Which utilitarian snowmobile is the best? What should you give preference to and what should you pay attention to? Which snowmobile should you choose? A few tips for lovers of winter walks: Which is better to buy a tank or a snowmobile?

When Yamaha developed a serious utilitarian snowmobile, it did not take the existing powerful sports machines as a basis, but it still added a little sportiness. Don't discount the Yamaha RS Viking Professional as a boring workhorse. This winter truck has excellent heritage, it works, and you know how to whistle!

As Yamaha fans are well aware, the RS Viking Professional snowmobiles are liquid-cooled, with A-arm suspension modernized version air cooling Viking 540 (Viking 540). By the way, if you need this particular model, it is still very popular in Canada, Scandinavia and Russia. So popular with ski resorts, rescue services and snowmobiling clubs, the Yamaha VK 540 is now nearly three times as powerful as the more powerful RS Viking Professional with its liquid-cooled Genesis 120 engine.

The Viking Professional independent front suspension helps the snowmobile not get stuck in the snow when reversing

Notably, Yamaha's performance sleds, both the Viking 540 and RS Viking Professional, have a loyal following in the snow world. Yamaha snowmobiles can be found hauling loads in some of the most remote and inaccessible places on the planet, but they can just as easily be found on the most glamorous ski slopes, hauling hapless skiers who have broken their skis on the slopes.

And if our long-time favorite Yamaha Viking 540 (Snowmobile Yamaha Viking 540) was limited in its capabilities by a 535 cm³ two-stroke Yamaha engine, then its twin Yamaha RS Viking Professional (Yamaha Viking Professional) with a proven 973 cc 4-stroke tripled them. With 120 horsepower on tap, the RS Viking Professional can both tow better and climb higher thanks to the high-torque liquid-cooled engine and three-speed transmission. Most users are quite happy with driving in normal forward gear, but if needed high power, then simply stop the snowmobile, switch to downshift and no problem. Well, it’s probably not worth repeating that, of course, there is a reverse.

Reverse gear is standard on high/low gearboxes

Since the Yamaha RS Viking Professional snowmobile was designed as a utilitarian snowmobile, it is equipped with Yamaha's most advanced 4-stroke engine. The Genesis 120 was designed specifically as a snowmobile engine, i.e. with high torque and high efficiency, caused by the system fuel injection. The air-cooled Viking 540 engine also has plenty of torque, but being a 2-stroke, it tends to gradually lose power once it reaches its mid-range level. The 4-stroke RS Viking Professional pulls three times longer, peaking at around 8200rpm, making it an excellent replacement for the VK 540. And although the liquid-cooled engine has a relatively high 11.3 compression ratio, it runs just fine on regular 87-octane petrol.

The RS Viking Professional chassis is designed specifically for the Genesis 120, a rigid Deltabox chassis with a low mid-engine position for improved handling. Yamaha's YVXC drive system works with a three-speed transmission, and you can rely entirely on the dual-piston disc brake system when you need to stop. The brake discs are ventilated, which both reduces the overall weight of the structure and improves cooling brake system. Thus, this is a significantly more modernized version than the Viking 540 (VK 540), equipped with mechanical disc brakes.

A-arms

Obvious updates have been made to the front suspension design. The Yamaha Viking 540 snowmobile uses telescopic struts, developed by Yamaha designers back in the early 1980s. Viking Professional (VK Professional) offers a second generation wishbone design that features short ski spindles combined with long A-arms. The camber shape is well thought out and is designed to help the RS Viking navigate rough terrain and deep snow. The track of the VK Professional skis is 125 mm wider (1085 mm) than that of the VK 540 with its 960 mm. Plus, you'll find that the Yamaha Professional is actually quite nimble for its hefty 355kg, as Yamaha engineers have given it a 23-degree angle. longitudinal inclination wheel steering axis for smooth maneuvering. The RS Viking snowmobile's handlebars are the perfect width to ensure good tacking, and have adjustable heated grips. There is even a “mountain” jumper that allows you to move your hands on the steering wheel to the position necessary for maneuvering in narrow spaces. There's no need to worry, the RS Viking Professional has excellent flotation and moves easily in powder thanks to the perfect combination of wide plastic skis and independent double wishbone front suspension.

A-arm suspension gives the Yamaha RS Viking Professional its unrivaled handling

Behind the Yamaha Viking Professional (VK Professional) shows serious engineering solutions. Rear end the snowmobile is noticeably elongated, which allows it to easily overcome obstacles and does not allow the snowmobile to bury itself in the snow when reversing. And in addition, it is possible to quickly adjust the shock absorber and spring when increasing or decreasing the load of the snowmobile.

Placement of cargo.

High, wide RS Viking Professional seat with integrated luggage compartment located above the ProAction Plus rear suspension and 3962mm track. The RS Viking's rear passenger seat section is removable, creating more space for luggage in the rear cargo area. Open the seat cover and there's a spacious underseat storage area for storing rope, tools, a hand winch, or just a snack.

