Yamaha YXM700 Viking Review and Specifications
Yamaha YXM700 Viking
Yamaha Viking all-terrain vehicle breaks the familiar patterns. Although you can’t tell by name.
The first thing that does not immediately fit into any stereotypes: the new Yamaha Viking side-by-side motor vehicle (not to be confused with a snowmobile) has three seats in front. What for? For America, the main consumer of all-terrain vehicles, the answer is obvious: at one time to take away to the far farm field not two, but three workers. And here, where all-terrain vehicles still buy more for amusement rides: albeit for fishing, but with a breeze and adrenaline - this arrangement will be even more rejoiced: it’s more common to think for three! And now you can take your wife and child on a journey through Russian wilds, and not think about how to offend any of them.
The departure from refined practicality is even felt in the class name coined by Yamaha specifically for the new Viking - Recreational Off-highway Vehicle (ROV). Where it is seen: for Viking, a full-fledged waterproof sound system for the roof with front speakers and a subwoofer was made - you can not buy a boombox to the cottage!
Yamaha YXM700 Viking Review
However, Yamaha would not be itself if its equipment could do only one thing: to entertain, compete (yes, you can probably ride a rally in Viking!) Or work - the multitasking device has not gone away. A large loading platform of almost 300 kg, a two-meter quick-release blade for snow removal, a hitch bracket for a standard hook, a winch and a ton of useful body kit, special accessories are provided for hunting and fishing: gun cases, holders, lights, snow chains - Viking also a drummer of labor who is not afraid of harsh conditions.
I was fortunate enough to test it on hard terrain. With a height of more than 180 cm, the knees do not rest on the steering wheel, and a flat floor makes it possible to freely move from the driver's seat to the passenger ones (if they are not occupied by anyone), and the back of the middle seat is slightly tilted back so that passengers do not rest against each other with their shoulders. All switches and levers are located to the right of the steering wheel in one place, on the dashboard, which is very convenient.
I am fastened, I'm looking for some, start! I press the gas - the pedal is comfortable, I'm not afraid to hurt the next one. The upgraded 686-cc engine from the Grizzly quadric listens instantly and, despite the increased Viking mass compared to the Rhino, pushes the device faster forward. On the primer on the rear-wheel drive, I specifically go skidding - not a hint of a coup! From the moment I started, I got the impression that I was in a “capsule” - doors, massive arches, a roof over my head and belts create a roll cage, which creates a dangerous sense of permissiveness that usually leads to a ditch or a coup. But the “Viking” seems to cling to the ground with its teeth-wheels, showing miracles of stability both on the ground and on the grass in a field with unexpected potholes. All this thanks to the correct weight distribution and independent suspension settings with a stroke of 205 mm, which even at high speed perfectly fulfills very deep potholes and other potholes. Electric power steering does not threaten fingers with dislocations and fractures.
Ahead is a steep and long descent from the mountain. I keep my foot above the brake, but I don’t have to use it: the new variator model allows the engine to brake up to 5 km / h. And again, an immediate reaction to the gas when rising!
In the forest I easily overcome fallen trees - the ground clearance of 300 mm and the wheelbase of 2135 mm allow a lot. And due to the non-standard width - already automobile, but wider than that of standard SSVs and ATVs - Viking does not fall into broken ruts with both sides at the same time, which means that you must try to plant it! And even immersed in the middle of the door in a thick mud slurry Viking, for some reason I do not, continues to move, almost without slipping.
Having overcome the puddles and drains from the passenger compartment, the remains of mud, I find myself thinking that Viking is definitely a breakthrough for Yamaha. A breakthrough of templates, a breakthrough to a new level of comfort, functionality and cross-country ability, a breakthrough to the territory of overseas competitors - to the territory of drive, emotions and adrenaline, which will be enough for three with the new Viking.
Yamaha Viking YXM700 ATV Specification
| Dimensions | 3099x1569x1882 mm |
|---|---|
| Base | 2135 mm |
| Ground clearance | 300 mm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 36.7 L |
| Engine | 686 cm3, 4-stroke, 1-cylinder., Liquid cooling, injector, 49 hp |
| Transmission | Yamaha CVT Ultramatic, modes: 2WD / 4WD, differential lock, LHNR |
| Front / Rear Suspension | independent, on two wishbones, stroke 205 mm |
| Front / rear brakes | hydraulic, 2 discs |
| Curb weight | 609 kg |