Introducing the 2016 Yamaha Wolverine R-Spec

Yamaha recently sent several members of the media to their plant in Newnan, Georgia to get the scoop on their new Wolverine R-Spec side-by-side. Unfortunately I wouldn’t need to pack my helmet for this intro as there would be no actual ride-tests as of yet. This was more of a first-look opportunity where we could ask questions and check out the plant where the machine will be built.

One of my all-time favorite ATVs was the 2004 Yamaha Wolverine 450 4×4. It was a lightweight, nimble, comfortable and predictable four wheel drive 450 that handled quite well. One of my favorite things about that machine was how I could slice and dice my way through terrain quicker than the guys on their heavier and pricier big bore 4x4s. As I looked over Yamaha’s new recreational UTV after its black cover was tugged away, I thought to myself that the Wolverine name they chose seemed to be a perfect fit for this new machine. As we were being told of its impressive suspension specs and nimble quick turning ability, I sat there and imagined myself darting through the woods quicker and easier than the guys behind me trying to muscle their too-big-for-the-terrain UTVs through the trails. I don’t know, I think there’s something about accomplishing more with less that inspires me. Like the days I raced the Open class with only one CC over the minimum allowed.

The “R-Spec” portion of the name suggests that Yamaha means business. Unlike the Viking, which is more of a utility machine, their new Wolverine is front and center in the recreation/sport segment, and with that, it boasts some pretty impressive specs that look to make it a real performer on tight, technical trails and extreme off-road terrain.

First off is its compact, nimble swept upwards chassis that features narrow frame rails that maximizes the length of the chosen wide-arc arms and allow more suspension travel, all while reducing contact area with the ground.

Also, welded to the underside of the frame, front to rear, side to side is a steel skid plate for ultimate under-carriage protection. Paired to the chassis is the Wolverine R-Spec’s long-travel suspension that Yamaha was explaining to me while I was drifting off with visions of slipping past a big RZR1000 in the woods. The shocks are KYB piggybacks that feature 9.7 inches of travel in front and 10.6 inches of travel out back and offer more suspension customization than any other model in its class with high and low-speed compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload adjustability. With this whether your just tooling around the property, hauling a deer or sport riding with your buddies you can dial in the machine exactly to your needs. The guys at Yamaha were especially proud to explain how much better the Wolverine handled and provided a more secure planted feeling than the machines they tested it against, which included its main competition the new Kawasaki Terryx 800 and Can-Am Commander 800.

The focus of the new Wolverine is its ability to go anywhere, yet offer the most comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride possible. The vehicle’s 81.3-inch wheelbase, 11.4-inches of ground clearance and wide-arc A-arm design provide maximum terrainability and ground clearance. Yamaha designed it to maximize driver and passenger visibility so you can see precisely where to point its front wheels to maneuver through tricky terrain, so challenging terrain becomes fun and predictable not unknown and scary. Also, Yamaha incorporated features like rear wheel protectors that extend from the bottom of the frame to reduce obstacle contact with rear tires. As I said, the chassis is upswept on the sides more than two inches higher than the center of the frame to help the vehicle more smoothly pass over obstacles. In addition, full-coverage skid plates front-to-back and side-to-side eliminate catch points and increase glide points. For added protection, Yamaha incorporated standard front A-arm-mounted CV boot protectors and rear A-arm built-in skid plate protectors.

According to Yamaha the Wolverine R-Spec’s superior handling is achieved by the combination of numerous design and performance features including Yamaha’s Electric Power Steering (EPS) with rack and pinion steering. Yamaha’s EPS provides the industry’s best balance of assist and positive feedback from the trail, providing maximum comfort and confidence with optimized steering ratios, a light steering feel and precise handling.

Yamaha incorporates durable four-wheel dual piston disc brakes providing strong and predictable stopping power and feel. A separate new wet parking disc brake system provides increased durability and protection from the elements.

Durable steel wheels (12 x 6 in the front and 12 x 8 out back) are mounted to exclusive 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires made specifically for the new Wolverine.

I sat in both the driver and passenger spots, which offer supportive high-back bucket seats. The seating area is compact but very comfortable with good ergonomically placed controls. The driver’s seat is three-position adjustable (but you’ll need to bolt the seat down to your desired spot), and the passenger is provided with a three-point adjustable dash-mounted handhold. Unfortunately the steering wheel does not tilt, however dedicated floorboard panels allow for maximum legroom and create a nice place to plant your foot – this is especially appreciated in rough and rugged terrain and on long off-road expeditions.