Turn the key to start all 120 Viking horses

The Yamaha RS Viking Professional snowmobile was a significant step forward from the already fading, but still very, very popular Yamaha Viking 540. The aluminum frame is lightweight thanks to Yamaha's patented Controlled Flow die casting technology, as a result, it became possible to produce thinner-walled and at the same time more durable parts. The engine is by far the major improvement, resulting in increased power and torque in the new RS Viking. But you will also undoubtedly discover that this new utility, despite its deceptive appearance, is quite sporty and capable of a very decent ride on the track, so you need to be an experienced rider to control it

Small snowmobile clubs need good multi-purpose machines for rescuing stranded snowmobiles and their drivers, maintaining narrow utility trails, or performing other tasks. necessary work in the club, and the Yamaha RS Viking Professional is the perfect choice here. It's as reliable as the Yamaha Viking 540 it replaces. It's durable front bumper, rear view mirrors and a standard tow bar. All this makes Yamaha's latest utility sled an excellent choice. And of course, you'll find that with triple the torque and A-frame front suspension, this sled will be much more popular in the clubs for everyday work.

Comparative test drive of utilitarian BRP snowmobiles throughout the winter

The most objective and at the same time sufficient period for a long-term test of seasonal equipment is the entire season. So the impressions were quite specific and verified by many kilometers. Utilitarian snowmobiles are the most common class due to the great interest in them among fishermen, hunters, and simply more practical people than those who buy a sports snowmobile. If you are planning to buy your first snowmobile, then it is better to start with a utility, and perhaps this will become your favorite class. These workhorses can carry multiple people, pull sleds, navigate the woods thanks to their wide tracks, or pull a second broken snowmobile out of the woods.

Our test drive involved two Lynx snowmobiles, namely the Yeti 59 and Commander 600 LTD models, as well as Ski-Doo's Skandic WT with a 550F engine. From the outside, a person uninitiated in the intricacies of BRP will be able to distinguish them, perhaps only by color, but the most interesting thing will be to compare power units snowmobiles, because in other respects they are similar, like brothers. Having a similar weight of about 280-300 kg, the same dimensions, many of the same body panels, steering wheels, seats and optics, they make a completely different impression and each is focused on its own buyer.

The review begins with the most accessible of the trinity, the most famous and the most yellow. WT in its designation stands for Widetrack, i.e. rolling on a track half a meter wide (the other two snowmobiles have the same track width, but this is not reflected in the name). A noticeable feature on the run is its skis - their profile has a square keel (the Lynx's siblings ride with smoother keels), and this gives it some more grip on packed snow when cornering. However, these skis, as well as the expansion pads on them, cost almost exactly twice as much.

This beauty is made in the brightest color, it is red, and is most noticeable among the endless snow. For some, this will seem like a plus, because sometimes life in the forest depends precisely on being noticed and saved in time, but many hunters and fishermen prefer, on the contrary, to hide and camouflage better so as not to scare away their prey. IN basic version The Yeti is offered without a rear passenger section, which is quite odd. Of course, there are no problems, you can buy it right there, from the dealer, and then the seat will become double in a minute, but it’s still strange that a utilitarian snowmobile is not equipped with it from the factory. And this small seat costs more than 30,000 rubles separately. But in the basic configuration, both Yeti and Commander are equipped with branded towbar hooks, while Skandic only has a towbar preparation installed. Perhaps the most noticeable difference between both Lynx and Skandic is the backlighting of the instruments in a subjectively more pleasant color - white (Ski-Doo has yellow) and the presence of DESS keys, rather than simple iron ones.

Xtrim Commander is already the most serious snowmobile under consideration. The LTD package is richly equipped with additional equipment useful for hiking, including a rear plastic trunk, a folding shovel, foot rests for the rear passenger, a backrest for the passenger seat (which really gives comfort to the rear passenger, and which is really useful for long-distance voyages together), LED flashlight and unusual, more expensive embossing on the seat. Of course, you can equip two other snowmobiles with all this, but the price for all these accessories will exceed 50,000 rubles. The white color of the body panels looks very elegant, but is lost against the background of snow. The most useful thing on the Commander - its multifunctional digital display in the center of the instrument panel - displays many interesting parameters. Also, the difference between this snowmobile and the other two is the ten-position control of the heated steering grips and throttle trigger, instead of the usual two. But still the greatest distinguishing feature reveals itself in motion: firstly, it is the fastest of the three snowmobiles, but we will talk about engines separately, and secondly, it is the most stable in handling due to a different front suspension design. Here it is made on A-arms, the skis are spaced wider, and it is even possible to install a stabilizer bar.

Now let's move on to the most interesting part - the motors.

These three devices are equipped with three different engines BRP, and the description of each can result in an entire article. Notably, Ski-Doo offers three various modifications Skandic, with 550F engines, is the most affordable, 600ACE is about 100,000 rubles more expensive, and 600E-Tec, which is another 100,000 rubles more expensive. We are lucky that these three engines are installed on snowmobiles, so the description will be interesting for potential buyers.

