Yamaha Viking 6 Seater Review: [IS IT WORTH IT?]

Yamaha clearly stated that the Viking was just the first of several products intended to help them re-enter the UTV market. The second iteration of that promise is the six-seat Viking VI, which builds on the robust characteristics of the first Viking while adding enhancements and qualities to render it further capable.

The base four-stroke, 686cc, EFI-equipped, liquid-cooled engine of the new Viking VI is like the conventional Viking, but there have been several significant upgrades. Yamaha short-peened the gear surfaces for improved wear resistance to increase the engine's capacity to handle greater loads.

It is capable, stable, and one of the few times when the bigger, heavier bike feels better. The Viking six-seater is an excellent option if you must transport a large team to the job site or a deer camp.

How Long Is A Yamaha Viking 6 Seater

The Yamaha Viking VI is known to be the only six-seater side-by-side that features bucket seats. This vehicle is 153.5 inches long, 61.8 inches wide, and 76.6 inches high; it has a maximum ground clearance of 11.4 inches. The maximum bed capacity is 600 pounds, while the towing capacity is 1500 pounds.

Yamaha Viking 6 Seater

You will struggle to find a side-by-side that embodies the words "large, meaty, and rugged" than the revolutionary Yamaha Viking VI. Texas limo is synonymous with everything huge, muscular, and challenging in Texas.

Similar to the standard Viking, the chassis frame is made of steel tubes, but it has been strengthened in critical locations to support the added weight and torsion stresses caused by the 7.5 inches larger wheelbase. Yamaha also devised a unique method to lessen the likelihood of the more extended chassis being trapped.

The outside cab structure rails were raised by around 2.5 inches, creating a low V-form bottom instead of a fully flat lower surface. As a result, there is less touch with any trail obstacles. For the Viking VI, however, not only was the chassis strengthened or altered, even the tires underwent adjustments.

Since the engine is beneath the back dump tank and the airflow is located below the front bonnet, a lengthier air intake was required. However, a much larger foam-type filter was installed underneath the back center seat to compensate for any potential flow reduction.

The new dual-foam filtration is washable and offers a sizable surface area for outstanding performance between cleanings. The fuel injection design was changed to match the necessary power output, and the redesigned Viking VI also has extra cooling capacity.

A highly ingenious oil cooler located immediately between the engine casings and the spin-on oil filter aids in preventing the oil from breaking down at high temperatures, which is essential. Yamaha is incredibly proud of its sprag clutch and Ultramatic transmission.

There is a significant difference even if it appears comparable to other CVT transmissions. Most CVT clutches depend on the belt moving, and connection can be uncomfortable when the belts start to overheat or wear.

The steady belt pressure, less heat accumulation, and smooth contact provided by the Ultramatic sprag clutch all contribute to longer belt life. A knob on the dash makes it simple to choose between 2WD, 4WD, and 4WD completely locked front differential.

Both starting and stopping quickly and safely are crucial; thus, Yamaha equipped the Viking VI with excellent, dual-piston brakes at every wheel to ensure that there would be no issues. To prevent heat from entering the brake system, a thermal insulator was also fitted to separate it from the wheel.

The second seat row is unquestionably the Viking VI's distinguishing feature, even if the front portion of the vehicle looks exactly like the standard Viking. However, the back of the Viking VI is an entirely developed system created for utility and comfort, not merely stretching the frame and throwing in a board with specific foam attached to it.

The Viking VI offers spacious bucket seats, individual lap and shoulder belts, and plenty of legroom for passengers in the back. Although it may not seem like much, the middle rider is slightly reclined back, similar to the front, effectively preventing much of the shoulder-to-shoulder friction and sagging as riders compete for space.

Yamaha also chiseled out the front headrests so they would not obstruct the forward vision, raising the back riding position by an inch for a clearer view of the path ahead. A set of folding doors within the cab keeps everyone's feet well covered. There is also remote, padded shoulder support for the passengers outside.

Everybody in the rear has somewhere to grip on, thanks to a robust wrist grasp with a rubbery coating and a perforated floorboard that helps you anchor your boots. Yamaha decided to obscure the front passenger's seat belt brackets.

Another excellent chance to enhance the Viking was to add an extra row of seats. Thankfully, the Viking VI includes storage compartments inside the console, under each front seat, and under the dash itself. Additionally, there are numerous cup holders for one stag party and accessory connections for riders in the front and back.

A more extended chassis typically results in a marginally smoother ride on unpaved roads, but it compromises control and efficiency in other situations. The newest Viking VI marks the first automobile to defy that characteristic. You will enjoy how Viking VI feels.

You will feel perfectly at home even though the cabin and front seat are almost identical to the average Viking. Despite a full load at the front, there will still be space for everyone because the seats are comfy. Storage and controls are conveniently located; the back seat's comfort is excellent.

Again, unless you are sporting enormous boots, the doors make entrance simple, and there is a lot of private space once seated. Furthermore, there was ample knee room, with a few extra inches available for even riders over 6 feet tall. The Viking VI engine has satisfactory performance but is much quieter at the front.

Yamaha Viking Ranch Edition

The Yamaha Viking Ranch Edition UTVs are powerful and competent vehicles with Yamaha's outstanding dependability and quality already present. While few users may find the model lacking overall capabilities and capacity, it is an excellent option for those looking for a utilitarian automobile that can still perform.

The Viking sports a single-cylinder, EFI-controlled, 700-class old yet reasonably capable engine. This engine produces enough power to haul the maximum weight in the cargo area bed while carrying a complete load of six people or to tow the recommended 1500 pounds.

You might assume that such an engine lacks power compared to its rivals if you are accustomed to specific other utility UTVs on the market. Ranchers, hobbyists, and hunters are still devoted to the Viking lineup because of the durability and silence of this closed-engine configuration.

The clutching and transmission are two features of each Yamaha UTV. The clutches handle any payload placed on a Yamaha UTV with smooth takeoffs and stops. This is evident in the Viking VI; this Ranch Edition accelerates well in low and high gear.

One of the most excellent features of the Viking Ranch Edition is the inside. All passengers in conventional utility UTVs share a bench seat, but Yamaha broke the mold with the Viking range by including individual seats for each of the VI's six occupants. The well-sculpted seats will keep you comfy for lengthy journeys.

Final Thoughts

The most durable, capable, and adaptable ATVs and Side-by-Side vehicles are produced by Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., a market leader in the motorsports industry. The six-seat Yamaha Viking is a UTV focused on utility; six persons can be accommodated in a reasonably small area using two rows of seating. Each Viking model features the well-known dependability and construction quality from Yamaha.