Snowmobile Taiga 500: technical specifications, reviews

Which country produces snowmobiles?

A few words about it belongs to one of the most successful lines of domestic production. In turn, the company is a recognized leader in the design and production of all-terrain vehicles in the mid-price segment. The RM machine-building plant is located in the suburbs of Rybinsk, Yaroslavl region.

The manufacturer specializes in the development, design, and production of snowmobiles, ATVs, as well as spare parts and components for them. At each stage there is constant quality control.

About the Taiga line

The first Tayga snowmobile rolled off the production line in 1997 and almost immediately gained popularity among lovers of active winter recreation. Since then, several lines of all-terrain vehicles have been released, which, in turn, had a number of modifications within them. Among them there was even a children's snowbike - "Lynx", which, in accordance with the nominal characteristics, could withstand a weight of up to 40 kg. A number of modifications of the powerful Patrol snowmobile have been adopted by the military services of our country.

The Varyag 500 model was first presented in 2010. It belongs to the universal type and has the characteristics of a utilitarian all-terrain vehicle. The car is used for economic purposes for traveling through the snow to the store, walking livestock. Due to its lightness and mobility, it is well suited for this. Hunters and fishermen often choose this model because of its relatively low cost.

"Polaris Widetrack"

This model is considered the most popular among utilitarian representatives. The popularity is due to the reliability of the design and high build quality. Among the advantages, they also note the reliable start of the motor, which is capable of operating efficiently at critically low temperatures. The two-stroke “engine” guarantees the required thrust and does not overheat at high speeds, since the liquid cooling jacket is functioning. Other advantages include ease of maintenance and operation of most components.

The engine power is 85 “horses”, two cylinders are equipped with a separate carburetor. The lubrication system is of a separate configuration. Good control is ensured by the front wishbone suspension, which behaves well even at a speed of 100 km/h. The rear analogue is a torsion shock absorber.

Parameters and dimensions of the snowmobile:

• engine volume – 488 “cubes”;
• transmission – variator with low gear and reverse;
• towed trailer weight – 300 kg;
• dry weight – 278 kg;
• length/width/height – 3.25/1.10/1.29 m;
• caterpillar dimensions – 3.45/0.5 m.

Modifications

The Taiga Varyag 500 snowmobile is a modification of another machine produced by RM - the Varyag 550. While working on this model, engineers were looking for new ways to improve the basic version, which would reduce the cost of production without losing quality at the same time.

Main differences

The new all-terrain vehicle turned out to be 15 kilograms lighter than the prototype. As a result, engineers had to abandon the electric starter in favor of a manual one, and also lighten the design of the front bumper. At the same time, the car did not lose any strength. But the most important and successful decision was the replacement of the 553-ml engine with an analogue with a smaller volume - 407 cubic meters.

Another modification of the model is a change in the center of mass. The 500th model received a low center of gravity, which was now located next to the drive axle of the snowmobile. This made it possible to achieve good vehicle stability when moving along steep slopes.

Ergonomic properties

Like most snowmobiles of the Varyag family, the 500 model is equipped with a spacious luggage compartment, which is harmoniously placed under the rear seat. The entire trunk volume is divided for ease of use. The developers used an additional reinforcement system, which significantly reduced the overall weight of the snowmobile. Thus, having a lower curb weight, a snowmobile in terms of speed characteristics and cross-country ability, on the highway is often not inferior to similar models with more powerful engines. The electrical circuit of the Taiga 500 snowmobile is designed to absorb a minimum amount of battery energy.

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.

In addition, it is necessary to conduct a thorough inspection of the equipment, checking the serviceability of all important elements. The instruction manual provides detailed instructions on how to do this.

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 operates 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.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any technique, the above model has its pros and cons:

pros

— An excellently balanced frame, thanks to the correct weight distribution, allows you to enjoy driving on any type of terrain.

— Excellent ratio of such basic characteristics as power/weight

— Ease of maintenance and reliability of body panels

— Spacious fuel tank

Minuses

— Hard seat that is not intended for long trips

— Poor response to sudden changes in speed using the handle

— Frequently dirty air filter

— No backrest for the passenger in the basic configuration

Specifications

The Taiga 500 snowmobile has a classic design and average technical characteristics. “Varyag” received two guide skis and a Wide Track track. The motorcycle-type handlebar is set high, which makes it possible to comfortably pilot the car while standing.

