The 2014 Yamaha Viking marked an important change in Yamaha’s side-by-side lineup. Introduced in June 2013, the wider three-passenger utility UTV effectively succeeded the two-seat Yamaha Rhino as the company’s flagship recreational-utility machine.
While the Rhino helped establish the recreational side-by-side category, the Viking placed greater emphasis on passenger space, cargo capacity, towing and day-to-day utility. Its 686cc fuel-injected engine, Yamaha Ultramatic transmission and driver-controlled On-Command four-wheel-drive system carried familiar Yamaha engineering into a considerably larger platform.
2014 Yamaha Viking at a Glance
| Engine | 686cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected single-cylinder four-stroke |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Yamaha Ultramatic CVT with High, Low, Neutral and Reverse |
| Drive system | On-Command 2WD, 4WD and locked 4WD |
| Seating capacity | Three occupants |
| Width | 61.8 inches |
| Ground clearance | 11.8 inches |
| Cargo-bed capacity | 600 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 pounds |
| Fuel capacity | 9.7 gallons |
| Original base MSRP | $11,499 |
Three-Passenger Yamaha Viking Cab
The Viking’s defining feature was its three-person seating arrangement. Rather than using a conventional flat bench, Yamaha gave the Viking individual seating positions with the center seat offset approximately five degrees toward the rear. This helped create additional shoulder room between the occupants.
All three seating positions included padded headrests and three-point seat belts. The driver’s seat and passenger handhold were adjustable, while dedicated footwells and a textured floor helped occupants remain securely positioned.
A pass-through floor also allowed occupants to enter or exit from either side of the vehicle. This was particularly useful on worksites, farms and trails where one side of the Viking might be obstructed.
686cc Fuel-Injected Engine
Power came from a 686cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine with a four-valve cylinder head and 10.0:1 compression ratio. Yamaha tuned the engine for usable low-speed torque, predictable throttle response and the sustained low-speed operation commonly encountered while hauling, towing or working.
Yamaha Fuel Injection helped compensate for changes in temperature and elevation while providing consistent cold starts. A large-capacity cooling system was designed to manage heat during slow operation, and the engine could be accessed by raising the cargo bed.
The Viking also used a 9.7-gallon fuel tank, giving it considerably more capacity than the outgoing Rhino 700.
Ultramatic Transmission and On-Command 4WD
The engine was paired with Yamaha’s Ultramatic V-belt continuously variable transmission. Its automatic centrifugal clutch maintained belt tension while the vehicle was operating, helping reduce belt slippage and wear.
The transmission provided High, Low, Neutral and Reverse ranges along with all-wheel engine braking. The Viking’s gated shifter was mounted on the dashboard for convenient access.
Yamaha’s On-Command system allowed the driver to select among three drivetrain settings:
- Two-wheel drive
- Four-wheel drive with a limited-slip front differential
- Four-wheel drive with the front differential locked
This gave the operator direct control over the drivetrain rather than relying entirely on an automatically engaging four-wheel-drive system.
Cargo and Towing Capacity
The Viking’s stamped-steel dumping cargo bed was rated to carry up to 600 pounds. It incorporated two latching levers and four tie-down points for securing equipment or supplies.
A standard center-mounted two-inch receiver hitch gave the Viking a listed towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. These ratings represented substantial increases over the Rhino 700’s 400-pound bed and 1,212-pound towing capacities.
The combination of a larger cab, pallet-sized cargo bed and 1,500-pound towing rating made the Viking considerably better suited to farming, ranching, hunting and property-maintenance duties than the Rhino it succeeded.
Chassis, Suspension and Brakes
The 2014 Viking measured 61.8 inches wide and rode on an 84.1-inch wheelbase. Independent double-wishbone suspension at all four corners provided 8.1 inches of travel, while ground clearance measured 11.8 inches.
Gas-charged shocks were calibrated to provide predictable handling with one to three occupants and with the cargo bed either loaded or empty. Steel and composite skid protection covered the underside of the chassis.
