The all-new 2014 Yamaha Viking is a unique utility side-by-side vehicle with single-row, three-passenger seating, and the most powerful the Japanese manufacturer has ever built. It's also said to offer the rock-solid reliability people expect from Yamaha, as well as the best ergonomics and suspension in the business.

Like the Nordic warriors and tradesmen it's named after, the 2014 Yamaha Viking looks large and in charge, with an aggressively styled body that's been designed to prevent or minimize damage from trees, rocks, and roots using strategically positioned parts and durable materials. Like a piece of armour, a steel skid plate provides underside protection of vital components.


More power and top speed
The 2014 Yamaha Viking boasts a 686 cc, 4-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder engine with broad power across a wide rev range. Highlights of this liquid-cooled, fuel-injected unit include:

• New combustion chamber shape;
• Revised compression ratio;
• New cam profile and forged piston;
• Large-capacity air intake system.

The engine also comes with Yamaha's durable Ultramatic CVT and a driver-operated “on-command” mode selector (2WD, 4WD, 4WD Lock) that allows for differential shifting based on changing road and ground conditions.

All-new chassis for superior handling
The 2014 Yamaha Viking rides on a fully independent, double-wishbone suspension with 205 mm (8.07”) of travel at both ends. The large-diameter front and rear disc brakes with dual-piston calipers will ensure good balance and braking power. What better fit for a Viking than all-new Maxxis Big Horn 2.0 tires? With a durable 6-ply rating and radial construction, these can tackle any terrain and absorb shocks more effectively.

Here are other key specs of the 2014 Yamaha Viking:

• Turning radius: 4.5 m
• Ground clearance: 300 mm (11,8”)
• Bed capacity: 272 kg (600 lbs)
• Towing capacity: 680 kg (1,500 lbs)

Smartly designed cabin
Inside the 2014 Yamaha Viking, the backrest of the middle seat is tilted 5 degrees farther than the driver and outside passenger backrests, creating an off-set seating position that allows all on board to comfortably fit without rubbing shoulders.

Supportive urethane cushioning is moulded to fit the driver’s waist for better comfort and safety. A partition prevents the centre passenger’s feet from interfering with the driver's to aid in safe operation, and there's a factory-installed sun-top for green, red, and camo models (optional on the blue model).

The 2014 Yamaha Viking retails from $13,199; with Electric Power Steering (EPS), pricing starts at $14,599. Competitors include the Can-Am Commander, Honda Pioneer 700, Arctic Cat Prowler, Kawasaki 4010, and Polaris Ranger 800.