Yamaha's YXZ was a sort of anomaly in today's go-fast side-by-sides. Whereas machines like Polaris' RZR, Kawasaki's Teryx, and Can-Am's Maverick series went for a more conventional layout, complete with CVTs or dual-clutch transmissions, the Yamaha maintained an old 6-speed layout. As well as a unique, more short-course wheelbase, cage, and suspension setup.
It was one of the more interesting options around.
But the tide waits for no man, and in this case, no machine, as after nine years on sale, Yamaha is discontinuing the UTV from its lineup, and saying farewell to the last side-by-side with a standard transmission.
Pour one out for the three-pedalers.
Indeed, Yamaha's YXZ side-by-side was the lone UTV with a proper manual transmission. While others have paddle shifters, none have a clutch the driver has to operate. So it's really only an illusion of a manual. That wasn't the case for the YXZ, though it could be one of the reasons why Yamaha's discontinuing the model. How many people do you know who want a manual side-by-side? Let alone a manual go-fast side-by-side?
As for what's next, according to Yamaha's 2026 lineup update, the brand will be focusing on its utility offerings, including the new RMax, the old RMax Compact, its Viking models, and Wolverine side-by-sides. At least, that's what it says it'll be focusing on for 2026. 2027 isn't that far into the future, and based on what I've personally seen in the new RMax, and how other brands have taken their more humble utility side-by-sides and turned them into something fierce.
A go-fast return of the YXZ could be on the horizon, though it's likely to take a more conventional shape. Maybe one sporting a turbocharged or hybrid electric powertrain based on the RMax's 999cc parallel twin? Stranger things have occurred, and Yamaha's no slouch at turning wild concepts into reality. And the brand has more than enough patents and tech to play with to return the YXZ to the land of the living. We'll just have to wait and see.
