Yamaha Announces All-New 2017 ATV And Side-by-Side Models

KENNESAW, GA

--(Marketwired - June 08, 2016) - Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, announces its 2017 line of ATVs and Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicles, adding all-new models, features, options and special editions to its expanding line of industry leading motorsports products. Leading the 2017 announcement are Yamaha's new YXZ1000R SS (Sport Shift) and an all-new YFZ50 youth model.

"Yamaha shocked the motorsports world last year with the introduction of the first pure sport Side-by-Side with manual transmission, and the enthusiasm continues as we expand the category with the YXZ1000R SS with paddle shifters and automatic clutch," said Mike Martinez, Yamaha's vice president of ATV / SxS operations. "From all-new youth ATVs to pure sport performance, Yamaha continues to lead ATV and SxS development with the most innovative and reliable models in the industry."

The new Yamaha 2017 SxS models announced today include: the new YXZ1000R SS (Sport Shift), new YXZ1000R SS Special Edition (SE) and new YXZ1000R SE in Matte Black, new Midnight Blue Metallic SE Viking and Viking VI, new Matte Silver Wolverine R-Spec SE, new Yamaha Blue Wolverine R-Spec and new Wolverine with Electric Power Steering (EPS). For Yamaha's 2017 ATVs: an all-new youth YFZ50, new Matte Silver Grizzly SE, new Alpine White Grizzly, new Midnight Blue Metallic Kodiak 700 SE, new Kodiak 700 EPS in Steel Blue, new Grey Metallic Raptor 700 SE, new Blaze Orange Raptor 700, new Black Metallic YFZ450R SE and a new White Raptor 90.

NEW 2017 YXZ1000R SS -- Pure Sport Performance with Paddle Shifting and Auto Clutch

Innovating again this year, Yamaha introduces the new 2017 YXZ1000R SS (Sport Shift), the first and only SxS vehicle to combine pure-sport driving performance with an exciting and high-tech paddle shifting experience.

Boasting the same industry-first 3-cylinder 998cc engine and unparalleled direct-connection feeling as the original YXZ, the YXZ1000R SS features Yamaha's all-new confidence-inspiring Sport Shift transmission. The SS technology is defined by a 5-speed sequential shift manual transmission boasting an advanced automatic clutch and pure-sport inspired paddle shifters -- eliminating the need for both the clutch pedal and taking your foot off the gas during shifting.

The pure-sport inspired paddle shifters on the YXZ1000R SS are mounted to the steering column and are synched to the Yamaha Chip Controlled Shift (YCC-S) technology, an advanced automatic clutch system that eliminates the need for a clutch pedal. This allows a wide range of enthusiasts on a variety of terrain to enjoy the pure sport performance and direct connection of the world's first and only manual transmission SxS.

The shift sequence -- shift up with the right paddle and shift down with the left paddle -- is designed to be highly intuitive for drivers, even if they are not familiar with operating a manual transmission. The YXZ1000R SS delivers a fun and exciting experience beyond what one would find in everyday automobiles with paddle shifters. The Sport Shift system incorporates features that complement the overall pure sport SxS experience -- an auto downshift feature assists by automatically downshifting to first gear when the vehicle comes to a stop, even if the driver has not done so manually.

Another exciting and innovative feature on the YXZ1000R SS is the all-new "Launch System," which is exclusive to the Sport Shift experience provides an exciting high-acceleration feeling from stop -- similar to "dropping the clutch" in a manual vehicle with a clutch pedal -- adding to the direct connection experience and exhilaration.

New for 2017, the Special Edition YXZ1000R and YXZ1000R SS acquire industry-first twin-wall FOX^® 2.5 Podium X2 Shocks^®. These unparalleled shocks were developed in tandem with Yamaha specifically and exclusively for the new Special Edition YXZ models. They provide ultimate slow speed comfort without sacrificing performance during aggressive driving situations combined with unprecedented adjustability to suit a variety of driving types and preferences. A new level of performance and comfort are achieved by creating completely independent high and low speed compression and rebound adjustment, combined with huge 16.2-inches of front and 17.0-inches of rear travel. Additional features of the X2 shocks include dual adjusters on the upper cap and twin tube structure, dual rate springs with coupling and crossover adjustment, position sensitive damping, and more.

2017 YXZ1000R -- The World's First Pure Sport SxS for the High Performance Off-Road Enthusiast

Making its debut to the motorsports world in September of 2015, the wildly successful and highly anticipated pure sport YXZ1000R is available in exciting new color schemes for the 2017 model year. Augmenting the high-end look and feel, the Team Yamaha Blue / White now comes with a color matched Team Yamaha Blue sun top, colored seat stitching, embroidered seats and race-inspired decals. A new YXZ1000R SE in Matte Black shares the same great accoutrements as the YXZ1000R SS SE, including the FOX Podium X2 shocks, yet with the industry-first 5-speed sequential shift manual transmission for ultimate driver-to-vehicle cohesion.

