2017 Yamaha YXZ1000R SS Review
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On this segment we’ve got THE DIRT on Yamaha’s new YXZ1000R SS with paddle shifters and an automatic clutch!
Congratulations to last episode’s prize pack winner Craig Simons for posting his comments on the top 5 aftermarket upgrades video.
We’ve got another prize pack to give away in this episode so be sure to watch the entire segment to learn how you can win this round!
I have owned a RZR XP900 for four years and it's a love /hate relationship. LOL I love to drive it hard but I hate to keep repairing it. I am a retired mechanic and have riden all types of off road since I was around seven years old. The saddest part, IMO, is that I am repairing things that shouldn't be breaking. At least not in the short term. The R & D department at Polaris must only look at the short term. As much as I love the CVT system, even with it's faults, I am very interested in the new Yamaha for a few reasons. The first and most important to me is the Yamaha reputation and build quality. If nothing has changed recently, Yamaha builds pretty tough machines. For example, we have had many Raptor 660's and pounded them into the ground, riding them where and how Yamaha never anticipated, I'm guessing. Those things are amazing! The second reason is that I haven't heard much complaining on the suspension. Actually heard quite a bit of praise in that area! The third is that I have driven big trucks for years and standard transmissions are durable. Since Yamaha came out with the auto clutch and paddle shifting, the only thing I would ask them to change would be the gear ratio or install a low range. I've heard rumors that they are working with a company on the gear change for the clutch models. All in all, if they lower the gear ratio or install a low range, there will be a well maintained RZR XP900 traded in or up for sale. Some are knocking Yamaha for lack of horsepower and a few other things....it took Can Am and Polaris 8 years to get this good.....Yamaha is great right from the start with plenty of room, and time, to make it perfect. looking forward to the future. That launch control is a real nice touch too.
Awesome comment! Thanks for posting!!
Actually 70GTODAN I'm getting the a 17 paddle shift, They are faster than the 1000 RZR and THOUSANDS cheaper. I think in a couple of years the Yamaha price will probably rise considerably, I think the price is artificially low now to get the machine "out there", then we know what happens.I have Polaris 4 wheelers, but miss the standard, used to race 2 stroke 3 and 4 wheelers. My friend repeatedly lined up with a 1000 RZR and his 16 YXZ. The RZR pulled him until he hit 3rd gear then it was game over YZX gone. Obviously the belt takes away a lot of torque/hp. On a 25 Mph take off the YZX direct drive destroys the belt drive and no hot belt issues on the tight trails or slippage if it got wet. Everything has it's place, a buyer has to decide what they want. I don't think you would have any beefs with the YXZ from the start. Yamaha has watched Polaris and the others for years and obviously they are going to exploit the other manufacturers "problems" and build an as good or better first machine. Good luck on you quest.
Hey 70GTODAN You've won our prize pack! Please contact us through our website with your info so we can ship this out to you!!
70GTODAN I got the 17 SS SE had it a little over 5 months not been let down yet no problems at all and am riding with rzr breaking belts and axles constantly
What year 900 did you have?
I've been a diehard Yamaha fan since I was born. From my first MX80, to the YZ 125, YZ 250, up to a banshee, and of course a Raptor. I've owned wildcats and mavericks, and all the while hoping that Yamaha would enter the segment. I grew up driving stick, and really enjoy to this day shifting through the gears. With paddles now an option it's a win-win as far as I am concerned. And the look? Oh man, it's just amazing. I've watched you guys for years, and I am the one that helped you out with the plastic business cards as well. Big fan of the show, and of the YXZ100R SS. I can't wait to see one in person.
paddle shifters on a pure sport is genius! you now have true best of both worlds. I cant wait to try one out someday.
Absolutely! I have a Pioneer 1000 and the paddle shift option is by far the most used and useful feature in the machine.
The sequential shifting is a big factor for me. I am acquiring the XYZ 1000R SS and this feature played a big factor on my decision.
I'm old school so I still love shifting through gears, hearing the up and down rhythm of the motor, and the feeling you get when you dump a clutch. I currently own a CVT driven ATV but I miss my old school Honda 250 for clutch dumping! Yeah, I'd love to have paddle shifters so I could experience that again!
i went to pick up my Raptor today from the repair shop. wasnt happen about what i heard. its pretty much toast. But as i was there i seen them unloading this beautiful beautiful Yamaha. pretty much completely forgot about the bad news of my 700r. the 5 minute veiw of this thing completely changed my day. it was almost like Jesus himself was sitting in it. i was so lost that this guy behind me actually took a picture of me just looking at it. as he says ive never seen anybody look at somthing the way u just looked at that TRX. keep it up Yamaha because u changed the riding game for awhile.
