Yamaha and John Deere Will Build Side-by-Sides Together: What It Means for YXZ Owners
Posted by JMerrell on Oct 12th 2026
On October 6, Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA and Deere & Company announced they will develop future side-by-sides together. No models, no model years, no timeline. But if you ride a Yamaha, it is the biggest news since August, when Yamaha said it was done building side-by-sides in Georgia.
What Was Actually Announced
- Yamaha brings: powertrain and vehicle design expertise
- John Deere brings: vehicle development, U.S. manufacturing capability, and customer insight from its ag and turf business
- Target market: the utility end of the ROV segment
- Brands stay separate: own dealers and sales channels. Yamaha dealers are not selling Deere, or the reverse.
- Timeline: none. Both said details come "at the appropriate time."
Why It Matters If You Own a Yamaha
On August 3, Yamaha announced it will stop building side-by-sides at Newnan, Georgia after the 2026 model year. The plant stays open and shifts to ATVs and golf cars — roughly 300 positions affected globally, an estimated 200 full-time cuts at Newnan. Yamaha's line was that it "remains committed to the Side-by-Side category," with future units from outside OEM partners. John Deere is the first of those partners named.
| Confirmed | Still Unknown |
|---|---|
| Joint development of "certain future" SxS vehicles | Which models, and what they replace |
| Focus is the utility segment | Whether any sport model is included |
| Deere handles U.S. manufacturing | Which plant, and launch timing |
The Pure-Sport Yamaha Is Not Coming Back
The YXZ1000R was discontinued in the U.S. after the 2025 model year, nine model years after its 2016 debut. It was the only three-pedal manual side-by-side anyone built — five-speed at launch, six-speed from 2024. Nothing here points at a sport replacement; the stated focus is utility.
Yamaha did say parts, warranty coverage and dealer service continue for legacy side-by-sides, YXZ1000R included. So the YXZ you own is the YXZ you keep. Build the chassis like you mean to keep it.
Yamaha YXZ Roll Cage with Aluminum Roof (16-25)
- Price: $899.00 - $1,950.00 depending on build option and tube size
- SKU: WP110YXZflat
- Tube: 1-3/4 x .095 DOM standard; upgrade to 1-3/4 x .120 mains with 1-3/4 x .095 cross tubes
- Chromoly: on request — call or email for a quote, material pricing moves
- Weight: 180 lbs
- Fitment: all Yamaha YXZ model years 2016 through 2025
- Included: aluminum roof on Dzus buttons, front, overhead and rear V-bars, two whip tabs
- Build options: weld-it-yourself, welded raw, or welded and powder coated. MIG or TIG, light bar tabs and windshield available.
CAD designed, laser cut, etched for fitment, welded in jigs in house — see the cages construction page.
FAQ
Is Yamaha leaving the side-by-side market?
No. What changed is who builds them — outside OEM partners instead of Yamaha's Newnan line.
Is a John Deere Gator about to become a Yamaha?
Not announced. The release says only that the two will co-develop "certain future" side-by-sides.
Can I still get parts for my YXZ?
Yamaha stated parts, warranty and dealer service continue for legacy side-by-sides, YXZ1000R included.
Will the Wolfpack cage fit a 2016 YXZ?
Yes, 2016 through 2025. The rest of the platform is in the Yamaha YXZ parts category.
DOM or chromoly?
DOM is standard and is what most UTV cages are built from. Chromoly (SAE 4130) is lighter and stronger, costs more, quoted per job.
Join the Wolfpack
We build cages and suspension in house in Santa Ana, California — including for platforms the OEMs have moved on from. Order your Yamaha YXZ Roll Cage with Aluminum Roof, or see what we build for Polaris Pro R suspension and the Polaris Xpedition. Call 714-694-3797 or email utvwolfpack@gmail.com.