Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/730410
58 • October 3, 2016 • Powersports Business ATV/UTV www.PowersportsBusiness.com Big Buck provides tight quarters for Yamaha's Sport Shift side-by-side BY DAVE McMAHON EDITOR IN CHIEF Scott Newby, who handles ATV and side-by- side public relations for Yamaha Motor Corp. USA, welcomed the media to the press ride of the YXZ1000R SS in Greenville, South Carolina, in August with one plea: Find some time to ride as a passenger alongside Dustin Nelson, the sea- soned former motocross and sport quad cham- pion who now dominates the Lucas Oil Regional Off-Road Series in both Arizona and Southern California with the original YXZ 1000R. "It's an awesome experience. And the rides are free," was Newby's way of telling the assembled guests that they would be in for a treat if they opted to take the open seat next to Nelson. Yes, the ride was indeed free. But the Big Buck ATV park in nearby Union County took on a new look with Nelson at the helm. I had been getting more confident behind the steer- ing wheel as the muggy day wore on, extend- ing the YXZ1000R SS, Yamaha's latest — and greatest — pure sport side-by-side, with each trip around the course. Yamaha officials spent the week creating an ideal course. About 60 percent of the course was the same one that riders in the GNCC race had traversed earlier in the spring. The remainder was carved out to provide the SS with even more obstacles and tighter turns. What about the paddle shifting? It was simply awesome. Shift up with the right paddle and shift down with the left paddle — it's about as easy as its sounds. Even more, for novice/ intermediate drivers like myself, an automatic downshift feature assists by automatically downshifting to first gear when the vehicle comes to a stop, even if a driver like me has not done so manually. During a couple of straightaway portions of the trail, it made sense to try out the YXZ SS "Launch System." It's only available on the SS model, and provides a thrill-a-minute during the high-acceleration feeling from stop. It's similar to "dropping the clutch" in a manual vehicle with a clutch pedal. Or, follow a few basic steps, pull both shifters toward you, push the gas to an appropriate RPM level (higher please!), hold the foot steady, and release the shifters — and there you go, wheels spinning, dirt flying and you racing down the straight- away like you're a pro. But no, you're not even close to that level (OK, some of the Yamaha employees are pretty darn close!). And you realize where you sit as a technical driver when you accept the afore- mentioned offer and ride alongside Nelson. YXZ1000R SS a thrill- a-minute on the trails See YXZ, Page 59 PHOTOS BY HOPPENWORLD.COM In tight quarters at Big Buck, home of the GNCC, the Yamaha YXZ1000R SS felt right at home.