2024 Yamaha YXZ1000R

A sportbike on four wheels, made for dirt. Crazy and glorious engine. Wild styling. Low weight. Unique transmission options, and for 2024, all models come with a six-speed transmission. As focused a performer as it gets.

Can’t be had with more than two seats. Automated sequential manual isn’t as smooth at low speed as a traditional CVT.

The key update for 2024 is the addition of that sixth gear. It makes the Yamaha’s engine a bit more versatile and should help fuel range a bit. Otherwise, this is the same great rig we’ve loved for years—and one of the most fun things on wheels.

The 2024 Yamaha YXZ1000R is basically the same as the 2023 model, but that’s no bad thing. This is a fun rig, one of the best sport side-by-sides on the market. It’s perfect for anywhere you want to haul the mail—forests, sand, packed clay, whatever. Yamaha doesn’t provide power figures, but our testing has shown the YXZ to produce around 100 hp. If that’s not enough, a Yamaha-backed GYTR turbo kit is available for slightly more than $6,000.

For 2024, all Yamaha YXZ1000R models feature a new six-speed transmission. That gearbox is functionally similar to last year’s five-speed, just with an extra ratio. In addition, first gear in all YXZs is now 40 percent shorter.

2024 Yamaha YXZ1000R: $20,899

2024 Yamaha YXZ1000R SS: $20,899

2024 Yamaha YXZ1000R SS XT-R: $23,699

The YZX1000R and the YXZ1000R SS differ only in gearbox. Both models feature a six-speed transmission. Where the R wears a traditional clutch pedal and a sequential shifter, the SS uses an automated clutch and shift paddles. SS XT-R trim brings a host of nice-to-have accessories: a Warn winch, a composite sun top, extra underbody protection, auxiliary lights, and more aggressive Maxxis Carnage tires.

Those extra bits are nice to have, but a clutch pedal is a strong draw, especially with an enthusiast-oriented machine like this. We’d go with the base R and add a few accessories through either Yamaha’s dealer catalog or the aftermarket.

This is the fastest and most aggro side-by-side that Yamaha makes, and that fact is most evident in the driveline. That 998cc triple makes 101 whooping, shrieking horsepower—not a record-setting number on its own, but far more than enough given the YXZ’s skimpy 1,500-pound weight.

Again, for 2024, the old five-speed gearbox is gone, replaced by a six-speed. SS models feature Yamaha’s new auto-shift transmission software, basically a set of shift modes controlled by a dashboard knob. Those modes can be changed on the fly, without stopping. Sport Shift gives you full manual shifting control, Auto is relaxed and short-shift calm, and Sport Auto is a happy medium between the two.

First gear in all models is now 40 percent lower. We haven’t tested the six-speed YXZ yet, but its acceleration should be quicker than that of the five-speed model, traction depending. Yamaha says the ratio change was made primarily to reduce clutch wear, shift harshness, and transmission noise.

This is where the Yixzer shines. The YXZ’s chassis is older, dating to a 2019 redesign, but you won’t care—it’s still a beast in corners and happiest bombing over rough terrain. This is a wide machine, more than 64 inches across, but short in length, built for nimble stability. Poise under pressure—and in wild surface conditions—is the name of the game.

All three trim levels use Fox 2.5 Podium RC2 shocks with a dual-rate spring package. Each shock is adjustable for preload, rebound, high-speed compression, low-speed compression, and crossover, and they work remarkably well. Their refinement is especially obvious in whoops, where the Yamaha is more stable than you’d expect, given its relatively short wheelbase. Suspension travel is ample, at 16.2 inches up front and 17.0 inches in the rear. Base and SS models wear 29-inch Maxxis Bighorn tires, and the XT-R features the more aggressive 29-inch Maxxis Carnage.

Hydraulic discs front and rear. They work well and are a good match for the YXZ’s ample power.

This is a compact side-by-side, built for speed. Space isn’t a priority—the Yamaha’s interior is comfortable enough, but you’re not going to mistake it for your living room. The two seats give excellent support for aggressive riding but may be tight for larger folks. The radiator lives behind the cabin, helping keep heat away from passengers.

In terms of utility, what you see is what you get. That short bed is just as it looks in pictures, no hidden features or pockets. It’s useful for tying down small items but not much else.

The YXZ’s cargo bed holds a few tie-down points and is rated to carry a maximum of 300 pounds. Yamaha has not rated the YXZ1000R for towing.

Like motorcycles? Always wanted something screamy and small and simple, but didn’t like the thought of two wheels? This is the dashboard for you. The YXZ1000R’s instrumentation is a visual salute to Yamaha’s motorbikes—there’s a 12,000 rpm analog tach, a digital speedometer, and a prominent programmable shift light. The black-and-white LCD dash holds a clock, a fuel gauge, trip- and hourmeters, a coolant-temperature warning, and gear position. The Yamaha’s current four-wheel-drive mode is also displayed. Base and SS models come equipped with dual LED headlights. XT-R trim brings front auxiliary lighting.

The 2024 Yamaha YXZ100R comes with a six-month limited factory warranty.

Want to stay up to date on the latest UTV Driver news and reviews? Sign up for our newsletter!