2023 YAMAHA UTV LINEUP

2023 YAMAHA UTV LINEUP

The world is upside down at the moment, and there’s no place that statement holds true more than in the OHV space. We all scream for new models, yet dealers can’t fill their showrooms with current inventory. Current prices of products are out of this world based on supply and demand only. Labor shortages and supply-chain issues are primarily to blame. In fact, some brand dealers are having to accept inventory that’s been crated and shipped to them with parts missing, like shocks and electrical components.

This over-promised and undelivered philosophy doesn’t fly at Yamaha. The bLU cRU would rather play the conservative role, keep developing new vehicles behind the scenes and only ship dealers proven off-road products that can be enjoyed now. For 2023, the list again includes several versions of the YXZ, Wolverine and Viking models.

 

 

 

 

YXZ1000R

Still available as the only stick shift sport UTV on the market, the YXZ1000R is also one of the most reliable high-performance machines on the market starting at $21,899. That price goes for the stick- or paddle-shifting models. The 2023 YXZ1000R SS XT-R is available in Desert Tan/Tactical Black painted bodywork with a color-matched interior, plus a suntop, center-mount mirror, centerline pod light, enhanced under-body protection, 30-inch Maxxis Carnage radial tires on true beadlock wheels, and a custom front grab bar with a heavy-duty Warn VRX 4500-pound winch and integrated dashboard switch for $24,699 MSRP. All YXZs come with fully adjustable Fox 2.5 Podium RC2 shocks with dual-spring-rate-adjustable crossovers. Non-XT-R models include 29-inch Maxxis Bighorn 8-ply-rated radial tires.

Finally, all YXZs are compatible with the Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR) Turbo kit, utilizing the renowned Garrett GT2554R turbo, and will not void the warranty if installed at the dealer.

 

 

 

 

VIKING

On the other end of the excitement spectrum Yamaha has the Viking. Still, the tough warrior of a machine will help assist farmers and hunters in getting the job done. The Viking is available as a three-seater or stretched rig with room for six. Out back a huge cargo area is rated at hauling 600 pounds and can tow another 1500 pounds using a standard truck-style 2-inch receiver hitch.

Both 2023 Viking models are available in Tactical Green, with the three-seat variation starting at $15,699 MSRP and the Viking VI at $16,499 MSRP. 2023 Ranch Edition models are available in a Copper Metallic-painted bodywork with a color-matched interior, under-seat storage, cast-aluminum wheels, comfort-grip steering wheel, over-fenders, center rear-view mirror, rear grab bar and distinct Ranch Edition badging starting at $16,399 MSRP.

 

 

 

WOLVERINE

On the surface, over the past few years Yamaha has put the most effort into the Wolverine lineup of rec utility machines. For the new year, color changes are all we will see new on this line. According to Yamaha, “The 2023 Wolverines are their most versatile vehicles with the perfect blend of sport and utility, ideal for any task from farming and hunting to exploring and overlanding. All Wolverine models are available in two configurations: A two-seat chassis paired with a hydraulic piston-assist dump bed providing excellent utility on the ranch or on a hunt, while simultaneously allowing owners direct access to the engine for easy maintenance; and a four-seat chassis with simple-to-stow full-size rear seats, giving users the option of additional cargo space, passenger capacity for up to four occupants, or a combination of the two.

 

The Wolverine RMAX 1000 is the ultimate off-road adventure machine capable of traversing a wide variety of terrain with the power of its advanced 999cc twin-cylinder engine. Its premium chassis features a rugged, eye-catching exterior combined with a comfort-focused automotive interior designed for all-day driving with industry-exclusive soft touchpoints to reduce fatigue, and interior lighting and backlit switches for driving in low-light conditions. To meet the varying demands of drivers and terrain, Yamaha’s D-Mode optimizes the RMAX 1000’s full engine power, adjusting throttle response and engine braking to provide three distinct power-delivery options: Crawl, Trail and Sport (pre-wired on R-Spec). Performance can be personalized even further with three-way-adjustable Fox QS3 shocks (R-Spec and XT-R models) or three-position (Comfort, Medium and Firm), in-cab electronically adjustable Fox iQS shocks (LE models), all mounted to wide-arc A-arms for performance-tuned damping and maximum ground clearance.

 

 

The 2023 Wolverine X2 and X4 deliver superior handling, especially on tight, technical trails. Smooth, ultra-quiet power comes from an 847cc twin-cylinder engine housed in a sporty, compact chassis. All Wolverine X2 and X4 models are equipped with 27-inch GBC Dirt Commander radial tires with 8-ply-rated construction for increased ground clearance, traction and durability. Large 207mm vented disc brakes with two-piston calipers provide exceptional stopping power on all four wheels with excellent feel. Independent double-wishbone suspension with an anti-sway bar offers 8.7 inches of travel in the front of X2 and X4 models and 9.3 inches of travel in the rear on the Wolverine X2. Exclusive to the Wolverine X4, the rear suspension includes innovative self-adjusting shock absorbers that automatically regulate to varying passenger weights and cargo loads.

 

All 2023 Wolverine R-Spec models are available in Cyan/Yamaha Black starting at $15,799 MSRP for the X2, $18,399 MSRP for the X4, $23,999 MSRP for the RMAX2 1000, and $26,399 MSRP for the RMAX4 1000. The Wolverine RMAX2 1000 Sport is available in Team Yamaha Blue starting at $25,899 MSRP and features highly adjustable, sport-tuned Fox 2.0 piggyback shocks with preload and high-/low-speed compression adjustability, 30-inch GBC Terra Master SQ 10-ply-rated radial tires with an asymmetric design, and 14-inch cast-aluminum beadlock wheels. All Wolverine XT-R models are available in Desert Tan/Tactical Black painted bodywork with color-matched interior and are equipped with a Warn VRX 45 winch and Yamaha Adventure Pro (pre-wired on X2/X4). The Wolverine X2 and X4 XT-R models start at $17,399 MSRP and are further enhanced with fully adjustable KYB piggyback shocks (self-leveling rear on Wolverine X4). RMAX 1000 XT-R models start at $27,199 MSRP and include Maxxis Carnivore tires on 14-inch aluminum beadlock wheels and a factory-installed SSV audio system. The Wolverine RMAX 1000 Limited Edition (LE) models start at $27,699 MSRP and include Titan/Midnight Blue painted body work, color-matched interior, Warn VRX 45 winch, Yamaha Adventure Pro, plus Fox iQS shocks, and higher-grade audio system with two additional speakers for rear passengers in the RMAX4 1000 LE.

See UTV Action’s full test on the Rmax Sport here: 2022 YAMAHA RMAX2 1000 SPORT – UTV Action Magazine