We wrote about our ride experience in Yamaha’s Viking in the last issue of Dirt Toys (“Hard-Working Viking Gets Job Done,” March, 2014, page 28) but for some reason forgot to mention the new Tactical Black version of this vehicle.
Here is the official release from Yamaha about the Tactical Black model.
Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., introduced the latest version of the new Viking EPS Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicle, the Special Edition (SE) Tactical Black Viking. Assembled in the U.S.A. and announced at the annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas, the new SE Viking combines an aggressive flat black painted appearance and popular accessories with classic Yamaha durability and off-road capabilities.
The new Tactical Black Viking EPS 4x4 boasts all of the category-leading features of Yamaha’s standard Viking SxS plus molded sun top, overfenders, mud flaps, an under-seat storage box, bed rail accessory mounts and exclusive black cast aluminum wheels.
The Yamaha Viking was first introduced last June when it set a new standard in the three-person multi-purpose SxS segment. Designed and engineered as a robust and high-capacity utility vehicle, the Viking combines Yamaha’s most powerful four-wheel drive engine to date with a comfortable and confidence-inspiring three-person cab, precision steering and class-leading handling.
Multi-Passenger
The vehicle’s distinctive features make it the most off-road capable vehicle in its class and the only one with true three-person seating capacity.
The Viking’s exclusive pass-through bucket seating features a unique off-set center position (set 5 degrees back) that improves comfort with maximum shoulder room for all three occupants. This is the only vehicle in its class with three-point seat belts for everyone, plus headrests all around, adjustable handhold for both passengers and a textured floorboard with dedicated foot wells. Its seating position even provides for more head room than competitive models without sacrificing critical ground clearance. All told, the Viking boasts the most comfortable and secure seating in its class.
Tactical Advantage: On-Command, Ultramatic and EPS
While the Viking’s 700cc-class engine makes more power than some larger 800cc-class machines, the vehicle’s handling and off-road capabilities truly set it apart.
Yamaha’s three-way On-Command system, featuring 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with differential lock, is a driver-controlled system with an automotive-type rotary dial selector. This driver-controlled system gives the driver the control and confidence to lock in all four wheels based on the terrain—a significant benefit over other automated systems on competitive models.
Yamaha’s Ultramatic transmission with high, low and reverse has proven to be the industry’s most durable CVT system with dual speed gearing and an automatic centrifugal clutch that maintains constant belt tension for reduced wear and the industry’s most natural-feeling all-wheel engine braking. This reduced wear has contributed to Yamaha’s proven durability, and the engine braking gives the driver confidence, especially on hills and in rough terrain.
The Viking’s optional Electric Power Steering (EPS) system provides the industry’s best balance of light feeling with positive feedback from the terrain. The system reads steering wheel torque, vehicle speed, On-Command setting and negative feedback to determine the appropriate amount of assist in any given situation.
Hauling, Towing and More
The Viking’s rear steel cargo bed was purpose-built for durability and convenience. Large enough to carry a fully-loaded pallet, the assisted dump bed can pack up to 600 pounds of equipment and supplies while the standard two-inch receiver hitch is rated to pull 1,500 lbs.
The Viking’s chassis also contributes to its off-road capability with nearly 12 inches of ground clearance at the lowest point, a full steel/composite smooth skid plate front to back and side to side, and an optimized frame with up-turned side rails allowing for smoother transitions over obstacles.
The Viking’s long-travel four-wheel independent suspension is 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. The gas-charged shocks help reach the delicate balance of damping and resistance with one or three people, fully-loaded or empty.
The all-new Maxxis Big Horn 2.0 tires were designed specifically and exclusively for the Viking with maximum performance and durability. The new Big Horns provide an optimized balance of sidewall and tread center stiffness in a tire that delivers an excellent combination of traction, precise steering and comfort. The Viking’s large diameter front and rear brake discs with dual piston calipers on all four wheels ensure good balance and power during braking—with or without cargo. The Viking also comes equipped with a mechanical parking disc brake.
The SE Tactical Black Viking 4x4 EPS will be available in the spring of 2014 with an MSRP of $13,749.
More details are available at www.YamahaOutdoors.com.