Launch in cold weather 550F is the hardest - you have to open the choke completely and crank the starter longer. Then it usually starts, if the frost is not lower than -35, clouds fill everything around blue smoke until the engine warms up. Often the engine does not start the first time. After working a little, it stalls and you have to turn the starter again. Going out to operating temperature, the engine will stop smoking, but the smell of burning in two-stroke engine There will still be some oil left. Perhaps this is why such an engine is no longer sold in Europe, so as not to anger environmentalists. It is worth noting that mineral injection oil can also be poured into it - here it is not at all demanding, although, of course, everyone fills in the oil that they consider necessary. When riding alone this is of little concern, but sleds trailing behind when riding in a convoy will suffer. However, this motor is the simplest and it will be the easiest to revive it on a long-distance expedition, because There are no electronics on it, and all the electrics, for example, are protected by only one fuse. Another nuance of the engine is its considerable fuel consumption. When going on a long hike, take a supply of fuel, because... even trying to save fuel and moving extremely slowly, consumption is unlikely to be below 20 liters per 100 km. This motor has been in production for many years, and experts from BRP claim that its reliability has been tested by time, although owners from snowmobile forums talk about the need for major repairs approximately every 20,000 km. The figure is abstract for many; for some, it will take half of it in a season, while for others it will be enough for 20 years if they use a snowmobile once a week. The engine gains power with increasing speed non-linearly: up to 4500 rpm the engine is quite quiet and will not accelerate more than 20 km/h, but then there is a sharp surge in power, and the snowmobile comes to life up to the maximum 100-110 km/h.

600ACE is a more predictable motor. The thrust starts almost from idle. You don’t need to turn it much, and in order to get going you just need to open the gas a little. You get used to it instantly. As much gas as I opened, I got as much, no more, no less. The increase in torque is distributed as linearly as possible over the entire speed range, and this undoubtedly adds feedback. You can easily walk along, quietly sneaking through the forest. A four-stroke engine does not require injection oil, you only need to periodically check the oil level in the crankcase with a dipstick, and it consumes the least fuel. Average consumption of about 10 liters per 100 km is an excellent indicator, but you will be able to fully experience this on long trips, when you don’t have to drag a whole sled with fuel. Smell exhaust gases It’s not felt at all, but there’s a lot of joy in driving it. With considerable overall dimensions The snowmobile gives you the feeling that you are driving through the forest on a sort of maxi-scooter. However, such a motor will not accelerate much either; its maximum speed is about 110 km/h.

Now let's look at the remaining engine, the 600 E-Tec. When the speedometer shows 100-110 km/h, it seems that only now will it really go. Before this figure, acceleration was already intense, faster than the others, but when the engine reached higher revs, there is a new pickup and the snowmobile is carried away further with even greater frenzy, up to 160 km/h. Amazing motor! With the same volume as its competitors, BRP specialists were able to extract 115 horsepower from it instead of 57 from the 550 and 60 from the 600ACE! The peculiarity lies in the 3D RAVE valves and the ability to burn the fuel supplied to the combustion chamber very efficiently layer by layer. Everything is ruled by electronics, there’s a lot of it, but that doesn’t make it scary; it is even capable of preserving the engine itself for a storage season or protecting an inexperienced driver from excessively active driving during the engine break-in period. However, this two-stroke engine is already demanding on the quality of both gasoline (it is better not to spare money and use gasoline with an octane rating of 98) and injection oil (at least semi-synthetic, but synthetic, of course, is preferable). If you fulfill these simple conditions, the engine will start singing, and you will sing along with it, because... His character is very adventurous. Only the 800 E-Tec is more fun, but it is already installed on completely different snowmobiles. Fuel consumption is not high, up to 15 liters per hundred, and it also consumes significantly less oil than the 550F. This engine has the most impressive traction reserve for towing heavy sleds; there is even a different, more powerful variator, rotated by a thicker belt. However, even by overdoing the throttle trigger, an inexperienced rider can get stuck faster.

To summarize, we can conclude that the Skandic 550F is still more suitable for areas remote from service, where the owner himself can carry out scheduled maintenance in the garage, and for this he does not need special software in a laptop or any advanced knowledge. But it is desirable that there is a lot of fuel and oil in this region. The Yeti 59 600ACE is a good example of a family snowmobile that can be easily driven by both a teenager and an elderly person; no pretensions to speed, but obedient and economical. Xtrim Commander 600 E-Tec is a lighter in the guise of a utilitarian snowmobile, allowing you to perform a wide range of tasks and giving the driver a driving thrill. It requires high-quality fuels and lubricants, but does not burn them in vain - it gives everything back to the owner with pleasure, and threefold.

I bought a snowmobile, it turned out that it was not the right one.

Every year the popularity of snowmobiles is growing, and along with the growth in demand, sales of equipment are also growing. But how to choose the snowmobile that's right for you? How not to make a mistake when buying a snowmobile and then regret it? Which snowmobile should I choose, new or used? We will try to give answers to these and other questions in this article.

When looking at advertisements for the sale of used equipment, you often come across offers for one or two year old snowmobiles with low mileage. This suggests that people bought either the wrong class or low power. Usually no one buys a snowmobile without riding a similar vehicle at least once. And it’s also impossible to say that people have become disillusioned with snowmobiles as recreational equipment. Many people are surprised when a snowmobile is sold with a mileage of several thousand kilometers over three or four years of operation. There is nothing suspicious about this. Firstly, a snowmobile is not a car that can travel tens of thousands of kilometers over several years. Secondly, when riding a snowmobile, it is rarely possible to travel more than two hundred kilometers in a day and more than two thousand in a season (unless, of course, these are the northern regions, where a snowmobile is a means of transportation). Since snowmobiles are used either for entertainment or for hunting or fishing trips.

