2024 Yamaha YXZ1000R 6-Speed Review
Engine:
Back again is Yamaha’s proven 998cc inline triple. The engine and transmission are divorced, meaning the YXZ spreads its drivetrain out in the chassis for optimum weight balance. The engine sits behind the seats inline with the transmission, which is placed in the center of the cab low down between the seat bases. Yamaha’s triple makes around 112 horsepower and responds incredibly well to modifications. Yamaha’s own GYTR division even offers a bolt-on accessory turbocharger kit, modified cylinder head and camshafts, high compression pistons, and more. Stock, the YXZ makes good bottom-to-mid torque, but really likes to be revved out. Its power delivery is aggressive, but very controllable.
Transmission/Drivetrain:
This year, Yamaha dropped all the R&D budget into the YXZ’s new 6-speed sequential transmission. It is available in standard manual (3-pedal) and Sport Shift (2-pedal) versions. All of our testing has been done on the Sport Shift model, in both the standard and XT-R trims. Gearing is the same across both models. The 2024 YXZ1000R’s first gear is 40% lower than the 2023’s, and 6% lower than Yamaha’s previous accessory gear lowering kit. With the new 6-ratio transmission, top speed is maintained, while the gearing spread has been more evenly spaced for faster and smoother acceleration. Rubber bushings are added to Sport Shift models to reduce harshness in the cab, and the YXZ’s clutch is now stronger than ever, thanks to revised oiling and stronger parts.
On top of revamping the ratios and adding in another gear, Yamaha has also added two new shift modes to the 2024 model. Now featuring automatic shifting, the 2024 YXZ has two modes. “Auto” is a more relaxed transmission tune that seeks to upshift as quickly as it can to keep RPM’s low and the ride smooth. “Sport Auto” does the opposite, holding gears until right near redline and keeping the RPMs high for aggressive driving. They both do their jobs incredibly well, and allow you to set the car for how you want to drive it. Either mode has a distinct personality, with the Auto feature bringing a calmer setting to the YXZ that has been tough to find in previous years. Our testers remarked how much easier it was to drive the 2024 model at lower trail speeds than the last YXZ they piloted on the same trails.
The third mode is Sport Shift, which is almost full manual, controlled by the paddles. This mode will not auto upshift, so the car will run right up to the rev limiter and stay there if you don’t command an upshift. In any of the three modes, you can override the transmission’s algorithms by pulling on the up or down shift paddle. All three modes work very well. The YXZ features a true 4WD system with a locking front differential; the rear is locked all the time. Clutching is 100% controlled by the YXZ’s brain, and it feeds in at a different rate depending on how much throttle you apply.
Suspension:
The YXZ’s suspension is carryover from the 2019+ update, which is not a bad thing. The rear shocks gain a stainless steel sleeve for 2024 that helps keep the spring carriers from wearing out the aluminum shock bodies. That part will fit older YXZs as well (2019 & up).
The YXZ uses a dual A-arm setup out front that employs an upper A-arm mounted Fox Podium RC2 and a shock tower that pokes through the hood. The rear suspension is a giant A-arm design, also controlled by Fox Podium RC2 shocks. 16.2 inches of travel up front and 17 inches out back make the YXZ capable of serious speed over rough terrain, although its ride is not the most relaxed in the class. In fact, as they roll off the showroom, the YXZ is the stiffest-riding 1000cc N/A sport machine out there. Don’t worry, though, as a softer ride is only minor suspension clicker adjustments away. We ran the stock spring height and crossover, but went with this clicker tune:
Front YXZ1000R Suspension Setup Suggestions:
Rebound: 2 clicks in from full soft
Low Speed Compression: 2.5 turns in from full soft
High Speed Compression: 1.5 turns in from full soft
Rear YXZ1000R Suspension Setup Suggestions:
Rebound: 3 clicks in from full soft
Low Speed Compression: 3 turns in from full soft
High Speed Compression: 2 turns in from full soft
This made the ride quite a bit more supple, while still retaining great bottoming resistance. The YXZ will skim over whoops and rough terrain with ease, albeit a little rough when the holes get really big. Still, the YXZ remains poised and completely controllable even in incredibly rough chop.
