By Cody Hooper
We installed PRP RS suspension seats and 5.3 harnesses in our 2019 Yamaha YXZ1000R SS-SE, then spent a week testing them on rocky trails and rough sand washes near Lake Havasu, Arizona. The goal was more support for spirited trail driving without making every stop a struggle to climb out of the car.
Why We Chose PRP RS Seats
Seat choice depends on the driver as much as the machine. Seat width, cushion depth, side bolster height and shoulder support all affect how a bucket feels after hours on the trail. We wanted a seat that would hold us securely, accommodate a five-point harness and remain easy to enter and exit. For more background on the test vehicle, see our Yamaha YXZ1000R model guide.
After talking with PRP’s Aaron Wedeking, we chose the RS. Its lower hip bolsters are easier to step over than those of a more restrictive race seat, while the deep seat pocket and broad shoulder area still provide useful support. Our primary tester, at 6 feet 2 inches and 250 pounds, found the fit snug. Smaller occupants also sat securely in the deeper pocket. As with any seat, try one in person if possible: body shape and preferred seating position matter.
Construction and Options
We picked up the seats at PRP’s Temecula, California, facility, where we saw frame fabrication and upholstery work. At the time of our visit, PRP offered a broad choice of materials and colors, plus options such as storage pockets, hydration, lumbar support and heat. Availability, lead times and configurations can change, so check PRP Seats for the current catalog.
Installing the RS Seats in a Yamaha YXZ1000R
Our package included two RS seats, PRP’s 3-inch 5.3 harnesses and steel mounting brackets. On this 2019 YXZ, we trimmed a small plastic piece in the driver’s seat basin to clear the adapter bracket. The factory seat slider remained functional. The PRP bracket also supplied a harness mounting tab that brought the lap belt attachment points into better alignment than the original inboard belt location. Both sides went in without other problems, and the installation took us about an hour.
After mounting the seats, we carefully adjusted the harnesses for each occupant. Lap belts need to sit low and snug, and the shoulder and anti-submarine straps need to follow the harness manufacturer’s routing and mounting instructions. We also secured the shoulder belts against sideways movement on the harness bar. Have the complete installation checked against the instructions for your specific vehicle, seat and harness before riding.
Trail Test Near Lake Havasu
The RS seats made their strongest impression each time we got in or out of the YXZ. Their lower side bolsters eased entry, yet they still held us in place through fast corners, rocky trails, whooped-out washes and big G-outs. The suspension-seat construction added some cushioning when the vehicle hit hard.
The PRP 5.3 harnesses had wide, comfortable padding. Their shoulder adjusters made it quick to loosen the upper straps to reach toward the glovebox, and they continued to operate after a week of dust and rain. We appreciated the adjustment range, even though a sewn-together harness can be quicker to buckle.
Verdict
For our YXZ, the PRP RS delivered a useful balance of support, comfort and easy access. The multi-density foam was holding up well at the end of our test, though this week of riding was not a long-term durability test of this particular pair. Drivers who want a tight race-seat fit may prefer a different model; those who spend long days trail riding should put the RS on their short list.
2019 pricing from the original review: $1,026 for a pair of Yamaha Blue RS seats and $139 per 5.3 harness. These are historical figures, not current quotes. Check PRP for present pricing and vehicle-specific mounting options.
