Editor’s note: This report was sent in today by LSON Founder David J. Sams.
Under a cloak of secrecy, and after signing my name multiple times on the dotted line, Yamaha Outdoors allowed me a look at the new Yamaha Viking VI at a test track in central Texas Tuesday morning.
For more than two days, I was not allowed to talk about the new crew-cab vehicle. My friends were calling and trying to pry any info out of me and I told them to look at our website today and read about the sure-to-be hottest selling rig for Yamaha this fall.
Yamaha seems to never sit still. They make one great product, and then they make it even better.
Yamaha’s product engineers on the test track ran through the list of improvements and features before I was allowed to peal off and give the machine a good workout.
This might be as close to a crew cab pickup truck as you can get in a side-by-side vehicle.
The totally reengineered Viking VI comes in several models and can be outfitted with as many accessories to customize as you like. About the only thing you will not find is an air conditioner but I bet with a little welding and some custom fabrication, some Texas hunting lease will have one soon.
When I first jumped in I took the middle back seat and with my large 6-foot frame found ample room for my legs and shoulders. In booth middle seats the engineers offset the seat with a 5-percent recline, which allows riders shoulders not to rub.
Driving the rig at slow speeds can be done with a finger because of the power steering system, and at higher speeds (and two hands on the wheel) the rig drives as good as your pickup truck. The softer suspension makes a very comfortable ride, also.
The engine has more power than you might ever need and in the soft stuff, the locking differential is a great asset, as well as the full underbody skid plate. It takes a little more turning room with the 115.6 inches of length but it is well worth it.
The Viking VI will be available this fall just in time to break it in for hunting season.
SPECS:
FEATURES & BENEFITS
ALL-NEW FOR 2015:
ENGINE:
The all-new Viking VI is ready to conquer whatever comes its way with a powerful 686cc, liquid-cooled, fuel injected, SOHC power plant. This engine boasts strong low-end acceleration and pulls hard through the rpm range to provide excellent overall power delivery.
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The Viking VI features a large-capacity air intake system that improves overall engine performance. The air cleaner box is easily accessed from inside the cabin for improved serviceability.
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Ultramatic transmission with dual-range (Hi/Lo) drive and reverse is the most advanced and durable drive system available. An automatic centrifugal clutch maintains constant belt tension for reduced belt wear and uses a sprag clutch for all-wheel downhill engine braking in 4WD mode and reverse.
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Three-position On-Command 4WD system lets you dial between 2WD, limited-slip 4WD and fully locked differential 4WD.
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Electronic fuel injection ensures peak performance in nearly all conditions and elevations, along with instantaneous cold starts.
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Engine braking performance is provided across the entire speed range.
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Large-capacity air intake system contributes to the engine’s overall power development.
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Air injection system burns the un-combusted elements in the exhaust, resulting in reduced emissions.
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION:
This 6-occupant machine achieves driver and passenger comfort with a class leading 115.6″ wheelbase that smooths the ride and allows for best-in-class interior space.
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Large diameter front and rear wheel disc brakes provide unsurpassed stopping power and feel, and the dash-mounted parking brake is simple and convenient to use.
Side x Side Viking VI
A convenient pass-through floor for greater ease of on-board movement, making it possible to enter and exit the vehicle from either side.
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Stamped steel dump bed is rated to haul 600 pounds of gear and features four standard tie-down hooks to help make sure cargo is strapped securely.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
The engine is located under the cargo bed and can be easily accessed when the bed is lifted.
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Digital instrument panel boasts multifunction LCD display with speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeter, hour meter, battery volt meter, 4WD status, transmission position, clock and fuel gauge.
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Steel skid plate under the frame provides protection from rocks and ruts and helps prevent the Viking VI from getting stuck.
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Dash-mounted parking brake for driver convenience.
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Latching glove box is included to store smaller items such as cell phones, wallets, etc. Underseat storage provides additional storage space.
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The Viking VI width is sized to help minimize 30” row crop damage.
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Equipped with eight cup holders for passenger convenience.
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Front headrests feature a see-thru design and rear passenger seats are positioned 20mm higher for better rear passenger visibility.
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Large, 9.7-gallon fuel tank allows for long rides.
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Proudly built Real World ToughTM and assembled in Newnan, GA, U.S.A.
ACCESSORIES:
Visit yamahapartsandaccessories.com
SPECIFICATIONS:
Model YXC700DFG; YXC700DR; YXC700DHFH
Engine Type 686cc liquid-cooled w/fan, 4-stroke; SOHC, 4 valves
Bore x Stroke 102.0 x 84.0mm
Compression Ratio 10.0:1
Fuel Delivery Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI)
Ignition TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
Starting System Electric
Transmission Yamaha Ultramatic V-belt with all-wheel engine braking; L, H, N, R
Drive Train Yamaha On-Command: 3-way locking differential; 2WD, 4WD, locked 4WD; shaft drive
Suspension / Front Independent double wishbone; 8.1-in travel
Suspension / Rear Independent double wishbone with anti-sway bar; 8.1-in travel
Brakes / Front Dual hydraulic disc
Brakes / Rear Dual hydraulic disc
Tires / Front AT25 x 8-12
Tires / Rear AT25 x 10-12
L x W x H 153.5 x 61.8 x 76.6 in
Wheelbase 115.6 in
Turning Radius 244.1 in
Ground Clearance 11.4 in
Fuel Capacity 9.7 gal
Wet Weight* 1620 lb
Bed Capacity 600 lb
Towing Capacity 1500 lb
Color Hunter Green; Red; Realtree AP®
* Wet weight includes the vehicle with all standard equipment and all fluids, including oil, coolant (as applicable) and a full tank of fuel. It does not include the weight of options or accessories. Wet weight is useful in making real-world comparisons with other models.