Options and equipment

Optionally, the snowmobile has a spacious luggage compartment, which is located under the two-level seat. The reinforced towbar allows you to tow cargo sleds weighing up to 250 kilograms.

In addition, the standard package includes:

• passenger seat (without backrest);
• heating system for gas trigger and steering handles;
• windshield.

Daniila Rukin

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

Ask a Question

The manufacturer provides a three-year warranty from the factory, which, however, does not apply to all parts of the snowmobile.

Dimensions and weight

“Varyag 500” is considered the lightest snowbike from the family of special equipment. The weight of an unloaded all-terrain vehicle without a pilot, passenger and cargo is 260 kg. In this case, the machine has the following overall dimensions (in meters):

The deviation in size is 3 cm in one direction and the other.

Suspension

One of the features of this unit is the telescopic front suspension. Its stroke is 10.5 centimeters. Additionally, the design is equipped with a monotube shock absorber.

The rear suspension is the same as on other modern models of snow all-terrain vehicles produced by Russian Mechanics, namely, skid-mounted. Its stroke is 19 centimeters. Among other things, the machine has a pipe-type hydropneumatic shock absorber at the rear. Thanks to this, as well as the mounting springs, the rear suspension mechanism has a good supply of energy and contributes to a smooth ride.

Chassis

Transmission

The described snowbike has a two-stage transmission. A variator is used as a transmitting device. The box has four gears:

• reverse;
• neutral;
• reduced;
• increased.

Brake system

The snowmobile is equipped with a mechanical hydraulic disc brake. The design is standard for all models of the Taiga series.

Propulsion parameters

The role of the propulsion device is performed by the Composit track mechanism with front-mounted drive sprockets.

Tape dimensions:

The length of the track support surface is 50.8 cm.

Electrical equipment

The standard equipment of the model includes a manual starting system, which has a programmable capacitive ignition - DUCATI CDI. Thanks to it, the engine runs equally smoothly even under heavy loads.

Daniila Rukin

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

Ask a Question

Additional comfort while driving is provided by a powerful halogen front lamp with a power of 55/60 watts and optional heated steering grips. In addition, the model has an electronic reverse, speedometer and odometer.

Engine

The Varyag 500 is powered by a two-stroke carbureted proprietary (RM) engine with two cylinders. Their total volume is 497 cubic centimeters. The role of the main battery of the power unit is played by the Mikuni carburetor fuel system.

Main parameters of the motor:

In addition, the all-terrain vehicle has a muffler with a resonator at the outlet and an intake noise muffler at the inlet.

Performance characteristics

Maximum flow

Despite the fact that the snowmobile belongs to the class of semi-professional light special equipment, it is quite “gluttonous”. Owners note that in some cases, gasoline consumption can reach up to 30 liters per 100 kilometers, while the manufacturer claims a different figure - 22 liters. Of course, the amount of fuel consumed by the engine depends on many factors. These include driving style, driving speed, type of terrain traversed and the condition of the main undercarriages.

Fuel tank capacity and engine lubrication

A standard tank holds 40 liters of fuel. For refueling, it is advisable to choose gasoline with an octane number of at least 92. Since the power unit has a mixed lubrication system, engine oil should be added to the fuel, since there is no separate container for oil. The manufacturer recommends preparing the mixture in a ratio of 40:1. Thus, it is recommended to take one liter of oil for two-stroke engines for one full tank.

Speed

In accordance with the design features of the motor, the snowmobile is capable of reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h on a flat surface. Some owners note that they were able to overcome this mark while driving on ice. At the same time, the pilot feels most comfortable when accelerating to 60-65 km per hour.

Chassis

The front suspension of the Taiga 500 snowmobile is telescopic, has a travel of 105 mm, which, in combination with an equally functional rear suspension with a travel of 190 mm, will ensure comfortable movement both on smooth snow and over rough terrain. It is worth noting that the rear suspension is equipped with a hydropneumatic shock absorber and torsion springs. This design allows you to enjoy driving when fully loaded and light. As for the caterpillar, the model is equipped with a 500mm Composite, which has proven itself on more than one released model. The rear heel of the suspension is catchable, which greatly facilitates reversing.

