The Yamaha Viking VI was Yamaha’s six-passenger utility side-by-side from the 2015 through 2025 model years. Introduced in June 2014, the extended-wheelbase Viking VI expanded the three-seat Yamaha Viking platform with two rows of individual seating while retaining its 686cc engine, Ultramatic continuously variable transmission, On-Command four-wheel drive and practical cargo bed.
The Viking VI remained deliberately straightforward throughout its production run. Yamaha updated its colors, special editions, accessories, pricing and warranty coverage, but the fundamental six-seat utility platform remained remarkably consistent. Yamaha retired the Viking VI after the 2025 model year while continuing to offer the three-passenger Viking for 2026.
Yamaha Viking VI at a Glance
| Model years | 2015–2025 |
|---|---|
| Seating capacity | Six occupants |
| Engine | 686cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected single-cylinder four-stroke |
| Transmission | Yamaha Ultramatic CVT with High, Low, Neutral and Reverse |
| Drive system | On-Command selectable 2WD, 4WD and locked 4WD |
| Width | 64 inches |
| Wheelbase | 115.6 inches |
| Ground clearance | 11.4 inches |
| Cargo-bed capacity | 600 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 pounds |
| Original base MSRP | $12,799 |
| Final base MSRP | $16,599 |
2015 Yamaha Viking VI Introduction
Yamaha announced the Viking VI on June 6, 2014, as a 2015 model. It followed the original three-passenger Viking introduced one year earlier and gave Yamaha a direct entry into the growing crew-cab utility UTV category.
Rather than installing conventional bench seats, Yamaha equipped the Viking VI with six individual seating positions. Each occupant received a headrest and three-point seat belt. The center seating positions were offset slightly toward the rear to create additional shoulder room without making the vehicle excessively wide.
The rear seating positions were approximately 20mm higher than those in front. Cutouts in the front headrests helped improve visibility for the rear passengers, while the pass-through floor made it possible to enter or exit the cab from either side.
Six-Passenger Cab and Interior
The Viking VI’s cab was one of its defining features. In addition to its six seating positions, Yamaha equipped the vehicle with dedicated passenger handholds and footrests, an adjustable driver’s seat and a full digital instrument display.
Storage included a sealed compartment beneath the center front seat, additional space beneath the remaining front seats and a large dashboard-mounted glove box. Eight cup holders were distributed through the two-row cab, and Yamaha provided DC power outlets for both the front and rear occupants.
The cab was enclosed by a certified rollover protective structure. Automotive-style controls and the dashboard-mounted gear selector placed the primary operating functions within easy reach of the driver.
686cc Engine and Ultramatic Transmission
Power came from a 686cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder four-stroke engine with a four-valve cylinder head. Although it was based on the engine used in the three-seat Viking, Yamaha revised the intake, fuel-injection mapping, ignition timing and clutch calibration for the larger Viking VI.
The engine was mounted beneath the rear cargo bed. Its reusable foam air filter was positioned beneath the center rear seat and could be accessed without tools.
Yamaha paired the engine with its Ultramatic V-belt CVT. An automatic centrifugal clutch maintained belt tension during operation, while a sprag clutch provided all-wheel engine braking during descents.
Beginning with eligible 2019 models, Yamaha backed the Ultramatic drive belt in the Viking family with a 10-year limited belt warranty for qualifying personal-use vehicles.
On-Command Four-Wheel Drive
The driver-controlled On-Command system allowed the operator to select among three drivetrain settings:
- Two-wheel drive
- Four-wheel drive
- Four-wheel drive with the front differential locked
The system allowed the driver to choose the appropriate setting rather than waiting for an automatically engaging drivetrain. Electric Power Steering was fitted to EPS versions and helped reduce steering effort with six passengers, a loaded cargo bed or rough terrain.
Cargo, Towing and Utility Capacity
Despite the extended passenger compartment, the Viking VI retained a full-size steel cargo bed. Its flat floor had no intrusive wheel wells, allowing it to carry a standard pallet. The bed provided approximately 14 cubic feet of space and was rated for up to 600 pounds.
A tilt-assist mechanism made dumping a load easier, while tie-down points helped secure tools, feed, hunting equipment and other cargo. The standard two-inch receiver hitch provided a listed towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
Chassis, Suspension and Dimensions
The Viking VI measured 153.5 inches long, 64 inches wide and 76.6 inches high. Its 115.6-inch wheelbase was 31.5 inches longer than that of the original three-seat Viking.