I have a 2013 maverick and i was in Demo ride at Dunefest. The paddle shifting is the future. I was able to go into a corner in 2nd down shift to 1st and come out at 9000 rpm. What a blast.
Paddle Shift is a game changer. US riders are not used to changing gears so this is the best of both worlds. Where I live in New Zealand we are super excited about this side by side.
paddle shifters are amaising for any vehicle for the trails and dunes riding. The automatic clutch is also less work for long trips and easier for going through trails. love it!!!
I love DT..I watch it all the time bought my first ATV after watching the review on the canam 1000 and it was all you guys said it was...thanks for the reviews and all the hard work u put into your show...great job guys
I really like the balance Yamaha is achieving with the auto-clutch and paddle shifters. I thought driving my RZR and Wildcat Sport were a little weird after growing up on Honda ATCs and ATVs in the '80's. I'm used to it now and really love my Wildcat Sport, but, I would love to be able to hear that engine rev up and down as I change gears instead of droning down the trail like a boat. I'm also attracted to the durability of a gear box vs a CVT belt, however I've punished my RZR and its still on the factory belt I bought it with, so I can't really say belts will leave you stranded on a long ride, but they theoretically could. I would really love to try out YXZ1000R SS on the sugar sand trails and forest roads of Central Florida, but I'd REALLY like to see a YXZ SS set up for running through mud. We have lots of mud, being that Florida is just one big swamp. I bet the lack of a belt to slip would make the gear drive a bonus.
I own a 2016 YXZ1000R and I'm not 100% sure I would like the paddle shifters. I find it more fun to have the ability to kick the clutch in a corner to start a drift as these thing are drift machines! I think I would much rather have the challenge of using the foot clutch then trying to be lazy and lose some of the feel and connection to the vehicle I wanted when I bought the yxz. Of course this is subjective but if rather be challenged then be lazy..
Ryan Kessel I was originally against getting paddle shifters when I do get mine but I looked at what I like to ride and it would be a better fit then the original
Totally agree with you.. i also got 2016.. it is very fun to shift
@@yerkenutezhanov8557 U still shift... Instead of pushing the lever, you pull the paddle, not much different.
@@wgyoungblood uh its very different..
Eh.. it really isn’t. It isn’t like the r has a shift pattern like a car, besides working the clutch pedal, you are really just moving a lever back and forth where the ss you are pulling a paddle.
I love the implication of the new paddle shifting feature. I think it's a great way to obtain more control over the vehicle while eliminating the hassle of a manual clutch.
I was hoping that they would bring out paddles on this and they did !!! it just adds so much more to the beast!!!!
this is going to be a game changer, no question about it. I love the rzr but as of right now this yammi is definitely in 1st by a large margin. this is basically a sports car for the dirt and mud. awesomeness
I have the 2016 YXZ 1000R and have driven the SS and I can tell you if your old school like I am and have had sand rails you will love the R model. If you are board of CVT and are skilled with the clutch, then you will love the YXZ 1000R. I know I do! Also the clutch does not get tiring at all. Shifting the manual is like shifting a dirt bike, its awesome!
I'd love to have paddles on my sxs, but first I need to buy one. Since going away to school I had to give up off road riding and now years later I'm trying to get it back in my life. One day I'll own a new YXZ1000R, I'm sure of it!
I think having a paddle shifter is what SideXSides have needed for a while. I would love to have it.
Just got a 2017 yxz so far all is good, loving it. Took the wife and kids on a ride mud hills rocks name it. Power is there half clutch works well in those tight areas. Trailing in southern Guam.
Wow, Yamaha YXZ looks like quite the machine!! If I had one I'd make it highway capable being it's street legal in my state and surrounding.
I think the paddle shifter is the perfect balance of automation and manual. Control over power band and take off without the distraction of full manual. And as is pointed out in the segment you're not relying on a hunk of temp sensitive rubber to get big HP to the ground.
I believe yamaha has created a new niche to the market. Being able to shift with paddles is a lot more car like and can truly be an exhilarating ride. Although the manual yxz was a first for the sxs market, yamaha nailed it with the paddles. If the market dwells on this type of transmission, we could see some remarkable pieces of machinery.
