I own a 2015 Viking and I am completely satisfied with it as far as capability and even speed and acceleration. I was not aware that Yamaha was coming out with the Wolverine or I might have waited for it. Just looking at it I would say the Wolverine out performs the Viking and therefore is going to be a total kick in the ass for anyone who owns one. I say this because my Viking is a blast.
The rzr 570 is doing just fine. Not always about displacement. I think it's just a coincidence that it's still a 700, its a completely difference engine, from the old one, like how Polaris went from a cave man 800 to a modern 570.
The constant reference's too "People wonder or complain that yamaha hasn't or won't venture into the performance sxs world" makes sense to me now. they WERE venturing in this direction while releasing the viking and this model, Talk about throwing people off the trail. I have never been a yamaha guy, Mainly because I started riding in the 80's and even back then the BANSHEE didn't really impress me other than going in a straight line, I could ride much faster on a track or in the woods on my trx250r. But, I must give yamaha much respect and credit on the YXZ 1000R SXS Talk about a game changer! I've been contemplating on a sxs for a few years now and i'm really thinking about pulling the trigger on the 1000R because of the 5 speed, Talk about FUN FACTOR! Big props to yamaha on this Out of the box decision. Especially after the whole "I'm irresponsible and this RHINO hurt me cause I didn't wear my seat belt" Lawsuit. That cost them millions!
I am always amazed when people see a new unit that has been designed for a specific market or task, then they start comparing it to something else that it is not intended to compete with. For what it is designed for, I think they did a great job. Bot don't compare it to a 1000 CC beast. Because believe it or not, not everyone cares about top speed etc. Many of us that use our units for more than ripping around the trails, value dependability, or the ability to do work. I am interested in the availability of a full hard cab, heater/defrost and a glass windshield with wipers. Because I want something to plow snow, haul feed/tools etc. In short, it is a tool for me, and how that stacks up against a ranger General is way more important to me than comparing it against 1000 turbo razR. Please be realistic in your expectations. Get me the above cab setup, and a decent plow, maybe some larger tires without breaking diffs and axles, and for the money, it looks to be a great package. I guess the REAL measurement of acceptance will be when the aftermarket starts making parts to upgrade some of the systems to make it better fit the market it is designed for. If that doesn't happen, then it will go the way of the Rhino... and let's not forget that the Rhino created the genre in the first place.
+Gary Crumrine Great points. Having attended several large UTV events, its amazing watching how many people in 1000cc machines just tool around in the woods at a snails pace. Most of them would have been better to purchase a Wolverine and been left with six brand in their pockets. We feel the Wolverine is a great trail machine and a good work platform. Yamaha makes a number of accessories for the machine already. They may already have the enclosure you are looking for. Good luck and thanks for sharing your comments.
The 700-800 cc class is dying. It's 2015, when is Yamaha going to get with the program? At least a 900 cc engine would silence a lot of critics and everyone across the board would be happy.
According to Yamaha's market research the sport/utility segment is much larger than the sport performance segment. It seemed that Yamaha wanted to build a machine that would serve the largest number of enthusiasts. We heard nothing official from Yamaha about building a 1000, however there seems to be a buzz of more things to come.
UTVonDemand In other words, they wanted to build a machine that was CHEAPER than the 1000 cc machines. Looks to be an impressive machine but everyone else except Honda makes a 1000 cc performance machine that will smoke the tires off this. Granted they cost a lot more but if Yamaha builds a 1000cc Wolverine, people will buy it. Can Am and Polaris have reliability issues and the Wildcat is still underpowered. Yamaha could pounce on the 1000cc segment and get a stranglehold on it. Equal the performance of the Rzr and Maverick with better reliability from Yamaha would be a home run.
Why a 1000? I know people that have F350's and never haul a load with it or use it for what it was designed for, just to say they have one...just my opinion.
I think it would have been nice for two engine choices, 1000cc for more performance and then the stock engine... It'll be interesting to see where things head with the SxS.... Price point seems pretty good...
The base model wolverine doesn't have power steering and is $13,100. The base model Teryx has power steering and is $12, 999. Power steering was a $1000 option on the Teryx back when it wasn't standard. So figure $14k for a similarly equipped model.
Danny Williams MSRP prices are never final, there are already dealerships offering the Wolverine with EPS for way under MSRP. Here is a place selling the EPS version for $11,999. www.atvtraderonline.com/listing/2016-Yamaha-WOLVERINE-R-SPEC-EPS-113993551
Very cool! Talk about fun toys! I mean, if you think about it, all the mfg's have cool powerful engine that they could toss in...I was hoping that Honda would re-use the RC51 engine in something...
South FL Mud Club We hear there are dealers in California taking deposits on a 140hp, units with no drive belts. We've heard nothing from Yamaha, but its got us excited dreaming of the possibilities.
So their unbiased opinion is from a yamaha salesman? Thats so funny. Did anyone really expect him to say anything other than its wonderful? This was just silly
Danny, if you were an unsuspecting customer and a dealer told you a machine was greater than it was, would you buy from them again? After decades as a dealership owner, we would assume Tom is aware of this to. When the camera was turned off we hammered him to to embellish or exaggerate and he assured us of his belief in what he was saying.. Still, we understand your skepticism and as soon s we have the chance to test the machine will bring you a completely unbiased review. Thanks for watching and please subscribe.
IMO a hallmark of a good critic is when they find SOMETHING to criticize about what they are reviewing even if its completely amazing. That sounded like another Yamaha ad.
