NEW MODELS: 2022 YAMAHA OFF-ROAD LINEUP

New UTVs and quads 

By the staff of Dirt Wheels

The only sport quads that Yamaha has officially announced for 2022 are the fun and safe YFZ50 and Raptor 90 youth quads.

NEW MODELS: 2022 YAMAHA OFF-ROAD LINEUP

Yamaha recently announced the “majority” of their off-road ATV and UTV vehicles for model year 2022. Yamaha has yet to announce anything about the Raptor 700 or the YFZ450, so we hope that “majority” statement means that upgraded sport quads will be revealed later. Even though Yamaha sport quads are literally in a league of their own, the company provides regular updates, so we are hoping for good news in the sport quad lineup.

The big news in this current announcement was the new high-performance, well-optioned Wolverine RMAX2 1000 Sport we showed in the December 2021 issue. It is based on the RMAX 1000 platform.

2022 RMAX2 1000 and RMAX4 1000

Wolverine RMAX 1000 models are powered by a 999cc twin-cylinder engine housed in a capable and nimble chassis available in two- and four-seat configurations. Power and engine braking for the RMAX 1000 can be tailored for a variety of off-road situations with Yamaha’s D-Mode in LE, XT-R and Sport models. D-Mode is pre-wired and available as a Yamaha Genuine Accessories in RMAX 1000 R-Spec versions. Via Yamaha’s Chip-Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) system, D-Mode offers three power delivery settings to suit driver preference and trail conditions. Crawl is for smooth throttle control and full engine braking in slow-speed, technical driving situations; Trail has linear throttle response for a fun, relaxed ride with full engine braking; and Sport provides quick throttle response and optimized engine braking for an overall aggressive, fast-paced experience. To further match each unique terrain and driving style, all three D-Mode settings utilize the RMAX1000’s full engine power and 8500-rpm redline.

Only the RMAX Sport has significant technical updates for 2022, but most of the line has detailed spec changes, like additions of rear-view mirrors or standard sun tops.

WHAT’S MORE

Further Wolverine RMAX2 1000 enhancements include new 14-inch, cast-aluminum, color-matched beadlock wheels on Sport and XT-R models—the first factory-installed beadlock wheels on a Wolverine. The beadlocks are unique to the line, durable and functional. RMAX 1000 XT-R vehicles now have the factory-installed SSV audio system, with second-row speakers added to the RMAX4 1000 LE versions (R-Spec and Sport models are pre-wired for the Yamaha Genuine Accessories audio kit), and the RMAX4 1000 R-Spec now comes with a sun top.

Yamaha’s clever Adventure Pro GPS also acts as a meter that displays all significant information. It is mounted in the dash, but may be removed for safety and to load information at home.

NEW MODELS: 2022 YAMAHA OFF-ROAD LINEUP

Yamaha’s Ultramatic CVT transmission allows another RMAX bonus—Yamaha’s 10-year belt warranty. Yamaha’s On-Command system has 2WD, 4WD limited slip and 4WD full-differential lock.

Yamaha Adventure Pro GPS and display is dash-mounted and fully-integrated on XT-R and LE models, yet unlockable and removable for maximum exploration and adventure sharing (pre-wired on R-Spec and Sport models). XT-R and LE models also have a Warn VRX 4500-pound winch that’s factory installed, but R-Spec and Sport models are pre-wired and have winch mounting points.

Three-way-adjustable Fox QS3 are on R-Spec and XT-R models, but adjust-on-the-dash Fox iQS shocks mounted to wide-arc A-arms are on the LE models.

Neither the Wolverine X4 nor the RMAX4 have a dump bed. The rear seats cleverly slide forward on tracks to add bed space if there are no rear passengers.

Towing is rated at 2000 pounds, and the 600-pound-rated, hydraulic piston-assist dump bed (on two-seat models) has an automotive-style tailgate. X4 and RMAX4 don’t have dump beds, but the full-size rear seats slide forward to make more bed room.

The 2022 Wolverine RMAX2 1000 R-Spec starts at $20,699 in a new Armor Grey/yellow, with the RMAX4 1000 R-Spec starting at $22,699. The Wolverine RMAX2 1000 Sport in Team Yamaha Blue is $22,599. XT-R are available in Tactical Black/Carbon Metallic with Maxxis Carnivore tires, a Warn winch, Fox QS3 shocks, and a paint and graphics package starting at $23,899. LE models are available in Matte Silver with all XT-R upgrades, plus Fox iQS shocks and a factory-installed stereo system starting at $24,399.

The final youth ATV in the Yamaha line is the utility-style Grizzly 90. It is two-wheel drive, but has racks that can carry gear for having fun.

2022 WOLVERINE X2 AND WOLVERINE X4

The 2022 Wolverine X2 and Wolverine X4 are targeted at tight, technical trails. Smooth, quiet power comes from the 847cc twin-cylinder engine, along with Yamaha’s proven Ultramatic CVT transmission backed by Yamaha’s 10-year belt warranty and Yamaha’s On-Command System with differential lock.

