Up next Packable Camp Accessories: Gear Box Published on February 06, 2023 Author Jerry Tsai Tags off-roading, UTVs, Yamaha, Yamaha Side By Side, Yamaha Single Seat UTV, Yamaha UTV, Yamaha YXZ1000R SS XTR, Share article Facebook 0 Twitter 0 Mail 0 Yamaha YXZ1000R UTV: Share the Thrill 2023 Yamaha YXZ1000R SS XT-R UTV As much as we love our full size rigs, there’s something to be said about jumping into a compact 4×4. There’s fun to be had on trails that aren’t wide enough for our rigs. A Yamaha UTV is just the vehicle to get your adrenaline levels up as you head into the unknown. Jumping into the driver seat of a lightweight, go-anywhere all-terrain vehicle is always fun. Now, Yamaha is here to show us their latest UTV… We bet it will land the thrills that we didn’t even know we were looking for. Their latest machine, the 2023 Yamaha YXZ1000R SS XT-R, hails from their Pure Sport line of UTVs. It’s loaded with gear and tech that allow you to explore all the trails you want. What’s even better is that the YXR seats two, so you can share the thrill with a buddy on the trail. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Why the Yamaha YXZ1000R SS XT-R Stands Out The YXZ1000R SS XT-R is designed for riders who want: Race-inspired power delivery A manual-like driving experience with paddle shifters Extreme durability and capability in harsh terrain A trail-ready machine straight from the factory A UTV with proven brand reliability and parts availability It’s also one of the few UTVs still offering a high-revving inline-triple engine + sequential transmission, giving it a motorsport feel rarely found in this category. New Enhancements The latest YXZ1000 SS XT-R is available in Yamaha Racing Blue or in the model year-exclusive color combination of Desert Tan and Tactical Black, as seen above. It’s quite pretty, if we do say ourselves. This UTV comes with plenty of enhancements from Yamaha for 2023, too. A center-mount mirror centerline pod light enhanced underbody protection, and more But that’s just the beginning. The XT-R package piles on even more trail-ready features. XT-R Edition Add-Ons: Advanced FOX® dual spring suspension soaks up bumps and rough terrain, while true beadlock rims Yamaha-exclusive Maxxis Carnage tires help keep you planted and confident when the going gets tough. Upgraded centerline lighting boosts visibility for those early mornings or late-night runs. The YXZ also comes standard with a custom front grab bar that mounts a heavy duty WARN VRX 45 winch package with integrated dashboard switch. Winching couldn’t be any easier. A composite suntop high-quality painted bodywork color matched contrast-stitched seats center-mount mirror and auxiliary lights are just a few more features that make this ride stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re crawling over rocks, blasting through sand, or threading your way through tight wooded trails, all these enhancements come together to create a side-by-side that’s not only ready for adventure, but also looks sharp doing it. Top Accessory Options & Upgrades If you’re looking to customize your YXZ1000R SS XT-R and make it truly your own, there’s no shortage of upgrade possibilities. For a little extra peace of mind when you’re bashing through the brush, consider adding a heavy-duty front brush guard to keep the nose looking sharp. To keep tabs on all the vital stats during those heart-pounding trail runs, upgrade with a handy gauge pod—so you can monitor everything at a glance. Music lovers will appreciate the option to install an overhead audio system from trusted aftermarket brands like SSV Works, making it easy to bring your favorite playlist along for the ride. And for anyone who likes to haul a bit more gear, a rear cargo box is a reliable way to give yourself extra storage without sacrificing that nimble handling. With these featured accessories in the mix, dialing in your YXZ for the adventure ahead is all part of the fun. Off-Road Thrill If that isn’t enough, the UTV also comes packed with a host of off-road capable components including Fox dual spring suspension, true beadlock rims wrapped in Yamaha-exclusive Maxxis Carnage tires, and enhanced underbody protection. You’ll also find a factory-installed WARN VRX 45 winch mounted to a custom front grab bar, rugged color-matched wheels, and a bold new paint scheme that makes sure you stand out whether you’re crawling rocks or blasting down desert trails. With these high-spec additions, the 2023 YXZ1000R SS XT-R is clearly built for extreme adventure and delivers that signature Pure Sport experience right out of the box. Powering the YXZ is a high-revving, high-output inline-triple engine for plenty of seat-of-the-pants power. Don’t call it a day after the sun goes down, the YXZ comes with four brilliant LED headlights that provide more than enough forward illumination to light up the path and obstacles ahead. An LED taillight also comes standard for extra visibility and safety. Yamaha’s UTVs are the ideal vehicles to share a ride with, especially in the fully-loaded and fun to drive Pure Sport YXZ1000R SS XT-R. Armed with a fresh new look for 2023, WARN’s VRX 45 winch, Maxxis Carnage tires on beadlock rims and plenty of high-revving power, this UTV promises to provide plenty of thrills. How much will it run ya? MSRP: $24,699 Wheelbase 90.5 in. Ground Clearance 12.4 in. Cargo Capacity 300 lbs. Fuel Capacity 9.0 gal. Ready to Take a Test Drive? If the 2023 Yamaha YXZ1000R SS XT-R has you revved up and ready to roll, finding one nearby is easier than you think. Most major powersports dealerships keep a strong lineup of Yamaha UTVs in stock—just a quick search through well-known auto and motorsports platforms like CycleTrader, ATV Trader, or even your local Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace can point you in the right direction. Prefer to see it in person before committing? Try stopping by trusted dealers such as RideNow Powersports, MotorSports Nation, or Bert’s Mega Mall to check availability or schedule a test drive. Many showrooms offer tools to check current inventory, and some even have virtual walkarounds or augmented reality previews so you can explore the YXZ1000R from the comfort of home. Before making the trip, it’s worth