I've owned a 2011 Polaris 900 XP RZR with several performance modifications ( Polaris stage 2 cams ECU etc). It's my opinion that that Polaris builds a fantastic product, and it's been a rock solid performer, but belts do have their limitations. So for that reason I have purchased a 2017 Yamaha 1000 R SS SE from Quad Experts . I am currently awaiting delivery , scheduled for August 12. I'll post my opinion of this vehicle shortly, I hope! Great review Dirt Trax's!
Paddle shifters totally change the way we drive through the trails. I love it.
paddle shifts are awesome but now they have them on an off road vehicle. changes the game to an whole new level of awesomeness. Makes it easy for everyone to drive. paddle shift is easier riding on the trail BC don't have to worry bout the third pedal getting in your way or constantly have to keep you foot on. also that lunch control is icing on the cake good to have. but last also not least is you can rock crawl and climb hills better now. thanks for the video dirt trax.
Patel shift is a game changer and now with this new Patel shift I must go test drive it and see how awesome it is and might buy it! Gives you a new since of really driving it!
I currently own a 2016 Viking VI Ranch Edtion I so wish it came with paddle shifting having them would be awesome just like an F1 race car. As I was leaving with my new UTV from the dealer the YXZ's where just getting built in the shop I almost said " wait I want that one" but having kids I wanted to have a UTV that could fit my whole family. So eight months later my kids don't go out with me to ride as much so I am glad I waited till this model came out.
I will be getting a YXZ around Chrismas for just me lol I think this is the model everyone will enjoy once they can appreciate the paddle shifters cause it's the only way to go. great video guys keep up the good work.
I definitely agree that the paddle shifters with the automatic clutch is a step up, along with the paddle shifts having the shifter down there is fun and all until you catch yourself flying around a corner needing to up shift while needing to have control of your vehicle
I love the paddle shifters! It eliminates worrying about a belt breaking while your on the trail! And believe me I've experienced the belt snapping in a maverick! The paddle shifters also let your have a sense of more control of the sxs, and that's a comfortable feeling! All in all I hope this yxz stomps the Polaris rzr into the ground in my opinion!
I like the paddle shifter idea, and agree a manual transmission is not tolerable or competitive with a CVT automatic in many environments; however, a step between the two is the sequential transmission with a recluse clutch. It's great on the trails!
I think paddle shifters with the auto clutch is the best option. Adding the Rekluse clutch to the manual shift version would prevent stalling but I'd be concerned about losing engine hold back on hills. With a CVT I'd be worried about blowing a belt while out in the backcountry. I think it's awesome that Honda and Yamaha are giving customers this new option!
I would love paddle shifters on a SxS! I like the selectable gear option at all times. I feel I'm in total control that way! Great review.
My current maverick turbo will instantly go up for sale the moment can-am comes out with a paddle shifter. I've been dreaming about a belt free life for ages haha. A must have!
Great idea on the paddle shifter. Makes it a better machine to ride for longer period of time. Love these reviews.
I thought a manual transmission with clutch was the only way to go, after watching this video I am %100 convinced that I would take the YXZ1000SS over the YXZ1000r. Awesome video keep it up👍
Yes like paddle shifters on a sxs, Thats why I love my Honda P500 so much. Once I
tried it I was sold, it can hold its self downhill in 1st gear with no brakes! Great show keep up the good work guys.
Thank you!
I have to get a side by side first, but yeah I would want paddles. I like this model!!!!
One of the biggest benefits I find to any electronically controlled transmission, especially paddle shifters, is the precision. Every shift is smooth and complete and the computer rarely misses a gear. And, being able to shift while under throttle means the computer often shifts faster than most humans could a true manual. Paddle shifters are my favorite because of this; being able to have control over the vehicle while not having to work the clutch is the best of both worlds.
Great comment!