Snowmobiles on our market are represented by two domestic brands(Buran, Taiga) and four major Western brands (Yamaha, Polaris, Arctic Cat, BPR). Domestic technology It is distinguished by the low cost of snowmobiles and spare parts, cheaper maintenance (and more frequent), but it cannot boast of good reliability. The big plus is that all spare parts are in stock, and for foreign equipment everything is made to order, except for consumables. Delivery times for spare parts are usually two to three weeks. Foreign equipment is of higher quality, but the cost is corresponding.

As for the classes of snowmobiles, all snowmobiles are divided into three main classes: utilitarian, sports and touring.

Utilitarian snowmobiles specialize in operation in harsh conditions. They have a wide track for deep snow and wide skis. This undoubtedly affects the handling of the snowmobile. Engine volumes for utility vehicles are from 500-1000 cm3 There are two and four stroke engines. Two-stroke snowmobiles are faster and cheaper than four-stroke snowmobiles, but they also have a shorter engine life. Four-stroke ones are quieter. Also, utilitarian snowmobiles have a full double seat, luggage rack, and heated driver grips. If you are a fisherman or hunter, then this is your choice, but it will also be indispensable for just entertainment.

Touring snowmobiles have a narrower track than utilitarian ones and, accordingly, better handling. Tourers are designed for long distance riding with maximum comfort driver and passenger. The engines are presented in the same way as in the utilitarian two and four-stroke models. Tourists also have a softer suspension, heated grips for the driver and passenger, and a GPS navigator is usually installed. If you make long trips, then only a tourist snowmobile is for you.

Sports snowmobiles are the lightest of all classes, have a very narrow track and skis for excellent handling. Not at all suitable for use in deep snow. In sports models, everything is done to make the snowmobile as light as possible and achieve maximum speeds. Usually they install only two-stroke engines up to 170 hp. Sports snowmobiles are usually single-seat, so you have to leave your wife at home. Real adrenaline can only come from sports snowmobiles.

Buying new or used is up to you and your finances. Of course, if possible, it is better to buy new equipment, but if the choice is between new domestic and used foreign, then it is better to go with the second option. It is better to buy used snowmobiles in specialized centers where they have undergone a complete diagnosis. If you take it by hand, be sure to invite a specialist to inspect it.

As for engine sizes, imported snowmobiles have a very wide range of engines from 350-1200 cm3. The optimal choice is a 500cc snowmobile. This snowmobile has good dynamics and speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour.

The final decision is still up to you. Try to buy good technique, which will last for many years and which will not have to be resold at a loss of funds. Well, if you have never ridden a snowmobile, first rent equipment from a snowmobile rental and make your final decision.

The invention of such modern technology as a snowmobile has long been awaited by residents of our latitudes. IN winter time, when there is such an amount of precipitation, especially in some areas, that it is difficult for a person to even walk a couple of meters, not to mention a car, in such conditions a snowmobile greatly simplifies the lives of our people, helping to transport food and other important cargo to difficult places, it is not the only purpose of such technology. Many people use snowmobiles as sports equipment, and perform various “tricks” with their help, and even organize competitions. Travel companies willingly offer their clients unforgettable tours with additional snowmobile trips to the most beautiful places of untouched snow-covered nature.

What does it consist of?

The design of any snowmobile is simple, like everything ingenious: two skis, one caterpillar and, in fact, a block with an engine, thanks to which the forward movement is carried out, will not cause any difficulties and controlling this vehicle, the snowmobile does not have a gearbox, and it is difficult to cope with such a mechanism It is quite feasible for any inexperienced driver. It is necessary to use only the gas pedal, however, you need to remember that snowmobiles are equipped with quite powerful engines, and with a sharp start, these devices can “jump out from under the saddle,” but there is nothing to worry about here - they “will not run far.” Most modern models are equipped special devices, representing a check. At the moment of the fall, it is instantly pulled out of the device by a loop fastened to the driver’s hand, which causes a complete stop of the engine.

Video - tips for choosing

Sports

If you are a passionate lover of extreme sports, and you need a snowmobile to conquer the next sporting heights, then the main criteria for choosing such “equipment” will be a short track, powerful motor, relatively light weight, stiff suspension. In addition, the design of these devices has only one seat, and there is no trunk at all. Such sports snowmobiles can accelerate to 200 km/h, and thanks to the rigid suspension, the athlete can perform the most dizzying jumps even at such speeds.

Tourist

If you want to go on family hiking trips with your own snowmobile, then you should pay attention to vehicles with a wide moving track. Thanks to this detail, the snowmobile will cope even with very deep snow. In addition, tourist devices have more comfortable travel conditions - this includes a longer seat, designed for several people, and the presence of a protective windshield and a trunk in which you can place things necessary for the trip. Moreover, such snowmobiles are also equipped with powerful engines, and as additional elements in selected models You can find heated steering wheel and seats, adjustable seat backs.

