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.
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. These include a center-mount mirror, centerline pod light, enhanced underbody protection, and more.
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.
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. 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.
Performance
Engine.
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.
Transmission.
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.
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.
Editor’s Note: A version of this story previously appeared in the November/December 2022 issue of Tread Magazine.