I would love to have paddle shift , that is gonna change the game. Always enjoy your show guys keep up the great work
Yes I would love to have the paddle shifters to be able to hold the gears and cvt are just set to fail with time Yamaha did a great design
Me personally, I would love to have a side by side with paddle shifters. I used to ride dirt bikes and anything on two wheels but I unfortunately fell off a roof last year and don't think I'll be getting on two wheels again anytime soon. one of the things I don't like about the side by sides is they are automatic. I would rather have something I can shift. After watching this video, I'm happy to see where the market is headed with these machines.
we liked the manual shift and we are going to love the paddles. I love the paddles in the Corvette
I've been in the market for a new side by side and the clutch scared me off of the YXZ. I've been abusing a 660 Rhino for 10 years now and it's time to upgrade! The paddle shifters make this a no-brainer. With the durability of my last Yamaha product I feel confident this is the side by side for me!
I think it brings a new horizon to motorsports most certainly impressive and makes me want one of these all the more to show off to my mates and family when going off road etc
Wow, 7 months later and I'm still coming back to this Yamaha. I'm a Polaris guy but I really like the idea of getting away from those CVT's. 2 more months and I'm going to pull the trigger on a new rig, and this ones at the front of the pack for my choices. My only worry is the price now. To get an SS that's spec'd the way I would get it is pushing 30 grand, before accessories. That will definitely factor into my decision. The new maverick is looking pretty appealing too. The roominess of a Polaris is hard to beat too. I'd like to be able to afford getting all three at the same time, but that's not in the cards. SxS's are awesome, I'll never go back to a quad, I'm not 16 anymore.
I love my 2016 yxz. can't wait to see the difference once I finally get to try out the 2017 paddle shift. .. I have to admit I'm not brand loyal. . I'll go with whatever suits my riding style. . at the moment it's the yxz... I really hope they come out with a low range to their transmission soon.. they are without a doubt loosing out on the rock and mud crawler market. . if this thing had low range like all the other sxs it'd be the perfect all around machine and wouldn't lose a bit in its current element. they are SO close !
So pumped for this new machine. I was soooo close to buying the original yxz. Until I saw the release of the SS! Can't wait for it to hit the showroom floors!
As a Yamaha fan, I really like this one. As a Rzr owner, I'm liking to upgrade. Thank for making an awesomely me. Video.
I have been a Honda rider for many years and I love the electronic shifting on my Rincon... I hardly ever ride in automatic mode on a trail. I would love to have paddle shifters on a sport side by side, i think there are many benefits to being able to select the gear you are in, especially in technical trail riding situations.
I think Yamaha was smart to do this. as a side by side enthusiast, my first thought when they launched last year was they're limiting their market. adding paddles, opens it up to everyone. smart!
Frankly, it is the only UTV I would consider buying at the moment. This is the type of involvement and control I want when driving. The YXZ1000R SS is just what this consumer wanted. Thank you Yamaha!!
I'm picking up a yxz this upcoming Saturday. My family consists of no other than the wildcats. I decided to go with yxz simply because I owned a yfz which I loved so much and knew what yamaha was capable of, and because my family goes through so many bands and when you're in the middle of the dunes and one busts. let's just say its no fun. Anyway if you all ever happen to be in the west Texas area you all should hit up the Kermit sand dunes. I grew up in the little Texas town of Kermit and I grew up going to the sand dunes every weekend. It is so much fun and a great hobby.
The paddle shifters are a plus for sure. For those of us coming from a cvt side by side it makes the transition that much easier. This will most likely be my next side by side for sure. Tired of the whole CVT mess.
I've driven the YXZ with manual and the Honda with paddles and I liked the YXZ way more, but that is because there is nothing like having to use the clutch to shift through gears which is half the fun for me but I am excited for the launch control on the new SS.
I may just be a little butt hurt because I bought a yxz1000 SE last year, but I like the manual clutch in my UTV. I've learned to tolerate its shortcomings in the trails because it more than makes up for it when you can open it up then hit a perfect heel-toe downshift while sliding it around a hair pin!
definitely want paddle shifters. love the new launch feature !!! it'll be a bigger monster at the sand dunes !!!
Outstanding Yamaha, this will open up much more varied riding conditions & with better readability. Thanks for the early test guys!!
Im glad Yamaha decided to go this route with the YXZ, it was a pain to ride in the Northeastern trails with that clutch from what I heard. Im really anxious to get in one and stretch it's legs in the tight NY trails I ride to see how it stacks up against the RZR & Mavericks in my area. Great review as always guys, you should head to the 2017 Snirt Run in Old Forge NY next year btw.
Paddles all day! Keeps your hands where they need to be, and with the new clutch-less shifting, you're free to focus on the terrain ahead.