Independent double-wishbone suspension provided 8.1 inches of travel at each corner. The rear suspension incorporated an anti-sway bar, while hydraulic disc brakes were used on all four wheels.
Ground clearance measured 11.4 inches. Steel skid protection extended across the undercarriage, and the sides of the chassis were swept upward to help the vehicle move across uneven terrain.
Yamaha Viking VI Model-Year History
| Model year | Significant Viking VI update |
|---|---|
| 2015 | First model year for the six-passenger Viking VI. Standard, EPS and Matte Silver Special Edition versions were offered. |
| 2016 | The Copper Metallic Viking VI Ranch Edition added premium bodywork, a matching interior and roof, aluminum wheels, overfenders, mud flaps, brush guard and additional equipment. |
| 2017 | The established six-seat platform returned with its 686cc engine, Ultramatic transmission, On-Command four-wheel drive and 600-pound cargo bed. |
| 2018 | A Metallic Sand Ranch Edition arrived with color-matched components, cast-aluminum wheels, rear bed grab bar and heavy-duty front brush guard. |
| 2019 | Eligible new models gained Yamaha’s 10-year Ultramatic drive-belt warranty. |
| 2020 | The Ranch Edition adopted Copperhead Orange Metallic bodywork. Tactical Green and Realtree Edge versions were also offered. |
| 2021 | The Viking VI continued with its established engine, drivetrain, six-seat cab and utility ratings. |
| 2022 | The platform returned largely unchanged, with trim, color and pricing adjustments accounting for most model-year differences. |
| 2023 | Yamaha continued offering the Viking VI as a value-oriented six-passenger utility model. |
| 2024 | The core Viking VI platform remained in production with standard and Ranch Edition configurations. |
| 2025 | Final model year. The Viking VI started at $16,599, while the six-seat Ranch Edition started at $17,899. |
| 2026 | Yamaha retired the Viking VI from its U.S. side-by-side lineup while continuing the three-seat Viking. |
2016 Yamaha Viking VI Ranch Edition
For 2016, Yamaha expanded the lineup with the Viking VI Ranch Edition. It used Copper Metallic painted bodywork with a color-matched interior and sun top, silver cast-aluminum wheels and unique Ranch Edition badging.
The package also included a center-mounted rearview mirror, mud flaps, overfenders and a heavy-duty front brush guard. Yamaha listed the 2016 Viking VI Ranch Edition at approximately $15,499.
2018 Yamaha Viking VI Ranch Edition
The 2018 Viking VI lineup introduced a Metallic Sand Ranch Edition. Its equipment included color-matched bodywork and interior components, cast-aluminum wheels, a comfort-grip steering wheel, overfenders, a center rearview mirror, rear bed grab bar and heavy-duty front brush guard.
Other 2018 Viking VI choices included Armor Grey, Realtree Xtra and utility-focused standard colors. Pricing for the 2018 Viking VI lineup started at $13,999.
2019 Ultramatic Belt Warranty
For the 2019 model year, Yamaha introduced a 10-year limited warranty covering the Ultramatic transmission drive belt on eligible new Yamaha ATVs and side-by-sides assembled in the United States.
The warranty reinforced one of the Viking VI’s primary selling points: a centrifugal-clutch CVT designed to maintain constant belt tension rather than relying on the belt itself as the starting clutch. Eligibility and coverage depended on the vehicle, location, type of use and Yamaha’s warranty terms.
2020 Yamaha Viking VI
The 2020 Viking VI retained the established 686cc engine, On-Command drivetrain, 600-pound cargo rating and 1,500-pound towing capacity. Its model-year changes centered primarily on colors and trim packages.
The standard Viking VI was offered in Tactical Green, while a Realtree Edge model added aluminum wheels. The Copperhead Orange Metallic Ranch Edition included a color-matched interior and soft sun top, under-seat storage, cast-aluminum wheels, overfenders, a rear grab bar, center mirror and heavy-duty front brush guard.
Original 2020 pricing included:
- Viking VI Tactical Green: $14,299
- Viking VI Realtree Edge: $14,899
- Viking VI Ranch Edition: $15,599
2021–2024 Yamaha Viking VI
From 2021 through 2024, the Viking VI continued without a fundamental platform redesign. Yamaha adjusted colors, trim availability and pricing, but retained the same basic six-seat layout, 686cc engine, Ultramatic transmission and On-Command four-wheel-drive system.
