IS YAMAHA DEVELOPING A TWIN-CYLINDER SPORT 4X4 ATV?

If you’re a fan of sport 4×4 ATVs, such as the Polaris Scrambler and Can-Am Renegade, look out! It appears that a Japanese manufacturer is about to jump into the game with an all-new design boasting innovative features never seen on an ATV before. We’ve been following patent updates from Yamaha over the last year and a half of what is unquestionably an all-new entry to the sport 4×4 ATV segment. Here’s what we know so far about this Yamaha Sport 4×4 ATV.

• The initial patent application was initiated in September of 2022
• The latest update, which occurred in March 2024, indicates that this design is progressing with the most comprehensive drawings we’ve seen so far. This is not just another ATV. It’s a potential game-changer, a design that could redefine the sport 4×4 ATV segment.

A parallel twin engine powers this ATV, but displacement hasn’t been disclosed. However, it could make sense that this design is based on Yamaha’s CPT parallel 270-degree engine that moves Yamaha’s MT-07, XSR700, and Ténéré 700 motorcycles. and it’s exactly what the top end of the engine in these patent drawings resembles. Don’t let 700-class displacement fool you. The MT-07 makes nearly 75 horsepower at the crank. The 270-degree configuration also produces more mid-range grunt than a traditional parallel twin, a meaty exhaust note, and it lowers the center of gravity for more stable cornering. Check out this article by a Dirt Wheels reader who stuffed the MT-07 in a Yamaha Raptor chassis. https://dirtwheelsmag.com/custom-yamaha-raptor-with-an-mt-07-engine.

Another parallel, twin-cylinder engine Yamaha uses is the Wolverine 850 mill, which would make more sense to power this machine. Keep in mind that it would be mounted backward with the transmission facing toward the front of the ATV. It’s a near identical match to what we see in these drawings. It’s no secret that GNCC Pro 4×4 ATV racers riding Can-Am Renegades tend to prefer 850cc displacement over 1000 cc, because its not as fatiguing to ride for hours, yet still has more than enough power and grunt to be competitive. Unfortunately, Can-Am no longer makes the 850 Renegade. Our money is on this engine for the new Yamaha!

• The engine is mounted backward so that its mass, the crank and cylinder head, rests between the rear of the footwells.
• The intake receives cool air from the front of the engine, making more consistent horsepower.

• The exhaust extends straight out the back for quick heat displacement.
• The transmission is an automatic CVT.

• The footwells have a flat middle section with a rear step extending diagonally upward at the rear for flat footing on steep climbs. A smaller front diagonal step aids in descents.

• Standard front A-arm design appears to have a forward attack angle.

• The independent rear suspension includes a sway bar and is designed with unique lower control arms that mount at the front of the cylinder head and extend to the rear of the frame.
• The rear shocks are mounted in front of the upper control arms, which are designed to wrap around the shock for clearance.

• Shocks at all four corners have piggyback reservoirs and appear to have high/low-speed compression and rebound adjustments.
• The initial patent info seemed to point to base and premium models being offered. The premium model had these shocks, and 30-inch tires were listed in the text.

• Intake and CVT snorkels extend to seat height for optimal water resistance when submerged. The battery and electronics are also mounted high above the fuel tank.
• The huge dash display likely includes (or receives as an option) a Yamaha Adventure Pro GPS.

• A rear rack appears light-duty for strapping down smaller items. This is not a utility ATV.

• The exhaust is short and extends beyond the rack. After-market exhaust systems should be easy to manufacture and install.

• Tires extend past the footwells, suggesting a long-travel design of at least 50 inches wide.

• It has EPS.

• One primary objective was to create a vehicle with a comfortable leg position, even with a larger engine. In other words, the design keeps a narrow and sporty feel between the knees no matter how wide the engine is. The transmission is located in front of the engine for a more compact design. The configuration should also give the machine a lighter front end perfect for getting over logs and riding long wheelies.

Don’t get your hopes up just yet as we haven’t confirmed that this design will make it to production. When we asked Yamaha about this machine, they gave us the usual corporate answer of “we are always researching and developing new models (and patenting them) that may or may not see their way to the dealership.” But knowing Yamaha’s affection for racing, we’re sure they’ve got an eye on this segment of the market as well as the GNCC 4×4 ATV championship currently dominated by the Can-Am Renegade. Keep your fingers crossed!