A clutch is nice , back in the day that's all I wanted . But now , the less I have to do, the better it is . I want to enjoy the ride and the less I have to think about the better it is .
For extreme conditions pedal shifted , I'm glad they here hell yea⚡️
the answer is obviously! :) the improvements on side by sides is long over due. the competition in the side by side segment is great. only down gall is the pricing. I would love a new yamaha, or any of these great machines. but they are way to expensive. it's hard for the average guy to justify the price. when I can't get out for my next adventure, I try to watch some of your shows or videos. always brightens my day.
I would absolutely take the paddle shifters when choosing between the two models.
I always looked down at the ss because I thought having the auto clutch would make drag racing the machine horrid, but that launch control feature just sold me on this model. My only gripe is that I wish the paddles were fixed to the wheel itself so in a hard corner you could still shift without repositioning your hands... someone needs to make a paddle mount to wheel kit, that would be amazing!!!!
I just got a YXZ1000R ss se 2017 whit the paddle shift and i love it works greatim from Montréal
yup - paddle shifters are the only way to go. That's why stick shift cars are barely sold and are hard to get rid of when they are bought. I didn't buy a shifter when looking, but did on the Paddle Shifter.
In addition, you (and all the other test rider/drivers all show maximum effort (running the vehicle at 90% capability). The problem is that very few people run their vehicles that hard all the time. You should actually slow down and drive like a "normal" person. Fast but not that fast. This also shows up the slower to slow speed capabilities of the machine (not rock crawling slow - in the 20 - 30 mph range of the dirt and rough stuff).
Thanks again.
I disagree with many of the comments made in this video. I have owned a YXZ since last October and have 2400 miles on my machine. My foot has never got tired, it is a hydraulic clutch -- very easy to engage and disengage. Also, if you add the optional Rekluse clutch, going slow over rough terrain is very easy -- you do not need to use the clutch pedal at all. The YXZ is so fun to drive, with a little seat time just about anyone could master it. There is no comparison to a CVT style SXS when it comes to the WOW factor, just spend some time in one and you will agree with me. I do agree that the paddle shifters will appeal to a wider customer-base. I am excited to test drive one.
Paddles are a great idea for any vehicle, love them on my ralliart! The Honda pioneer 500 also seems a lot more fun with paddles then it would have been with typical CVT. Kinda makes up for the lower power output. The ultimate middle ground for fun, driver involved trail riding. Awesome vids.
Cheers, from Ottawa.
Great vid, DT! I'm excited that Yamaha has gone this direction and I'd love to see paddle shifters on other machines in the future. If the first gear is low enough for real crawling, this might be the machine to beat for versatility and durability. Keep up the great content! Curtis
Yes all day it's something different and adds a whole different style to the sport!
I defiantly want to try that new ss out. Driving a standard in the bush is what turned me off to that yxz, not even interested in trying it.
Launch control looks awesome, I can see it coming in handy. If the paddle shifters work as good as I think they would or should they'd be a welcome change. Personally I'll wait and see how that transmission holds up in the next year or so, but if it does i think id prefer that to a cvt, although the cvt's they got out now are pretty killer too so,,,,, i got to try one out.
Thanks for this video guys.
I had Yamaha ATVs my whole life.. I crossed over into the Side by Side Market and have been a Can-Am owner since. I am sick of CVT and belt failure! I'm coming home to Yamaha where I belong!
Paddle shifter would be awesome on a sidexside but having palled that move with the wheel would be the nice feature so you're never reaching.
I have a YXZ 1000r now and I switched from a Can Am Maverick, I would say that paddle shifters and a low gear would make it perfect
Paddle shifters would be a better option for trails and lower speed driving than a manual shift. There is another point though about Yamaha and their "first true sport sxs" because a dual clutch is more sport than a manual, on a sxs it won't matter too much for most of us but either way a DCT will be a paddle shifter too, Honda does it already. Hopefully Honda will do a sport with DCT and show us all what a paddle shift should look like.
Heck yea the paddle shifters take the yxz to a different level that it was already on. I am bitter, because Yamaha came out with it 2 weeks after I got mine....But that's why I had a turbo kit installed to ease my mind! I suggest you all do the same!!!!
Paddle shifters are a fantastic idea, although the original yxz had its shortcomings with the manual, this is a great idea and Yamaha should be much closer to the top of the list for sport sxs
I could see a system like this being good for more than only the pure sport side by sides like for towing and hauling
I saw a bunch of these at Dumont last weekend and can't believe how fast they are. I have a 2016 RZR 1000 turbo and they seemed to be almost as fast.