Independent double-wishbone suspension with an anti-sway bar offers 8.7 inches of travel in the front and 9.3 inches of travel in the rear. Wolverine X4 models are also equipped with self-adjusting rear shock absorbers. Bed and towing capacities are the same as the RMAX, as is the conformable bed/seat area on four-seat models.

All Wolverine X2 and X4 models receive a sun top and XT-R Editions are now equipped with a center rearview mirror. Further XT-R trimmings include a Warn VRX 4500 winch, graphics, painted bodywork and fully adjustable KYB piggyback shocks—including high- and low-speed compression damping are now even upfitted to Wolverine X4 R-Spec vehicles. The Wolverine X4 XT-R retains the advanced self-leveling rear shocks to provide a plush ride, as well as help maintain optimized ground clearance based on the terrain and cargo.

The 2022 Wolverine X2 and X4 R-Spec models are available in Armor Grey/yellow and Realtree Edge starting at $14,899, and XT-R Editions start at $16,499.

Yamaha offers a Kodiak in both a 450 and a 700. The Kodiak 700 is slightly lighter than the Grizzly 700, and it has a bit less front travel and less ground clearance. This is the popular 450.
Yamaha’s Viking and Viking VI are powered by a 700cc single-cylinder engine. The VI is a real people mover that holds six adults. This is the fancy Ranch Edition.

NEW MODELS: 2022 YAMAHA OFF-ROAD LINEUP

2022 VIKING AND VIKING VI

Yamaha’s Viking and Viking VI are value-packed and equipped with Yamaha’s single-cylinder 700-class engine. Sporting a comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride in its class-leading cab, there is room for three to six people.

Backed by the same excellent 10-year belt warranty as it’s more powerful UTV siblings. Towing is 1500 pounds with a 600-pound-rated bed with hydraulic piston-assist dump.

The Viking and Viking VI start at $13,899. 2022 Viking and Viking VI Ranch Edition models now feature the RMAX 1000-style center rear-view mirror and are available in Copper Metallic painted bodywork with color-matched interior, under-seat storage, cast-aluminum wheels, comfort-grip steering wheel, over-fenders, center rear-view mirror, rear grab bar, and Ranch Edition badging starting at $14,599.

The Grizzly XT-R is the highest trim level available. It is equipped with high-end finishes, nice wheels, aggressive tires and a powerful winch.
Wolverine X2 and X4 models are somewhat narrower than the RMAX platform, and they have 850cc engines and shorter suspension travel. They are ideal for eastern conditions.

NEW MODELS: 2022 YAMAHA OFF-ROAD LINEUP

2022 GRIZZLY, KODIAK 700 AND 450

Yamaha’s 2022 recreational and utility ATVs are ready for work or endless fun on trails. The Grizzly is one of Dirt Wheels’ favorite sporty 4×4 ATVs. It can work just fine, but it has just enough power yet is easy to ride. The ride is very smooth, and the handling is excellent and responsive. The 2022 Kodiak 700 and Kodiak 450 line delivers fun and work-ready performance in a compact, nimble chassis suited to tight and technical trails.

Yamaha’s proven 700-class, liquid-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke engine is used on all Grizzly and Kodiak 700 models, with the Grizzly having an optimized engine character for recreational riding, and the Kodiak 700 is skewed towards all-day comfort and smooth operation.

Kodiak 450s utilize a 421cc liquid-cooled SOHC 4-stroke engine with the Ultramatic CVT transmission backed by Yamaha’s 10-year belt warranty. The Yamaha On-Command System provides 2WD, 4WD limited slip, and 4WD full-differential lock. Yamaha’s torque- and speed-sensitive EPS is on all Grizzly and select Kodiak models. Pre-wiring for the Yamaha Adventure Pro is on all Grizzly ATVs.

The 2022 Yamaha Grizzly starts at $10,299. The Matte Silver Special Edition Grizzly package is $10,899, and the Tactical Black/Carbon Metallic XT-R edition is $11,299. Kodiak 700 models start at $7599, with EPS models starting at $9199. The Tactical Black Special Edition Kodiak 700 package is $10,199. Kodiak 450 models start at $6499, while the Kodiak 450 EPS starts at $7599. The Kodiak 450 Special Edition in Steel Blue starts at $7899.

Yamaha didn’t list any changes for the YXZ1000 models. They remain fun and sporty. Drivers must be involved in the process with five-speed trans, and that is appealing to many drivers.

2022 GRIZZLY 90, RAPTOR 90 AND YFZ50 YOUTH ATVs

The 2022 Grizzly 90 combines a fun 90cc engine and CVT transmission for entry-level riders 10 years old and up. The youth model offers several Grizzly DNA features, including mud-protection fenders, trail-pointed comfort suspension, front and rear cargo racks, and new Grizzly-tread tires. Grizzly 90 is available in Armor Gray at $3199.

The 2022 Raptor 90 brings the world of sport ATVs to riders ages 10 and up starting at $3199. The YFZ50 is for riders ages 6 and up for $2199.

Every Yamaha UTV and full-size ATV for the world is built and assembled in the USA at Yamaha’s manufacturing facility in Newnan, Georgia. The facility recently reached a manufacturing milestone, celebrating its four millionth vehicle produced.

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