2019 Yamaha YXZ1000R Preview

Lucas Cooney
by Lucas Cooney
The 2019 Yamaha YXZ1000R features some small but important changes to improve the comfort and performance of the Pure Sport Side-by-Side.


While the all-new Wolverine X2 is getting the lion’s share of the attention, the 2019 Yamaha YXZ1000R features some key updates that will appeal to fans Yamaha’s Pure Sport UTV.

Perhaps the most notable change is new 29-inch Maxxis Bighorn eight-ply tires. These tires are two-inches taller, which offers up the added benefit of more ground clearance. Yamaha also tweaked the gear ratios to match the larger, heavier tires.

Yamaha moved the radiator behind the seats, which should help make the cabin cooler for driver and passenger.

2019 Yamaha YXZ1000R Front

Other changes include new FOX RX2 shocks with updated dual rate springs and high flow internals, lowered seats, updated roof design that does away with the standard plastic roof, more aggressive body styling and improved visibility from the cockpit.

Four different models are available, including the YXZ1000R, YXZ1000R SE, YXZ1000R SS, and YXZ1000R SS SE. Prices have not yet been released.

Check out the press release below for full details on the redesigned 2019 Yamaha YXZ1000R:

Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, is widening the world of pure sport performance by introducing the new 2019 YXZ1000R™ Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicle. Designed for the ultimate high-performance off-road adventures on a wide variety of terrain – from open deserts and dunes, to muddy trails and rough, rocky terrain – the new YXZ1000R’s aggressive, race-ready chassis delivers coast-to-coast capability, comfort and confidence.

The new Proven Off-Road YXZ1000R and YXZ1000R Sport Shift (SS) is powered by Yamaha’s industry-first 998-cc triple-cylinder engine, and an enhanced five-speed manual transmission that delivers the industry’s only direct-connection experience for a wide range of drivers and landscapes across the country.

And for those who require even more punch, the Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR) turbo kit designed specifically for the YXZ line is now easier, faster, and less expensive to install. The GYTR Turbo kit uses the renowned Garrett GT2860RS turbo to meet Yamaha’s high-standards of durability, reliability and performance, while also being the only turbo in the industry that is CARB, EPA, and 50-state compliant for 2016-2018 model year YXZs, with 2019s soon to follow.

The new YXZ1000R / SS boasts enhanced new body styling and design, a larger, relocated radiator, lower-positioned seats, new suspension, new tires and wheels, along with enriched accessory integration. They are additionally equipped with Yamaha’s most off-road capable Real World Tech features including dependable On-Command® four-wheel drive (4WD), and industry-leading, speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering (EPS). YXZs are designed with either a full-manual transmission for ultimate vehicle control and connection, or with high-tech paddle shifters in the SS package.

Also new for the 2019 model year, the YXZ1000R comes pre-wired for incorporating the all-new Yamaha Adventure Pro GPS powered by Magellan, providing off-road enthusiasts the confidence and capability to explore more, and share off-road adventures with friends and family.

2019 Yamaha YXZ1000R SS SE Magellan GPS

Yamaha Adventure Pro GPS by Magellan

“The YXZ1000R’s new design opens up the pure sport Side-by-Side package to a wide range of drivers and terrain, all backed by Yamaha’s industry-leading Proven Off-Road durability and reliability,” said Mike Martinez, Yamaha’s ATV / SxS group vice president. “The YXZ has appealed to real performance enthusiasts since Yamaha introduced the thrilling experience of pure-sport shifting to Side-by-Sides, and now Yamaha is opening the door to even more off-road adventure seekers with the new 2019 YXZ, Adventure Pro, and GYTR turbo kit.”

Capability: Proven Off-Road Performance in a Variety of Terrains and Conditions.

The new 2019 Yamaha YXZ1000R brings the pure sport power and performance of its predecessors with the same industry-first three-cylinder, 12-valve, DOHC, liquid cooled, 998-cc engine. Delivering the most reliable and durable power of any 1,000-cc class machine, it boasts an aggressive 11.3:1 compression ratio and 10,500 RPM redline to facilitate the only true pure sport SxS experience in the industry.

2019 Yamaha YXZ1000R SS SE Action 1

That power is harnessed by the driver’s direct-connection to the vehicle through the industry-exclusive five-speed sequential shift transmission – now optimized with enhanced gear ratios paired with new 29-inch Maxxis® Bighorn eight-ply tires to provide Proven Off-Road performance in both high- and low-speed situations. Increased clutch durability delivers greater confidence during aggressive operation, while simultaneously improving performance at low speeds. The YXZ1000R is available in both a fully manual package, with a center-console sequential shift lever and foot clutch pedal, as well as Yamaha’s Sport Shift package, with pure sport-inspired paddle shifters synced to Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Shift (YCC-S) technology, an advanced automatic clutch system, eliminating the need for a clutch pedal.

Yamaha’s proven On-Command® system provides 2WD, 4WD and 4WD full diff-lock options in a driver-controlled system, eliminating any computer-generated hesitation or slipping, common in competitive models. Yamaha’s EPS with optimized steering ratios provides precise handling through the best balance of assist and positive feedback from any terrain.

Comfort: Enhanced Driver / Rider Experience with Cooler, Roomier Cabin.

The new 2019 Yamaha YXZ1000R is redesigned to enhance driver and passenger comfort for a wide variety of terrain, both within the cabin, and throughout the ride. A new oversized radiator has been relocated behind the seats, eradicating excess cabin heat while simultaneously eliminating the risk of clogging while driving through mud. Multiple air vents allow for consistent air intake, even with a storage box or cargo in the bed.

2019 Yamaha YXZ1000R SS SE Action 2

The cabin space has also been enhanced for increased comfort with lower seats and an updated roof design, maximizing space within the cabin for both driver and passenger, while easing entry and exit from the vehicle. The new roof design, combined with the more aggressive body styling, creates greater visibility in a variety of environments.

Optimized suspension settings offer greater ground clearance and a smoother ride in more diverse environments. New FOX RC2 shocks with updated spring rates and new high flow internals developed exclusively with FOX Racing are now available with dual springs and adjustable crossovers. The advanced 26-inch shocks jut through the steeply-raked front hood to soak up 16.2 inches of travel in the front, while massive 32-inch piggybacks withstand up to 17 inches of travel in the rear.

Confidence: Superior Durability, Reliability and Build-Quality for Secure Ride Feeling and Ease of Ownership.

Yamaha designs, engineers and tests its SxS vehicles in the Real World. The YXZ1000R is assembled with pride in Newnan, Georgia, and delivers the durability, reliability and superior build quality off-road enthusiasts have come to expect from Yamaha.

2019 Yamaha YXZ1000R SS SE Beauty

Available in Yamaha dealers this fall, along with pricing, The 2019 Yamaha YXZ1000R and YXZ1000R SS comes in two colors: Team Yamaha Blue and Graphite. The YXZ1000R SS Special Edition (SE) model features a Pure White painted bodywork, color-matched interior, true bead-lock wheels, a hard suntop, and other premium upgrades.

Lucas Cooney
Lucas Cooney

I have been working exclusively in digital media since 1997. I started out with TSN.ca, spending nearly nine years creating and editing content on Canada's leading sports website. I left to join VerticalScope, Inc., one of the world's largest online publishers, to start a number of powersports publications. While at VerticalScope, I've helped create and oversee content for a wide variety of different publications, including ATV.com, Off-Road.com, ArcheryTalk.com, Tractor.com, RVGuide.com, and many more.

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