2017 Yamaha YXZ1000R SS Test Review

Sport Shift add Versatility, performance, and control to the YXZ1000R
Last year, Yamaha launched the all- new YXZ1000R. A true driver’s machine, it combined the first five-speed manual transmission found in an SxS, with an engine featuring a screaming, top- end focused power band. The engine came wrapped in a stout, rigid chassis, with fully adjustable Fox Podium RC2 shocks. The YXZ1000 delivered a level of control to the driver, never before available in a UTV.
Nearly one year after the world launch of the YXZ1000R, Yamaha invited us and other members of the media to join them in Union, South Carolina, on the grounds of the Big Buck GNCC race, to drive the second addition to their YXZ family, the 2017 YXZ1000R SS. SS stands for sport shift, replacing the manual clutch and center-mounted shift lever with a set of steering column- mounted paddle shifters, and a slick computer- controlled auto clutch. Were these few changes enough to make this top-end focused, West -Coast screamer into a capable East -Coast trail machine? We were about to find out.
RELATED VIDEOS
2024 Yamaha YXZ1000R Test Review
• 2024 Yamaha YXZ1000R T...
2019 Yamaha YXZ1000R SS Test Review
• 2019 Yamaha YXZ1000R S...
2016 Yamaha YXZ1000R Test
• 2016 Yamaha YXZ1000R Test
CONNECT WITH UTV ON DEMAND
KZbin
/ utvondemand
Instagram
/ utvondemand
Facebook
/ utvondemand
Website
utvondemand.com/

[@backspace4093]

Once again yamaha takes the lead all others follow. . Damn good looking machine.

[@reallyboardstiff]

I just bought one and I have always been a Yamaha fan and this YXZ rocks.

[@haitipap1]

Excellent machine with great quality and technology. All it needs now is a Low Range choice on the gear selector and it would be about perfect.

[@UTVonDemand]

It would require a bit of work but There are aftermarket companies offering lower range gear choices for the YXZ. A low range option would be a cool option for some drivers. Thanks for commenting.

[@DUNEATV]

This machine seems to be built much stronger that the Polaris rzr...I drove both machines and the fit and design feels better on the Yamaha.

[@ericsmallwoodd3977]

way better!

[@JedTaneo]

That piano tuning fork logo is bringing music to the roads once again.

[@KieranCox]

Really like the tech in the Yamaha. I think their transmission system is superior for durability. However, they need to get it together on power and suspension. They need to offer a stock turbo version with around 170hp, and 20" of front/rear suspension travel. If they had that, I'd be all over one. Oh, and they need a 4 seater model.

[@UTVonDemand]

They have been making some improvements coming out with their lower range transmission mods for those of us who ride slow technical trails, that's nice to see. There have been quite a few people asking for Yamaha to build a 4 seat version. We'd bet their cooking up something new.

[@KieranCox]

Well lets hope Yamaha finally starts taking this class of machine more seriously. I think the real culprit is Yamaha is a big company that makes many, many motors and machines. The XYZ just isn't that big a deal to them company wise. Otherwise we would see a much better product from Yamaha. They make kick a$$ outboard boat motors, super bad sport motorcycles (Yamaha R1 and R6). The 2017 R1 has a 998cc naturally aspirated 200HP motor! (and awesome drivetrain). Why don't they just put that SAME motor in the YXZ? It would be class leading even without forced induction. A forced induction version would be in the 240Hp range... The best engineers at Yamaha just aren't on the YXZ team, plain and simple. They are focused on the R6 and R1. BRP and Polaris better hope it stays that way, because if the Yamaha R1 team gets even slightly involved with the XYZ, there is no way CanAm, Polaris or Artic Cat have any hope of competing.

[@cimotorsports-atv]

Having owned the first year model and living on the east coast only complaint I have is the lack of a lower 1st gear or low range selection. If they were to introduce a 6 speed model with a low first it would be perfect I think

[@UTVonDemand]

The Sport Shift model is easier to drive in the east although an ultra low 1st gear might not be a bad idea. Yamaha just released a new transmission for the YXZ1000R. utvondemand.com/all-new-yxz1000r-gytr-torque-assist-gear-kit-announced-by-yamaha/

[@proraptor4146]

So badass!

