THE LATEST Yamaha 'Special Edition' was a star of the show for Yamaha at the Royal Highland, where the company's inventory reads like a Games of Thrones chapter, with Grizzlies and Vikings!

Since its January launch, the Viking - Yamaha's first ever multi-purpose three-seater side-by-side vehicle - has found a ready following for its high-torque, single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine in its capable 'go-anywhere' chassis.

At the show was a new satin black Viking SE (special edition) which includes an eye-catching colour and graphic scheme, and a range of genuine accessories, such as over fenders, under seat storage with lid, aluminium casting rims; rear mud flaps and multi-mount cargo bed bracket

Also on parade was the latest Grizzly 700 EPS, widely regarded as a benchmark in the large-capacity automatic drive ATV class. This updated model features lighter tyres for improved handling and comfort plus a wider front and rear wheel track for more comfort and stability.

The latest suspension package and a revised steering geometry adds to its versatility, with a revised power steering unit to optimise that.

One of the most significant chassis changes is the use of a new suspension design that features longer upper and lower front and rear A-arms. These new arms are 30mm longer and lighter that the outgoing model.

The offset of the front wheels is reduced by 2mm, and front tyre wheel track width is increased by 56mm - while longer CV shafts and tie rods are fitted to permit a 60mm increase in rear wheel track width. Newly-designed longer-stroke front and rear shocks have been developed to suit the uprated suspension system, with rebound damping and five-step pre-load adjustable dual rate springs.

The new wheels are also equipped with a set of second-generation Maxxis MU19 and MU20 tyres which have been co-developed exclusively for Yamaha. These tyres have been specifically modified to adapt to the new suspension set up and help enhance riding comfort.

Yamaha has also made the engine cleaner, leaner and meaner, and the 686cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled SOHC engine has undergone a wide range of technical modifications in almost every key area.

Torque and horsepower output are both increased due to a number of changes to the engine design. An all-new camshaft features completely revised valve timing with reduced overlap, and a new single-port head is used. The redesigned cylinder head features a pent roof combustion chamber and, with a lighter forged piston, gives an increased compression ratio, up from 9.2 to 10.0:1.

As well as helping to deliver higher torque and power outputs, a new cylinder head/piston/camshaft configuration allows the 2014 engine to achieve strict EPA emissions standards. This is aided by the 'honeycomb' catalyser and an air induction system which introduces fresh air into the exhaust port to re-burn any unburnt fuel.