Yamaha is known for its two wheeled dirt weapons – the four wheelers, not so much. This may change following the recent Yamaha SSV (Side by Side Vehicle) Experience in Lithgow, NSW.
The event hosted Australian Yamaha staff and dealers at a private property who were invited to test the entire range of off-road four-wheelers.
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Around 120 lucky drivers and passengers had the opportunity to drive the 12-model lineup back-to-back on three courses set up specifically to showcase the features and benefits of these super capable dirt buggies.
From two to four
“This is the first time we’ve ever made our entire range available for testing and the reason we did is to show how each unit’s capability and comfort increases as you move through the lineup,” YMA Land Mobility Marketing Manager Sean Goldhawk explained. “And the best way – maybe the only way – to do this is to offer the opportunity to jump straight out of one model and into another.”
Three trails were set up with increasing levels of technical difficulty allowing drivers from beginner to expert to test all the SSVs in a safe but fun environment. The models fall into three categories – Viking, Wolverine and RMAX.
The Vikings are the workhorses of the range and are the most popular in Australia – mostly bought by farmers as utility vehicles. Each is powered by a single cylinder high torque 649cc single cylinder engine and they come in a three-seater and six-seat people mover version.
The larger Vikings are ideal for getting a crew of six around a property where a 4WD dare not go. To demonstrate typical use, a Viking 3 on test was set up with GreenPRO spraying equipment in the tray.
The Wolverine range offers more performance and capability with an 847cc parallel twin engine and longer travel suspension – with both two and four set versions popular among farmers and large property owners who need to access all areas. At the top of the range sits the RMAX which has a 999cc twin cylinder engine, with sport-focused adjustable suspension, bigger wheels, more aggressive tyres and is aimed at recreational drivers.
Trail-tested
Yamaha staff from across Australia and New Zealand were first to test the range and while the speeds were kept low due to the technical nature of the trails, there were plenty of smiles as many were driving off road for the first time. “We like to invite as many staff as possible to sample Yamaha products,” Goldhawk said.
“For us, it’s not just about selling these models, but sharing the experience that they offer.
“So when we talk about our range, we do it with the sort of knowledge that can only be gained by experience.
“And this let’s us share some Yamaha Kando* too,” he adds.
For those who had not driven an SSV before, the ability to descend steep terrain without using brakes was an eye opener.
“Each Yamaha utility SSV is fitted with our Ultramatic drive system that allows all wheel engine braking when descending,” Goldhawk added.
“On a steep, muddy hill, braking can quite often lock up the wheels and you can actually speed up and lose control — which is not ideal.
“Our Ultramatic drive system allow our SSVs to descend slowly with no braking and with the driver in full control of the vehicle.”
The appearance of four new models to the lineup added to the excitement at the two-day Yamaha SSV Experience.
Many of the 70 Yamaha dealers who attended had driven a Yamaha SSV but only two dealers had driven the entire range — and no-one had ever seen all models in one location at the same time.
Meet the lineup
The new Wolverine X2 1000 R-SPEC that offers a first step onto the 1000cc twin cylinder platform is a compact and easy to drive vehicle — a value packed proposition that can easily be upgraded with features after purchase.
The RMAX2 1000 Sport is another new SSV that comes with additional drive features such as Turf Mode that unlocks the rear diff and preserves delicate lawn areas, switchable Electric Power Steering and creature comforts such as an Adventure Pro Navigation system and premium MTX sound system.
The two other new models are RMAX2 and RMAX4 1000 XT-R — a pair of top-of-the-range two- and four-seater 999cc twins that offer a first class car-type driving experience. The RMAX family advanced drive features and switchable EPS join adjustable Fox suspension that soak up the harshest trails.
The XT-R package includes a trick paint scheme, big Maxxis Carnivore tyres running on 14in aluminium beadlock rims and colour matched full comfort seats. Add a heavy-duty winch and you are all set for a day of adventure tackling tough terrain.
“The off-road ability of all the units on test was impressive, but none more so than the RMAX range,” Goldhawk added.
“The long travel suspension soaks up bumps and offers a premium ride experience.
“The RMAX4 1000 XT-R has space to carry four in comfort plus a tilt tray that adds versatility.”
In addition to hill climbs and descents, there were plenty of rocks to navigate and the odd bog hole, so many of the features such as the steel underbody skidplates, the hi/lo range, the switchable On Command 2WD/4WD and Diff Lock drive system and Electric Power Steering – three mode switchable on the RMAXs – could be tested.
Course signage dotted around each course helped drives decide which mode to use to tackle various trail features.
Safety and smiles
Many of the more inexperienced drivers could not believe the ability of these rugged SSVs to climb super steep and rocky terrain.
Several asked organisers if it was safe and if the units would tip over because the angles of approach are so much more severe than in a 4WD.
The answer is yes, these vehicles are safe, but only when following safety protocol and only when wearing a helmet and seatbelt – both of which are non-negotiable items.
No-one rolled or crashed a unit during the event, but if one were to roll over, a seatbelt helps keep you inside the vehicle and a helmet prevents injury against the roll cage.
So while a belt and helmet seem like overkill, both are 100 per cent mandatory.
After a fun day tackling the trails, Yamaha staff headed off for a dinner with their Yamaha dealer partners followed by a sneak peak of the all-new 70th Anniversary 2026 YZ450F and the screening of the last game in the State of Origin NRL series.
Some were happier about the result than others.
But they all loved Yamaha’s capable and comfortable SSV range.
