Originally published December 20, 2015
HCR Racing introduced its original +4 Yamaha YXZ1000R long-travel suspension system in late 2015, shortly after Yamaha launched its manual-transmission pure-sport side-by-side.
The complete suspension package substantially increased the width, wheelbase and usable suspension travel of the first-generation Yamaha YXZ1000R. HCR designed the system for demanding desert, dune and rock-crawling use while retaining the factory suspension mounting points.
More Than 20 Inches of Suspension Travel
HCR’s redesigned suspension geometry delivered more than 20 inches of usable front-wheel travel and more than 21 inches at the rear. Each side was extended four inches, adding eight inches to the YXZ1000R’s overall track width.
The suspension also increased the wheelbase by four inches—two inches at the front and two inches at the rear. According to HCR, this geometry produced a more stable chassis without dramatically changing the YXZ1000R’s steering characteristics.
HCR reported less than 0.3 degrees of bump-steer change from the factory configuration. Caster and camber were engineered into the suspension components rather than adjusted through exposed heim joints. The company reported approximately 0.06 degrees of caster and camber change through the front suspension cycle and no measurable change through the rear cycle.
HCR Yamaha YXZ1000R Long-Travel Features
- More than 20 inches of usable front-wheel travel
- More than 21 inches of usable rear-wheel travel
- Four inches of additional width per side
- Eight-inch increase in overall track width
- Four-inch wheelbase increase: two inches front and two inches rear
- High-clearance boxed front A-arms
- Approximately 1.5 inches of additional ground clearance beneath the arms
- RCV extended axle bars
- Available KING 2.5-inch HCR Race Series internal-bypass shocks
- TIG-welded suspension components
- Laser-cut, tab-and-slot construction
- CNC-machined, heat-treated 4130 mounting points
- Delrin bushings and 1.25-inch-diameter front mounting tubes
- Reuse of the factory ball joints
- Optional uniball configuration for racing applications
- Compatibility with the factory wheels
- Bolt-on installation using the original chassis mounting points
Alloy Suspension Construction
HCR manufactured the suspension arms from the proprietary alloy material used in its Elite suspension kits. The company claimed approximately 30 percent greater tensile and yield strength than conventional 4130 chromoly.
The arms used a laser-cut, tab-and-slot internal structure designed to distribute loads throughout the component. CNC-machined and heat-treated 4130 mounting points were incorporated in high-stress areas, while the completed arms were TIG welded for strength and a clean finish.
Despite the added width, travel and reinforcement, HCR said the Elite version of the suspension system added only about 13 pounds over the stock components.
RCV Extended Axles
The YXZ1000R suspension system marked a new partnership between HCR Racing and RCV Performance. Custom +4 RCV axle bars were included with the kit, while complete heavy-duty axle assemblies were offered as an upgrade.
HCR said the RCV axle bars offered approximately twice the strength of the original Yamaha axle shafts. The extended axles were designed to accommodate the wider suspension while maintaining smooth CV-joint operation through the increased travel range.
KING 2.5-Inch Internal-Bypass Shocks
HCR paired the suspension system with longer KING 2.5-inch HCR Race Series shocks featuring internal-bypass technology. The shocks were sprung and valved specifically for the YXZ1000R kit’s increased travel and revised motion ratio.
A new shock tower accommodated the longer shock bodies and additional stroke. HCR said the arrangement reduced leverage on the suspension arms, helped control bottoming and limited shock fatigue compared with trying to obtain the additional travel from the factory shock mounting arrangement.
The KING shocks were offered in HCR Edition black and silver finishes. At launch, customers could also select an optional 3.0-inch rear shock package.
Original HCR YXZ1000R Kit Pricing
When the system was introduced in 2015, HCR listed the following introductory prices:
- YXZ-02400 Dual Sport: $7,999
- YXZ-02600 Elite: $8,999
These are historical launch prices from 2015. Product availability, vehicle compatibility, specifications and current pricing may have changed. Contact HCR Racing before ordering components for a Yamaha YXZ1000R.
Designed for Multiple Types of Terrain
HCR used digital suspension-cycle analysis to verify ball-joint angles, CV-joint operating angles and clearance around the chassis. The company then tested the system in rocks, desert terrain and sand dunes before releasing it.
The resulting package represented one of the earliest comprehensive long-travel systems developed for the Yamaha YXZ1000R. Its combination of increased width, additional wheelbase, high-clearance arms, extended RCV axles and purpose-built KING shocks targeted owners building the YXZ1000R for aggressive recreational driving or competition.
For more model history, specifications and UTV Guide reviews, see our complete Yamaha YXZ1000R guide.
