[vixx]

As the Yamaha and the Viking embark on their second year of sales lets have a little looksie at how shes doing in the marketplace...

PowerSports Business spoke with 6 dealers who sell Vikings for their observations about the Vikings reception...

One mlti-line dealer in Colorado said their store has been seeing great volume in off road sales but the Viking is the lone exception. They say its about 60% off expected pace.

“We sold one right when it came out, and there was some excitement about it,” he said. “The biggest thing is when you go ride it, it’s loud and it vibrates substantially more than a twin-cylinder Polaris. That’s what consumers are choosing to go with, Polaris, even if they’re Yamaha guys.”

It could be lack of marketing...

“It’s only been out for about six months, so sometimes new models take a little while to catch on,” he said. “I think it has more positive than negatives for sure … the three individual seats are very nice, the ground clearance, there are a lot of nice features with it, no question. It’s a big improvement over their last UTV, the Rhino.”

Although Honda can't seem to build enough Pioneers and they were launched at roughly the same time...

Another multi-line dealer out in Pennsylvania is having a tough slog of moving anything off road related, based on their estimations Viking sales have been about half of what the Rhino was doing for them.

But its not all bad.

One store up in North Dakota is seeing the Viking sell with tons of pace, about equal to everything else he moves. But says Yami needs a sport SxS..

“I think they knocked it out of the park,” he said. “I’m very impressed with them.”

Another guy down in Phoenix says they move anything with powersteering

While not one of his top-selling UTV models, the Viking has been popular, and he is particularly excited about the just-released Special Edition Tactical Black Viking EPS model that is priced at $1,150 more than the base model.
“The consumers that want the Viking want power steering, they like the big cab, the three seats,” he said. “It’s been very popular.”

Demographic info says the Viking appeals to hunters and recreational trail riders over 40 who want a combo of work and play... What ya think?

 

[Teryx2k16]

Interesting info.

I know my dealer has sold atleast 7 of them since they came out the last i talked to them, all they sell is Yamaha. That was a couple months or so ago, and ive seen them come and go since then, so i know they've sold more. They dont last long there.

 

[Hawkman]

So it sounds like the Viking is seeing mixed results. I would imagine that its popularity is partly regional. This would coincide with what the OP said about the Viking being more popular with hunters and recreational trail riders.

It'll be nice to get actual sales numbers to get a better idea of how the Viking is doing.

 

[Schatz]

It's interesting to see how many people have a lack of positive comments until they ride or drive my viking. It's all in preference. I didn't even test drive mine when I bought it either, already knew I liked it. I think sales will catch up when people see what they are all about.


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[VikingRyder]

So it sounds like the Viking is seeing mixed results. I would imagine that its popularity is partly regional. This would coincide with what the OP said about the Viking being more popular with hunters and recreational trail riders.

It'll be nice to get actual sales numbers to get a better idea of how the Viking is doing.

Yup, thats what I noticed. I noticed as you go more further out to say the north east area of the U.S. you'll find more people with more UTV's like the Polaris Brutus.

 

[vixx]

Its definitely a regional thing. But what I can't understand is why Honda dealers cant keep pioneer in stock while it seems, colloquially at least, that the Viking is 60% off its pace. Even odder when you consider how many advantages the Viking has over pioneer... 2014 Yamaha Viking FI 4x4 EPS Competitive Comparisons - Honda Pioneer

 

[mass-n-trash]

I can only speak for the So Cal area but the Viking sales are slow...but the Pioneer sales are slower...and the RZR and other sport models are on fire. Everybody down here wants to go to the desert and go fast!

I think the biggest problem is the negative press the Viking received because so many people were looking for a sport model. I don't think a utility model was even a blip on the radar. I looked and drove everything available and found pro's and con's on everything. However, I really do think the Viking is a better all around utility SxS than the Pioneer. Not that I thought the Pioneer was junk (actually thought it had some pretty neat features)

I certainly wasn't going to try hauling elk and deer out with a RZR either

 

[north pole viking]

I just read an article in dirt wheels magazine that compared the big three. Sounded like they liked polaris best but really liked the four seat option of Honda. Viking got good praise! They seem to favor the ranger though!