A center console with multiple storage options is offered. You wont have as much storage as some of the competitors but their machines aren’t as short and agile as the new Wolverine is. The entire center console pulls out and allows easy access to the well-sealed airbox that houses a pretty big no-tools-needed oversized dual foam air-filter, which is fed from a high-volume air intake that is elevated to keep it out of the elements. More interior functional features include two cup holders, a dash-mounted glove box and under-seat storage. I’m happy to report the machine comes with a digital display panel with speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, hour meter, clock, fuel gauge, gear position indicator, and four-wheel drive setting.

Yamaha’s thoughtful design incorporates simple service features such as coolant, engine oil and gear oil drain holes that are built into full-length skid plates and easy to access battery and marine-grade electrical components under the removable hood panel.

The Wolverine features a standard 12V DC outlet for powering accessories and personal items on the trail, while its new gear selector and parking brake lever are placed in intuitive, convenient and comfortable locations within the center console. Something not done as of yet in the UTV industry, is an included dealer installed hard top. These are usually offered as an available accessory.

Yamaha SxS vehicles have a reputation for durability and reliability, and this is due in large part to the exclusive 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, ultimately reducing belt wear and heat.

Yamaha’s On-Command® four-wheel drive system features 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with diff-lock – and puts control in the driver’s hand with an intuitive dash-mounted dial. The driver-controlled system eliminates hesitation or slipping while waiting for a computer to engage, which is common in some competitive models. Featuring high, low, reverse and neutral, 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.

On to the engine… The new Wolverine R-Spec features a new double overhead cam (DOHC), 708cc engine with optimized torque, power delivery and engine character. The fuel injected, four-valve engine packs a 10.1:1 compression ratio and 103mm bore by 85mm stroke. A new Air Induction System (AIS) produces less emissions meeting the latest EPA standards, while the engine’s power character and delivery is optimized for technical terrain and extreme off-roading. I was told the Wolverine’s single cylinder makes good usable snappy power and that it beat the 800cc Teryx in a drag race! I for one really liked the power of the new Teryx, so I’m imagining this new Wolverine must get up and go pretty well.

I like that the Wolverine R-Spec is able to go on long adventures with its big 9.7 gallon gas tank, (the Teryx has 7.9). Add to the fact that it’s a lighter vehicle and has only one cylinder and I’m assuming you can go a lot of miles on one tank of gas. I also liked its simple lightweight yet ultra tough cargo bed, which is made from a one-piece durable injection-molded composite, and features six steel tie-down points that are connected to the chassis. It also has a slick removable tailgate that can be stored and secured in the front of the bed area if needed and has a built-in one-inch divider. The bed is rated to haul up to 300 pounds of gear and supplies, while a two-inch receiver hitch is rated to haul an additional 1,500 pounds of weight.

Conclusion
The all-new Wolverine R-Spec will be available in Yamaha dealerships nationwide starting in April 20015. Standard models feature a hard sun top and come in Steel Blue and Hunter Green. The new camo Wolverine R-Spec will be the first ever SxS to feature Realtree Xtra Camo. MSPR for non-EPS models starts at $12,199 and for EPS models starts at $13,199.

I didn’t get to drive the machine as of this date, but after looking it over firsthand and talking with a few of the guys at Yamaha that have had plenty of seat time, and seeing how genuinely excited they were, I have a good feeling about the newest side-by-side on the scene. And if history repeats itself, and this new Wolverine R-Spec is at all like the 2004 Yamaha Wolverine 4×4 ATV, I’ll be able to pass and distance myself from the bigger and more expensive UTVs in tight terrain trails.

Top Features:

• The all-new Wolverine R-Spec features an aggressive, compact look and is designed to be the most capable off-road recreation side-by-side. The Wolverine R-Spec offers the perfect blend of suspension, handling, drivetrain and chassis working together to give you the ability to traverse rough terrain with confidence and best-in-class comfort.
• Wolverine R-Spec features a class-leading 4-wheel independent suspension with KYB ultra-long-stroke nitrogen gas charged piggyback shocks that provide a very high quality damping feel, excellent bottoming resistance, and best-in-class adjustments to fit a wide range of riding styles, loads, and terrain.
• Comfort is maximized for both the driver and passenger with an automotive-style cab and driving position featuring all-new soft, supportive and secure high-back bucket seats, 3-point seat belts, passenger handholds and dedicated floorboards that provide a comfortable and secure driving experience.
• The Yamaha Wolverine R-Spec is powered by Yamaha’s newest and most advanced 700-class engine ever with dual overhead cams and fuel injection. The 708cc engines power character is optimized for smooth, linear, power delivery on the roughest, most technical terrain and open trails.
• Wolverine R-Spec features On-Command, the industry’s most capable four wheel drive system. With a simple twist of the dial riders choose 2-wheel-drive, 4-wheel limited slip, or 4-wheel full differential lock, enabling the Wolverine R-Spec to claw its way through just about anything.
• When the trail gets technical, available speed-sensitive electric power steering increases comfort, especially at low speeds and in 4-wheel diff-lock.