This long period of mechanical continuity is an important part of the Viking VI story. Yamaha positioned it as a durable, familiar utility vehicle rather than continually increasing engine output or adding complex electronic systems.
2025 Yamaha Viking VI: Final Model Year
The 2025 Viking VI became the final version of Yamaha’s six-seat utility side-by-side. It retained the proven 700-class engine, Ultramatic CVT with 10-year belt warranty, On-Command four-wheel drive, Electric Power Steering, 1,500-pound towing capacity and 600-pound hydraulic piston-assist dump bed.
For 2025, the standard Viking VI started at $16,599. The better-equipped Viking VI Ranch Edition started at $17,899.
Why Yamaha Discontinued the Viking VI
When Yamaha announced its 2026 side-by-side lineup, the company confirmed that the Viking VI would not return. The three-seat Viking remained available, but the Viking VI’s production run ended after the 2025 model year.
Its retirement came as Yamaha narrowed and reorganized its side-by-side lineup. Yamaha subsequently announced plans to end in-house U.S. side-by-side production after the 2026 model year and move future models to an OEM-supplied production strategy. Read more about Yamaha’s changing side-by-side production strategy.
Yamaha Viking VI Specifications
Engine
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke; SOHC, four valves |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 686cc |
| Bore x stroke | 102 x 84mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel delivery | Yamaha Fuel Injection |
| Starting system | Electric |
Transmission and Drivetrain
| Transmission | Yamaha Ultramatic V-belt CVT with High, Low, Neutral and Reverse |
|---|---|
| Engine braking | All-wheel engine braking |
| Drive system | On-Command selectable 2WD, 4WD and locked 4WD |
| Final drive | Shaft |
Suspension, Brakes and Tires
| Front suspension | Independent double wishbone; 8.1 inches of travel |
|---|---|
| Rear suspension | Independent double wishbone with anti-sway bar; 8.1 inches of travel |
| Front brakes | Dual hydraulic discs |
| Rear brakes | Dual hydraulic discs |
| Front tires | AT25 x 8-12 |
| Rear tires | AT25 x 10-12 |
Dimensions and Capacities
| Length | 153.5 inches |
|---|---|
| Width | 64 inches |
| Height | 76.6 inches |
| Wheelbase | 115.6 inches |
| Turning radius | 244.1 inches |
| Ground clearance | 11.4 inches |
| Fuel capacity | 9.7 gallons |
| Original wet weight | 1,624 pounds for non-EPS; 1,634 pounds for EPS |
| Cargo-bed capacity | 600 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 pounds |
Original 2015 Yamaha Viking VI Pricing
| 2015 Viking VI Model | Original MSRP |
|---|---|
| Viking VI | $12,799 |
| Viking VI EPS | $13,799 |
| Viking VI EPS Special Edition | $14,999 |
These are the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices announced for the original 2015 model year and do not represent current used-vehicle values.
Original Yamaha Viking VI Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What years did Yamaha make the Viking VI?
The Yamaha Viking VI was sold for the 2015 through 2025 model years. Yamaha discontinued the six-passenger model for 2026.
How many people does a Yamaha Viking VI seat?
The Viking VI seats six occupants in two rows. Yamaha used six individual seating positions rather than two conventional bench seats.
What engine is in the Yamaha Viking VI?
The Viking VI uses a 686cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder four-stroke engine paired with Yamaha’s Ultramatic continuously variable transmission.
What is the difference between the Yamaha Viking and Viking VI?
The standard Yamaha Viking seats three occupants, while the Viking VI uses an extended chassis and two-row cab to accommodate six. Both models share the same basic 686cc engine, Ultramatic transmission, On-Command four-wheel-drive system, 600-pound cargo rating and 1,500-pound towing capacity.
How wide is a Yamaha Viking VI?
The original Yamaha Viking VI is 64 inches wide. It is not designed for trail systems that enforce a 50-inch vehicle-width limit.
How much can a Yamaha Viking VI tow?
The Yamaha Viking VI has a listed towing capacity of 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. Its steel dumping cargo bed is rated to carry up to 600 pounds.
What was the final year of the Yamaha Viking VI?
The 2025 Viking VI was the final model-year version. Yamaha removed it from the lineup for 2026 but continued offering the three-passenger Viking.
Was the Yamaha Viking VI made in the United States?
Yes. Yamaha assembled the Viking VI at its manufacturing facility in Newnan, Georgia, for worldwide distribution.
