Pure Sport: 2017 Yamaha YXZ1000R SS

The Yamaha YXZ1000R SS features a high-performance Sport Shift five-speed sequential shift transmission that is user selectable for the ultimate in off-road control. Sport Shift is Yamaha’s sequential five-speed manual transmission that marries the power, durability, and efficiency of a traditional manual transmission with an automatic clutch system. This system replaces the standard foot-operated clutch pedal with finger-operated paddle shifters, mounted to the steering column just behind the steering wheel. To switch gears, you never have to let go of the steering wheel, which is handy when you’re negotiating difficult terrain.

Built for Durability

Durability is a crucial factor in any high-performance UTV, and the YXZ1000R SS proves its mettle when pushed to the limit. Even when we put it through its paces at speeds that would make most weekend warriors think twice, the YXZ felt unflappable. Repeated hard launches, aggressive cornering, and spirited sprints across rough trails did little to faze this machine; it took the punishment in stride, demonstrating Yamaha’s commitment to building a side-by-side that’s as tough as it is fun.

That kind of resilience means you can focus on the thrill of the ride, confident that your UTV is engineered to handle whatever challenge you throw its way—whether you’re chasing checkered flags or just making memories out in the wild.

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What’s New for 2017: Key Upgrades and Features

For 2017, the Yamaha YXZ1000R SS doesn’t stray far from its already capable roots, but it does introduce some thoughtful refinements that set it apart from previous versions.

First and foremost, the highlight is the new Sport Shift (SS) system, which ditches the traditional clutch pedal in favor of race-inspired paddle shifters mounted to the steering column. This means shifting gears becomes a seamless, almost intuitive action—no need to pry your hands from the wheel, even when navigating gnarly terrain, tight switchbacks, or technical trails. The system not only boosts driver focus and confidence, but it makes for a much more engaging ride. Beginners and veterans alike will appreciate just how effortless the transitions feel, whether pushing hard on a race course or winding through the woods.

Although the SS system steals the show, Yamaha has sprinkled in some practical updates as well:

A new temperature gauge now sits on the dash, giving you quick insight into the machine’s status at a glance.
CV shields mounted on the suspension arms offer upgraded protection for key driveline components, especially handy for deflecting debris in more rugged eastern forests or rocky mountain trails.
Cabin insulation improvements help keep engine heat at bay, making longer days in the seat noticeably more comfortable.
The split analog-digital multifunction display brings relevant ride info front and center, showing gear position, 4WD status, trip meters, fuel, and more. New indicators—including Launch System and Half Clutch engagement—make it easier to understand what’s happening under the hood.

Underneath, the frame gets some love with lightweight, durable Thermoplastic Olefin skid protection—built to buffer impacts while still allowing you to glide over trail obstacles with minimal fuss. Optimized frame dimensions reinforce the YXZ1000R SS’s sporty, responsive handling, rounding out an already sharp package.

All told, Yamaha’s 2017 model takes a big leap forward in driver engagement and capability, making it even easier—and more fun—to extract the maximum performance, no matter your playground.

Launch Control and Dead Engine Starts: What Racers Need to Know

For those looking to leverage Yamaha’s new Sport Shift system on the racecourse, there are a few important considerations—especially if your competition involves dead engine starts, such as those in GNCC racing. With the YXZ1000R SS, you won’t be able to activate Launch Control with the engine off and hope to fire things up in one seamless motion at the drop of the flag. While it would be great to stage your launch, then simply start the engine and rocket away, that feature isn’t available with this model.

However, the good news is that the machine will start even when it’s in gear, which adds a measure of convenience on the start line. With the engine running, Launch Control provides a noticeable advantage by delivering a harder, more immediate acceleration right out of the gate. Conversely, if you attempt a dead engine start just by mashing the pedal, expect somewhat softer acceleration than what Launch Control can provide.

One caveat for racers: the engine cranks a bit longer than some might wish before firing up. This slight delay could make nabbing the holeshot a bit more challenging, especially in events that mandate engines-off starts. Modifications might mitigate this for the die-hard competitor. On the flip side, series that let you line up with engines running will let you fully exploit the SS’s Launch Control—perfect for those all-out sprints to the first turn.