Engine:

• Powered by a double overhead cam (DOHC), 4-valve, fuel-injected 708cc engine, the Wolverine R-Spec is tuned to optimize torque, power delivery and engine character to get through even the most challenging off-road terrain.
• Ultramatic^® fully automatic transmission with high, low, reverse and neutral provides the industry’s most durable CVT transmission. The one-way sprag clutch produces the industry’s most natural-feeling all-wheel engine braking and eliminates “freewheeling” found in some competitive models. A centrifugal clutch maintains constant belt tension and eliminates slipping reducing belt wear and improving durability.
• On-Command^® puts the driver in control of 2WD, 4WD or 4WD full diff lock with a conveniently mounted and easy to use dash-mounted dial.
• High-volume air intake optimizes power character for off-road situations and it is tucked under the hood to keep it out of the elements. The over-sized foam air-filter is reusable and accessible without tools.
• Gear, coolant, and engine oil drain holes have been designed into the full-length skid plates which make maintaining and servicing the Wolverine R-Spec very convenient.

Chassis/Suspension:

• The front and rear of the chassis – approach and departure angles – are tapered on the sides and bottom of the vehicle to reduce potential contact on tight trails and in rough terrain. With an 81” wheelbase and 11.4” of ground clearance the Wolverine R-Spec is designed for best-in-class terrainability and the body design with the low hood gives drivers maximum visibility to navigate tight, technical trails and challenging terrain.
• The Wolverine R-Spec’s narrow chassis with class-exclusive full underbody skidplates lets it glide over many obstacles that might hold othersback…and those skidplates are swept up more than two inches on each side to maximize clearance at the wheels.
• KYB fully adjustable piggyback shocks with 9.7” of travel in the front and 10.6” of travel out back deliver excellent suspension and rider comfort when hitting the trails. Adjustable settings include high and low–speed compression damping, rebound and preload adjustments.
• Front wide-arc A-arms and full-length skid plates maximize durability and terrainability and provides the Wolverine R-Spec with 11.4” of ground clearance. Flares on the frame protect the rear wheels from oncoming trees and rocks.
• Exclusive 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires provide optimum traction, durability, comfort and steering precision.
• Large diameter front and rear wheel disc brakes provide unsurpassed stopping power with twin pistons for excellent, and predictable, overall brake feeling. Drilled rotors increase cooling and reduce noise plus the wet parking brake is completely sealed, so it’s protected from the elements and it’s virtually maintenance-free.
• Standard, heavy-duty 2-inch receiver-style hitch can tow up to 1500 pounds.
• Tough, rotomolded doors help keep mud, water and dirt on the trail where they belong.
• The tough, molded composite bed is rated to haul 300 pounds of gear, with a design that allows you to reposition the tailgate to handle different sized loads…and a 1” divider notch provides even more versatility. In the bed are six steel tie-down hooks to secure cargo.

Additional Features:

• Bolstered high back seats provide great support and plush comfort, and they’re positioned for optimal visibility. The driver’s seat is 3-position adjustable.
• Class-leading legroom, and a tough, textured floor surface make it easy to find a comfortable position whether you’re driving or riding.
• Three-point seat belts, shoulder bolsters and an adjustable passenger handhold add to the secure comfortable feeling.
• A standard suntop offers additional protection from the elements.
• Digital instrument panel boasts multifunction LCD display with speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeter, hour meter, 4WD status, transmission position, clock and fuel gauge.
• Two cup holders, two center console storage bins, a dash-mounted glove box and under-seat storage provide maximum space for storing items in the cab.
• Standard 12V DC outlet in cab for powering accessories and personal items on the trail.
• Large, 9.7-gallon fuel tank allows for long rides.
• Yamaha accessories are available to enhance the ownership experience for the recreational rider, hunter and rancher.
• Proudly built Real World Tough and assembled in Newnan, GA, U.S.A.

Learn more at www.yamahawolverine.com

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