ADVERTISER CONTENT
Yamaha has revealed two new side-by-side vehicles that are set to blur the boundaries between utility and recreational use.
The Wolverine RMAX 1000 XT-R two- and four-seater vehicles are also leading the charge from ATV to SSV use for the tuning fork company. Due to government regulations, Yamaha will stop selling new utility ATVs in the Australian market from October 11, 2021, so the company has initiated a push to transition farmers from ATVs into the side-by-side category.
With automotive style refinements and a high level of comfort and capability, the new 999cc twin cylinder RMAXs are well placed to do that and more.
"It's not just ATV users who will appreciate the farm-friendly features of the new RMAX. Because there's no doubt that workers who normally drive a ute around the property will be attracted by the RMAX's ability to access remote areas while carrying crew and cargo with the level of comfort normally reserved for cars," Yamaha's ROV product manager Nick Marshall said.
Best in class power and long-travel Fox suspension headline the RMAX's performance credentials. But the new SSVs are also chock-full of Real World Tough features that can be found on existing Yamaha SSVs, like the industry-leading Ultramatic drive system. This is a CVT-based arrangement that allows controlled engine braking while tackling steep descents. This reliable, snatch-free set-up uses conical sheaves that are easy on drive belts and is one of the main reasons that Yamaha specifies a long three-year warranty on their utility four-wheelers.
He said Wolverine RMAX also featured innovations that farmers would love, such as the new switchable power modes. Drivers can select from Sport, Trail or Crawl drive options that allow the engine to best tackle the conditions at hand. Sport is designed for use on fast, open trails and Trail can be selected for tighter terrain. Crawl can be chosen when climbing over rocks or muddy ground.
Wolverine RMAX is available in a two-seat configuration with an hydraulically tilting cargo bed or as a four seater, where the rear two seats can slide forward to offer even more cargo space. Both models come in XT-R trim which means they are fitted with a Warn winch, stylish XTR Edition paint, colourmatched wheels, and aggressive Maxxis tyres.
Wolverine RMAX are the two new SSVs in a wide range of models offered by Yamaha which includes their stablemate 850cc twin cylinder Wolverine X2 and X4 vehicles. Similar in concept to the new RMAX, the X2 and X4 also come in two-seat with tilt tray and four-seat configurations. Alongside those, Yamaha offers the Viking which is powered by a 686cc single cylinder engine with even more of a utility/farm focus. Wolverine Viking is available in a three-seat layout with tilt tray, or when you need to shift a big crew, a six seater.
Mr Marshall said each of the utility vehicles in Yamaha's range was backed by Real World Tough dependability, a combination of shared features that lift the tuning fork range above the competition. These features start with the Ultramatic drive system and continue with the use of high quality components, marine grade electrical connectors, full underbody skid protection, A-arm protection and more. All feature Yamaha's drive mode switch that allows changes from 2WD/4WD/4WD with diff lock on the move with a turn of a dial.
All models share tough chassis construction, all-wheel braking and independent suspension systems which lie at the heart of Yamaha SSV famed off-road ability and plush ride.
When it comes to running costs, Yamaha has farmers covered. We know that eliminating down time is crucial - and low maintenance is a big factor for fleet operators. With long service intervals, Yamaha SSVs are designed to keep on going when others are in for a service. After the six-month initial break-in period, Yamaha SSV service intervals come around every 150 hours of operation. That means more time on the job and less spent in the garage.
Mr Marshall said there's a saying in the bush that if you buy cheap, you buy twice, and it's always worth comparing the actual cost of ownership rather than the price tag alone. When you factor in Yamaha's reliability and long service intervals backed by the factory three-year warranty, you'll find that these SSVs offer supreme value for money.
Even buying one is hassle-free thanks to Yamaha's in-house finance company Yamaha Motor Finance (YMF). For a limited time, YMF is offering a 2.99 per cent comparison rate finance across the SSV range, excluding the new RMAX 1000 models.