What to pay attention to

In situations where snowmobiles are necessary to ensure the normal life of residents of remote northern regions, the decision on how to choose the right snowmobile should be based on the following characteristics: wide and long tracks, the presence of a luggage compartment, the presence of a trailing element for transporting sleds with a load, long seats , usually double. In addition, it would not be superfluous to have reverse gear and electric starter. Among all other snowmobiles, these models are different high cross-country ability, they are reliable on the road, and are able to carry cargo to the most remote villages, even through loose snow. This is possible thanks to the track design, which in these models is the widest among all others. There is no point in accelerating quickly for these machines, but even they are not equipped with engines with a power of less than 40 hp. Typically, snowmobiles of this class are equipped with liquid-cooled engines, while the engines of touring and sports vehicles use the air-cooled principle.

Firms

There are many models on the market, both domestic and foreign manufacturer. Among our developments we can highlight snowmobiles of the “Buran”, “Lynx”, “Taiga” models. Of the foreign analogues that have proven themselves to be machines with excellent performance, you can find “Polaris”, “Ski-Doo”, “Arctic Cat”, “Yamaha” for free sale. They are significantly superior in quality to domestic products, which is reflected in the high price. Buying a new snowmobile from foreign manufacturers will cost the consumer no less than 6,000 thousand dollars, while our “Lynx” and “Taiga” can easily be afforded by a person who has no more than 100 thousand rubles in his pocket.

Is it better to buy a used imported one or a new domestic one?

Despite the efforts of our engineers, experts do not recommend purchasing these snowmobiles for household needs or any other serious work. At the most inopportune moment, they can let you down, and you will have to get to your destination on foot, clearing your way through the thick snow. Knowing about these features of our equipment, many decide which snowmobile to choose for hunting in favor of a used imported product. Such a purchase can be made for 700-900 dollars, but even here there are pitfalls. Any used equipment will require repair after a certain period of time, and in the case of foreign replacement any detail will cost a tidy sum and require significant time investment.

How much do new and used ones cost?

The options on the market can be divided into three price categories:

  • 500-1500 dollars There is no point in looking for a vehicle that you still want to get around for less money; in the fork for up to $700 there are five- to six-year-old cars domestic assembly, on the move, without urgent repairs, but hope for them long service still not worth it. Used Russian-made snowmobiles that have been used for several seasons will cost around $1,500.
  • 1500-4500 dollars. The owner of this amount can afford to buy a new snowmobile Russian assembly, in the price category from 1500-3000 used models are offered, practically not used “in practice”. Such snowmobiles are quite suitable for hunting or winter fishing. Most often, for this price you can find “Buran 640” and “Buran S 640/3700”. The first of them has two whole tracks, and an engine that produces a power of 28 hp; the second representative of the domestic snowmobile industry has an elongated track, but the power is slightly higher - 35 hp. Both of them are intended for calm ride and cargo transportation.

You can have a blast on the Lynx and Taiga snowmobile models; slightly more powerful engines provide good movement speed, and control systems allow you to keep the situation under control even at high speeds. You can buy them “from scratch” for 3-4 thousand dollars. At the same time, for 2500-3000 dollars. a consumer can already purchase a representative of foreign technology, albeit with a “used” status; on average, such devices are sold after 3-4 years of use.

Everything about sports - faster, higher, stronger.

Owner reviews of snowmobiles, which snowmobile is better to buy

18.12.2011, 02:38

Which snowmobile is better to buy? To be of high quality and relatively inexpensive. I choose from imported Yamaha, Polaris, BRP or domestic Buran, Lynx, Taiga. Which snowmobiles are the best and most reliable according to reviews? Which ones are praised for cross-country ability? Otherwise, you don’t want, it’s ridiculous in winter, to get stuck because of a breakdown or stupidly get stuck in a snowdrift.

I bought it for fun, I had never ridden a snowmobile before. I'm interested in reviews from owners, what are the pros and cons. What technical characteristics should you pay attention to when purchasing?

Zhenya

High-quality and inexpensive snowmobiles are Yamaha and Bombardier

08.01.2012, 13:13

High-quality and inexpensive snowmobiles are Yamaha and Bombardier. It is better not to buy such a snowmobile secondhand, despite the appearance and the owner’s stories about its ideality. It is better to buy only from a representative of the company. Well, ours can be bought inexpensively on Avito.

Gustavo

The best snowmobiles - Ski-Doo from Bombardier

24.01.2012, 12:26

In my opinion, the best snowmobiles are Ski-Doo. Bombardier with a long history good traditions. Well, you can safely take Yamaha, they make good snowmobiles.

And about our snowmobiles this is the situation.

"Snowmobile Taiga"- Quite reliable. They put imported electronics there. In principle, a good snowmobile. But the price is close to imported ones, and the driving performance is significantly inferior.

"Snowmobile Buran"- Very good maneuverability and traction due to two tracks. But reliability is low. At temperatures warmer than minus ten, it is prone to overheating.

"Snowmobile Lynx"- I drove this one a little, but it breaks down often. The ignition system is especially unreliable.

Bastin

An inexpensive snowmobile is never good

02.02.2012, 21:52

An inexpensive snowmobile is never good. If the money is right on the money, take the domestic Buran, it is now available on two skis - it looks serious!

And if you need a really good one, then buy a Bombardier or Polaris. Just don’t forget to get a license for him, a tractor driver, category “A”, they are given at Rostekhnadzor.

