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Yamaha unveils all-new Viking UTV, updated Grizzly

Powersports Business managing editor Liz Hochstedler attended the Yamaha dealer meeting in Las Vegas on Tuesday, June 11, as the company unveiled the entirely new Viking UTV amid a dramatic stage show, as well as an updated 2014 Grizzly ATV. Built on a new platform, with some carryover powertrain bits, the Viking will serve as the replacement for the Rhino, which helped launch the recreational side-by-side category a decade ago.

We’ll bring you more details as they are released, but for now here are the press releases from Yamaha, as well as several photos of the new side-by-side and utility ATV.

The Yamaha Viking is officially introduced at the Yamaha dealer meeting in Las Vegas June 11, 2013.
The Yamaha Viking was officially introduced at the Yamaha dealer meeting in Las Vegas June 11, 2013.

CYPRESS, Calif. – June 12, 2013 – Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has announced the all-new Viking EPS Side- by-Side (SxS) vehicle setting a new standard in the three-person multi-purpose SxS segment. Every Yamaha Viking is being manufactured exclusively in the U.S.A. at Yamaha’s factory in Newnan, Georgia, for worldwide distribution.

The new Viking was designed and engineered as a robust and high-capacity utility vehicle. It combines Yamaha’s most powerful four-wheel drive engine to date with a comfortable and confidence-inspiring three- person cab, precision steering and class-leading handling.

The vehicle’s distinctive features make it the most off-road capable vehicle in its class and the only one with true three-person seating capacity, making it not only hard working but fun to drive on the farm as well as the trail.

The Viking’s exclusive pass-through bucket seating features a unique off-set center position (set 5 degrees back) that improves comfort with maximum shoulder room for all three occupants. This is the only vehicle in its class with three-point seat belts for everyone, plus headrests all around, adjustable handhold for both passengers and a textured floorboard with dedicated foot wells. Its seating position even provides for more head room than competitive models without sacrificing critical ground clearance. All told, the Viking boasts the most comfortable and secure seating in its class.

2014 Yamaha Viking
2014 Yamaha Viking

“With the introduction of the all-new Viking, Yamaha is once again taking a leadership position in the growing multi-purpose SxS segment of the off-road business,” said Mike Martinez, vice president of Yamaha’s ATV/SxS Group. “The Viking tops its competition with precise steering and superior handling, excelling in the areas of durability, reliability, ease of use, and cargo and towing capacity. The Viking’s class-leading handling and off- road performance make it the only SxS vehicle that can claim true utility-pointed design while still providing a fun, confidence-inspiring experience in a recreational setting.”

Power comes from Yamaha’s strongest four-wheel drive engine to date – a 686cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder, 4-valve fuel-injected engine that provides peak performance at maximum capacity. This durable engine has been optimized for working conditions with strong low-end torque while quick throttle response and smooth power delivery are maintained throughout the rev range. Yamaha Fuel Injection delivers consistent starts and power even at elevation and in cold weather, and the 9.7 gallon fuel tank allows for long days in the field or on the trail.

14OD_00X_blu_S3 copy_sA more powerful engine requires a more effective cooling system, and Yamaha has developed a system that keeps the Viking cool even during tough chores and at low speeds with optimum design, location and components that create the most efficient airflow through the large radiator.

While the Viking’s 700cc-class engine makes more power than some larger 800cc-class machines, the vehicle’s handling and off-road capabilities truly set it apart.

Yamaha’s three-way On-Command® system, featuring 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with differential lock, is a driver- controlled system with an automotive-type rotary dial selector. This driver-controlled system gives the driver the control and confidence to lock in all four wheels based on the terrain – a significant benefit over other automated systems on competitive models.

Yamaha’s Ultramatic transmission with high, low and reverse has proven to be the industry’s most durable CVT system with dual speed gearing and an automatic centrifugal clutch that maintains constant belt tension for reduced wear and the industry’s most natural feeling all-wheel engine braking. This reduced wear has contributed to Yamaha’s proven durability, and the engine braking gives the driver confidence especially on hills and in rough terrain.

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The Viking’s optional Electric Power Steering (EPS) system provides the industry’s best balance of light feeling with positive feedback from the terrain. The system reads steering wheel torque, vehicle speed, On-Command setting and negative feedback to determine the appropriate amount of assist in any given situation.

IMG_2902The Viking’s utility functions combined with Yamaha’s proven durability were designed for hard work, tough chores and long days in the field or on the trail. The rear steel cargo bed was purpose-built for durability and convenience. Large enough to carry a fully loaded pallet, the assisted dump bed can pack up to 600 pounds of equipment and supplies while the standard two inch receiver hitch is rated to pull 1,500 pounds.

The Viking’s chassis also contributes to its off-road capability with nearly 12-inches of ground clearance at the lowest point, a full steel/composite smooth skid plate front to back and side to side, and an optimized frame with up-turned side rails allowing for smoother transitions over obstacles. The Viking features light and natural-feeling handling in both the EPS and non-EPS configurations. The front and rear suspension outperform the competition even with heavy loads. There simply is no more secure feeling vehicle when tackling rugged terrain – especially at full capacity.

The Viking’s long-travel four-wheel independent suspension is perfectly balanced to provide a plush and comfortable ride with a quality damping feel in rough terrain all while carrying either a light or full load. The gas charged shocks help reach the delicate balance of damping and resistance with one or three people, fully loaded or empty.

