case, the motor should be running.
• You can start the engine only after thoroughly checking the serviceability of all components of the snowmobile.

Break-in recommendations

Running in new equipment is an important part of its operation. Its performance and reliability in the future depends on the mode in which the snowbike will operate at first, until the engine travels 300-350 km.

In this regard, the manufacturer recommends observing certain conditions during break-in:

• ride without passengers;
• choose compacted sections of the road;
• do not travel at temperatures above minus three degrees;
• monitor the engine temperature and the reliability of the fastenings;
• after 150 km, check the tension of the fan belt and tracks;
• before stopping the engine, it is necessary to keep it idling for half a minute;
• prepare a fuel mixture of gasoline and oil in a ratio of 50:1.

The manufacturer also does not recommend teaching other people how to ride an all-terrain vehicle, as this may lead to undesirable consequences.

Technique for adjusting ski toe

• check that the steering wheel is straight
• loosen locknuts 15 of both steering rods 20, 27
• by rotating the steering rods, ensure that when the skis are positioned “straight forward”, distance A in the front of the skis is greater than distance B in the rear of the skis by 10 mm (A – B = 10 mm)
• tighten the tie rod locknuts.

Taiga tormented me, only I unlocked the gearbox, now it started working on either 1 or 2 cylinders, i.e. at idle it doesn’t work normally at all, but when driving it runs on 1 cylinder, then on two, and so on in a cycle, then 1 then 2, with the throttle equally pressed, TAIGA500 1 carb. It was the same with mine, I came home on a rope. Knowledgeable people from the site helped. The hall sensor was replaced and the order was correct.