giving your local dealer a call to confirm they’ve got your preferred trim and color ready to go. That way, you’re not just window shopping—you’re one step closer to hitting the trails. Key Specs at a Glance Under the hood, the YXZ1000R SS XT-R packs a 998cc engine—ample displacement for those craving performance that matches the looks. And with a wet weight tipping the scales at 1,676 pounds, you get a solid, planted ride that’s ready for both spirited runs and technical off-road sections. Performance High-Revving Inline-Triple Engine: 998cc DOHC inline-triple 10,500 rpm redline—rare in the UTV segment With plenty of pep in its step, the Yamaha UTV’s high-revving inline triple engine offers exceptional power, a screaming 10,500 rpm redline and high-strength internals that are ready to handle high-output demands. Sport Shift Transmission (SS): The UTV utilizes Yamaha’s Sport Shift, a sequential five-speed manual transmission that features Yamaha Chip Controlled Shift (YCC-S) technology. The system is as powerful, durable, and efficient as a traditional manual transmission. An advanced automatic clutch system controlled with sporty paddle shifters is mounted to the steering column. The YXZ1000R SS XT-R features a clever six-speed sequential transmission that gives you options, whether you want to take it easy or channel your inner rally driver. With the turn of a dial, you can toggle between three unique drive modes right from the dashboard: AUTO mode takes care of all the shifting for you, perfect for when you just want to cruise and enjoy the scenery. SPORT AUTO mode ramps things up, letting the engine rev higher before shifting, so you get a bit more punch and quicker acceleration when you demand it. SPORT SHIFT puts you in total command, thanks to steering column-mounted paddle shifters. Think of it as having race-inspired control, letting you call the shots on every gear change. To make things even more exciting, a low first gear adds more grunt at low speeds—ideal for technical climbs or crawling over tough obstacles. Plus, the close gear ratios keep the engine right in its sweet spot, so you’re always ready to unleash power exactly when you need it. Suspension & Chassis Fox Suspension: The performance focused Fox suspension on the YXZ1000R SS XT-R is engineered for the widest possible adjustment range for various terrain. Plus, that same range of adjustment adds flexibility, too. With a couple of quick tweaks, the YXZ can be tuned to deliver a plush, smooth ride that defies the idea that sport and comfort can’t coexist. Chassis: Simply put, the YXZ attacks corners with impressive agility. Drivers enjoy its light steering feel and straight-line stability across rough terrain. Spherical-joint double A-arms retain ideal castor angle and front and rear sway bars minimize body roll for flatter, more responsive cornering. Features Bumper & Winch: To ensure you can get out of even the toughest spots when far away from civilization, the YXZ’s WARN VRX 45 winch hauls from the front grab bar. Since the winch package was engineered alongside the YXZ, its controls are integrated into the electrical system, putting the controls within easy reach. Cargo & Storage: Bring what you need thanks to a cargo rack with a 300-pound capacity. A glove box in the cab provides extra storage as do passenger side cup holders and a central storage tray in the dash. Tech On-Command 4WD: Yamaha’s proven On-Command 4WD system gives the UTV ultimate traction. To tackle the hardest terrain, easily select 2WD, 4WD limited-slip, and 4WD full diff lock modes. This system’s over-torque protection system eliminates spike loads to the front drive case on hard impacts, protecting it from damage without changing performance. Cool Running: The Yamaha UTV’s vented, rear-mounted radiator reduces heat in the cabin, and remains clear of mud and debris. It funnels cool air through the radiator at low or high speeds equally well. Instrument Panel: The YXZ1000R SS XT-R’s instruments take ispiration from Yamaha’s high-performance motorcycles. Instrument functions include a digital speedometer, analog tachometer, and programmable shift light. Plus, it displays readouts for 4WD mode, gear position, fuel level, trip meters, hour meter, coolant temperature warning, and a clock. Who Should Buy the YXZ1000R SS XT-R? Choose this model if you want: A race-inspired UTV with manual-like shifting Best-in-class durability + low-maintenance engineering Superior high-speed performance A precise, engaging driving experience Factory beadlocks, FOX suspension, and full trail armor Avoid it if you want a soft, comfort-first, utility-minded UTV – this machine is built for pure sport. Read More: Razor’s Edge: The 2017 Polaris RZR XP Turbo EPS Editor’s Note: A version of this story previously appeared in the November/December 2022 issue of Tread Magazine. Frequently Asked Questions What are the engine displacement, wet weight, and seating capacity specifications? Engine, Weight, and Seating Curious about the vital stats? The heart of the YXZ1000R SS XT-R is its 998cc engine, delivering serious displacement that translates to energetic performance off-road. It tips the scales with a wet weight of 1,676 pounds, giving you just the right balance of stability and nimbleness whether you’re clipping across hardpack or weaving through the trees. And with seating for two, you and your favorite co-driver are primed for adventure—no backseat drivers, just front-row fun. What is the starting price and destination charge for the YXZ1000R SS XT-R? MSRP: $24,699 Plus a destination charge of $1,225—because even your dream ride needs a chaperone. Is the Yamaha YXZ1000R SS XT-R good for beginners? It’s better suited for intermediate to advanced riders due to its sequential transmission and aggressive power curve, though AUTO mode helps beginners ease in. What fuel does the YXZ1000R use? It runs on regular unleaded, but many owners prefer premium for harder riding to maintain peak performance. Is the YXZ1000R better for dunes or trails? Both. The high-revving engine loves dunes, while the FOX suspension and wheelbase give it excellent trail agility. What’s the top speed of the YXZ1000R SS XT-R? Most owners see 75–80 mph depending on terrain and conditions.