Owner reviews

The Taiga Varyag 500 snowmobile model has mixed reviews from owners regarding fuel consumption. Some say that the SUV consumes too much fuel, others note that a full tank lasts for a long time. Many praise the car for its affordable price, but note a lack of comfort.

Eugene

“I purchased this model in 2013. I've been riding it for over five years now and I love it. As for consumption, it takes me 19 liters for rolled snow, and about 25 liters for freshly fallen snow. Although all two-stroke engines are voracious"

Danil

“I bought this “miracle of technology” in 2015. I was simply shocked when I discovered that the car consumes 40 liters per hundred kilometers. I contacted the service center and it turned out that the corrector cable was faulty. After replacing the part, the snowmobile began to consume 24-26 liters. Still, it seems to me that this is too much, despite the fact that the manufacturer claims 22 liters.”

Sergey

Filippovo: “I took the Taiga 500 two years ago. During this time the car never broke down. Used strictly for economic purposes, for walking livestock on the farm. I had to change the spark plugs from time to time, because when driving at low speeds, carbon deposits appeared on them. My device consumed about 18-19 liters per 100 km.”

Materials and technologies

In the manufacture of a snowmobile, only high-quality plastic is used, which has an impact-absorbing property, which allows not only to increase passive safety when driving a vehicle, but also to preserve its aesthetic appearance for a long time. Reliable front skis are able to withstand high peak overloads, which allows you to increase the maneuverability of even the basic model. The streamlined shapes of the snowmobile are made in such a way that flying snow does not clog the viewing glass and, accordingly, does not cause discomfort to the driver and passenger. The footrests have a special shape that completely protects the feet.

"Stealth Ermak 800"

This modification replaced the morally and technically outdated Buran. "Ermak" has the same weight, but much better dynamics and equipment. The peculiarity of placing the gas tank (between the driver’s legs) eliminates the possibility of it being damaged by branches. The equipment is protected from stumps and logs from below by an aluminum shield.

The car is driven by a four-stroke engine with a power of 67 “horses”. Average fuel consumption is about 20 l/100 km. The tank holds 50 liters of fuel. The gas grip and steering wheel are heated. The special configuration of the lenses on the light elements guarantees good illumination.

Characteristics and dimensions of the “Stealth Ermak 800” snowmobile:

• suspension – telescopes at the front, independent lever block at the rear;
• transmission – automatic transmission with CVT;
• propulsion unit – one caterpillar, 38 cm wide;
• brakes – hydraulic disc system;
• length/width/height – 3.1/1.02/1.33 m;
• lug height - 17.5 mm;
• structural weight - 290 kg.

"Stealth Frost"

The unique snowmobile has a modern design and decent technical characteristics. The equipment includes only one ski, with a focus on the northern regions of the country. This technique is available in two modifications, the parameters of which are identical to each other. The difference lies in the extended base and weight (320 and 295 kg).

The car is driven by a two-stroke engine with a pair of cylinders with their own carburetors. The ignition system is developed on the basis of special programming; the unit is protected from overheating by forced atmospheric cooling. Reinforced steering column - adjustable configuration, handles and throttle trigger are heated. The hydraulic brake is responsible for stopping. The driver's seat is soft, comfortable, and does not slip. The modern hood has special holes that serve to redirect the air flow to the engine.

Price from the manufacturer

The manufacturer's official website lists the recommended retail price as 504,850 rubles. It does not include delivery costs to other regions, so the final cost should be obtained from dealers. Thus, the price for a new snowmobile produced in 2022 ranges from 515 to 550 thousand rubles. As you can see, this snowmobile is not the cheapest, but it costs an order of magnitude lower than foreign all-terrain vehicles.

Also, if you wish, you can find “Patrol” with mileage from earlier years of production. In this case, the cost of the truck will be determined depending on the kilometers traveled and the general technical condition. In this case, the price tag starts from 250 – 280 thousand rubles.

Taiga oil with added nanoparticles 140ml… Operating parameters

My Varyag has covered 910 km, it completely sucks, it squeals like crazy, you are constantly worried that it will break, I can’t move very far, I decided to sell it, it breaks down mainly due to small things, I hesitated to carry all the keys from the garage. For the premium Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobile models with the maximum number of options, an electric servo motor controlled by a button on the handlebar was developed to engage the mechanical reverse of the 1203 engine.