Hydraulic disc brakes were fitted at all four wheels. The Viking also used a separate mechanical parking brake controlled by a dashboard-mounted lever.
2014 Yamaha Viking Features
- Three-person seating with an offset center position
- Three-point seat belts and padded headrests for all occupants
- Adjustable driver’s seat
- Adjustable passenger handhold
- Pass-through floor
- Rotomolded doors
- 600-pound-capacity steel dumping cargo bed
- Standard two-inch receiver hitch
- 1,500-pound towing capacity
- Steel and composite underbody protection
- Four dashboard-mounted cup holders
- Latching glove box
- Tool-free air-filter access
- Center hood access to the battery and electrical components
- Multifunction digital instrument display
- Optional electric power steering on select models
2014 Yamaha Viking 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 system | Yamaha Fuel Injection |
| Ignition | Transistor Controlled Ignition |
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; 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 | 122 inches |
|---|---|
| Width | 61.8 inches |
| Height | 74.1 inches |
| Wheelbase | 84.1 inches |
| Turning radius | 177.56 inches |
| Ground clearance | 11.8 inches |
| Fuel capacity | 9.7 gallons |
| Wet weight | 1,342 pounds |
| Cargo-bed capacity | 600 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 pounds |
Original 2014 Yamaha Viking Pricing
The following prices were announced for the Viking’s original 2014 model-year lineup:
| 2014 Viking Model | Original MSRP |
|---|---|
| Viking Steel Blue | $11,499 |
| Viking Red or Hunter Green with suntop | $11,699 |
| Viking Camouflage with suntop | $12,249 |
| Viking EPS Steel Blue | $12,499 |
| Viking EPS Red or Hunter Green with suntop | $12,699 |
| Viking EPS Camouflage with suntop | $13,249 |
Pricing shown is the original manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing announced for the 2014 model year and does not represent current used-vehicle values.
Original Yamaha Viking Colors
Yamaha Viking Legacy
The Viking represented Yamaha’s move from the relatively compact, two-seat Rhino platform into the full-size utility UTV category. Yamaha later extended the design into the six-passenger Viking VI while continuing to offer three-passenger Viking models.
Although the platform remained deliberately straightforward, its durable Ultramatic transmission, driver-controlled four-wheel drive and practical cargo capacity helped give it a long production life.
Yamaha also expanded the lineup with special editions, including the 2014 Tactical Black Yamaha Viking. That model combined matte-black bodywork and black cast-aluminum wheels with a molded suntop, overfenders, mud flaps, under-seat storage and cargo-bed accessory mounts.
The Viking’s place in Yamaha history is especially significant because it arrived immediately after the final model year of the Rhino. Read the complete history of the Yamaha Rhino, browse additional models in the Yamaha UTV archive, or explore the broader UTV model guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year was the Yamaha Viking introduced?
Yamaha introduced the Viking in June 2013 as a 2014 model. It succeeded the Rhino as Yamaha’s principal recreational-utility side-by-side.
How many people can a Yamaha Viking carry?
The original Yamaha Viking was designed to carry three occupants. Its center seating position was offset slightly toward the rear to increase shoulder room.
What engine is in the 2014 Yamaha Viking?
The 2014 Viking uses a 686cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder four-stroke engine with a four-valve cylinder head.
What is the towing capacity of a 2014 Yamaha Viking?
The original 2014 Yamaha Viking 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.
How wide is a 2014 Yamaha Viking?
The 2014 Yamaha Viking is 61.8 inches wide. It is therefore not intended for trail systems that enforce a 50-inch vehicle-width limit.
What was the original price of a 2014 Yamaha Viking?
Original MSRP started at $11,499 for the non-EPS Viking in Steel Blue. The Viking EPS Camouflage with a factory suntop was priced at $13,249.
Did the Yamaha Viking replace the Rhino?
Functionally, yes. The Rhino completed its final model year in 2013, and Yamaha introduced the larger, three-passenger Viking for 2014. However, the Viking was more utility-oriented and was not a direct continuation of the Rhino’s compact recreational design.
