The new Yamaha YXZ1000R targets the “pure sport” side-by-side segment, with an eye toward dune riding.
A shot of the YXZ1000R’s cockpit.
The hybrid analog-digital instrument panel.
A side view of the new Yamaha YXZ1000R.
Yamaha has announced they will now be competing in the pure sport side-by-side segment with the introduction of the all-new YXZ1000R side-by-side. The YXZ1000R features a high-performance, 3-cylinder 998cc engine and 5-speed sequential shift manual transmission. The 12-valve, DOHC, liquid cooled engine has a 11.3:1 compression ration and 10,500 RPM redline. The powertrain also has high-mounted, high volume air inlets, dual air filters and stainless steel exhaust system. The 5-speed transmission is manually operated via a clutch pedal and short-stroke shift lever. The new clutch design incorporates a foot-operated hydraulic clutch system.
Other key features include:
- Yamaha’s On-Command 2WD/4WD/4WD with full differential lock
- Electric Power Steering
- Hydraulic disc brakes with 245mm rotors and twin piston calipers
- FOX 2.5 Podium Shocks with 16″ of travel in the front and 17″ in the rear feature adjustable hi- and low-speed compression, adjustable rebound, and adjustable preload settings.
- Color-matched A-Arms
- Aggressive styling and design
- Four LED headlight system and LED taillight
- 300 lb. capacity cargo box
- Sun top and full doors
- Adjustable driver’s seat and tilt steering
- Passenger hand-holds
- Hybrid digital-analog instrument panel
- Center console and 12V power outlets
- 27″ Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires
- 14″ cast aluminum wheels
- 12.9″ of ground clearance
- 64″ wide with a 90.6″ wheelbase
- MSRP $19,799
Comment: This is a natural progression for Yamaha as they first introduced the utility/recreation Viking and then the more recreational/trail leaning Wolverine product line and now the high-performance YXZ. The lucrative sport segment of the market keeps getting more and more competitive. With the stronger US dollar, Yamaha, for at least the time being, may have a pricing advantage. We could also see some more aggressive promotions in this market segment as the competition heats up. I would anticipate some special edition models based on the YXZ1000R to be introduced in the not to distant future as well as additional models to build out the product line. It will be interesting to see if Honda decides to target this end of the market as well as they have been expanding their UTV roster as well or if Kawasaki offers some higher performance Teryx side-by-sides.