2016 Yamaha Wolverine R-Spec Ride Review
- Updated: April 27, 2015
Yamaha explained that the whole mission of the Wolverine is to provide the driver and passenger alike with comfort and confidence. Confidence comes from a well-handling machine with better than expected suspension like I’ve explained above. It’s also inspiring that Yamaha’s On-Command® four-wheel drive system that includes dif-lock is paired to their bullet-proof Ultramatic® automatic transmission that has been proven to have the industry’s most durable CVT system. The centrifugal clutch with integrated cooling fan maintains constant belt tension. This eliminates any potential slipping and slamming of the belt when at idle or engaged, and this ultimately reduces belt wear and heat. Confidence means not worrying about blowing a belt apart when you’re miles from camp. The Ultramatic system with one-way sprag clutch is not only the most durable, but also provides the industry’s most consistent and natural-feeling engine braking that eliminates “free-wheeling” – an important feature especially when traversing extreme terrain.
I should probably add that all the test units had Yamaha’s Electric Power Steering (EPS) with rack and pinion steering. Yamaha was first to offer EPS, and I’m here to tell you it works perfectly as expected. It provides the industry’s best balance of assist and positive feedback from the trail. EPS on the Wolverine is offered as an option, but I highly suggest you do whatever it takes to make sure the unit you take home does indeed have EPS, it’s truly a must-have.
Confidence also means you have superior braking power ready when needed. I’m so happy to report that there was no skimping whatsoever in this department. Yamaha incorporates durable four-wheel disc brakes providing strong and predictable stopping power and feel. And since there’s no Parking gear in the transmission, a separate new wet parking disc brake system is added. The parking brake works very well, even if you try, you cannot drive with the parking brake on, it’s that strong. And I know what you’re thinking, and yes I did try it, but there’s a mechanism that won’t allow you to e-brake while the vehicle is in motion.
This image does a nice job of showing how the driver and passenger are moved closer to the center of the vehicle than typical UTVs, this provides better handling and moves the persons away from the elements.
As for comfort portion of the mission, Yamaha moved the Wolverine’s seats almost three inches toward the center of the vehicle (compared to their Viking Side-by-Side). This crafty idea does two things, one, it moves you and your passenger a little more inside the vehicle and away from the elements along the trail, and two, it reduces the roll dynamic of both passengers and of the machine. The seats are high back bucket style and quite comfortable. You can move the driver’s seat to three different positions but you’ll need wrenches since it’s bolted in. Of course a lap and shoulder belt are provided to keep you in the vehicle. Also worth mentioning here is the added viability that the Wolverine offers with its down-sloping hood. It’s easier to see what’s in front of you, this especially came in handy when climbing steep hills.
There’s ample room in the center console. The bin easily pulls out so you can get to the impressive size airbox below it.
The center console between the seats is big and sporty. Some said it was a bit oversized, but I have to say I really liked how sports car-ish it felt, it really fit the looks of the Wolverine, which I feel is one of the coolest in the industry. You really get a sense of being tucked into the Wolverine, in fact, it’s one of the most comfortable and secure-feeling UTVs that I’ve driven. And the big beefy console encompasses the large fool-proof shifter and parking brake, deep cup holders and ample sized center storage area, by the way an enormous dual foam filter is located under the removable center console and requires no tools to clean. While I’m talking about how the Wolverine breaths, a high-volume air intake is elevated away from mud and water, and while the airbox itself is mounted low in the machine, it appears to be very well sealed. We traversed some pretty deep water. After the ride I took the box off and confirmed that filter was clean and dry.
