Yamaha reveals 2018 ATV, UTV lineup
Yamaha has revealed its 2018 lineup for ATVs and UTVs, including the Kodiak 450 EPS, Kodiak 700, Viking and Viking VI, Special Edition Raptor 700R and YFZ450R, Raptor 90 and Yz50 models.
“Yamaha is building on its Proven Off-Road platform of Grizzly and Kodiak ATVs with even more options providing value to a wide variety of riders,” said Mike Martinez, Yamaha’s vice president of ATV and side-by-side operations. “The new Kodiak 450 offers the ultimate balance of comfort, confidence, and capability, with a list of customization options to suit the wide variety of needs for our expanding community of outdoorsmen and women, farmers, ranchers and adventure-seeking off-road enthusiasts.”
2018 Kodiak 450
The new Kodiak 450 combines Yamaha’s legendary durability and reliability with class-leading handling. Powered by a 421cc Yamaha fuel-injected engine for Proven Off-Road performance, its all-new chassis features a compact-footprint that mid-size ATV customers will appreciate, along with an extremely roomy riding position to comfortably accommodate even larger riders.
Delivering a Proven Off-Road level of capability, comfort and confidence only available from Yamaha, REAL WORLD Tech features on the Kodiak 450 include: Ultramatic automatic transmission with high, low, reverse and neutral, providing the industry’s most durable continuous variable transmission (CVT) and the most natural-feeling engine braking throughout the RPM range, On-Command 2WD/4WD system, Electric Power Steering (EPS), adjustable dual A-arm suspension and more.
Developed with accessory integration in mind, the Kodiak 450 is designed for easy installation of genuine Yamaha accessories, including a new highly-integrated winch and mounting plate kit – with wiring already pre-installed by the factory on the Kodiak 450, custom over fenders, gun boot mounts, rack extensions, cooler carriers and more.
Kodiak 450 EPS color options include the new Armor Grey, Fall Beige with Realtree Camo, and Hunter Green. In addition to Fall Beige with Realtree Camo and Hunter Green, the non-EPS Kodiak 450 comes in Red, with pricing starting at only $5,999 MSRP.
2018 Kodiak 700
The Kodiak 700, America’s best-selling utility 4×4 big bore ATV, is built for both work and play providing a comfortable, confidence-inspiring ride. The 2018 Kodiak 700 line includes a new Tactical Black and Silver Metallic Special Edition (SE) with Yamaha’s legendary On-Command four-wheel drive system, a new Armor Grey model, as well as Hunter Green, Red and Realtree Xtra models.
Styling, smooth power and low-end torque create the foundation for adding a range of REAL WORLD Tech features, like Yamaha’s Ultramatic fully automatic transmission and Electric Power Steering (select models), all combining to make the Kodiak 700 the most powerful ATV in its pricing category, while maintaining Yamaha’s legendary durability and Proven Off-Road performance. MSRP for the Kodiak 700 starts at $6,999.
2018 Grizzly
Boasting superior handling, comfort and performance purpose-built for exploring, hunting and recreational riding, the Grizzly is the best-selling Recreational 4×4 big bore ATV in America. Designed to be the most comfortable, off-road capable and durable, the 2018 Grizzly comes in a new Silver Metallic Limited Edition (LE) model featuring painted plastics, special graphics, machined aluminum wheels, removable fairing with windscreen, heated grips, thumb warmer and heated seat. A new Matte Carbon SE model features machined aluminum wheels, painted bodywork and special graphics. Standard Grizzly models are available in Graphite, Alpine White and Yamaha Blue featuring machined aluminum wheels for 2018.
All Grizzly models feature aggressive styling, a handlebar-mounted work light, 26-inch tires, twin-piston four-wheel disc brakes, superior suspension, and Yamaha’s REAL WORLD Tech features: Ultramatic transmission, EPS, and On-Command with a fully locking differential, and more. The 2018 Grizzly delivers optimized engine character for the recreational rider via a 708cc engine at an MSRP starting at $9,699.
New Special Edition Viking and Viking VI models for 2018
For 2018, Yamaha is introducing a new Metallic Sand Ranch Edition Viking equipped with a color- matched interior, hard sun top, under-seat storage, cast aluminum wheels, comfort-grip steering wheel, over fenders, center rearview mirror and unique Ranch Edition badging. The Viking VI Ranch Edition will don the same new color and features, along with a color-matched soft sun top, rear bed grab bar, and heavy duty front brush guard.
The Viking’s comfortable three- or six-seat cab features automotive-style two-stage door latches, pass- through bucket seating, padded passenger handholds, dedicated angled floorboard foot positioning, and more. A reinforced rear steel cargo bed incorporates mounting points on the bed rails and a rubber cargo bed mat to reduce sound and vibration. Large enough for a fully-loaded pallet, the assisted dump bed can pack up to 600 pounds of equipment and supplies while retaining its supple ride and off-road capability. The standard two-inch receiver hitch is rated to pull 1,500 pounds – with or without a full load in the cargo bed.
