Less than a year ago, Yamaha announced the launch of the radical YXZ1000R, a pure sports SxS that has opened up a whole new supersport category in the ROV world. With its super aggressive looks, radical design and sequential manual gearbox – combined with blistering acceleration and a phenomenal top speed – the all-terrain YXZ1000R has transformed the off road world. Now Yamaha are about to take the high performance SxS concept to the next level with the introduction of the new YXZ1000R SS. Featuring a racing-style paddle shift system that offers even quicker acceleration and a higher level of controllability in extreme situations, this high specification supersport SxS brings computer-controlled racing car technology to the ROV category for the first time.

The YXZ1000R SS Sport Shift uses a highly efficient clutchless paddle shift system that enables the driver to shift seamlessly through the sequential 5-speed transmission – even on full throttle if desired. By utilizing the sophisticated Yamaha Chip Controlled Shift system (YCC-S), this class-leading Sport Shift system makes shifting through the 5-speed gearbox easier than any other manual design. It is also the first ROV to offer a launch system to SxS drivers, and this computer controlled technology delivers much faster acceleration than would be possible with a manual system.

The intelligent YCC-S has been programmed to automatically downshift without any paddle input when the YXZ1000R SS is coming to a stop. This saves the driver from having to worry about being in the right gear or stalling at low speeds, and it also means that when the driver goes to accelerate from a low speed, the vehicle will be in the appropriate gear. To prevent an over-rev situation, this auto shift down will not function during sudden braking.

For controlled descents, there is an engine brake control function that is activated when the vehicle is coasting downhill with no throttle. During this situation, the driver needs to leave the throttle closed and the brake off, and the YCC-S will automatically engage half clutch function and modulate the engine brake resistance to achieve a speed of around 10km/h. Once the throttle or brakes are activated the system disengages, allowing the driver to assume full control.

The cockpit has been designed to give a sporty seating position and features all controls close to hand. The three-spoke adjustable steering wheel gives a good view of the multi-function instruments, and for driver comfort there’s an adjustable seat with a left footrest and right heel rest. On the passenger side, there’s a hand hold for added security on rough terrain, as well as footrests, a glove box, two cup holders and a central storage bin.

The analogue tachometer features a large inset digital gear display, while the LCD speedometer has a multi function display that includes water temperature, clock, fuel gauge, odometer and tripmeter. The array of warning lights include oil, parking, reverse, neutral and engine management displays – and on the console’s right side the driver can view the half clutch, launch control and YCC-S warning lamps.

To transmit its high levels of power more effectively to the surface, the YXZ1000R SS is equipped with 14″ cast aluminium wheels featuring a lock plate with M6 fasteners that prevent the tyres from moving on the rim.

YXZ1000R SS SE and YXZ1000R SE Special Edition models are the first SxS vehicles to be equipped with FOX Podium X2 Internal Bypass Shocks that give superior controllability and traction over a wider speed range and on different types of terrain. These state-of-the-art shocks give full adjustability for high and low speed compression, as well as high and low speed rebound – and for added convenience all of the adjusters are located at the top of the unit.