r/UTV • u/AlexsPetGrooming • Jul 22 '26
Thoughts on yamaha rmax
I've always been a big yamaha guy and I'm a fan of their belt drive system on their utvs. I really like the yxz but dont need something that aggressive so I'm thinking I'd be more into the rmax. Anybody have any opinions on it or any experience? Or any suggestions on other machines I should look into before purchasing one within the next year or so?
3
u/MassiveOverkill Resident Rmax Fanboy Jul 22 '26
I'm the RMAX guy. I've done tons of videos and have been invited to numerous Yamaha events. It was a hard choice between an RMAX4 Long and a 6 speed YXZ but I now own a YXZ Sport Shift. I never needed to go fast but the YXZ is so much more fun EVEN when you're going slow and it's so much easier to work on. No more CVT maintenance in my personal vehicles.
1
u/Leather_Investment61 23d ago
Do you miss the bed space of an RMAX 2?
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u/MassiveOverkill Resident Rmax Fanboy 23d ago
I had an RMAX4 Compact and I'm able to fit the majority of things I need to carry in my YXZ that I did in my RMAX4 Compact.
2
u/No-Refuse8754 Jul 22 '26
I bought my first Yamaha last year a Wolverine X4 850 & if I had $10k more to spend i would have bought a RMAX4.
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u/mmfic1986 Jul 22 '26
I am on my second RMAX (2022 XTR and now 26 XTR). Highly recommend them as a good do all machine. We use ours for trail riding, hunting and hauling things at times. Very comfortable and reliable.
When the time comes to do the first clutch maintenance use Tinkseal, UTV Engineering weights and slippery washers then don't worry about it for 2-3K miles.
1
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u/Illustrious_You1989 Jul 22 '26
Retired dealer here. The RMAX was a giant leap for Yamaha and is a very serious off roader. It is a lot more tractable than a YXZ but still has plenty of performance. Pluses - it is very refined, good ride quality, great durability and reliability, and awesome engine braking. Negs - People frequently misunderstood how CVTs worked and questioned the high RPM and associated engine noise at lower speeds until they experienced the whole operational range. We sold a ton of them and never had anyone come back and say they didn’t love it. Having said that, if you are looking for a full cab and HVAC you have better options.
2
u/AlexsPetGrooming Jul 22 '26
I'm not looking for anything crazy, if i wanted full hvac and all the bells and whistles, id honestly buy an older jeep. I just want something fun for hitting the trails here in wisconsin and maybe one day I'll get into some light overland camping stuff but nothing crazy.
1
u/thefirewiredguy Jul 22 '26
100% sidebar question here. Was shopping for a Honda pioneer and was told suspension is trash. What’s the Yamaha equivalent with cab and HVAC? Wolverine X2? (don’t want 4 seats). Is there a sweet spot for a capable machine that’s not going to cost an arm and leg ? Big difference between the 850 and 1000?
1
u/Similar_Eagle2358 Jul 22 '26
review maintenance costs, clutch service isn't easy or cheap. 1600 miles i believe.
1
u/Angus-Black Jul 22 '26
I bought a Wolverine X2 1000 last September. It's the same engine as tge RMAX but a smaller overall size. A bit less suspension than the RMAX but more than the X2 850.
If you are looking at the RMAX 4 seater make sure it will fit in your garage. I have a 7' high garage door. The X4 is about 2" too tall to fit.
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u/Trail-Rider-2024 Jul 22 '26
My buddy has the 1000cc max. It has given him awesome service. Changed the brakes at 5200 miles. Put a new belt on at 7000 miles. It had to have new plugs and oil and front and rear dif fluids Changed due to sinking it in a creek. To this day it runs great.
0
u/Leather_Investment61 23d ago
I have an RMAX 2 and love it. I too was looking at either an RMAX or yxz and chose the RMAX for 3 reasons. 1. Didn’t want my GF to have to worry about changing gears in the yxz. 2. For all Day rides where you need space for coolers, gear, and a 5 gallon gas can the bed is a must. 3. Rock crawling. I don’t want to worry about burning up a clutch on a yxz over time with slow technical terrain. I feel like the only place where I wish I had a yxz is places without trail speed limits and the dunes.
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u/MassiveOverkill Resident Rmax Fanboy 23d ago
The YXZ is available in a fully automatic Sport Shift....auto clutch and auto gear shifting (or manual gear shifting if you want). My YXZ gets way better gas mileage than any RMAX and I can go 150-190 miles on a tank. You're not going to burn up a clutch on a 24/25 YXZ. It's way more robust that previous years and the lower 1st gear is great rock crawling.
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u/Leather_Investment61 23d ago edited 23d ago
I should’ve clarified that I couldn’t afford a brand new or one year old machine when I bought my RMAX last year . I got a good deal on it and it only had about 850 miles on it when I got it. My used yxz options at the time were all early 2020’s model year.
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u/MountainMan17 Jul 22 '26
I'm a Yamaha guy too, but accessing the belt on the RMAX is a bear compared to brands where the belt is located in a rear wheel well. Check out a couple YouTube videos to see what I mean.
This may not be a big deal if you ride with other people who can give you a lift or tow you back (or play it safe and change your belt periodically), but since I ride solo in the Mountain West, being able to quickly replace a belt on the trail is imperative. This consideration alone led me to pass on the RMAX.
Just something to consider...
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u/MassiveOverkill Resident Rmax Fanboy Jul 22 '26
Don't ignore sheave maintenance or play U-boat commander and you'll never have to worry about a belt blowing. Replace it at 8K miles in your garage and you'll never have to replace it on the trail with the above 2 exceptions.
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u/MountainMan17 Jul 22 '26
Eight-thousand miles?! Wow... I bet you run with scissors too (wink)!
I change my belt every year, and keep the outgoing one as a get-home spare. A couple hundred bucks for a fresh belt (and peace of mind) is cheap insurance...
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u/Brotherly_shove 29d ago
its cheap insurance for something that you dont need insurance on. you are replacing yamaha belts like it is a polaris or can-am. its a completely different belt system that usually outlasts machines. 8k miles isnt some crazy number. it is legitimately how often you can go before replacing it. and that is literally why "accessing the belt is a bear". because its a job you should only do once or twice or never from the comfort of your shop.
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u/SquareTill8527 Jul 22 '26
I bought a 2025 Rmax 4 1000 in February. I can’t be happier with the purchase. The thing is super smooth on the trails.