DeSent

15.02.2012, 07:31

If you want to stay in the forest with a dead snowmobile, buy our Lynx, Taiga or Buran - this technology is completely fucked up! There is experience in operating the shabby Buran and the new Lynx.

Buran is just funny, it’s better to ski on your own, and Lynx got up ten times with a stake in three months, there’s a problem with repairs. Each batch had its own spare parts and they are not interchangeable.

Now I have a Yamaha Viking 540 snowmobile, it’s day and night, it warms my ass, it doesn’t blow in my face, and the acceleration is like an airplane. The light is great. Easily carries three people on itself and five people in a trailer. I took it on the recommendations of friends, the reviews were the most positive - I never regretted my choice. Now I recommend to everyone only the Yamaha Viking 540 - a miracle of technology.

Anarki1

Snowmobile Buran normal vehicle

25.02.2012, 00:46

The Buran snowmobile is a normal vehicle. But I don’t recommend taking a long one, it goes like an iron, the muzzle sinks and the stern is on top. It’s hard to walk through the forest in this kind of car; it won’t steer between trees.

Take an ordinary short Buran, immediately set the variator for driving through the forest to safari, the speed is not particularly good, but the beast has traction. It is better not to drive on virgin soil if you are heavily loaded, with a sled and cargo, as the engine can be damaged.

Another of our snowmobiles is Taiga, two skis, one goose, not used in the forest, skis can be left somewhere.

In general, Buran is the most suitable technique, but I don’t recommend climbing far alone; usually they walk through the forest in pairs.

kaldun

I’m choosing a snowmobile, I want to know opinions and reviews.

06.03.2012, 11:26

I’m choosing a snowmobile, I want to know opinions and reviews. Who can say what about the Taiga and Polaris snowmobiles, what are their pros and cons?

DeKum

Yamaha snowmobiles good for tourism

14.03.2012, 16:28

Yamaha snowmobiles are good for tourism. For sports SkiDu. Polaris is also a good snowmobile. And the Taiga is a rare piece of crap - the gearbox flies under load and the comfort is not the same.

anton048

Tell me which Russian snowmobile is better to take?

29.03.2012, 05:42

Tell me which Russian snowmobile is better to take? Are Russian snowmobiles practical? Or take an American like Polaris, the Japanese like Yamaha are rather weak.

tenditory

The Canadian company BRP is a recognized world leader that produces the best snowmobiles in various segments. Without exaggeration, many of the brand’s models are distinguished by excellent speed characteristics, are capable of developing high power and confidently overcome winter trails of any complexity. Let's start our review with BRP touring snowmobiles, which are represented by the Ski-Doo line. The model is designed for comfortable and long trips across snowy expanses. Ski-Doo BRP Expedition is equipped with a 130-horsepower four-stroke three-cylinder Rotax 1170 cm³ engine, which develops high torque, provides excellent speed characteristics and fuel economy.

The best snowmobile in the touring segment consumes about 10.8 liters per hundred. Depending on the complexity of the route, the driver can change the angle while driving throttle valve, thereby regulating the consumption of the fuel mixture and the development of power. Simple controls and high maneuverability of the Expedition “tourist” are achieved through the following design elements:

  • durable REV-XU alloy platform;
  • rear suspension SC-5U (travel length 340 mm) with Motion Control air shock absorbers;
  • RAS2 A-link front suspension;
  • multi-stage variator eDrive2;
  • adjustable ski base Pilot DS2.

If you don't know which snowmobile is best to buy for active rest And long trips, the model will be an excellent choice. The Tourist is equipped with an ergonomic modular seat with a comfortable backrest and armrests, which can comfortably accommodate the driver and two crew members. This model will give you an unforgettable travel experience and will be able to overcome any difficulties on winter roads.

The best BRP snowmobiles: choosing utilitarian models

Utilitarian models are extremely popular among drivers because they are versatile and can be used to carry out many household chores. If you need the best snowmobiles for hunting and fishing, transporting goods, walking, snow removal and other purposes, you should certainly pay attention to the “scrap” BRP. One of the most reliable and powerful models in this segment is . With a dry weight of 300 kg, this snowmobile is capable of towing loads up to 800 kg.

Scandic's excellent power is provided by an economical two-cylinder Rotax 600 cm³ engine, whose consumption under load is only 11.3 liters per 100 km. This model is equipped with a telescopic front LTS suspension, designed to easily overcome snow jams and difficult sections of winter trails. The best snowmobile for hunting and outdoor activities is equipped with the widest track base of 600 mm, which provides high stability and maneuverability in deep snow.

Among the utilitarian models of the Lynx series, one should highlight a snowmobile, which is adapted for long-term work in low temperatures and in deep snow. The Ranger BRP is equipped with a powerful gasoline engine volume of 900 cm³, which provides high traction force and fast development speed. The two-cylinder engine is equipped electronic system E-Tec fuel injection and has liquid cooling. The best utilitarian snowmobile of the Lynx series has excellent cross-country ability due to the following design elements:

  • heavy-duty chassis with trapezoidal tail;
  • front A-LFS+ telescopic suspension;
  • rear suspension mechanism PPS-6900A;
  • multi-stage variator TRA-7;
  • adjustable steering wheel.

