Yamaha side-by-sides: specifications and model differences
Yamaha
Yamaha side-by-side models compared
| Model | Class | Engine | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha YXZ1000R | Sport | 998cc | $20,899 |
| Yamaha Wolverine X2 1000 XT-R | Trail | 999cc | $18,999 |
| Yamaha Wolverine RMAX4 1000 XT-R | Trail | 999cc | $25,999 |
| Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000 Sport | Trail | 999cc | $21,999 |
| Yamaha Viking EPS | Utility | 686cc | $14,299 |
| Yamaha Wolverine X2 850 XT-R | Utility | 847cc | $16,499 |
Wolverine seating, Viking cargo and YXZ transmission
Wolverine. The Yamaha X2 850, Yamaha X2 1000, RMAX2 1000 and RMAX4 1000 are the trail machines, with two or four seats and a 2,000 lb tow rating on the 1000s.
Viking and YXZ. The Viking EPS seats three, and the YXZ1000R is the manual-shift sport machine.
What to check before buying a Yamaha side-by-side
Price any optional roof, doors or winch separately, and confirm the equipment included in the quoted trim. Compare the destination charge across trims.
Yamaha against the other side-by-side brands
Yamaha's Viking at $14,299 is level with Polaris's Ranger 1000 at $14,299 and $700 below Can-Am's Defender DPS HD9 at $14,999. The Wolverine RMAX4 at $25,999 is the most expensive four-seat trail machine here, and the YXZ1000R at $20,899 is about $300 above Honda's Talon 1000X at $20,599. Where Polaris and Can-Am offer 2,500 lb tow ratings, Yamaha's Wolverines list 2,000 lb, so a buyer who tows heavy trailers should compare that number first.
Compare Yamaha side-by-sides with Honda and Kawasaki
Yamaha
Yamaha sells Wolverine trail machines, a Viking utility model and the YXZ sport model. This page covers 6 current models, from the 686cc Viking EPS at $14,299 to the 999cc Wolverine RMAX4 1000 XT-R at $25,999. The table lists class, engine, seats, bed and starting price; Yamaha side-by-side models compared.
How Yamaha organizes its side-by-side lineup
Wolverine. The X2 850 , X2 1000 , RMAX2 1000 and RMAX4 1000 are the trail machines, with two or four seats and a 2,000 lb tow rating on the 1000s.
Viking and YXZ. The Viking EPS seats three, and the YXZ1000R is the manual-shift sport machine.
Which Yamaha side-by-side to buy
The Viking at $14,299 is the cheapest, and the Wolverine X2 850 at $16,499 is the entry to trail riding. The RMAX4 at $25,999 is the largest and heaviest at 2,381 lb wet. ATV On Demand 's praise of the Grizzly's steering and handling reflects the Yamaha approach, which carries into the side-by-sides.
Yamaha history and reputation
Wikipedia says Yamaha Motor was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in Iwata, Shizuoka. Its side-by-sides are known for trail handling and for the 998cc triple used in the YXZ and Wolverine 1000.
What to check before buying a Yamaha side-by-side
Wolverine tow ratings of 2,000 lb and 600 lb beds apply to the 1000 models, and the X2 850 and Viking are not listed with a tow figure here. Weights are wet, so a Wolverine RMAX4 at 2,381 lb is heavy on a trailer. The YXZ1000R is a manual-shift machine, so a buyer who has never used a clutch in a side-by-side should test it first.
Ask about the price of a roof, doors and a winch, since trail buyers usually add them. Compare the destination charge across trims.
Yamaha against the other side-by-side brands
Yamaha's Viking at $14,299 is level with Polaris's Ranger 1000 at $14,299 and $700 below Can-Am's Defender DPS HD9 at $14,999. The Wolverine RMAX4 at $25,999 is the most expensive four-seat trail machine here, and the YXZ1000R at $20,899 is about $300 above Honda's Talon 1000X at $20,599. Where Polaris and Can-Am offer 2,500 lb tow ratings, Yamaha's Wolverines list 2,000 lb, so a buyer who tows heavy trailers should compare that number first.
Other side-by-side brands
UTV questions
What is the cheapest Yamaha side-by-side?
The Viking EPS at $14,299 is the cheapest, with a 686cc engine and three seats. The Wolverine X2 850 costs $16,499.
What towing figure does the Yamaha UTV range give the Wolverine?
The Wolverine 1000 models are rated at 2,000 lb with a 600 lb bed. The Viking and the Wolverine X2 850 are not given a tow rating in this table.
What is the Yamaha YXZ1000R?
It is Yamaha's sport side-by-side with a 998cc engine, priced at $20,899. It is a manual-shift machine, so it suits riders who want a clutch.