Starting at $11,999 MSRP, additional Viking colors include an all-new Armor Grey with cast aluminum wheels, Realtree Xtra with cast aluminum wheels, Hunter Green and Red. MSRP for the 2018 Viking VI starts at $13,999.
Along with the diverse selection of available accessories to tailor your ride or further your work, Yamaha’s Parts and Accessories division now offers DFK hard cab enclosure systems for the Viking family. Keeping the elements out, these modular steel-frame systems feature lockable doors that can be opened 180 degrees and are easy to remove, a roof with noise-reduction upholstery, front and rear windshields made of safety glass and hard-coated UV-treated polycarbonate, and an optional hot water cabin heater kit.
2018 Raptor 700, Raptor 700R and Raptor 700R Special Edition (SE) models
For 2018, the Raptor 700 (MSRP $7,999) gets a new Graphite color scheme, while the Team Yamaha Blue / White Raptor 700R (MSRP $8,499) gets a Team Yamaha Blue seat, color-matched A-arms and frame. The 2018 Special Edition Raptor 700R (MSRP $9,099) comes in a new White color with both a GYTR front grab bar and heel guards.
The Raptor 700R brings the best combination of power, lightweight handling and trail / dune-conquering performance in sport ATVs. The Raptor’s hybrid steel aluminum frame is complemented by a controlled-fill aluminum sub-frame and cast aluminum swing-arm, all combining to produce a supremely-strong structure and the lightest ATV in its class.
Utilizing Yamaha YZ-style fully adjustable piggyback shocks, the Raptor is a versatile machine capable of handling any terrain – from tight, twisty trails to wide open deserts. Lending to the terrain-taming prowess, front wheel travel is 9.1 inches, with 10.1 inches in the rear.
A plush seat, dual counter-balancers, electric start, and reverse are added features on Raptor 700R for all-day riding comfort and convenience.
2018 YFZ450R and YFZ450R SE models
As America’s best-selling 450-class sport ATV and reigning MX and GNCC champ, the unrivaled, race- inspired YFZ450R also gets a new SE in White (MSRP $9,299) with a GYTR front grab bar. The Team Yamaha Blue / White YFZ450R (MSRP $8,999) now comes with a Team Yamaha Blue seat and color matched A-arms and frame.
The YFZ450R is the most technologically advanced sport ATV in the market, combining a high-tech, quick-revving, titanium-valve 449cc fuel-injected engine with a lightweight, professional-caliber cast aluminum / steel chassis.
MX-ready, the YFZ’s no-weld frame is designed from lightweight aluminum with a tension-steel bottom frame, allowing low engine placement for optimal mass centralization. Suspension components and settings reduce weight while providing agile, performance-pointed handling and rider comfort.
The YFZ’s bodywork is designed for ideal ergonomics and rider comfort with a T-shaped seat and maximum knee room permitting riders to easily move around the machine and attack corners to the finish line. An assist-and-slipper clutch reduces clutch lever effort for less fatigue, while simultaneously increasing clutch plate pressure for positive engagement. This clutch system also reduces engine braking effect, which allows for faster cornering, particularly when downshifting.
2018 YFZ50 and Raptor 90 models
Designed to meet Yamaha’s style and industry-leading performance standards, the electric-start YFZ50 mounts a 49.4cc engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) on a lightweight chassis, resulting in an entry-level machine that combines an exciting acceleration feeling, with a comfortable ride to help first-time riders develop their off-road abilities. Parents can feel confident introducing their 6-year-old to ATV riding with supervisory controls integrated into the machine, including adjustable RPM and throttle limiters, as well as a tether switch capable of shutting off the engine from a pull-string if or when needed.
The Yamaha Raptor 90 is also equipped with a CVT transmission, yet steps up the fun with an 89.9cc engine, providing versatility on the trails while maintaining a smooth, linear power delivery. Additional features include single A-arm front suspension, mono-shock swing-arm rear suspension, and 18-inch tires with lightweight matte black wheels to optimize performance and styling for advancing riders.
Both youth ATV chassis incorporate a comfortable and roomy rider position to allow young, developing enthusiasts the ability to grow and adjust their riding posture and position while affording years of enjoyment. Specially designed shocks, with youth skills and weight in mind, provide superior handling and comfort, increasing the fun and performance of the ride.
The 2018 YFZ50 comes in Team Yamaha Blue and White at a $2,099 MSRP. The 2018 Raptor 90 comes in two color options: Team Yamaha Blue / White, and White, both at a $2,899 MSRP.