[@MrOjnnell]

10:24, the tires are mounted on 24" wheels. Nice, I would say 14" wheels

[@UTVonDemand]

No crap. We should have a prize for people who catch mistakes that get past us. Oops. Obviously we misspoke. Thanks for watching so closely.

[@proraptor4146]

I know I was like WTF where are these dubs they are talking about lol

[@UTVonDemand]

Proraptor Dubs, LMAO

[@marshmellow3110]

Hope this engine and shocks are an option for the Viking soon.

[@JedTaneo]

Perfect ride to work and a date 😁😎

[@thachosenjuan216]

What would it take to get these highway capable??

[@UTVonDemand]

Kit kind of depends on where you live. Some rural cities allow them to be used on the road, or so we hear. A dual-sport kit would be a very cool accessory for this machine. We will have to look into it.

[@blackz06]

Around the Hatfield-McCoy trails in WV, you can drive on most of the rural roads.

[@kirbyvanduzer6565]

I bet the yxz1000r ss would be good in mud too because you can skip right across any atv bounty hole because of the sport shift I bet it's just as good in the mud as an auto clutch atv I'm definitely getting one

[@tdog9150]

I think I missed this . I’m looking at buying one , I’m not a speed guy but want a trail machine. What one is it .?

[@UTVonDemand]

The top and focused power of this car typically prefers to be driven hard. However, the 2019 received a new lower first gear that makes it a much more capable machine for casual exploring. If you prefer driving casually than you would definitely do better to look at the 2019 model.

[@tdog9150]

Thank yu , I like the special edition one ..

[@cornellterry6484]

How fast can you go in 4 wheel drive

[@rickdavid1795]

I love mine

[@UTVonDemand]

Thanks for letting us know😁✌️

[@Mickey-im3bg]

So fellas what's the verdict, what is the best side-by-side of 2017? I am looking for an answer from somebody that actually drives one or all of these things rather than the Internet worrier. Power/speed, reliability, suspension in terms of handling the rough obstacles and overall bang for the buck? Thx in advance.

[@UTVonDemand]

It's difficult to say for sure. Different machines have advantages in different environments. Maybe we need to do some sort of shootout going forward.

[@shelleycrockett8018]

We love our rzr 900s. Perfect power for the woods and trails.

[@davidh1055]

Can Am. That is all.

[@ozzy85Mpower]

NIGHTFOX warrior

[@SBRdvids]

If you're still wondering...look at the most recent comment with video... 9/3/18

[@willowthewisp8114]

I am A Para we SCI people want a up down paddle shift mounted on the right of a close ratio Steering wheel and a Squeeze accelerator mounted on the left this is in addition to NOTa replacement for the floor gas peddle..... in other words then it could be driven by both able bodied or anyone else that cannot use their feet/Legs.......Would get me back in the woods after 32yrs......

[@UTVonDemand]

Sorry it took us so long to read this comment. We would love to see such an upgrade to the YXZ to bet you back in the woods too!

[@dylkelley]

Check out warfighter made on Facebook. They specialize in disability modifications for all vehicles, especially if you are a veteran!

[@raptorrider24]

OK. this is awesome and all.. BUT WHERE IS THE 4 SEATER?? DX

[@ChuckBeefOG]

Slap stick sequential = more fun.

[@UTVonDemand]

Maybe, but it was nice to be able to keep two hands on the wheel while dodging trees.

[@q8fly.]

This or the maverick faster/better?

[@UTVonDemand]

Faster, yes. It makes more horsepower. Better, we can't say as we have not tested the new Maverick.

[@fastdude2002]

Nice but it's way behind the horsepower curve compared to the competition. Nice transmissions though.

[@myveryown07]

lower power means a little more reliability because the turbo model brings the power out in the engine.

