Yamaha Beyond Motorcycles

When you think Yamaha, chances are motorcycles come to mind first. I know that’s true for me. Every bike I own today wears the Yamaha tuning fork, and for good reason. They’re dependable, fun, and built with that mix of performance and reliability I trust. But Yamaha is more than just a motorcycle brand. Spend enough time outdoors and you’ll see the company’s name on everything from outboard motors to Side-by-Side vehicles.

For folks who live, work, and play off-road, those machines are just as much “Yamaha” as an MT-07 or an R1.

The latest example is the 2026 Wolverine RMAX4 1000. It’s designed for families, hunters, or anyone who wants to bring more people or gear along for the ride. Think of it as a go-anywhere SUV, but for the trail. It runs a 999cc parallel twin with a belt-drive CVT that Yamaha is confident enough to back with a 10-year warranty.

That’s huge peace of mind when you’re miles from anywhere. It’ll tow 2,000 pounds, carry 600 in its bed, and still give you the comfort of a full-size cabin. If tight trails are more your thing, the Compact version trims the chassis while keeping the clever stow-and-go rear seats.

What stands out is how Yamaha blends toughness with tech. Their On-Command 4WD system lets you lock things down for traction or switch into Turf Mode when you need to tread lightly. High-end trims add a 7-inch Adventure Pro display with Bluetooth, MTX audio, and even a rearview camera. Fox suspension, selectable power maps, and multiple steering modes mean it adapts as easily to family rides as it does to weekend chores.

If you want something smaller, the Wolverine X2 and X4 keep things nimble with an 847cc twin, while the new Wolverine X2 1000 borrows the bigger motor and interior refinements from the RMAX. And if your main focus is work, the Viking carries three, tows 1,500 pounds, and comes with a Ranch Edition that makes long days in the field just a bit easier.

On the flip side, 2025 will be the final year for the YXZ1000R. That manual-transmission, three-cylinder sport machine was one of a kind, but Yamaha is clearly focusing on rigs that split the difference between fun and utility.

For me, that’s what makes Yamaha special. They don’t just build fast bikes or capable UTVs; they build machines you can count on, no matter the job or the adventure. And honestly, if the day comes when I want a UTV in my garage, it’ll probably be a Wolverine.