Staff Report
To hardcore 4-wheel drive mudders, Yamaha’s Wolverine seems like an underachiever.
We’ve talked to riders who would consider buying the Wolverine but cite its soft power delivery and top end performance. Makes sense.
A lot of Yamaha’s focus is placed on the California track and dune segment and thus, sales of the YFZ 450 and Raptor Series are extremely strong.
So far, Yamaha’s super successful 2-wheel drive dirters have overshadowed the Wolvee’s market potential.
We wonder if anyone at the Big “Y” is noticing the potential the Grizzly platform has to be morphed into a full-scale Wolverine style mud ride.
It would take few modifications to turn a 700 fuel injected Grizzly into a hardcore competitor to Can-Am’s Renegade.
Think about a Wolverine with all the 4×4 goodies the lightweight Grizzly offers – electric selectable 4WD and diff-lock, high/low range and independent rear suspension.
Throw in a bit of the horsepower from the Raptor and ditch the Wolverine’s oversized bush bar in place of a lighter grab bar. Plus, maybe beef up the front suspension with say; the YFZ’s kashima coated piggybacks. Add a slight restyling of the plastic fenders and this package would really start the drool running with serious trail enthusiasts.
Couldn’t you just see the GYTR engineers’ heads spinning with ultra-cool aftermarket accessories for a 700 FI Wolverine, too?
How about a trail specific performance exhaust that meets US Forest decibel levels or a killer big-bore kit to hammer out even more ponies, performance clutch kits, steel braided brake cables… the possibilities are endless.
Considering the fleet Yamaha already has in its stable, with a bit of attention, the Wolverine- Grizzly could make for a serious trail performer.