[@desertdrz7618]

Anyone else think Yamaha should look into single seat models like the Polaris Ace lineup? I'm thinking single seat with the MT-07/ FZ-07 motor with the yxz body style, paddle shifter, long travel double A-arm suspension. Call it the YXZ 700s. Similar to the Polaris Ace 900 xc or sp. With the MT-07 motor pushing about 75 hp.

[@AV8R_1]

Im gonna plow with it.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

The dealer will install a turbo, but it should come from the factory with one.

[@myveryown07]

people race them and you can't have turbos. but you are right you should be able to order one with it installed. If you don't want one and they don't have one on the floor though its harder to sell it.

[@ebuff57]

I don’t know anyone who’d have use for a machine like this, certainly not me.

[@tegrityfarms4975]

You sound boring...

[@mike300406]

Holy shit bars for the passenger that's funny

[@UTVonDemand]

BikeRidinManiac we try to Keep It Fun.

[@slamboy66]

no paddles one more thing to break

[@SBRdvids]

Manual shift "fatiguing"? Try riding a dirt bike. Besides owning a YZ250FX (race ready enduro bike), I also own a YXZ1000R SE... No "fatigue" involved. In my opinion, it's basically a flattened Yamaha YZ dirt bike, just way less work: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3mnlHmFr9WFsM0

[@UTVonDemand]

Looks like you have a nice yxz. Running in the woods where you're constantly changing directions is a bit easier when you can keep both hands on the wheel with paddle shifters. That's the main point..

[@SBRdvids]

Point well taken. Thank you for taking my blinders off. Just to be positive we're on the same page, my "Fatiguing/YZ" comment was purely meant in a humorously facetious nature, no criticism or disrespect intended. Anyway, changing gears, I want to thank everyone at UTVonDemand for your unbiased well done articles/video reviews of manufacturers' UTVs & aftermarket accessories. The information I reviewed made a positive impact determining my vehicle purchase last December & the after-purchase mods I've installed on my YXZ since. You guys have a great riding season~ Regards, Staush

[@UTVonDemand]

@@SBRdvids no worries bro we're good. We love sport quads, dirt bikes, and hot rod cars. People these days are getting so sissified with CVT transmissions oh, yeah that's right we said it, that were actually kind of worried that manual shift Transmissions will go away. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@xerxeszero586]

Sounds like its a manual and automatic hybrid😂😂

[@kaykoliveira8450]

Hello brazil

[@williamstacey1464]

6K more than my RZR. :/

[@chadcook2369]

the competition has 50 more horsepower

[@tegrityfarms4975]

And a shity CVT transmission

[@commantrosexetlos4700]

Still is the same fucking price

[@UTVonDemand]

Is that a bad thing?

[@commantrosexetlos4700]

@@UTVonDemand it depends where you stand..i want to buy..if i already own one then its a good thing..sick toys

[@joshuachilders129]

Yikes. I'd rather have a CVT for this rig.

[@tegrityfarms4975]

Gay

[@JayDawgVader]

Bahahahaha you're trip'n

[@CashMoney5280]

The Yamaha does sound better but damn that shit is super ugly

[@ericsmallwoodd3977]

Your fuckin ugly, such a sexy ass UTV

[@Jarhead1313]

Braaap Tastic A little harsh,But true..It is a very sexy machine to me as well and the fact that I won't be burning up CVT belts is a major plus! I've been trying to decide between the Canned Yam,RZR,And YXZ for a while when my wife pointed out all of my Dirtbikes have been Yamaha and never had any problems that I didn't cause.My R6 never gave me any trouble and I bought it Brand new in 06 and just sold it to put a down payment on a SxS and now thanks to this video and my wife I'm going with the Yamaha YXZ SS.

[@ericsmallwoodd3977]

You will love it bro! Soooo much more fun compared to a belt driven can-am or rzr! They are all fun but the YXZ fun factor is another level! like a R6 on four wheels!!!!! Be safe bro!

[@Jarhead1313]

Braaap Tastic I've been hearing from other YXZ owners it's a blast to drive as well so I think I'll be making the right decision this week. Thanks bro you be safe as well.