14SXS_VKG_BL_A7_201_sThe all-new Maxxis Big Horn 2.0 tires were designed specifically and exclusively for the Viking with maximum performance and durability. The new Big Horns provide an optimized balance of sidewall and tread center stiffness in a tire that delivers an excellent combination of traction, precise steering and comfort. The Viking’s large diameter front and rear brake discs with dual piston calipers on all four wheels ensure good balance and power during braking – with or without cargo. The Viking also comes equipped with a mechanical parking disc brake.

Little extras are a big deal when they help increase productivity and fun. Things like marine-grade electrical connections and wiring, a sealed maintenance-free battery, digital meter and easily accessible and serviceable foam air filter and engine are built into the Viking to help owners stay on task or trail – and out of the shop.

The all-new Viking EPS and non-EPS models will be available starting this August. Standard models come in Steel Blue, Hunter Green (with sun top), Red (with sun top) and Realtree AP HD camo (with sun top). The non- EPS models start at $11,499 MSRP while the EPS models start at $12,499 MSRP. A Special Edition Tactical Black model will be available in spring 2014.

Details at www.YamahaOutdoors.com.
Follow Yamaha at www.facebook.com/YamahaOutdoors and www.twitter.com/YamahaOutdoors 

 

UPDATED 2014 GRIZZLY ATV

2014 Yamaha Grizzly
2014 Yamaha Grizzly

CYPRESS, Calif. – June 12, 2013 – Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has announced a new Grizzly 700 FI EPS with improved comfort and new engine settings. The award-winning Grizzly is the most durable and off-road capable machine in its class featuring exclusive Yamaha technologies and class-leading performance.

The 2014 Grizzly 700 gets a wider tread width – 60mm wider overall – and new longer suspension stroke on both the front and rear shocks delivering a more comfortable low speed ride while maintaining the Grizzly’s great overall handling. New EPS settings improve the balance between providing light steering and reducing negative feedback all while still maintaining optimum positive feedback.

The Grizzly 700’s power comes from a 686cc engine with a new four-valve head and a 10.0:1 compression ratio (up from 9.1:2) that delivers optimum torque for work or challenging trails. The four-valve combustion chamber design produces a potent combination of low-rev torque and instant throttle response while improving fuel efficiency. The Grizzly also features Mikuni® fuel injection with a 44mm bore and throttle position sensor which makes for smooth throttle response and easy starts even in cold weather and at high altitudes.

This full-featured big bore boasts Yamaha’s exclusive three-position On-Command® 4WD system that gives the rider control between 2WD, limited-slip 4WD and a fully locked differential 4WD – all with the push of a button. It has a fully automatic Ultramatic® transmission with dual-range (Hi/Lo) drive and reverse. This is the most durable CVT system of its kind featuring an automatic centrifugal clutch that maintains constant belt tension for reduced belt wear and a sprag clutch for the industry’s most natural feeling and confidence inspiring engine braking.

Also new on this year’s Grizzly are redesigned wheels with the inner lip rolled in providing more durability to complement the machine’s nearly 11 inches of ground clearance. New Maxxis® tires provide an excellent balance of maximum grip, comfort, precise steering and durability.

The Grizzly 700 features a digital instrument panel with a multifunction LCD display showing speedometer, odometer, dual trip meter, hour meter, 4WD status, transmission position, clock and fuel gauge.

Known as a favorite for trail riders, the Grizzly 700 is also a utilitarian machine with rugged steel cargo racks able to haul more than 285 pounds combined (99 front and 187 rear) and a center-mounted, heavy-duty trailer hitch capable of towing more than 1,300 pounds.

Every 2014 Grizzly 700 FI is being manufactured exclusively in the U.S.A. at Yamaha’s factory in Newnan, Georgia, for worldwide distribution.

The 2014 Grizzly 700 FI comes in both EPS and non-EPS versions. Color options include Steel Blue, Hunter Green, Red and Realtree AP HD camo. EPS models start at $9,499 MSRP, and non-EPS models start at $8,899 MSPR.

Details at www.YamahaOutdoors.com
Follow Yamaha at www.facebook.com/YamahaMotorUSA and www.twitter.com/YamahaMotorUSA

About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS) a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States.

Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit

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One Comment

  1. Me and my wife Karen took our new Viking to Mena Arkansas the last week in October. We road every trail on the map that was open in Wolf Pen Gap. We enjoyed cruising through the woods in our SxS as much anything we have ever done on vacation.
    The new Viking handled every trail with a since of ease and confidence. I never felt like we were in a situations the Viking couldn’t handle even on trail #8 that every one warned us about .
    On the first day the couple that went with us was on 4 wheelers and Donna turned hers over on the rocks and she road with us the next two day while the bruises healed. With three full figured adults and the bed full of ice chest and picnicking supplies the Viking was loaded heavy for trails we were on and handled the trails great.
    The only real problem I got with the Viking is it is very loud to the point of needing ear plugs which is not cool. I changed break in oil at 20 hours while we were there with Bel-Ray 15w-50 synthetic blend and it did dampen some of the engine noise but I feel like Yamaha needs to come up with a solution to this problem.

    Yours truly
    Hard of hearing
    In Oklahoma

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