Experience with Yamaha RMAX side by side?

[Magnum Sherpa]

Does anyone own or have personal experience with a Yamaha RMAX? I’m thinking of buying one of the RMAX 4 Compacts (has 4 seats of which the rear two can be folded down for cargo, doesn’t have a dedicated bed/box).

I like the short wheelbase of this model for multiple reasons, and I don’t want a side by side that approaches the size of my full-size pickup as many seem to be. I’ll use it mostly for hunting and a little for rides with the family. 90% of the time it will only be used for 2 people, so I’m not worried about the small rear seats.

I have read some reports of catastrophic engine failures at low mileages, but most seemed to be due to lapses in maintenance or abuse of the machine.

 

[Gulf of America]

I have a 2018 Wolverine 850 X4 - different engine but similar packaging. I love the layout and it fits in the toy hauler, while still having a functional bed. I was between the Pioneer and the Wolverine, and a very lightly used Wolverine popped up first, but the tilt bed and ability to enclose the forward cab of the Pioneer would maybe be a selling point in that direction, as well as a traditional transmission rather than a CVT. I don't think you can go wrong either way though!

 

[Magnum Sherpa]

I have a 2018 Wolverine 850 X4 - different engine but similar packaging. I love the layout and it fits in the toy hauler, while still having a functional bed. I was between the Pioneer and the Wolverine, and a very lightly used Wolverine popped up first, but the tilt bed and ability to enclose the forward cab of the Pioneer would maybe be a selling point in that direction, as well as a traditional transmission rather than a CVT. I don't think you can go wrong either way though!

One of the appeals of the RMAX for me is the cab can be fully enclosed too, with either soft or hard doors. I would plan to have a heater installed as well.

 

[Gulf of America]

One of the appeals of the RMAX for me is the cab can be fully enclosed too, with either soft or hard doors. I would plan to have a heater installed as well.

Yep I installed a heater and a soft cab enclosure. There are a lot more options for the newer ones (2021+) - I wish I’d known that before buying the early model. I just like the idea of only enclosing the front seats for snow plowing when it’s balls cold out so you’re heating less space.

 

[Chingon]

I had an X4 as well that I loved, but the lack of enclosure made it a no-go for cold hunts with the kiddos. Soft sides + aftermarket heater barely took the edge off.

With the RMAX, doors are available which would help, but after going through the pain and $$$(!) you're better off just buying an HVAC model. Downside to those is size and suspension, but the new Kawasaki Ridge has suspension a bit more sporty than utility which I would pick today. Inline 4 cyl is also much quieter than the deliberately loud sport models like the Yamahas.

All tradeoffs, but we do miss the fun factor of the X4 in the summer...

 

[Magnum Sherpa]

I had an X4 as well that I loved, but the lack of enclosure made it a no-go for cold hunts with the kiddos. Soft sides + aftermarket heater barely took the edge off.

With the RMAX, doors are available which would help, but after going through the pain and $$$(!) you're better off just buying an HVAC model. Downside to those is size and suspension, but the new Kawasaki Ridge has suspension a bit more sporty than utility which I would pick today. Inline 4 cyl is also much quieter than the deliberately loud sport models like the Yamahas.

All tradeoffs, but we do miss the fun factor of the X4 in the summer...

I looked at the Kawasaki Ridge and it does seem really nice. My neighbor is actually a Kawasaki dealer. The only downside for me is the 4 seater is just too big. If I were looking for a 2 seat model I would most likely get the Ridge.

Do you remember what kind of heater you had in your X4? I’ve heard some people say the heaters are effective with the full enclosure, but I’d like to know which ones to stay away from.

 

[Chingon]

Inferno maybe? But I wouldn't blame the heater necessarily. This issue is that soft cabs just don't seal well. Any good hard cab enclosure with doors cuts the wind out almost completely. Also, aftermarket heaters really only hit the front seats. I wasted a whole bunch of money buying the wrong SXS and a toyhauler I hated. In the end I landed on a smaller ORV camper and cabover Ramptek for my crew Northstar. I don't like the setup necessarily, but I get my SXS where I need from basecamp and the HVAC is so nice. All the kiddos pile into mine while the dads tough it out in the Yamaha.

 

[Gulf of America]

I have the Inferno as well. The radiator bypass thermostat is a must to help the machine get up to temp and start producing heat faster. But Chingon is right, it's enough to cut the cold but not enough to really get warm and the soft cab (at least the one I have) has a gap up the whole A-pillar that forces cold air in while you're driving. It's not terrible at plowing speeds, but negates the heater real quick as you get going faster. Prior to next winter, I'm going to rig up something, either with sewing or snaps to cover up that gap and it should make a substantial difference.

 

[recon6036]

My buddy has one and we ride a lot. Very nice machine, lots of power, comfort and climbs like a billy goat.
If I was to get another SXS, I would seriously be looking at the RMAX

 

[OpenCountry]

I have a 23 RMAX2 1000 with the yamaha soft enclosure and the factory heater installed. I would look for a better enclosure and heating system if you want something to really take the chill off. I ride a decent amount during the winter until there’s enough snow for a snowmobile. It’s a nice machine with a lot of power.