Maintenance Made Simple: The Impact on Clutch Longevity

One of the unsung benefits of Yamaha’s SS (Sport Shift) system is its direct influence on maintenance—especially when it comes to clutch components. Unlike traditional manual transmissions, the YXZ1000R SS utilizes Yamaha Chip Controlled Shift (YCC-S) technology, a sophisticated system that automatically manages clutch engagement with remarkable precision.

This means the vehicle’s control unit continuously monitors critical parameters like throttle position, wheel speed, engine RPM, and load, applying just the right amount of clutch at precisely the right moment. In practical terms, there’s far less guesswork, abrupt engagement, or accidental riding of the clutch than you’d find with a human foot at the pedal.

As a result:

Reduced Clutch Wear: The automatic clutch actuator engages and disengages the clutch more smoothly—and consistently—than even most skilled drivers, minimizing unnecessary friction.
Fewer Service Intervals: With less chance of user error, it’s likely that clutch plates and springs will need less frequent replacement compared to conventional manual systems.
Potential Cost Savings: While the SS version may command a higher price tag upfront, longer clutch life and fewer maintenance stops could very well offset some of that initial investment over the machine’s lifespan.

In essence, Yamaha’s Sport Shift system delivers not only performance on the trail but also genuine long-term benefits in the garage, sparing you the time, hassle, and expense that often come with heavy clutch wear and regular servicing.

Maintenance Made Simple: The Impact on Clutch Longevity

As a result:

Reduced Clutch Wear: The automatic clutch actuator engages and disengages the clutch more smoothly—and consistently—than even most skilled drivers, minimizing unnecessary friction.
Fewer Service Intervals: With less chance of user error, it’s likely that clutch plates and springs will need less frequent replacement compared to conventional manual systems.
Potential Cost Savings: While the SS version may command a higher price tag upfront, longer clutch life and fewer maintenance stops could very well offset some of that initial investment over the machine’s lifespan.

Effortless Reverse with Sport Shift

Shifting into reverse with the new Sport Shift system couldn’t be simpler. Instead of fumbling for a separate lever or coordinating your hands and feet, you just pull back on the shifter located in the center column. That’s it—no extra steps or complicated choreography required.

This intuitive setup is especially useful if you need to react quickly—like backing out of a tricky spot or pulling a fast turnaround mid-trail. Whether you’re practicing race maneuvers or simply navigating a tight trailhead at Moab, the system responds fast so you can go from a dead stop to reverse in one smooth motion.

Whether your chosen playground is an endless sea of sun drenched sandy dunes, or a damp forest full of tall trees and narrow dirt trails, scaling down from a large vehicle to a nimble and responsive UTV can be a fun and liberating experience.

Being able to zoom in and out of tight spots, and explore areas your full sized rig simply can’t go, can put a smile on your face every time you get to drive one.

As you have undoubtedly experienced, off roading over uneven and loosely packed ground is best done in a vehicle that you have total control over. Steering and throttle response are of great importance if you’d rather focus on getting to where you want to go instead of focusing on getting unstuck.

The fundamentals are the same whether or not you’re in a truck or a side-by-side.

Pure Sporting Fun

Because the Yamaha YXZ1000R SS is designed for pure sporting fun, it is equipped with a feature that you’d usually expect to only find on European supercars: Launch System. Activating Launch System by using the brake pedal and both steering wheel paddles, allows the driver to build up power for high-speed take-offs and maximum acceleration.

Powering the side-by-side is a 998cc inline three-cylinder engine. There’s plenty of get up and go, thanks to its compact double overhead cam, twelve-valve cylinder head, aggressive 11.3:1 compression ratio and dry-sump lubrication. All this culminates in a power plant that outputs 112 horsepower, great mid-range torque and a high-revving 10,500 RPM redline. It has a reported top speed of 85 miles per hour. Combined with its sequential shift transmission and shaft-driven four-wheel drive, you’ll be hard pressed to find terrain that you can’t power through.

