The bigger, wider, stronger Yamaha Viking has excellent rough-terrain ability. NFM reviewer Barry Ashenhurst was at this week’s launch in Wauchope, NSW.
In a lavish launch on the parched paddocks of NSW’s mid north coast, Yamaha introduced the new Viking Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROHV).
Apparently we don’t call them ‘side-by-sides’ any more.
The new Yamaha Viking ROHV 4×4 replaces the aged but venerable Rhino.
Staged at Mount Seaview Resort, about half an hour from the township of Wauchope, the event offered a challenging landscape ideal for assessing the new vehicle.
The Viking is important to Yamaha. The ROHV market is growing as more recreational and rural users see these people-carriers as alternatives to conventional ATVs.
ROHVs are popular with female users too, because they’re more car-like and require no upper-body strength to operate.
Yamaha had five Vikings on hand, as well as a number of Grizzly ATVs, including the new 700, which now has the same 686cc single-cylinder engine as the ROHV.
After a detailed riding instruction session from Yamaha’s training expert Rod Jenner, a dozen journalists fell on the Vikings and headed for the jagged topography.
The Viking isn’t exactly new from the ground up but it’s pretty close.
The engine is what powered the retired Rhino but has been brought up to date with more power, much better fuel efficiency and what Yamaha says is improved drivetrain durability.
Reports from some American journalists suggest that more power would be welcome, but Americans generally want more of everything.
In our opinion, recreational users might like a bit more grunt, for a higher top speed than 80kph if nothing else.
But the typical Australian farmer will be happy with the Viking’s power and torque curve, and that this well thought-out 4×4 can safely and comfortably transport three people over demanding terrain.
Look for the Viking ROHV video test coming online soon and read Barry’s full review in the March issue of New Farm Machinery, on sale February 24.