Yamaha YXZ 1000R sports ATV revealed

Officially unveiled at a dealership and media launch event in California on September 1, the YXZ 1000R is Yamaha's first pure sports Side-by-Side (SxS) ATV and will compete against the likes of the Polaris RZR and Can Am's Maverick in the litre-class stakes.

 

The Yamaha has two main points of difference over the opposition: it runs a 5-speed sequential shift manual transmission, where most of its competitors run CVT automatics; and the powerplant is a normally-aspirated triple, whereas Polaris and Can Am run turbocharged twins (parallel twin for Polaris, v-twin for Can Am) in this capacity.

 

Appearance is in the style of the Raptor, but with a more aggressive look and four-beam headlights, with LEDs used for both front and rear lighting. Yamaha says the new YXZ 1000R has been designed and engineered purely as a sports recreational model, so while it does have some of the carrying capacity of more utilitarian ATVs, the focus is on performance. At 3121mm (L) x 1626mm (W) x 1834 (H), the YXZ 1000R is compact, with a 2300mm wheelbase, 34lt fuel capacity and 699kg wet weight.

 

The YXZ 1000R's engine is a 3-cylinder, mounted behind the seats. A first in the sports ATV class, the 998cc triple is larger than the MT-09 850cc unit, and shares little, aside from the basic 4-stroke, 4-valve, DOHC configuration.

Power and torque figures haven't been revealed, but the engine will rev out to 10,500rpm, with launch feedback identifying bags of midrange torque, too. The latter is attributed to the high compression ratio of 11.3:1, while a single-axis balancer minimises vibration for smoother running.

To ensure optimum balance and weight distribution, the tuned 3-into-1 exhaust features a centre-mounted muffler, while a high-mount intake feeds fresh air into the trio of 41mm fuel injectors through two - foam and paper - filters, with a high capacity aluminium radiator handling the cooling.

 

Another unique feature on the YXZ 1000R is its manual transmission. Against the class standard CVT transmission, the sequential shift 5-speed manual has been designed to complement the torque-rich engine. A reverse gear is standard, while placing the transmission ahead of the engine, between the seats, further improves the YXZ's mass centralisation and balance.

Drive is via a Yamaha-exclusive on-command system, with 2WD, 4WD and 4WD Diff-Lock modes available, and solid drive shafts for greater durability.

 

The tubular frame's upper structure offers occupant protection, without limiting visibility, while a lightweight 'suntop' roof is fitted as standard.

Underneath, a 3-piece underbody protection system protects against impacts and assists in sliding over obstacles. The TPO composite material panels are removable, for easy access to service items.

The high-tensile tubular steel chassis features independent double A-arm suspension and anti-sway bars at each end, matched to Fox shocks at all corners. Front suspension utilises optimal caster angle and bump response, without compromising feel from the speed-sensitive electric power steering. The rear suspension features extra-long A-arms with the shocks mounted as far outboard as possible to ensure the optimum stroke and best possible camber angle for the 27x11-inch rear tyres.

Fox 2.5-inch Podium RC2 shocks are standard fitment, and designed to handle extreme terrain. The shocks feature preload and rebound adjustment, as well as both high and low-speed compression damping. Adjustable to handle just about any conditions and terrain, the Fox shocks deliver 406mm of front suspension travel and 432mm rear travel. Yamaha says this is the most advanced long-travel suspension ever offered on a production off-road SxS.

Front and rear wheels are fitted with 245mm diameter disc brakes with 2-piston calipers as standard, with a hand brake on the centre console. 27-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tyres are exclusive to this model.

 

Both driver and passenger seats are 8-position adjustable, feature high backs, integral shoulder bolsters and standard 3-point seat belts. Steering wheel is also tilt-adjustable, while there's an adjustable front grab rail for the passenger.

Instrumentation features a large analogue tachometer and digital display for the speedometer, shift indicator, odometer, hour and fuel meters, 4WD status and other functions, including two trip meters.

A composite cargo bed features four tie-down points and carrying capacity of 136kg, with further storage options in a separate sealed rear compartment, glove box and cabin storage tray.

 

 

Due to arrive in the US at the end of this year, the YXZ 1000R is expected to join Yamaha's locally available lineup in January, 2016. Pricing details for the YXZ 1000R will be revealed closer to launch.