The YXZ1000R was the world's first pure sport SxS, combining the industry's first naturally aspirated three-cylinder 998cc sport engine with the first ever 5-speed sequential shift manual transmission. The YXZ1000R is born of Yamaha's true high-performance DNA -- creating a direct connection to the driver and serving up unmatched power and handling characteristics, resulting in a vehicle perfectly positioned as the only choice for the pure sport SxS enthusiast. MSRP on the 2017 YXZ1000R models will be announced this fall.

2017 Wolverine and Wolverine R-Spec -- Most Off-Road Capable SxS with Class-Leading Comfort

The new Wolverine R-Spec SE in Matte Silver features painted bodywork with color-matched seats and springs, convenient under seat storage, and durable injection-molded polypropylene overfenders for increased protection from the elements. Furthering the off-road capability and comfort of the Wolverine R-Spec, the new SE adopts a stout yet lightweight full-length, full-coverage aluminum skid plate set -- including the front bash plate, center, rear and side frame skids -- aluminum a-arm guards, robust 12-inch true bead lock wheels and a new soft grip over-mold steering wheel with a design exclusively developed for ultimate off-road control and handling. MSRP for the new Wolverine R-Spec SE is $14,799.

New for 2017, every Wolverine R-Spec now comes with Yamaha's proven Electric Power Steering (EPS), providing precise handling through the best balance of assist and positive feedback from the terrain. In addition to the new SE, the Wolverine R-Spec is now offered in Yamaha Blue with machined aluminum wheels. Returning colors include the Alpine White with machined aluminum wheels, Hunter Green and Realtree Xtra^®. MSRP starts at $13,199.

The 2017 Wolverine is a fun, comfortable and off-road capable SxS for trail and outdoors enthusiasts. The Wolverine offers new and existing SxS customers alike a full-featured, supremely off-road capable option at a value-packed price point starting at $10,999 MSRP. Adding to the Wolverine's value-packed features, the 2017 is now offered with Yamaha's durable and reliable EPS system.

Setting the standard in off-road capability and class-leading comfort, all Yamaha Wolverine SxS models feature a new double overhead cam (DOHC), 708cc engine with optimized torque, power delivery and engine character for exciting recreational driving. The Wolverine's automotive-style cab is designed to provide maximum comfort and confidence for both driver and passenger, especially in extreme off-road environments. Designed and engineered for exploring extreme terrain, the Wolverine features a nimble chassis with a compact design, look and feel, along with Yamaha's proven core technologies: Ultramatic^® fully-automatic transmission, On-Command^® four-wheel drive and EPS.

2017 Viking and Viking VI -- The Leading Multi-Passenger SxS with Best-in-Class Features

With class-leading cab room and comfort, coupled with superior handling and off-road capability, Vikings are the toughest and hardest working utility-based SxS vehicles that are also fun to drive. The 2017 Viking and Viking VI are now offered in a new Midnight Blue Metallic SE with silver cast aluminum wheels, overfenders and silver seats.

Leading the 2017 Viking line is the premium Ranch Edition Viking VI in Copper Metallic painted bodywork with color-matched brown interior and soft sun top, silver cast aluminum wheels, review center mirror, mud flaps, overfenders, underseat storage, a rear bed grab bar, a heavy duty front brush guard, and unique Ranch Edition badging, bringing an all-new level of comfort and convenience to tough off-road work.

Viking enhancements carried up from 2016 include automotive-style two-stage door latches and a parking brake warning buzzer. Noise and vibration reduction features include new rubber damper plates, a more rigid chassis, additional sound dampening materials and an engine-mounted torque rod for a more relaxing ride at any engine RPM. The newly reinforced rear steel cargo bed now incorporates mounting points on the bed rails and a rubber cargo bed mat to further reduce sound and vibration, all while improving durability and cargo-carrying options and capacity. Large enough for a fully-loaded pallet, the assisted dump bed can pack up to 600 pounds of equipment and supplies. The standard two-inch receiver hitch is rated to pull 1,500 pounds.

All coming standard with a sun top and at an MSRP starting at $11,999, additional Viking colors include a new Steel Blue with cast aluminum wheels, Hunter Green, Red and Realtree Xtra^®. MSRP for the 2017 Viking VI EPS starts at $13,999, with Hunter Green, Red and Realtree Xtra^® rounding out the color options.