Paddle shifters would be sweet! What an awesome machine. Way better than a belt overheating and failing.
Paddle shifters would be awesome. I've been a fan of the YXZ since it came out since it's the only one with a manual trans which is my preferred transmission in all vehicles. I love my Rzr, but let's be honest the belts and clutches in the CVT are a weak link and an all gear trans solves that issue in one fell swoop. So paddles with an auto clutch or a traditional manual are both a win in my book.
Yes wouldn’t mind trying paddle shifters. Automatic is good but controlling speeds sometimes is better.
It will depends on the type of riding you'll be doing, but as you've covered on this video, if its trail running with lots of variable speeds and/or rock crawling, then the paddle shifter auto will be the way to go. It keeps both your hands on the steering wheel at all times and when climbing you do not lose momentum when shifting gears on an auto compared to a manual clutch.
i think yamaha hit it spot on, love the standard idea over stupid belts and its a much better system. Now the paddle shift is just the cats ass would love one of these beasts!
Yes, great idea, next low gearing for trail riding! Sales will go up besides it has more room than the Maverick.
Definitely yes on the paddle shifters. The only thing it is missing is one more cylinder, one more gear gear and 100 hp. The R1 engine would be perfect in this.
If I had a manual trans in my SxS I would want paddle shifters on it for sure. I had already made that suggestion to a friend of mine within 1 week of the original YXZ coming out.
Enjoyed your review of the 2017 Yamaha YXZ 1000R SS. I have owned many machines in my life time. Unfortunately none of those have been a side by side. But, on the topic of manual v.s. paddle shifting. It will always have positive and negative things that make it what is designed to do. Guess, it just depends on what you plan on using the machine for. If Yamaha offered a couple different packages for example manual or paddle shift gear box's. That would make all the difference in the world. In making these machines a real competitor in the side by side market.
I think the paddle shifters are an awesome addition. One of the things that has me interested in purchasing the YXZ is the manual transmission. I've always wanted one on a side by side so I think as far as the paddle shifters go I would want those. I mostly trail ride and I think when things get technical the foot clutch would get exhausting. I think this also depends on the gearing, from what I've heard this machine has taller gearing.
i'd love to have paddleshifters on a sidexside they give you something else to focus on so it makes it more fun
I know this comment is late, but was looking into buying a yxz, I have a Rzr xp1000 and want a 2nd machine, my thought on the paddle shifters is a big no for me, I’ve had a paddle shift car (370z) and it’s not fun and not satisfying, to most people it’s probably a good idea but I believe it should either be a manual transmission or an automatic, thank you guys for always putting out amazing content!
I think that its a fantastic idea I would definitely go for that option,
agree the clutch does kick your butt after a while of riding.
I would much rather have paddle shifters with an automatic clutch because it allows the driver to shift gears so much more easily and doesn't cause the driver's legs to be worn out from pressing down on the clutch so often, especially when trail riding. Congrats on 5 episodes! lol
i it looks like a great idea you can hold it in power longer out of corners. short shift to keep wheel spin down or remain in the same gear when climbing to keep power up. great review look forward to seeing more on this rig especially from a reliability stand point
yes paddle shifters would make it much easier in slow up and down trails and still have the sporty Miss of being able to find out the gears and shift them yourself on straight aways
between the 2 current YXZs, for my style of riding, I would greatly prefer the SS. Now if I was riding more wide open stuff, the clutch would get my vote!
in the manual yxz you only have to use the clutch when taking off or coming to a complete stop. dont have to use the clutch to shift in a sequential transmission.
I love this! I like the fun factor and durability without the leg aching. I really like CVT's but not in my father's Ranger however my father-in-law's Wolverine and Grizzly have the best CVT in my opinion they feel just like the old auto clutch five speed Honda fourtrax. Their engine braking is great too. I'd prefer a CVT if it's like Yamaha's or Kawasaki's but these paddle shifters look like a riot!
I would prefer paddles over the manual shifting any day I feel they should make it an option in the base model. It's a lot more convenient to have it right behind the steering wheel rather than on the floor, you might loose the more sporty feel but that's not my priority. It also works well with the launch control feature and both of your hands would be in the steering wheel which would make thing a lot safer. So in the end I say paddles!