Yamaha Announces 2016 Viking and Viking VI SxS Vehicles

On Sep 4, 2015

Enhanced Comfort Among Refinements for Industry’s Most Durable and Reliable Utility Side-by-Sides

KENNESAW, Ga. – September 1, 2015 – Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, introduces the new 2016 Viking and Viking VI Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicles, right on time for fall harvest and hunting seasons. With class-leading cab room and comfort, coupled with superior handling and off-road capability, Vikings are the toughest and hardest working utility-based vehicles that are also fun to drive.

For 2016, along with a new premium Ranch Edition Viking VI, all Viking and Viking VI models receive multiple updates including a smoother, quieter cabin, additional rider conveniences and a reinforced chassis resulting in the smoothest running, strongest Vikings yet in Yamaha’s growing line of Real World Tough SxS vehicles.

The new 2016 Viking VI EPS Ranch Edition brings an all-new level of comfort and convenience to tough off-road work. This model features high-quality Copper Metallic painted bodywork with a color-matched brown interior and soft sun top, silver cast aluminum wheels, rearview center mirror, mud flaps, overfenders, underseat storage, a rear bed grab bar, a heavy duty front brush guard and unique Ranch Edition badging.

“The 2016 Viking and Viking VI Side-by-Sides are already in production and arriving at dealerships nationwide,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group Marketing Manager. “With the added comfort, increased convenience and an all-new Viking VI Ranch Edition, we know the success and enthusiasm towards the Viking and Viking VI will continue to grow in the utility, hunting and farming communities.”

The 2016 Viking model year updates include new automotive-style two-stage door latches and a parking brake warning buzzer. Noise and vibration reduction features include new rubber damper plates, a more rigid chassis, additional sound dampening materials and an all-new cylinder head torque rod for a more relaxing ride quality at any engine RPM. The newly reinforced rear steel cargo bed now incorporates mounting points on the bed rails and a rubber cargo bed mat to further reduce sound and vibration, all while improving durability and cargo-carrying capability. Large enough for a fully loaded pallet, the assisted dump bed can pack up to 600 pounds of equipment and supplies. The standard two-inch receiver hitch is rated to pull 1,500 pounds, making the 2016 Viking and Viking VI two of the toughest, hardest working and most off-road capable SxS vehicles ever.

The Yamaha Viking and Viking VI are multi-passenger off-road SxS vehicles featuring Yamaha’s time-tested and durable technologies. Their unique cab configuration allows for pass-through bucket seating and maximum headroom without sacrificing critical ground clearance. All combined, this makes transportation easy and comfortable for up to three full-sized adults in the Viking, and up to six in the Viking VI. The Vikings utilize Yamaha’s powerful and proven 700cc-class engine, three-way On-Command^® system with 2WD, 4WD and 4WD differential lock engaged via an automotive-style rotating dial, and the industry’s most durable Ultramatic® transmission with high, low and reverse, providing the most natural feeling all-wheel engine braking. For the industry’s best balance of steering assist and positive feedback from the terrain, select Viking models are equipped with Yamaha’s Electric Power Steering (EPS).

Both the Viking and Viking VI feature nearly 12 inches of ground clearance, a full steel-composite smooth skid plate and an optimized frame with upturned side rails to allow smoother transitions over obstacles. The Vikings’ long-travel four-wheel independent suspension is perfectly balanced to provide a plush and comfortable ride with a quality damping feel in rough terrain, all while carrying either a light or full load.

Color options for the 2016 Viking EPS and Viking VI EPS are Hunter Green, Red and Realtree^® Xtra™ camo. Additional options include the all-new Viking VI EPS Ranch Edition (MSRP $15,499) and a Special Edition (SE) Carbon Metallic for both the Viking EPS and Viking VI EPS (MSRP $14,049 and $14,999 respectively), as well as Steel Blue in the Viking EPS. Viking models now come standard with a sun top at an MSRP starting at $11,999.

Every Yamaha Viking and Viking VI is assembled in the USA at Yamaha’s factory in Newnan, Georgia, for worldwide distribution.

Details at www.YamahaViking.com and www.YamahaOutdoors.com.

Follow Yamaha at www.facebook.com/YamahaOutdoors, www.twitter.com/YamahaOutdoors and http://www.instagram.com/YamahaOutdoors #Viking #VikingVI #Yamaha #YamahaOutdoors

About Yamaha Motor Corp., USA

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States.

Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit www.YamahaMotorsports.com.

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Side-by-Side (SxS) Vehicles are recommended for use only by licensed drivers age 16 years and older.