2017 Grizzly -- Best Overall Performing Big Bore ATV

Boasting superior handling, comfort and performance purpose-built for exploring, hunting and recreational riding, the 2017 Grizzly is designed to be the most comfortable, off-road capable and durable big bore ATV. New for 2017 is a Matte Silver SE with machined aluminum wheels, painted plastics and special graphics, a new Alpine White model with machined aluminum wheels, and new Steel Blue model with machined aluminum wheels. In addition, now all Grizzly ATVs will be equipped with EPS. The 2017 Grizzly is also offered in Hunter Green, Realtree Xtra^® and the Crimson Metallic Limited Edition (LE) featuring painted plastics, special graphics, machined aluminum wheels, removable fairing with windscreen, heated grips, thumb warmer and heated seat.

The latest generation Grizzly features aggressive styling with redesigned front and rear fenders, a handlebar mounted work light, 26-inch tires, twin-piston four-wheel disc brakes, superior suspension, and Yamaha's proven core drivetrain technologies. Along with Yamaha's proven Ultramatic^® transmission, the 2017 Grizzly delivers optimized engine character for recreational riding featuring a 708cc engine with more power and torque than previous models. Yamaha Grizzly's handling, performance and off-road capability provide the rider with confidence and comfort, all at an MSRP starting at $9,699.

2017 Kodiak 700 -- Superior Performance, Comfort and Value for Utility and Work-Minded Individuals

Redefining the mid-size utility ATV category, the Kodiak 700 is built for work with a comfortable and compact feeling new chassis. The 2017 line of Kodiak 700s include a new Midnight Blue Metallic SE with silver metallic painted wheels and Yamaha's legendary On-Command^® four-wheel drive system, a new Steel Blue model with cast aluminum wheels, along with Hunter Green, Red and Realtree Xtra^® models.

Styling, smooth power and torque create the foundation for a range of features that all combine to make the Kodiak 700 ATVs the most powerful in their pricing categories, while maintaining Yamaha's legendary durability and off-road performance. The Kodiak 700 features a 708cc engine with engine character optimized to deliver smooth power and strong torque for all-day comfort and ease of use. All Kodiak 700s feature Yamaha's proven Ultramatic^® fully automatic transmission with high, low, reverse and neutral, providing the industry's most durable CVT transmission and the most natural-feeling engine braking throughout the RPM range. MSRP for the Kodiak 700 starts at only $6,999.

ALL-NEW 2017 YFZ50 and NEW Raptor 90 Youth ATVs

The all-new YFZ50 is designed to introduce riders ages 6-years-old and up to the fun and excitement of sport ATVs. With new styling based on the popular championship-winning YFZ450R, the all-new entry-level YFZ50 will bring the world of Yamaha sport ATV performance to more families and a new generation of motorsports enthusiast. Built to Yamaha style and quality standards, the new electric-start YFZ50 mounts a 49.4cc air-cooled engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) on an all-new lightweight chassis. Parents can feel confident introducing their 6-year-old to ATV riding with parental 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 2017 YFZ50 comes in Team Yamaha Blue / White at a $2,099 MSRP.

For riders ages 10-years-old and up, the Raptor 90 serves up styling and a sporty ride reminiscent of its big brother, the Raptor 700, but at a size and performance level appropriate for younger riders and budding enthusiasts. New for 2017, the Raptor 90 is now available in White, along with the Team Yamaha Blue / White. The Raptor 90 mounts an 89.9cc air-cooled engine with a CVT transmission on a newly designed lightweight chassis, providing seamless acceleration with no need for shifting. Reverse gives young riders more versatility on the trail. The Raptor 90 provides sporty performance while maintaining a comfortable ride and simple operation. Additional features that help provide increased performance and comfort include new front and rear suspension, 18-inch tires with lightweight matte black wheels, a plush seat and wider floorboards. The Raptor 90 MSRP is $2,899.

2017 Raptor and YFZ450R -- The Best-Selling, Highest-Performing Sport ATVs

The Raptor 700R and YFZ450R are the best-selling and highest performing models in the world of sport ATVs. They epitomize the pinnacle of ATV performance and racing dominance on the track, trail and dunes. New for 2017 is a Blaze Orange Raptor 700 and a Team Yamaha Blue / White Raptor 700R with new Team Yamaha Blue seat, color-matched a-arms and frame. The 2017 Special Edition Raptor 700R comes in Grey Metallic with GYTR front grab bar and heel guards. The Raptor 700 MSRP starts at $7,899.

Reigning MX and GNCC champ, the unrivaled, race-inspired YFZ450R has a new SE in Black Metallic with GYTR front grab bar. The Team Yamaha Blue / White YFZ450R now comes with a new Team Yamaha Blue seat and color matched a-arms and frame. MSRP for the YFZ450R starts at $8,999.

Every Yamaha SxS and full-size ATV is Assembled in the USA at Yamaha's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Newnan, Georgia, for worldwide distribution.

Chaparral Motorsports is an authorized Yamaha dealer.