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[mass-n-trash]

This is a pretty good article...they seem to hit on the pro's and con's pretty accurately. It does highlight some good points.

Off-Road Impression 2014 Yamaha Viking: Off-Road.com

 

[Ultratec]

This is a pretty good article...they seem to hit on the pro's and con's pretty accurately. It does highlight some good points.

Off-Road Impression 2014 Yamaha Viking: Off-Road.com

Excellent read! Thanks!

 

[Fhb]

I just read an article in dirt wheels magazine that compared the big three. Sounded like they liked polaris best but really liked the four seat option of Honda. Viking got good praise! They seem to favor the ranger though!


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I read that article too. Fairly even i thought. I think they liked each one equally well, just noting that each are better suited to a particular end use. They did note the additional 4-5 db in noise on the Viking vs the ranger and pioneer. I was curious though that they used a Ranger 800 vs the newer 900. Perhaps trying to compare similar displacement sizes??

 

[Narrowsboy]

I agree the Off Road Impression's article sums up the machine well. Thanks for the link


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[vixx]

big thanks for the link I particularly loved the second paragraph..

That was our mission this year when we procured a non EPS-equipped Viking 700 for photo chase work and after-hours play at the King of the Hammers Ultra4 race in Southern California’s Mojave Desert. Our test rig was subjected to a solid week’s worth of Baja-style butt-kicking over the Johnson Valley OHV Park’s diverse desert terrain, which included trails with trophy truck-sized whoops, and dunes-style sandy hills. Oh yeah, and rocks—not just the occasional rock here and there, but wheel-bending, “I’m gonna tear your underbelly to shreds,” jagged rocks. We also found the occasional boulder to scale.

Torture testing at its finest

 

[Ransom Proctor]

I read that article too. Fairly even i thought. I think they liked each one equally well, just noting that each are better suited to a particular end use. They did note the additional 4-5 db in noise on the Viking vs the ranger and pioneer. I was curious though that they used a Ranger 800 vs the newer 900. Perhaps trying to compare similar displacement sizes??

Its confusing why they didn't compare the ranger XP900 either. because they're essentially comparing a Polaris platform that's been in existence since 09 against 2 new platforms in the Viking and pioneer.....well.....I do know why they didn't compare them to the 900, and i'll get grief for this statement since its a Yamaha forum, but the ranger XP900 is just overall better. not that theirs anything wrong with the Viking or pioneer. Polaris has just been in the game longer. when I bought my first ranger in 09 their were no other machines out there that could do what it could. I looked at the rhino, but it had a small bed and only seated 2, so I went with a ranger.

 

[Ultratec]

Its confusing why they didn't compare the ranger XP900 either. because they're essentially comparing a Polaris platform that's been in existence since 09 against 2 new platforms in the Viking and pioneer.....well.....I do know why they didn't compare them to the 900, and i'll get grief for this statement since its a Yamaha forum, but the ranger XP900 is just overall better. not that theirs anything wrong with the Viking or pioneer. Polaris has just been in the game longer. when I bought my first ranger in 09 their were no other machines out there that could do what it could. I looked at the rhino, but it had a small bed and only seated 2, so I went with a ranger.

The XP900 is just overall better? really? LOL!

The ONLY thing the XP900 has over the Viking, is more power.

 

[Ransom Proctor]

The XP900 is just overall better? really? LOL!

The ONLY thing the XP900 has over the Viking, is more power.