Ranger is equipped with Blade skis made from lightweight, ultra-durable polymer that provide unparalleled flotation, making the 69 the best snowmobile for the woods and winter trails. Each driver can adjust the width of the ski base to drive between trees and bushes.

The best BRP snowmobiles - reliable all-rounders

When choosing equipment for winter trips, many drivers think about the versatility of snowmobiles and, this is not surprising, since they must cope with tasks of any complexity. Do you want to buy the best snowmobile for the taiga, which will show equally good results in cross-country ability and maneuverability? In this case, the model is most optimal solution. A powerful four-stroke gasoline engine allows you to overcome deep snow and transport a considerable amount of cargo.

The design of the high-strength aluminum platform allows for compact placement of technological components and power units, which improves Lynx maneuverability. The long track base, which is 500mm wide with 44mm lugs, provides good traction. The best snowmobile for fishing and trips for active recreation will cope with any difficulties: steel protective elements are installed on board, which reliably protect the body from mechanical damage. This allows drivers to drive through dense forests and rough terrain without fear. The Commander package also includes:

  • reliable electric starter;
  • lightweight and durable Blade XC skis;
  • telescopic A-arm front suspension;
  • rear suspension mechanism type PPS 5900-A;
  • KYB shock absorbers;
  • hydraulic brake system.

If the question arises, which snowmobile is best for hunting and winter travel over long distances, it will easily cope with the tasks. At the rear of the model there is a spacious platform that can accommodate more than 120 kg of cargo, so you can take fishing gear, hunting accessories and everything you need for your trip.

The best snowmobiles: how to choose a high-quality mountain bike

Maneuverable and reliable, powerful and easy to control, fast and capable of incredible tricks - this is how you can accurately describe the best mountain snowmobile. Under the hood of the Boondocker beats a two-stroke 165-horsepower “steel heart” with a volume of 850 cm³. The motor develops high speed in a matter of seconds, while using fuel economically. Latest system Shot allows you to start the engine using an electric starter in low temperatures.

BRP is revered by many athletes and winter extreme sports enthusiasts for its uncontrollable temperament and design features that allow it to make spectacular jumps and maneuvers of any complexity. In addition, it is equipped with Blade DS skis, KYB shock absorbers, and LFS (front) PPS Radien DS (rear) suspension, so it can be argued that the best snowmobile for deep snow is. It also includes:

  • adjustable steering wheel with driver's grab handle;
  • one-piece impact-resistant windshield;
  • sports ergonomic seat (narrow);
  • multifunctional information center with electronic display;
  • ultra-modern optics.

Durable structural elements are able to withstand heavy loads that occur during jumps and high-speed driving in mountainous areas. Lightweight shock absorbers and suspensions provide excellent directional stability, which creates the necessary conditions For safe driving drivers.

The best BRP snowmobiles for sports

The rating of the best snowmobiles from BRP continues with the sports models of the series, which have already gained a considerable number of fans. One of them is ideal for drivers who value aggressive high-speed driving. The snowmobile's two-stroke 165-horsepower engine develops high traction and provides maximum acceleration. The lightweight platform, combined with the chassis and powertrain components, provide the Renegade with excellent maneuverability and cross-country ability.

The best snowmobiles the world are equipped with lightweight suspensions and reliable HPG Plus shock absorbers, which are necessary for a smooth ride and stability. REV Gen4 (platform) is lightweight and provides high structural strength, which is especially important when performing tricks and turns on sports tracks. Renegade accelerates to hundreds in just 3.8 seconds, and its top speed exceeds 180 km/h. External structural elements (seat, handles, footrests) contribute to a comfortable ride for the driver. The best snowmobiles (the video clearly demonstrates the speed capabilities of the Renegade BRP) for sports will provide you with a leading position in any competition.

For fast travel in harsh winter conditions or the far North, snowmobiles are mainly used. Typically this type of vehicle has different specifications: mountain, sport and utility. Let's take a closer look at the last type of snowmobile and find out which one is better to choose.

Features of utilitarian snowmobiles

Utilitarian snowmobiles, unlike other categories of motorized vehicles, are usually used for transporting goods, fishing and other “quiet” purposes. Utilitarian snowmobiles are also called wide track, which means “wide track”.

Unlike sports high-speed all-terrain vehicles, utilitarian models have greater cross-country ability, but have fewer sporting characteristics. They are also usually designed for two people rather than one. Such snowmobiles are more comfortable and suitable for driving over long distances than mountain snowmobiles, in which all unnecessary parts are eliminated to make the entire structure lighter. Utility vehicles are not as maneuverable due to the large caterpillar, but for the same reason they do not get stuck in loose deep snow.

If we talk about speed, utilitarian snowmobiles are capable of reaching more than 100 km/h. Thanks to a powerful engine, one all-terrain vehicle is capable of transporting 100 or more kilograms on a drag sleigh. Adding to this the weight of the driver and passenger, we see its real capabilities. For their ability to transport bulky loads, utility vehicles are highly prized by hunters and fishermen. A drag sleigh can easily carry away, for example, the carcass of a wild boar. However, in order to refuel a powerful engine, you will need to spend considerable amounts of money. A snowmobile consumes an average of about 40 liters of 92-octane gasoline per 100 km. It is not difficult to calculate how much it will cost to maintain such a snowmobile.

