Outdoor Yamaha’s New Viking Side-by-Side Recoil Staff June 12, 2013 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Yamaha has announced their new Viking SxS (Side by Side) vehicle for 2014. All 3-person Viking EPS SxS 4x4s will be manufactured at the Yamaha USA plant in Newnan GA. The Viking is engineered to perform heavy duty work off-road, whether hauling and pulling on your ranch, transporting the prize from your latest hunt back to the lodge or bugging out to your secret remote headquarters to avoid urban unrest (the rear steel cargo bed will carry a fully loaded pallet and can accommodate up to 600 pounds; the 2″ receiver hitch is rated at 1,500lbs. – that is a lot of beans, bullets and bandages). The Viking will feature Yamaha's most powerful four-wheel drive engine to date, a 700cc-class engine they advise has more power than some larger 80cc-class machines. They say the 686cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, SOHC single-cylinder, 4-valve fuel-injected engine will provide peak performance at max capacity and promise strong low-end torque with quick throttle response and smooth power delivery. Other features include a 9.7 gallon fuel tank, assisted dump bed, 12″ ground clearance at its lowest point, a newly-designed cooling system and Yamaha's three-way On-Command, driver-controlled system (2WD, 4WD and 4WD with differential lock) with rotary dial selector. The transmission is the Yamaha Ultramatic CVT system with high, low and reverse; it includes dual speed gearing and auto centrifugal clutch to maintain constant belt tension. Shocks are gas charged. The Viking will also have an optional EPS (Electric Power Steering) system. The Viking's tires will be Maxxis Big Horn 2.0s, designed specifically (and exclusively, apparently) for the new vehicle. Yamaha advises these Big Horns provide an optimized balance of sidewall and tread center stiffness guaranteed to deliver traction, precise steering and comfort. Large front and rear disc brakes have dual piston calipers on all four wheels and the vehicle is equipped with a mechanical parking disc brake. The all new Viking EPS and non-EPS models will be available in August, in Hunter Green with sun top, Steel Blue, Red with sun top and Realtree AP HD camo with sun top. Prices begin at $11,499 MSRP. There will be a special “tactical black” model available in spring 2014. GPMG pintle-mounts, IFF panels, DRVC camera systems and explosive reactive armor will all have to come from 3RD party sources for now, and you'll have to install them yourself. Sorry. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