I'm not here to start an argument. like I said the Viking is a great machine. dirt wheels didn't want to do a test that was lop sided so they chose a match up that was more even. no overwhelming winner. if I were going to buy one today it would between the Viking and the ranger.

the ranger shines in a few areas over the Viking.... it has more onboard storage, quieter, a very versatile cab system(industry best) they have cab heaters, stereos that are Bluetooth and some have a/c, multiple door, windshield and back panel options, larger fuel tank, turf mode, brighter headlights, higher capacity charging system, more available accessories, larger payload capacity, the availability to not only adjust the shocks, but move the location of the shocks for carrying heavy loads. and with more adjustability a more tuned ride. its more than just power...but a higher price tag.

but the Viking has some areas where its shines over the ranger. larger cab seating suited for 3 full sized riders, standard top and legendary Yamaha reliability. plus a very competitive price.

 

[BadM0nkey]

The Viking will be my first SxS. I will be using it for hauling fresh and used hay, dragging pastures, building fences, plowing snow (driveway and pastures) and driving with the grandkids around on the ATV trails out back. My decision was based on the large steel dump bed, 3 real seats with 3-point belts, and awesome Yamaha build quality and durability. (I also can't drive 5 miles to warm up a transmission when it is below zero outside, I need to get plowing). The icing on the cake was finding out that a group of local dealers are having a price war and I can get a blue EPS for $10,699. The best price I can get on a Ranger 800 EPS is 13,399 which is $2700 more. After taxes it will be closer to $3000!

 

[Dude2]

I'm not here to start an argument. like I said the Viking is a great machine. dirt wheels didn't want to do a test that was lop sided so they chose a match up that was more even. no overwhelming winner. if I were going to buy one today it would between the Viking and the ranger.

the ranger shines in a few areas over the Viking.... it has more onboard storage, quieter, a very versatile cab system(industry best) they have cab heaters, stereos that are Bluetooth and some have a/c, multiple door, windshield and back panel options, larger fuel tank, turf mode, brighter headlights, higher capacity charging system, more available accessories, larger payload capacity, the availability to not only adjust the shocks, but move the location of the shocks for carrying heavy loads. and with more adjustability a more tuned ride. its more than just power...but a higher price tag.

but the Viking has some areas where its shines over the ranger. larger cab seating suited for 3 full sized riders, standard top and legendary Yamaha reliability. plus a very competitive price.

Plus engine braking. At least a big plus for me. Thats the main reason I didn't go with Polaris. Not much fun(at least for me) going freewheel down a steep grade.

 

[Quack addict]

The Viking is still a workhorse. I got to look over a 14" Ranger 900 today pretty well. Our Sheriff's department has (2) of them. I was talking to the officer on duty and he said they have already had to put the other one in the shop.

The Polaris reminds me of my Kawasaki Brute force 750. When it was tuned in it was a BEAST! However, wheel bearings, 3 belts, adjusting the lifters, leaking head gaskets was becoming the norm. I had 26" Maxxis Bighorns on it and it wasn't in the mud much at all. I mainly road in the Hill's of Southwest Arkansas and the northwestern corner as well. ( Wolf Pen Gap, Mocassin Gap, Ozark trail) Basically rocky and hill country.

It was almost like it got to a point of everything reached it's life expectancy concerning parts and various other things. I took care of it, Castrol Syntec every since I owned it and changed every 250 miles. Changed front and rear diff gear oil annually. Re-built the carbs WAY more than I wanted too.

And during all that time my buddy's Rhino just kept on going and going, he has yet to change the belt and he's at 4000+ miles and it's an 07" Model. The durability is what I bought, not as fast as a Ranger and I agree, substantially louder.

We have (2) Rangers at our deer camp (2012 550 & a 4 seater 800). They have not had any issue's that I'm aware of. For me, I'm happy with what I have and feel like it will be around for a long time. In addition, I like the fact that the Viking has metal skid plates, continuous belt tension and a bullet proof drive train.

With all that said there isn't a machine out there abused enough will not break. You add in the human factor and everything is a crap shoot.,,,JMO

 

[Tech Man]

Well said QA.


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