Yamaha announced its 2017 lineup today, with the biggest headlining news being the introduction of the new 2017 YXZ1000R SS, or XYZ Sport Shift. The YXZ1000R SS follows in the footsteps of the 2016 YXZ1000R, which came on the scene boasting the side-by-side industry’s first “pure sport” model with its six-speed sequential gearbox. What makes the new 2017 SS different is the fact that it features an automatic clutch with paddle shifters to avoid the use of a clutch pedal.
The new YXZ1000R SS is powered by the same triple-cylinder 998cc engine found in the original YXZ. The Sport Shift features a 5-speed sequential shift manual transmission is paired with an automatic clutch “pure-sport inspired” paddle shifters. Much like most automotive applications, the paddle shifters for the YXZ1000R SS are mounted to the steering column behind the steering wheel. Yamaha says the paddle shifter are synched to the Yamaha Chip Controlled Shift (YCC-S) technology, that essentially is the company’s automatic clutch system that removes the need for a clutch pedal.
The Yamaha shift sequence also follows suit with automotive manufactures who’ve employed paddle shifters, with the up shifting controlled via the right paddle and downshifting with the left paddle. The YXZ SS is also equipped with other features such as an auto downshift function that down-shifts into first gear when the vehicle comes to a stop. The SS will also features Yamaha’s all-new “Launch System,” which is essentially a type of holeshot feature that provides the SS with serious acceleration, which Yamaha describes as “exciting high-acceleration feeling from stop – similar to “dropping the clutch” in a manual vehicle with a clutch pedal.” 
Yamaha also announced that the the Special Edition YXZ1000R and YXZ1000R SS will feature the industry-first twin-wall FOX 2.5 Podium X2 Shocks in 2017, which were developed exclusively for these YXZs. The new shocks are designed to provide great performance at slow speeds and high speeds, thanks to independent high- and low-speed compression and rebound adjustment. Yamaha also boasts that the new Fox units will provide 16.2 inches of front suspension travel and and 17.0 inches of rear travel. Yamaha also notes that additional features of the X2 shocks include dual adjusters on the upper cap and twin tube structure, dual rate springs with coupling and crossover adjustment, position sensitive damping, and more.
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