The Viking has Arrived!

Yamaha has unveiled the all-new Viking, a utility Side-by-Side which will be replacing the Rhino. The most noticeable feature is the pass-through bucket seating with an off-set center position, making it a true three-person Side-by-Side. With utility work vehicle unit sales on the rise, Yamaha took the popular Rhino, sent it through the Yamaha Think-Tank, and spit out a higher standard in working-class utility vehicle.

The Viking will be powered by a 686cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder, 4-valve fuel-injected engine and will feature Yamaha’s three-way On-Command® system 2WD, 4WD and a 4WD with locking differential.

To follow are some words from our friends at Yamaha. Stay tuned, as we will be getting our hands on the new Viking very soon and will be able to give you our opinion as to how the new addition to the Yamaha line, will stack up.

“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.”

Transmission

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.

Chassis

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.

Electric Power Steering (EPS)

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.

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.