Yamaha Unveils Tactical Black Viking EPS

Yamaha’s Tractical Black Viking is a looker.

Viking Features

Unique to the Viking is its pass-through bucket seating for three, with an off-set center position that improves comfort by allowing more 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.

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Power comes from what Yamaha calls its strongest four-wheel drive engine to date – a 686cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder, 4-valve fuel-injected engine.

Yamaha Fuel Injection is designed to deliver consistent starts and power even at elevation and in cold weather and the 9.7 gallon fuel tank allows for long days in the field or on the trail.

The middle passenger is situated slightly rearward, giving more shoulder room to all riders.

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 system gives the driver the control to lock in all four wheels based on the terrain.

Yamaha’s Ultramatic transmission with high, low and reverse features dual speed gearing and an automatic centrifugal clutch that maintains constant belt tension for reduced wear while offering exceptional engine braking performance.

Electric Power Steering, an option on the base Viking, comes standard on the Tactical Black version. 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.

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The Viking’s rear steel cargo bed with assiste dump is large enough to carry a fully loaded pallet or up to 600 pounds of equipment and supplies. A standard two-inch receiver hitch is rated to pull 1,500 pounds.

A fully loaded pallet can fit in the cargo bed.

For a vehicle with such good work characteristics, the Viking is a very capable trail machine. Nearly 12 inches of ground clearance, full steel/composite skid plate, four-wheel independent suspension and gas-charged shocks all help the Viking feel comfortable and proficient on the trails

All-new Maxxis Big Horn 2.0 tires were designed specifically and exclusively for the Viking. The new Big Horns were designed to provide an optimized balance of sidewall and tread center stiffness. Large diameter front and rear brake discs with dual piston calipers on all four wheels offer good braking performance. The Viking also comes equipped with a mechanical parking disc brake.

To help ensure you stay on the trail and out of the garage, Yamaha outfitted the Viking with marine-grade electrical connections and wiring, a sealed maintenance-free battery, digital meter and easily accessible and serviceable foam air filter and engine.

Look for the Tactical Black Viking this spring in Yamaha dealerships.

The SE Tactical Black Viking 4×4 EPS will be available in the spring of 2014 with an MSRP of $13,749 – a $1,250 premium over the Viking 4×4 EPS.