Utilitarian all-terrain vehicles are equipped with a multi-link or telescopic suspension, depending on the purpose of the equipment. The choice of suspension affects the handling and cross-country ability of the snowmobile - you usually have to choose between these two parameters. Thus, a vehicle with a multi-link suspension is easier to control, but can easily get caught in some bush or snag in the forest. This type of harness is definitely not suitable for hunting. The advantage of telescopic suspension is that it makes the snowmobile more passable, but then it is more difficult to control.

How to choose a utilitarian snowmobile

Which utilitarian snowmobile is better to choose? Among the leading brands are Yamaha, Arctic Cat, Polaris, Buran, Lynx, Taiga, etc. If you are a beginner and have decided to purchase your first snowmobile, then models from leading brands will come in handy.

Of course, more expensive types of snowmobiles, domestic or imported, are more durable and of higher quality. Among the above in terms of reliability, I would like to note our Buran and imported Yamahas. Vehicle low price category with Chinese engine on board is unlikely to last long enough. And the operation of such a snowmobile cannot be called comfortable. Soon breakdowns will begin, the need to replace parts of the track, transmission and engine.

Let's say we are choosing a snowmobile for hunting - this is one of the most common reasons for buying a utilitarian type snowmobile. Usually, hunting requires a powerful, passable and reliable vehicle. All these parameters must be combined in one design. To choose a snowmobile for hunting, it is better to pay attention to the quality of the engine and the suspension on which the skis are attached. As for the motor, it is better to give preference to models with four-stroke engine and the presence of a variator. If you have settled on any model, find out its engine number and look at reviews on the Internet on this topic: does it run smoothly? How long will it take to change piston rings, gaskets and other parts? Remember good engine– not only powerful, but also reliable.

If you are going to hunt on your all-terrain vehicle, then also pay attention to the presence of a sufficient number of components and optional features. Is the steering wheel heated? Are drag sleds included, is the snowmobile equipped with a tow bar, and how convenient is the luggage? Regarding the latter, there must be a sufficient number luggage compartments. It is better to choose a snowmobile with panniers for storing equipment than to later regret the lack of them.

We have already said above that it is better to purchase snowmobiles from leading brands. Perhaps other manufacturers also have good models, and at a price that would seem to be much cheaper. But is it easy to find spare parts for them when you have to repair or replace the main components of the snowmobile? And if you are not very knowledgeable about repairs, how many qualified service stations undertake repairs specifically for your model? These questions are very important, since the service life of the all-terrain vehicle depends on it.

Utilitarian snowmobiles made in Russia

“Stels Wolverine 800” is the most expensive and, undoubtedly, the most powerful utilitarian snowmobile. A four-stroke two-cylinder injection engine is installed on board, having liquid cooling, volume 800 cubic meters. cm and power 60 l. With. For greater maneuverability, instead of the usual 500 mm track, a 600 mm track is installed. The designers of the Zhukovsky plant tried to reduce the fuel consumption of the snowmobile as much as possible, therefore average consumption per 100 km was only 12 liters. If you have enough money, it is better to choose this snowmobile, known for its quality and reliability.

An honorable second place is taken by the snowmobile “Taiga Varyag 550” and its simplified model “Taiga Varyag 500”. Like the well-known Buran, Taiga is produced by Russian Mechanics. "Taiga Varyag 550" has on board a two-stroke engine with a capacity of 50 hp. With. engine, volume 553 cc. see. The snowmobile is equipped with a high-quality hydraulic braking system, a heated steering wheel and other comfortable additions. The cost of spare parts is not the lowest, but the device is constantly technically supported, and almost every service station will undertake its repair. Unlike the Buran, it has some design flaws - this is what snowmobile users think.

“Buran SB-640A” - its design has undergone many changes over the years, but it still undoubtedly ranks third among domestic snowmobiles. SB-640A is a modern two-seater model with maximum power engine 34 l. s., allowing you to accelerate to 55 km/h. A special feature of the snowmobile is its two-track design, which is designed to provide greater stability while riding. Moreover, unlike most other snowmobiles, Buran can be powered by 76 and 80 liter gasoline. This is possible due to the low degree of fuel compression.

Foreign-made utilitarian snowmobiles

The 2015 Arctic Cat Bearcat 5000 XT Limited doesn't come cheap. Equipped with a two-cylinder four-stroke engine 125 hp. With. from Suzuki, the snowmobile is simply designed to delight its owner. This model is often chosen for use on ski resorts for transporting goods.

According to user ratings, the second place among foreign snowmobiles was taken by the Lynx 49 Ranger 600 ACE 2015. This powerful snowmobile is equipped with a two-cylinder four-stroke Rotax engine on board. Thanks to the combination of three main parameters, price, quality and power, this snowmobile has already become a favorite of many drivers.

In third place is the Yamaha RS Viking Professional 2014 – reliable snowmobile 2014 with a three-cylinder, four-stroke Genesis 120 engine producing 120 hp. With. Yamaha always produces quality equipment, and this snowmobile is no exception.