Its ground-hugging prowess comes thanks in part to Fox 2.5 Podium RC2 Shocks. These piggyback shocks give the Yamaha YXZ1000R SS an amazing level of performance adjustability. It has both high- and low- speed compression damping adjustments, as well as high- and low-speed rebound. The versatility of this setup, and the capability it brings to this UTV, is off the charts. Each shock also rocks on dual springs, with crossover adjustments that provide a generous 16.2 inches front, and 17.0 inches rear, travel.

Under-Frame Protection Designed for the Wild

One detail you don’t want to overlook, especially if you’re considering tackling rocky river beds or gnarly root-filled forest paths, is under-frame protection. Yamaha equips the YXZ1000R SS with lightweight, ultra-durable Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) skid plates. The advantages? Not only do these robust panels defend the vitals underneath, they also provide the flexibility to absorb dings and hits, instead of cracking or deforming on impact.

This material lets the side-by-side slide smoothly over rocks, logs, and debris, helping you avoid hang-ups that can end a run early. By reducing wear and deflecting debris, the TPO skid plates seriously extend the lifespan of the chassis and give you the confidence to take on tougher trails, all without adding unnecessary weight.

Tested Where It Counts

Yamaha’s confidence in the YXZ1000R SS isn’t just bold marketing—it’s time spent proving capability far outside the SoCal dunes. To fully showcase its versatility, Yamaha put the YXZ1000R SS through its paces on the legendary Big Buck GNCC racecourse in Union, South Carolina. Known for its challenging mix of tight forest trails, high-speed open fields, creek crossings, technical hill climbs, rough ruts, and rock-strewn sections, this circuit stands as one of the most enduring stops on the GNCC schedule for a reason.

The day’s conditions were a true test: slick, clay-based soil and winding, rutted trails—terrain that couldn’t be more different from sandy expanses out west. After hours of real race-pace laps, the YXZ1000R SS demonstrated remarkable resilience and agility. Thanks to its sturdy chassis, advanced suspension, and unforgiving testing regimen, the machine powered through grueling mud, deep trenches, square-edge roots, and ever-changing surfaces with zero mechanical failures.

Notably, none of the vehicles suffered broken parts after back-to-back sessions over two full days, a testament to Yamaha’s engineering and the sports-focused design of the YXZ1000R SS. Whether you’re rallying in wide-open country or picking through tight, technical woods, this side-by-side is built to take on the extremes—and keep you moving when others might falter.

Built for Durability

Fun Utility Vehicle

With the entire driving experience in mind, Yamaha designed the cockpit to occupy the middle ground between pure driving performance and comfort for its pilot. Stepping inside, you’ll find comfortable high-back seats with extra lateral support and outside shoulder bolsters. Its floor has been purposely shaped to provide the driver and passenger both ample legroom, while still allowing for a steady grip during aggressive maneuvers. You can adjust both the front seat and steering wheel to get just the right fit.

Driver Comfort and Reduced Fatigue

The thoughtful integration of paddle shifters and Yamaha’s tilt steering column really pays off when the going gets tough. Gone are the days of fumbling for a clutch—shifting gears is now a nearly effortless affair, allowing you to keep both hands planted firmly on the steering wheel while navigating rough and unpredictable terrain. That direct, tactile connection helps boost confidence and keeps you in command, especially during spirited drives.

On longer trips or during aggressive bursts, having an ideal footing becomes invaluable. The well-placed raised foot-well gives your left leg a natural, bracing position to support your body through hard turns and jarring bumps. This translates to less driver fatigue and more energy for the adventure itself.

And when it comes to comfort, the high-back seats deliver in spades. With generous lateral support and shoulder bolsters, you’re held snugly in place without sacrificing comfort—even after hours behind the wheel. The upgraded cabin insulation for 2017 adds another welcome layer, reducing engine heat inside the cockpit and ensuring that, no matter how hard you push, you remain cool and comfortable.

Make no mistake: The Yamaha YXZ1000R SS is not made for doing mundane chores around the property. We know that you have plenty of options when shopping for a UTV. Yamaha helps us narrow down the field by producing this machine that’s made for fun — and boy did they deliver.

Where would we take the SS out to play? It doesn’t matter, as long as we’re behind the wheel.